In a way, I think the Timberwolves should be thankful for what the Spurs just did to them. Yes, it's unfortunate to lose, especially in the way they did, but many of their roster flaws were brought to light in this series.
The Wolves don't have enough consistent creators outside of Anthony Edwards. Furthermore, they need more point-of-attack defenders and consistent 3-point threats.
Fortunately for the Wolves, Edwards hasn't even hit his 25th birthday, so there is time to build a roster around him that plays into his strengths.
However, that time is now. It starts by getting him a real co-star, and one that he can hopefully spend the bulk of his prime with. Then he needs more elite complementary pieces. He has some of those in Naz Reid, Jaden McDaniels, Ayo Dosunmu, and I think Joan Beringer is on his way there.
The question is, who are those players and how do they get them?
Anthony Edwards needs an elite second option
When you look at the other good teams in the league, almost all of them have two consistent and dependable All-Star caliber players. The Thunder have Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren. The Spurs have Victor Wembanyama, De'Aaron Fox, and Stephon Castle. The Lakers have Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves. The Celtics have Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. The Knicks have Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns.
I could go on, but my point is, the elite teams in the league have more than one player who can consistently take over a game. Minnesota had hoped that Julius Randle could be a high-end co-star alongside Ant, but he failed to produce in the biggest moments in back-to-back years.
The Wolves have two avenues to consider for this. They can pair Edwards with a superstar point guard like a Kyrie Irving or Ja Morant. Or they can opt to get him a superstar forward like Giannis Antetokounmpo or Kawhi Leonard.
Either way, whoever they acquire needs to not only be able to create their own consistent offense but also play alongside a guy like Edwards and still thrive.
The Timberwolves need more quality role players
As I said earlier, the Wolves have a few guys that fit this mold. Reid is a perfect modern stretch four with the ability to be more at times. McDaniels is an elite defensive wing with some creation chops. Dosunmu can be a scorer and take some of the guard responsibilities, and Beringer has the potential to be an elite prototypical big man with above-the-rim playmaking and rim protection.
They still need more, though. More consistent shooting from the role players was a glaring concern in the Spurs series. Outside of Reid and Mike Conley, the Wolves were abysmal from 3-point range.
Another point-of-attack defender should be addressed as well. McDaniels often plays with the burden of being the only capable perimeter defender, and that has to change.
This offseason will be arguably the most important in the Anthony Edwards era. Lots of changes will likely take place, and all of these changes must happen with the idea of maximizing their 24-year-old megastar.
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