The Minnesota Timberwolves' need for a point guard has been well-discussed. With that in mind, the Timberwolves' inability to take care of the ball was a clear concern. After ranking 18th in turnovers per game last season and 22nd the year before that, paired with Mike Conley continuing to age, this was a legitimate concern heading into the season.
However, the Wolves quietly average the ninth fewest turnovers, and over the past 10 games, Minnesota averages the fewest turnovers per game. As the Wolves try to establish themselves as clear contenders, this will be massive.
During Monday night's blowout win over the Chicago Bulls, the Wolves committed just three turnovers. Perhaps even more impressively, none of their starters recorded a turnover, and two of these turnovers came in garbage time.
And maybe just maybe this newfound ability to take care of the ball will cause the Wolves to rethink their need to trade for a traditional point guard.
The Wolves have improved in the turnover department
Anthony Edwards hasn't taken a massive leap as a playmaker. Regardless, while taking on more ball-handling duties, Edwards has cut his turnovers per game down from 3.2 to 2.8. Likewise, Julius Randle's turnover percentage is the second-best mark of his career while he is operating more as a point forward.
Last season, five of the Wolves' top eight rotational players posted a turnover percentage of 10 or higher. However, this year, that number is down to just two. This individual change highlights how the Wolves have grown as a group.
The Wolves being able to take care of the ball more is especially impressive considering they're playing at a faster pace. Notably, they have moved up from 25th to 15th in pace. Conventional wisdom would suggest their turnover rate would rise. Yet, the Wolves' improved collective playmaking has offset this possibility.
The Wolves could still trade for a point guard
While the Wolves don't have a high-end rotational point guard, they have several capable positional playmakers. In the end, the need for a PG could prove to be too significant, and the Wolves could still make a trade ahead of the deadline. The need for a point guard is still noticeable at some points, most notably in late-game situations.
Despite the Wolves' playmaking being improved overall, they still commit the most clutch time turnovers. As a result of this and generally not having a strong point guard room, the Wolves will likely still pursue PG reinforcements at the deadline.
To look at this on the bright side, the Wolves have already made significant strides in the turnover department — just imagine what this would look like with another point guard! Likewise, if the Wolves can't ultimately make a trade for a PG, their improved ability to take care of the ball would help soften the blow.