Western Conference Power Rankings after week 1 of free agency
By Austin McGee
3. Minnesota Timberwolves
Draft Picks: Rob Dillingham, Terrence Shannon Jr.
Offseason Acquisitions: Joe Ingles, P.J. Dozier
Departures: Kyle Anderson, Monte Morris, Jordan McLaughlin, Wendell Moore Jr.
Coming off arguably the best season in franchise history, the Minnesota Timberwolves offset their offseason losses with several veterans and two top-of-the-line draft picks. Minnesota traded into the first round to select Rob Dillingham—Mike Conley's future successor. Additionally, the Wolves drafted Terrence Shannon Jr. to provide a much-needed spark off the bench.
While being ranked third might even be a little low, the Wolves are easily one of the best teams in all of the association. Led by future-face-of-the-league, Anthony Edwards, Minnesota will be bringing back the league's best defense.
Following a Western Conference Finals appearance, the Wolves should steamroll through the regular season. But the playoffs will be a different story. Minnesota's two big lineup folded against the Mavs when the lights were the brightest.
Moreover, the lack of shot creators also plagued the Wolves in their first Western Conference Finals appearance in 20 years. To remedy that issue, Minnesota added both rookies. However, Minnesota didn't do anything to remedy their frontcourt—partly because it's one of the NBA's best.