The Minnesota Timberwolves have had an uneven start to the season. Minnesota has a solid 10-6 record, but they're 0-6 against teams with a winning record. Of course, this isn't ideal for a team that came into the season with title aspirations.
Regardless of their record and struggles against top teams, one thing that has been a key strength for the Wolves is their 3-point shooting. Notably, they rank sixth for 3-point percentage, netting 37.8 percent of their attempts from beyond the arc. Likewise, they are shooting 39.3 percent on catch-and-shoot 3s, which ranks seventh in the league. The Wolves' shooting talent is undeniable.
However, the problem is that the Wolves aren't shooting enough 3s. If you hate modern basketball, this idea might enrage you. After all, the Wolves are shooting 36.2 3-pointers per game. That number ranks just 18th, though, and last year Minnesota ranked fifth in 3-point attempts and fourth in 3-point makes.
Whether you like it or not, 3-pointers are a crucial part of the modern NBA, and the Wolves must take more of them to get back on track.
Shooting more 3-pointers would benefit the Wolves
At the end of the day, it's a numbers game, and by taking more 3s, the Wolves would be in a better position to win on a nightly basis, especially against top-end teams.
Listen, I'm not saying that by shooting more 3s the Wolves will magically beat every good team or that this is even the main issue. However, it's an issue, and by increasing their 3-point frequency, the Wolves would be more competitive against the league's top teams.
Anthony Edwards, Naz Reid, Mike Conley, and Jaden McDaniels are all taking fewer 3s than last season. McDaniels' and Reid's 3-point rate has barely declined. However, as McDaniels has taken a massive offensive leap, including shooting 14.2 percent higher from beyond the arc, I'd like to see his 3-point rate increase, and frankly, it's surprising that it hasn't.
Edwards' 3-point attempts have gone down from 10.3 per game to 8.3. I don't need to see an increase that much, and 10.3 is certainly a high bar. Edwards is operating more from the mid-range this season, which is overall beneficial. Still, a slight increase from 8.3 3-pointers could be helpful.
Conley's declining 3-point numbers aren't a surprise as the 38-year-old is taking on a lesser role. The other factor is that the Wolves haven't done a great job of filling in Nickeil Alexander-Walker's 4.5 3-point attempts.
Whatever the case might be, it's clear the Wolves need to increase their 3-point volume. Between Edwards, Donte DiVincenzo, Reid, McDaniels, and Julius Randle, the Wolves have the personnel to be an elite 3-point shooting team. Edwards and Randle also create open shots for their teammates when they drive.
They are already one of the most efficient 3-point shooting teams; they just need to boost the volume.