The NBA season is nearly upon us, and naturally, there's plenty of uncertainty even for contending teams like the Minnesota Timberwolves. If there's one thing that could derail the Wolves' title hopes, it's point guard play. Mike Conley turns 38 shortly before the season starts and has shown signs of decline. It's also unclear if second-year guard Rob Dillingham can provide significant minutes.
Undoubtedly, Conley has had an amazing career, and he has been a key contributor on a team that has made back-to-back conference finals appearances. However, Conley is coming off a season where he averaged a career low in minutes (24.7) and points (8.2) while shooting just 40 percent from the field. In the playoffs, Conley averaged just 6 points while shooting 30 percent from the field. At 38, it's unlikely that these issues will improve.
Conley's lack of burst and shot creation hurts the team. The Wolves have struggled to push the pace and generate rim pressure recently, which is partly tied to Conley. Plus, as a 6-foot guard with declining offensive gifts, Conley is a target on defense. This combination makes Conley a clear weak point for the Wolves.
Conley still provides the Timberwolves with some value despite his limitations
Despite some of his limitations, Conley still provides the Wolves with some undeniable value as a playmaker. Conley's basketball IQ is still off the charts, making him a stabilizing force for a Wolves team that desperately lacks playmaking. Notably, Conley posted a +3.1 on-off difference in the regular season and a +8.2 in the playoffs.
At this stage of his career, Conley is best utilized in a backup role, playing within the low 20s to high teens for minutes. Regardless, the Wolves depend on Conley as a playmaker who can orchestrate the offense, meaning he'll likely play starter-caliber minutes.
It's clear that Conley helps stabilize the Wolves' offense, but he also hurts their upside in some ways, especially from a shot creation standpoint.
If Conley takes another step back this season, the Wolves will really be in a tough spot. Do they continue to play Conley big minutes, even if he can't handle it? Can Dillingham take on a massive role? Do they reduce Conley's minutes in favor of a point guard by committee look with Anthony Edwards, Julius Randle, and Donte DiVincenzo? These questions loom large over the Wolves this season.
While there are a lot of factors that will determine the Wolves' season, Conley's impact and whether the team has a point guard solution outside of him will be vital.