Since trading for LaMelo Ball, it's been clear that the Minnesota Timberwolves' offensive ceiling is through the roof. Anthony Edwards is a top-five-level player—now he has an elite playmaker and perimeter scorer. That's a lethal combination. Add in the Timberwolves' complementary scoring options, collective athleticism, and it's hard not to get excited about their offensive upside.
The Wolves' 116-97 preseason win over the Milwaukee Bucks gave no reason to pump the brakes on their offensive upside. In fact, it showed why they might be the league's best offense.
Look, I get it: overreacting to the preseason is silly. However, the Wolves' talent always gave them this ceiling, and seeing it in action only reinforced their ability to be the league's best offense.
Simply put, the Wolves' offense was a work of art on Monday night. They pushed the pace in transition, moved the ball well, made quick reads in the half-court, had some impressive structure, and scored in multiple ways. This is everything you need from an elite offense.
The Timberwolves' pace can make them a matchup nightmare
It's always been clear that the Timberwolves will push the pace after trading for Ball. Minnesota ranked 10th in pace last season, and they have the personnel to thrive playing fast. Ball is a gifted outlet passer who can help the Wolves double down on this playstyle. Ayo Dosunmu is one of the best transition players in the sport. Edwards is an elite athlete. Jonathan Kuminga and Jaden McDaniels are great athletes who thrive playing fast. Terrence Shannon Jr. and Joan Beringer are also well-suited for this playstyle.
Having this many athletes and scoring threats is hard for any defense to deal with. Remember the 2025 Indiana Pacers who went on a magical Finals run? That's exactly what the Wolves can look like.
The Wolves wasted no time flexing their muscles in transition, scoring 26 fast break points during their first preseason game, a noticeable increase from last season's average of 16. After a rebound, they'd quickly look for an outlet pass, with LaMelo leading the charge.
Minnesota's ability to play fast also relates to quick decisions in the half-court. By moving the ball, promptly getting into sets, and moving off the ball, you can put a lot of pressure on a defense. Furthermore, this style of play can help you win the possession battle. The Wolves leaning into this quick decision style hinges on Ball, as his playmaking will be the key to unlocking it.
Against the San Antonio Spurs' and Oklahoma City Thunder's high ball-pressure defenses, this style of play is a particularly great counter.
The Wolves' talent is undeniable
Another factor with this fast play, both in transition and in the half-court, is that it helps get everyone involved. The Wolves' offensive talent is undeniable. Ball and Edwards have a strong case as the league's best backcourt. Their combination of shooting, playmaking, and creation can put opposing defenses in a bind, giving them no easy decision to make. McDaniels and Kuminga are two ultra-talented forwards. Rudy Gobert and Beringer are two skilled rim runners. Ayo is a superb sixth man.
Having to account for this much talent and adjust to the breakneck speed the Wolves play at will be difficult (and perhaps impossible) for opposing defenses. To have the league's best offense, you need to play with a unique style and have a ton of talent. It's safe to say Minnesota checks these boxes.
Perhaps the biggest question about the Wolves' offense is whether they get everyone involved, and that's a great question to have.
Chris Finch also showcased what taking more of a hands-on role looks like after mentioning this during the offseason. What stood out to me was the Wolves' increased usage of pick-and-rolls. It's not a shock since they added Ball, who thrives in the PNR, but it's a great wrinkle that creates open shots. The Wolves didn't just run big to guard PNRs—McDaniels, Kuminga, and Ball were all used as screeners. This versatility is super hard to game-plan against.
On a similar note, the Wolves can score both around the rim and make it rain from 3-point range. Edwards, McDaniels, Kuminga, Shannon, and Dosunmu are great finishers, with the big men being great lob threats. Ball and Edwards are two of the league's best volume shooters. Being able to score in multiple ways is vital to having a great offense, and it can help the Wolves succeed against a variety of squads.
Simply put, the Timberwolves check all the boxes to be the league's best offense. Now, it won't be easy to reach this ceiling. The Denver Nuggets are always in the mix with Nikola Jokic, the Boston Celtics' system is fantastic, the Pacers should bounce back, and the Spurs and New York Knicks are coming off a Finals run and were top five in offensive rating. My point being, the competition is stiff.
Regardless, if everything falls into place, the Timberwolves have a genuine chance to lead the league in offensive rating—something you could never say about previous versions of this squad.
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