The Minnesota Timberwolves are entering the 2025-26 season with championship aspirations after back-to-back conference finals appearances. Nonetheless, even the best teams have concerns. Recently, Bleacher Report's Zach Buckley wrote an article discussing one thing that could implode every NBA team's season.
For the Wolves, it wasn't surprising that he said their prospects not being ready could implode their season.
"With Mike Conley's decline unlikely to slow down during his age-38 season, Minnesota needs Rob Dillingham to solidify the point guard spot. And the wing vacancy created by Nickeil Alexander-Walker's departure in free agency figures to be covered by some combination of Terrence Shannon Jr. and Jaylen Clark. All three were rookies last season. None saw even 550 minutes of regular-season action. If they aren't ready for rotation roles, Minnesota's season could become a top-heavy mess," Buckley wrote.
While the Wolves have many makings of a championship team, it's certainly a concern that their young players might not be ready, and as Buckley outlined, it could derail the season.
The Wolves are banking on growth from their young players
The Wolves opted to bet on Terrence Shannon Jr. and Jaylen Clark to replace Nickeil Alexander-Walker, who signed with the Atlanta Hawks. Shannon has an intriguing blend of shot creation, finishing, and versatility. The 25-year-old looks ready to contribute. However, it's far from certain that he thrives in a NAW-like role after barely playing as a rookie.
Likewise, Clark's on-ball defense will get him on the court to some degree, but are his shooting numbers from last year real? Notably, Clark shot 43.1 percent from 3-point range last year but shot just 30.1 percent at college. Again, it's not a guarantee these players will contribute immediately, but I feel pretty confident about TSJ in particular.
The bigger concern is whether Dillingham will be able to fill any sort of rotational role for the Wolves. Minnesota lacks point guard play outside of a 38-year-old Mike Conley.
On paper, Rob Dillingham's shot creation, finishing, and playmaking give him the perfect skill set to solve the Wolves' problems. Nevertheless, with a slight 6-foot-1 frame, it's a real concern whether Dillingham can play real minutes. In preseason, he has averaged just 6.7 points on 28.6 shooting from the field.
Point guard play has been a key flaw for the Wolves, and if Dillingham isn't ready to take on this role, it could be problematic for Minnesota. If Dillingham and/or other young players don't develop, it's worth wondering what direction the Wolves will go. Of course, a trade would feel likely, but is there a needle-moving trade they could make without shaking up their elite core?
Managing developing young talent and competing for a title will be a challenging task for Chris Finch. Ultimately, the Wolves have plenty of young talent, but if these players aren't ready, it could derail their season.