The NBA as a whole is more talented than ever before, from star-studded lineups to scrappy, hard-nosed teams. Few wins are given in this amazing league. With the Minnesota Timberwolves undergoing a massive roster overhaul, I'm looking at these five teams posing the biggest test for their newfound roster.
No. 1: San Antonio Spurs
Matchups: @ SAS 10/31, 1/3, @ SAS 1/22, 2/18
After a complete beatdown in the playoffs last season, it's no question that the Spurs are number one on the list. Between Stephon Castle, Dylan Harper, Devin Vassell, and Julian Champagnie, they have a lot of physical, switchable perimeter defenders who gave the Wolves' backcourt problems.
Oh, and they also have a 7-foot-4 alien at center who will block almost anyone who challenges him at the rim. The one thing the Spurs do poorly, however, is giving up a lot of open 3-point attempts. Their defensive strategy is trying to funnel everything down to Victor Wembanyama. In turn, they tend to leave the corners and wings open in a "we dare you to beat us on the perimeter" strategy.
With LaMelo Ball in the fold, the Wolves have an elite playmaker to generate more of these open looks, as well as a great 3-point shooter himself. The Spurs' physicality may still pose challenges, but the Wolves look at least better equipped to deal with them now than last season.
No. 2: Oklahoma City Thunder
Matchups: @ OKC 11/25, 12/25, @ OKC 3/2, 3/28
While the second apron forced the Thunder to part ways with some of their homegrown talent, they will still certainly be a force among the top of the Western Conference, competing for another championship.
Similar to the Spurs, they play a very handsy, physical style of defense that has bothered Wolves guards at times. Even with the loss of Luguentz Dort, they still have Cason Wallace, Alex Caruso, and Jalen Williams as primary POA defenders. None of them are slouches on that end whatsoever.
Ball will have to deal with a lot of physical defense, along with not turning the ball over, as that is the Thunder's bread and butter. If he can keep his composure with those guys on him all game, I would feel good about the Wolves' chances, given the amount of both offensive and defensive firepower this team possesses.
No. 3: Toronto Raptors
Matchups: 10/25, @ TOR 1/7
Assuming the Kawhi Leonard saga gets resolved without suspensions or voids, it wouldn't surprise me one bit if the Raptors were the number one defense in basketball next season. Between Leonard himself, Scottie Barnes, Collin Murray-Boyles, Ja'Kobe Walter, and Jamal Shead, they have phenomenal defenders at every position.
Pair that with the Wolves' historic trouble playing across the border (they just broke a 20-year winless drought last year), and it will be an extremely difficult challenge. I have the Raptors slightly lower on the list just because the Wolves will only play them twice, but if they were in the Western Conference, they would have a strong case for first on the list.
No. 4: Indiana Pacers
Matchups: @ IND 1/2, 2/26
The Pacers are another team that's given the Wolves some trouble in recent years, and they're back to full strength this year with a healthy Tyrese Haliburton and their first full season with Ivica Zubac. Rick Carlisle has run a tight ship in Indiana, and their identity has been playing fast and pressing 94 feet, both of which have plagued the Wolves.
This matchup will be a big test for Ball and Edwards on the defensive end, as the Pacers aren't a team they can take many plays off against. Both of them will also be dealing with immense pressure from start to finish.
No. 5: Detroit Pistons
Matchups: @ DET 1/24, 3/22
If you're sensing a theme here, that's because there is one. Teams with physical, athletic perimeter defenders are the teams that have given the Wolves the most problems in recent years, and the Pistons are no different.
Ausar Thompson might be the best perimeter defender in the NBA, and if Wembanyama didn't exist, he'd have a case for the best all-around defender in the NBA with his otherworldly athleticism and instincts.
The Pistons beat teams up on the defensive end (maybe less now with Isaiah Stewart in Memphis), and the Wolves will need to be smart with the basketball and match their physicality. Ball and Edwards' ability to handle pressure will also be tested heavily in this matchup.
Honorable mention: Atlanta Hawks
Matchups: 3/10, @ ATL 3/29
I have the Hawks as an honorable mention because, while they have some elite perimeter defenders on their team similar to the teams above, I'm unsure how good a team they will be. Between Dyson Daniels and Nickeil Alexander-Walker getting in passing lanes and Lu Dort playing like Vontaze Burfict on the basketball court, it will be tough for opposing guards to get a rhythm against them.
I just don't know if the Hawks will have the record or offensive firepower to be a real contender in the East, but nevertheless, they will present some challenges for this Wolves squad.
This is the first time in Edwards' career that he has a true star point guard alongside him. While I fully expect a very successful season, these teams present challenges they will have to navigate in their search for the franchise's first championship.
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