Chris Finch may be forced to make big adjustment next season

As this team's roster changes, the Timberwolves' coaching staff may have to make a change they would not have made in years past.
Chris Finch
Chris Finch / Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
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The 2023-24 year obviously represented a dream season for the Minnesota Timberwolves. Winning the second-most games in franchise history on their way to just the second Western Conference Finals since the organization began in 1989, the Timberwolves saw a glimpse of everything they hope to achieve in this era with this core of players.

To achieve all that they did, Minnesota leaned heavily into its veterans. Hardly any young players that are not already established stars saw big minutes last season, and it was a method that clearly worked. However, that process may not be as feasible next season.

With Kyle Anderson's departure, the Wolves are now short one more of their main rotation players, and they will have to find a substitute. Yes, Joe Ingles will see regular minutes and looks to be part of the team's remedy to that problem, but he will not fill all the holes by himself.

At one point or another, Chris Finch and the rest of the Timberwolves' coaching staff will likely have to give more minutes to the younger players on this roster and allow them to impact the game with their individual skill sets. Thankfully, it is something they are already prepared for.

Minnesota may have to rely more on younger players next season

Acknowledging how much young talent is in his locker room, Finch revealed that he sees chances for his young guys to play next season. "There's roles to be had, roles to be earned," he said at the team's rookie intro press conference. "In our situation, with the opportunities that we have, it's certainly there for them."

This is a point of view that is sure to excite Timberwolves fans. Between Rob Dillingham, Terrence Shannon, Leonard Miller, Josh Minott and others, several prospects have not been given a real chance to shine yet given this team's personnel. And yet, there could be some real game-changers in the mix, hiding in plain sight.

Dillingham has already expressed gratitude for how his role on the team has been handled to this point, and there could be others that fit like a glove in the right role too. Regardless, there will clearly be plenty to look for as Finch and the staff figure out their rotations at the start of next season.

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