Through four games, it’s clear that the Minnesota Timberwolves have a big turnover problem. The Wolves are turning the ball over 16.5 times per game so far this season, which ranks 21st in the NBA.
This includes the 20 turnovers in their loss to Dallas on Tuesday, which were undeniably a deciding factor in that game. It’s clear that 16.5 turnovers is unsustainable if the Wolves want to beat teams like Dallas this season. Here are a few things that need to happen for this problem to be fixed.
1. Improved play from Mike Conley
Along with his early shooting woes (27% shooting from three, 22.6% shooting from the field), Mike Conley has six turnovers through four games this year, contributing to a team-worst plus-minus of -11. This is especially uncharacteristic with his minute totals being down this season.
Without an obvious backup point guard, Conley needs to take care of the ball, as he is one the team's best (and only) distributors. Thankfully, as a career 38.7% three point shooter, his shooting should progress toward the mean over the course of the season, which should theoretically open up the floor more for more high-percentage assist opportunities.
2. Figure out the non-Conley point guard minutes
The non-Conley minutes have left some ambiguity at backup point guard, with Donte DiVincenzo and Nickeil Alexander-Walker being primary ball handlers in those minutes. Conley is averaging 4.5 assists per game in 23.8 minutes, while DiVincenzo and Alexander-Walker have offered a combined 5.6 assists per game in their combined 48.8 minutes along with 2.5 turnovers per game.
Given how well these two players move without the ball, and how well each of them can perform as spot up shooters, it’s easy to wonder if Divincenzo and Alexander-Walker are underutilized as primary ball handlers.
While it doesn’t appear that there is much room in the rotation, this could be a role that first-round pick Rob Dillingham fills at some point in the season. Regardless of who fills the role, the Wolves need better ball movement with fewer turnovers when Conley is off the floor.
3. Anthony Edwards growing as a playmaker
While Anthony Edwards has shown flashes of improvement as a playmaker, there’s still room for growth in tightening his ball-handling and refining his decision-making, especially in high-pressure situations. Edwards currently leads the Timberwolves in turnovers with 16, including a costly one late in the fourth quarter against Dallas.
It’s tempting to attribute these early-season turnovers to chemistry building, particularly as players like Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo are still acclimating to the team after only a few weeks and limited time on the court together. But for Edwards to step up and evolve into a championship-caliber player, he needs to become a more effective playmaker, consistently setting up high-quality shots for his teammates.
With the depth this team has to offer, more efficient and turnover-free distribution from Edwards would be a huge asset for this team as it searches for an offensive identity. We’ve seen him score in pressure situations, but making plays for others in these spots is what can elevate him and the Timberwolves to the next level.
Overall, it will be worth watching how much of an impact reducing turnovers will have in improving the Timberwolves' offense, which ranked just 18th in points per game last season despite making the Western Conference Finals.