During their past two conference finals runs, one of the Minnesota Timberwolves' biggest strengths was their depth. This even led the organization to rally around the idea of "eight starters."
However, after losing Nickeil Alexander-Walker in the offseason, and the Wolves' young players not being able to progress into a bigger role, coupled with Mike Conley's decline, the Wolves' bench became a massive weakness. Notably, in the first 52 games of the season, Minnesota ranked 23rd in bench points. Frankly, finding sources of bench production outside of Naz Reid was a difficult task.
At the trade deadline, it was clear that this would be untenable. Thankfully, Tim Connelly traded for Ayo Dosunmu, which solved numerous issues for the Wolves, including overall bench production, perimeter creation, defense, and playmaking. Connelly realized that Dosunmu alone wouldn't be enough, so he reunited with an old friend on the buyout market, Kyle Anderson.
With these additions, and Bones Hyland becoming more consistent, the Timberwolves suddenly have a rock-solid nine-man rotation. In March, the Wolves have skyrocketed to 11th in bench points per game. Suddenly, the Timberwolves have recreated the magic of their past two successful teams, and they have the bench production needed to make another deep playoff run.
The Timberwolves now have impressive depth (again)
The stats mainly show a jump in terms of bench scoring. However, in general, what stands out to me is that Chris Finch trusts more players in his rotation now.
As hinted at earlier, Reid is arguably the league's best bench player. Furthermore, Dosunmu fills in numerous gaps for the Timberwolves and is a starting-caliber player. Dosunmu has played in four of the Wolves' past five games without Anthony Edwards. Filling in as a starter, he has averaged 19 points, 8 rebounds, and 5.5 assists. Having a role player who can impact every aspect of the game and scale up when needed is vital for the Wolves' title chances.
Bones Hyland's ability to provide a scoring punch and recent consistency have been a game-changer. Hyland has averaged 17.6 points without Edwards. What's really impressed me, though, has been his ability to impact the game if his shot isn't falling.
Against the Houston Rockets on Wednesday, Bones shot 3-of-11 from the field, but he affected the game with his playmaking (eight assists) and feisty defense. Hyland closed the game and was impactful despite his poor shooting. On a nightly basis, Ayo and Bones change the game with their energy and pace.
Speaking of players who don't need the ball to make an impact, Kyle Anderson has been a fantastic depth addition. He gives the Timberwolves some much-needed defensive versatility and playmaking poise. Against the Rockets on Wednesday, Anderson's defense on Kevin Durant was crucial after Jaden McDaniels left the game with an injury.
Heck, even Conley made an impact with his playmaking and hustle when he was called on during Wednesday's game.
The Timberwolves' newly productive bench could be a game-changer in the playoffs
What I love about Minnesota's bench is that each player offers a different skill set. Having different styles of play and extra lineup versatility is a key aspect that will especially help Minnesota in the playoffs.
Things can change in a hurry, but right now the Wolves look like they have nine trustworthy players in their playoff rotation.
In recent years, it's become abundantly clear that depth is needed for teams to make any substantial noise in the playoffs. After being significantly behind the eight ball earlier in the year, the Timberwolves now once again have this crucial element of title contention.