4 Changes Timberwolves must make after rocky start to 2023-24 season

The Minnesota Timberwolves hope to build their roster into a title contender around Anthony Edwards. They have made two straight playoff appearances after qualifying just once in 17 years. The Wolves have three stars and believe they can compete with any team, but things did not go according to plan in their first three games of the new season.

There have been bright spots, but the Wolves have just one win over the short-handed Heat without Jimmy Butler. Minnesota lost a disappointing season opener where they could not buy a basket, and their offense completely stalled in the second half against the Hawks to fall to 1-2.

The Timberwolves need to make changes to get back on track, but what should they do? The Western Conference is loaded and every game will matter in the final standings, so here are four things Minnesota should immediately change.

4. Increase pace

The Wolves played with the seventh-fasted pace last season, and it allowed them to finish eighth in true shooting and effective field goal percentage. Minnesota still ranked 23rd in offensive rating during the regular season, but their pace slowed mightily in the postseason and so did their offense.

Their pace remains down to begin the year and so is their offense. The Timberwolves are 24th in offensive rating, 23rd in true shooting, and 21st in effective field goal percentage. Their offense looks stuck in the mud for long stretches.

Anthony Edwards is one of the best athletes in the world. Minnesota needs to get out in transition and let him put on a show, but they are currently 27th in points off turnovers and 24th in turnovers created. Jaden McDaniels has only played one game and his presence will help, but the rest of the team must pitch in.

Increasing their pace alone won’t do it. The Minnesota Timberwolves need to make multiple changes to take that next step.