Timberwolves receive disappointing news, but in the long run, it matters little

Slightly disappointing news has come about for the Timberwolves. Despite an undefeated 4-0 record in the summer league, they have not advanced to the semifinals. Instead, they will take part in a consolation game on Saturday against the Rockets (4:30 PM Central Time, NBA TV).

Wolves don't advance despite undefeated record

The Timberwolves played their fourth game on Wednesday and were forced to wait and see if they did enough to advance. With each team having completed their four scheduled summer league outings after Friday's games, six teams came out undefeated. With only four spots available for the semifinals, that meant two undefeated teams would not be advancing. 

The tiebreakers in the summer league are first determined by head-to-head (obviously not needed when six teams went 4-0), and then by point differential. The four teams that have moved on to the semis (Raptors, Thunder, Hornets, Kings) all outscored their opponents by at least 11.5 points per game. Minnesota outscored theirs by 9.5 (Hawks also didn’t advance with a 4-0 record with a +8.0 scoring margin).

While it may be disappointing for the players taking part and the fans that the Wolves didn’t advance, it’s far from a big deal.

Development shown from Wolves youngsters

Try to name the last five summer league champions. Do so without using Google (admittedly, this writer would not be able to do so either).

Sure, a summer league championship for Minnesota would be nice, but in the large scheme of things, it has little to no importance. No team that has gone on to win the summer league has also gone on to win the NBA Finals during the season. The majority of the roster won’t even play for the team once the regular season tips off. 

Summer league is more about seeing rookies for the first time and development from young players with not much experience. Minnesota has had several of these players perform well.

During the summer league, Timberwolves fans have witnessed Terrence Shannon Jr. score at will. Rob Dillingham further showed his ability to run a team as more playing time awaits him in his second season. Leonard Miller has looked solid on both ends. First round pick Joan Beringer has gotten fans excited with some moments on defense.

The Wolves could be expanding their rotation in the upcoming season. These four players in particular are attempting to show Chris Finch they deserve a role once the games truly start to matter.