One underrated factor that contributes to a team's ability to make a championship run is the balance of on and off-ball talent. While this trend extends further in time, for simplicity's sake, just think of the past three champions. All of the New York Knicks, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Boston Celtics had players who could thrive both with and without the ball.
This offseason, the Minnesota Timberwolves struck this perfect balance largely thanks to the addition of LaMelo Ball. In past years, the Wolves' best players didn't offer this same needed balance. Now, the Wolves have more offensive versatility and optionality; this could help them make a championship leap.
LaMelo Ball is a huge boost to the Timberwolves on-ball talent
After two disappointing playoff series against top-tier contenders, it was clear that Julius Randle wasn't the ideal second option alongside Anthony Edwards, as the Wolves had hoped he would be. Frankly, Randle wasn't good enough on the ball for this role, and he couldn't thrive off the ball.
LaMelo needs to prove himself in high-leverage situations. However, his elite blend of perimeter scoring and playmaking should make him an ideal second option. Ball is statistically one of the most impactful offensive players, ranking in the 99th percentile for estimated plus-minus per Dunksandthrees.
He gives the Timberwolves a dependable secondary creator and a truly elite playmaker. We all know Ant is a high-end No. 1 option. Now he has ample creation and playmaking around him.
The Wolves have a ton of offensive versatility
While this is the biggest chance from last season, it's only part of the equation; another key factor is the off-ball talent.
Jaden McDaniels and Ayo Dosunmu can thrive in an off-ball complementary scorer role. Rudy Gobert, while his mistakes can be frustrating, is an efficient inside scorer. LaMelo can unlock more of him as a lob threat. McDaniels and Dosunmu can also scale up and provide some on-ball creation. Furthermore, Edwards and Ball can thrive in off-ball roles due to their shooting chops.
The Wolves' sudden balance of on and off-ball excellence from their best five players gives them the needed balance and optionality to win at the highest level.
You can extend this to the projected bench unit as well. Bones Hyland can thrive on and off the ball. Terrence Shannon Jr. can, at the very least, thrive on the ball. Josh Green excels off the ball. If Jaylen Clark cracks the rotation, it will be because he develops a jump shot and thus can play an off-ball role. When Donte DiVincenzo returns, he's a proven off-ball weapon. And finally, Joan Beringer can thrive as a rim-runner in a low-usage role.
The point being that the Timberwolves have ample creation and players who can thrive without the ball. Additionally, the different playstyles throughout the roster give the Timberwolves some real versatility.
McDaniels is a 6-foot-9 three-level scorer who can create for himself and hit open shots from beyond the arc. Dosunmu can spot-up and blow past defenders with his blazing speed. These are two elite third and fourth options.
Shannon thrives at attacking the rim. Hyland can light it up from the perimeter off the dribble or off the catch. Gobert and Beringer are efficient inside scorers (though Beringer needs to prove himself).
Edwards is arguably the best all-around scorer in the league. As noted, Ball is a prolific perimeter scorer and playmaker.
To win at the highest level, you need this type of offensive versatility. While the Timberwolves have previously lacked this element, they now have it and, in turn, have a better chance to win a championship.
It's fair to have concerns about the Timberwolves' frontcourt size outside of Gobert or LaMelo's durability. Regardless, they have the offensive versatility needed to win at the highest level.
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