Offseason ranking ignores crucial Timberwolves' strengths

Denver Nuggets v Minnesota Timberwolves
Denver Nuggets v Minnesota Timberwolves | Matt Krohn/GettyImages

Recently, the All NBA Podcast released a ranking of each team’s offseason (excluding the draft) based on dunksandthrees’ estimated win contributions. The Wolves ranked 27th, only ahead of the Boston Celtics, Milwaukee, and Cleveland Cavaliers. Admittedly, this is a pretty fair way to rank teams' offseasons, and most people would agree the Wolves didn’t have one of the worst offseasons. However, this ranking ignores internal growth and thus undervalues the Wolves. It’s also surprising that teams like the Indiana Pacers and Phoenix Suns are still above them.

The Wolves lost Nickeil Alexander-Walker to the Atlanta Hawks; they also lost Josh Minott and Luka Garza to the Boston Celtics in free agency. While they re-signed Julius Randle, Naz Reid, and Joe Ingles, these moves don’t count toward their ranking.

Internal growth will be key for the Wolves

Undoubtedly, the Wolves losing Alexander-Walker is a tough blow; few role players can rival his outstanding all-around impact. Regardless, the Wolves are perfectly equipped to overcome NAW’s absence with Terrence Shannon Jr., Rob Dillingham, and Jaylen Clark all ready for bigger roles. With Alexander-Walker gone, the Wolves now have 25.3 minutes to distribute between the three players.

Crucially, all three of these players can replicate different aspects of Alexander-Walker’s impact. Shannon can replicate Alexander-Walker’s scoring while providing some defensive energy and playmaking. Notably, Shannon’s strides as a playmaker have been evident in his summer league play. Similarly, Dillingham can also provide scoring and playmaking while giving the Wolves a traditional point guard off the bench. Clark can provide on-ball defense and spot-up shooting akin to NAW.

Between these three players, the Wolves are well prepared to make up for NAW’s absence, and a breakout season for at least one of them feels likely.

The Wolves' core has more experience together

Another aspect that must be considered, with the Wolves, is that their core has another year of development. Last season, they traded for Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo shortly before training camp. They got off to a slow start in large part due to acclimating these players. However, the Wolves finished the season with a 16-4 record in their last 20 games and ultimately made the Western Conference Finals.

Without this gelling period, the Wolves are poised to be better than they were last year, despite losing Alexander-Walker. Overall, while using estimated win contributions to rank teams offseason feels fair, it ignores context and overlooks the possibility of players improving; the Wolves were hurt by this more than any other team.