Projected Timberwolves depth chart entering the regular season

Three down, two to go. The Minnesota Timberwolves are 2-1 through three preseason affairs, most recently falling to the new-look New York Knicks. Prior to the loss on October 13, Minnesota had defeated the Los Angeles Lakers and Philadelphia 76ers.

The Wolves will travel to Chicago to take on the Bulls on the 16th before finishing up the preseason with a bout in Minneapolis against the Denver Nuggets on October 17. Following Minnesota's final exhibition match, the Wolves will be granted five days of rest to prepare for their regular season opener against the Lakers.

Between now and then, decisions will have to be made regarding the depth chart, the active roster, and how to employ certain rotations. Currently, the Wolves roster 21 players, meaning three will be cut in the coming days. 15 will be part of the active roster, while three will remain on two-way contracts. Guards Daishen Nix, Jaylen Clark, and big man Jesse Edwards occupy the two-way spots.

On the outside looking in will likely be Eugene Omoruyi, Keita Bates-Diop, and Skylar Mays. There is a discussion to be had about whether Bates-Diop or newcomer PJ Dozier will earn the final roster spot. However, if the preseason is any indication, Dozier should secure the 15th spot after appearing in two preseason contests to Bates-Diop's one.

After the roster is settled, the depth chart will follow. The starters are sure to be reminiscent of last year's group—sans Julius Randle for Karl-Anthony Towns. Nonetheless, following several offseason additions, the bench will look different from last season's Western Conference Finals squad.

Projecting the Timberwolves' depth chart

Point Guard: Mike Conley, Donte DiVincenzo, Rob Dillingham, Daishen Nix (TW)

Mike Conley gets the starting nod entering his age-37 season, while Donte DiVincenzo will suit up as a pseudo-point guard. DiVincenzo is a natural shooting guard, but the Wolves will prioritize Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Naz Reid, and DiVincenzo off the bench.

Rob Dillingham is sure to play a sizeable role at some point but he'll likely begin the season as third on the depth chart unless Chris Finch decides the 19-year-old is ready to make an impact—then expect DiVincenzo and Alexander-Walker to bump up to the two and the three, while Joe Ingles is axed from the 10-man rotation.

Shooting Guard: Anthony Edwards, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Jaylen Clark (TW)

The two-guard rotation is all but set. Anthony Edwards will see 34-plus minutes for a third consecutive season. Donte and Nickeil are best suited for reserve shooting guard duties. However, one of the two will play a bit out of position at either point guard or small forward.

Small Forward: Jaden McDaniels, Joe Ingles, Terrence Shannon Jr., PJ Dozier

Jaden McDaniels will enter his third season as a full-time starter and his first season playing out his five-year, $131 million contract. Backing up the lanky defensive star will be 37-year-old offseason acquisition Joe Ingles. If either of the previously mentioned forwards misses any time, expect Terrence Shannon Jr. and PJ Dozier to fill the void.

Power Forward: Julius Randle, Josh Minott, Leonard Miller

Although he hasn't appeared in an exhibition contest yet, Randle is slated to start at power forward per Finch. As the centerpiece of the Towns trade, Randle figures to be a relatively seamless replacement for the recently departed four-time All-Star.

One of the more intriguing, ongoing positional battles is backup power forward. Recent draftees Josh Minott and Leonard Miller have spent three and two summers in Minneapolis, respectively. After three preseason games, it appears the more experienced Minott is on track to earn second-string duties. Josh is averaging 24.1 minutes, 13.3 points, and 6.3 rebounds per game thus far. Conversely, Leonard has only averaged 8.7 minutes per game throughout the preseason.

Center: Rudy Gobert, Naz Reid, Luka Garza, Jesse Edwards (TW)

Reigning Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert enters his 10th season as a starting center. Behind Gobert will be reigning Sixth Man of the Year Naz Reid. Similar to a season ago, Reid should split time at both frontcourt spots and open with the rest of the starters if either Randle or Gobert misses any action.

Finally, Luka Garza and two-way signee Jesse Edwards fill the third and fourth-string spots. Garza continues to flourish in a limited role (13.3 points in 16.1 minutes per game in the preseason), while Edwards will likely spend the entire season suiting up for the Iowa Wolves.