Despite making back-to-back conference finals appearances and having a 24-year-old superstar with impressive talent around him, many people are disrespecting the Minnesota Timberwolves' contention chances. However, The Ringer's Bill Simmons recently gave Minnesota its proper prais.
On a recent podcast episode with Zach Lowe, Simmons noted that the Wolves had the second-most top 100 players on his personal list and that their title chances are being overlooked. Six Timberwolves players made Simmons' top 100 list, all of whom made his top 90. Anthony Edwards, Julius Randle, Rudy Gobert, Jaden McDaniels, Naz Reid, and Donte DiVincenzo all made Simmons' list. The Wolves only trailed the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder, who had seven top 100 players.
"If somebody has six of the top 90 guys including a top-seven guy, they should be one of the title favorites," Simmons said.
Simmons' point is crucial; the Wolves have the star power and complementary talent to support Edwards. Lowe agreed with Simmons that the Wolves' title chances are underrated. The Wolves undoubtedly have the ingredients and experience of a championship-level team, and it's nice to see that people (outside of the fan base) are finally taking notice of them.
The Timberwolves have the makings of a championship team
To win a championship, star power is, of course, one of the most crucial elements. Edwards is a clear top-10 player in the league, perhaps even a top-five level player in the eyes of some. Plus, Julius Randle proved he could be a championship-level second option. Jaden McDaniels and Rudy Gobert anchor one of the league's best defenses. Naz Reid and Donte DiVincenzo provide elite production off the bench.
Notably, the Wolves were one of four teams that posted both a top-10 offense and defense last season. This blend of two-way balance and top-end talent is a hallmark of title contention.
Of course, the Thunder deserve to be the prohibitive favorites after winning the title last season. The Denver Nuggets upgraded their roster significantly this offseason. However, the Wolves could be right behind these two teams, especially after Fred VanVleet's unfortunate injury. Making back-to-back conference finals appearances, the Wolves have proven this core can be successful in a playoff setting.
Despite the Wolves' playoff success and their talented roster, they have +1800 odds to win the 2026 championship. This ties them with the Los Angeles Clippers for the eighth-shortest odds. The Los Angeles Lakers and Orlando Magic being above the Wolves is especially curious.
While Minnesota's title chances have been overlooked, they could very well surprise the NBA world, and it's nice to see some people are acknowledging the Wolves.