Recently, Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch stated the Wolves will look to use a 9-to-10-man rotation this upcoming season. This is a deeper rotation than Finch and the Wolves are used to. Notably, this past season, the Wolves ran an 8-man rotation. However, with the construction of the team, it makes a lot of sense to expand the rotation. Let's dive into how this change could benefit the Wolves.
“I’m definitely gonna run a longer rotation…9-10 guys”
— Andrew Carlson (@andrew_carlson2) July 10, 2025
Chris Finch just now on the broadcast talking about the group without Nickeil Alexander-Walker
A deeper rotation would benefit the Wolves
Losing Nickeil Alexander-Walker certainly hurts. Regardless, Terrence Shannon Jr., Rob Dillingham, and Jaylen Clark all deserve real minutes. It looks like the Wolves will work all three young guys into NAW’s open 25.3 minutes. Paired with Donte DiVincenzo and Naz Reid off the bench, this gives the Wolves a 10-man rotation.
Rookie Joan Beringer could also be worked in the rotation at times, perhaps even taking Clark’s spot. In addition to NAW’s minutes opening up opportunities for the bench, the Wolves are likely to reduce Gobert’s 33.2 minutes per game. This gives Beringer a clear opportunity for minutes. Mike Conley is also a candidate for reduced minutes, which gives Dillingham a path to a bigger role.
Both of this year's NBA Finals squads had extreme depth, so expanding the rotation for the Wolves is logical, especially since they have the personnel to do so. With proper development from the young players, the Wolves will have one of the deepest teams in the league.
This past season, the Wolves ranked 24th in bench minutes and 19th in bench points. However, these numbers are bound to skyrocket with a deeper rotation.
Finch also wants to push the pace
Finch also mentioned that the Wolves are looking to play at a faster pace. This is logical to maximize Anthony Edwards’ athleticism and style of play. Regardless, playing at a fast pace requires a deep bench, especially when looking at some of the Wolves' younger players who thrive with fast play.
Increasing the speed of play is directly connected to more opportunities for the Wolves’ young studs and likely a decrease in minutes for Gobert and Conley. The Wolves ranked just 25th in pace this past season, and similar to their bench stats, this number feels primed to significantly increase.
Ultimately, while the Wolves didn’t make any free agent signings through internal improvements and stylistic changes, this team could look a lot different. Both increasing the rotation and playing at a faster pace could allow the Wolves to improve.