3 ways Tim Connelly built Minnesota Timberwolves roster to beat Nuggets
By Bret Stuter
Method I: Add former Jazz players who did well against the Nuggets
In 2020, the Utah Jazz competed against the Denver Nuggets in Round 1 of the NBA Playoffs. In that series, the Jazz took a 3-1 advantage before losing to the Nuggets in seven games. One of the key contributors for the Jazz in that series was none other than Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert.
It’s like the old adage attributed to former NWA wrestler Ric Flair: “To be the man, you’ve got to beat the man.” Knowing that the Timberwolves would eventually need to defeat the Denver Nuggets in postseason play, it makes perfect sense to cannibalize those players from the Jazz roster who played well against the Nuggets.
In the 2021-22 regular season, the Utah Jazz throttled the Denver Nuggets, winning all four regular season games. The best players for the Denver Nuggets in that four-game series? Point guard Mike Conley Jr. and center Rudy Gobert.
This Timberwolves roster can play well against the Nuggets
In the same year, the Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Denver Nuggets in three of four games in the regular season. One of the key players for the Memphis Grizzlies in three of those games was forward Kyle Anderson. Finally, while the Nuggets won two of three games against the Utah Jazz before the trade deadline, Nickeil Alexander-Walker converted 49 minutes played against the Nuggets into 35 points, three rebounds, seven assists, one steal, and two blocks.
No, I’m not suggesting that Connelly built the Timberwolves specifically to defeat the Denver Nuggets. But considering the fact that he was the long-time architect of constructing that Nuggets roster, you can bet that he ensured that any players added to the Timberwolves roster would give this team a better chance of defeating the Nuggets if and when their paths crossed in any postseason competition.
Next. It’s time for Timberwolves fans to let go of last year’s team. dark
The moment of truth is upon the Minnesota Timberwolves, and I believe that this team has a legitimate shot of an upset. How confident are you about the Timberwolves’ chances?