Predicting the Timberwolves' floor and ceiling for the 2024-25 season
By Austin McGee
Timberwolves' ceiling
Before the 2023-24 season, pundits weren't nearly as high on the Timberwolves as before this season. ESPN forecasted Minnesota to win 43 games, while CBS Sports predicted a 45-win total. This time around, there's a different feel.
Bleacher Report recently pegged the Wolves as a 50-win squad. Despite the projected decrease in wins, Bleacher Report alluded to the Western Conference's quality from top-to-bottom as the reason behind the decline.
Sure, the Western Conference is rigorous, but this year won't be so different from last. 11 teams won 41 or more games a season ago. Furthermore, the seventh seed won an impressive 49 games. In comparison, the Eastern Conference's 11th-ranked squad won 32 games and the seventh-seed totaled 47 wins.
It's not up for debate, the West is a gauntlet. However, the Wolves navigated the treacherous conference better than any of the other 14 squads. Minnesota's record against Western Conference foes was 37-15. In addition to their conference domination, the Wolves went 12-4 against division foes. Finally, Minnesota won 33 of 53 games against teams with a record above .500.
MIN is equipped to dominate the West again
The Timberwolves are a difficult matchup for anybody, as evidenced by the stellar marks above. Minnesota's staunch defense is to be commended for being "matchup-proof." The Wolves led the league in opponent points per game and defensive rating and came in at top-5 in blocks and steals per game.
Entering 2024-25, the Wolves retain their top-seven leaders in minutes per game. Thus, this iteration of the Timberwolves will be almost identical to last year's team. While similarity doesn't bleed hope in today's NBA, there's always room for improvement. Minnesota returns Edwards (22) and Jaden McDaniels (23), and added two rookies in Rob Dillingham (19) and Terrence Shannon Jr. (24).
The Timberwolves are equal parts young and experienced. Although losing Kyle Anderson in free agency stings, Tim Connelly brought in former Rudy Gobert and Mike Conley teammate, Joe Ingles. Despite Anderson's stringent defense, he hurt the Wolves' spacing. Minnesota's points and effective field goal percentage per 100 possessions suffered when Anderson saw the floor.
If improvements are in store for Edwards, McDaniels, Naz Reid and even Nickeil Alexander-Walker, the Wolves should be better. Plus, Gobert remains in his prime, while Conley's game has never been predicated on athleticism. The lone wildcard is Karl-Anthony Towns.
Towns' fit alongside Gobert has been questionable since its conception. However, the duo played well together, and Towns' superb floor-spacing capabilities have made the argument null for a scrunched offense. If Towns continues to shoot the ball well (like he has for the entirety of his career) and doesn't suffer an unfortunate injury then it won't be difficult to imagine Minnesota surpassing last season's win total.