The Minnesota Timberwolves are ideally positioned to win now and sustain their success for the future with their young talent. However, we saw the Golden State Warriors botch the “two timelines approach,” failing to develop their young talent and whiffing on draft picks. After failing to integrate their young players, the Warriors are now left with an aging core.
The Wolves are certainly in a different position from the Warriors. For starters, the Wolves' win core led by Anthony Edwards is far younger than the Warriors’ core, and they haven’t won titles like the Dubs. Jaden McDaniels and Naz Reid are also still 25 or younger, which sets the Wolves up nicely for the future. Additionally, the Warriors drafted players who didn’t fit well in their system. Regardless, the Wolves can still learn from the Warriors' mistakes.
The Warriors' failed two timelines approach
Undoubtedly, the biggest lesson the Wolves must learn from the Warriors is to give their young players consistent roles. Looking at the raw minutes of the Warriors who were at the forefront of the two timelines approach, Jonathan Kuminga (22 mpg), Moses Moody (16.6 mpg), and James Wiseman (18.3 mpg in one and a half playing seasons), this doesn’t seem like a massive problem. However, none of these players received consistent minutes or roles.
Wiseman, who the Warriors picked second overall (ironically right behind Edwards), was a poor fit in Golden State’s system and is likely a fringe NBA player. Still, they didn’t do much to develop him and gave up on him early. Kuminga is another player who isn’t a natural fit in the Warriors' system. Nevertheless, Kuminga’s main strength is shot creation, which has been needed for the Warriors at various points of his tenure.
Kuminga’s role has fluctuated between heavy minutes and barely playing, culminating in him controversially getting DNPs shortly before and into the playoffs this past season. He now feels destined to leave the Warriors as a restricted free agent. Moody’s 3-and-D skillset could be valuable to the Warriors, but his development has been hindered by never having a consistent role, and he still has some upside at 23. He is arguably the clearest case of the Warriors failing to develop their talent.
Brandin Podziemski, who is entering his third season, and Jordan Poole, who was a key contributor to the Warriors' 2022 championship team before being traded in 2023, are examples of Golden State developing their young talent. However, Poole’s tenure ended poorly, and Podziemski didn’t improve in his second season. It’s worth noting that neither player was a lottery pick. Ultimately, the Warriors could have drafted better with their three lottery picks, but they also failed to develop these players.
The Wolves' plan for their young players should be clear
The Wolves appear to be a step up from the Warriors by drafting players who fit their system and fill clear voids. However, they still need to be careful with how they develop these players. Furthermore, Rob Dillingham and Joan Beringer are high upside rather than safe young players. Dillingham is the clearest example of the Wolves' young talent that needs to be developed.
Some may point to Dillingham not playing much as a rookie as a failure to develop the 2024 eighth overall pick. Nevertheless, this is more of a development year for Dillingham. Additionally, with Mike Conley aging and the Wolves not having another point guard, Dillingham is poised to have a significant role. Getting consistent minutes and being able to improve his flaws as a second-year guard will undoubtedly benefit Dillingham’s career. Even if there are some growing pains involved, the Wolves must unleash Dillingham, and it seems like they are ready to do that.
Terrence Shannon Jr. (25) and Jaylen Clark (23) are both on the older side for their NBA experience level. Shannon was the 27th pick in 2024, and Clark was the 53rd pick in 2023. With Nickeil Alexander-Walker leaving in free agency, both players will command sizable roles. Shannon’s scoring prowess and Clark’s lockdown on-ball defense will give both players a clear path to minutes. Their age will also help in this regard. Chris Finch mentioned the Wolves are looking to expand their rotation to 10 men, which will help all of the Wolves’ young players, including Shannon and Clark.
Joan Beringer, who the Wolves drafted with the 17th pick, is another intriguing case. He might be too raw to play real minutes as a rookie. As a result, Beringer could have a development role similar to Dillingham's in his rookie season. However, by Beringer’s second season, Minnesota will have to find some consistent minutes to properly develop the 6-foot-11 center. Overall, competing for a title should be the main priority for the Wolves, but they still need to develop their young talent to sustain this success.