One of my biggest concerns with the Minnesota Timberwolves is how they will solve the usage puzzle. In other words: How do they involve all of Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Ball, Jaden McDaniels, Jonathan Kuminga, Ayo Dosunmu, Terrence Shannon Jr., Rudy Gobert, and Joan Beringer? The first five players listed all need some on-ball duties to succeed. Simply put, the Wolves have a lot of mouths to feed, especially after signing Kuminga.
It's fair to have some apprehension about how this usage puzzle will play out, and I'd expect some growing pains.
Still, when you zoom out, you realize this is the best problem to have. The Wolves have so many good players. It will be hard to find a balance, and sacrifice will be required across the board, but that's a heck of a lot better than having a glaring roster flaw, though, right?
The Timberwolves don't have any major roster flaws
As we analyze teams, we look for flaws just as much as we look for strengths. For a team with title aspirations, I think it's important to figure out what flaws they have. Throughout most of the offseason, the Timberwolves had a glaring flaw: their power forward position. That is, until they signed Kuminga in late August.
From this point forward, frontcourt depth was the next notable roster flaw. Still, this isn't some detrimental flaw. As such, the other questions emerged. How will these top-end players fit with each other? Is there enough usage to go around? What happens to McDaniels now that Kuminga is in the fold?
Look, I think these are valid concerns, but they don't come down to legitimate roster flaws. Rather, the Wolves have "too much" talent. If you are going to have a problem, this is a great "problem" to have. Surely there will be some growing pains, and it's possible someone gets the short end of the stick.
Again, though, that's much better than having a glaring roster flaw. By all accounts, the Wolves have one of the league's most complete and balanced rosters on both ends of the floor. That's a position that most teams envy.
The Wolves' usage puzzle is a fixable problem
The Wolves have a team full of shot-creation threats. That's a real strength, and it will make the Wolves' offense a handful for opposing defenses to stop. I mean, who do you hide your weak link on? Hiding a weak player on Gobert may sound good in theory, but that leaves a center on McDaniels or Kuminga. Unless your center is highly mobile, they'll expose this coverage.
Realistically, one of McDaniels or Kuminga will be guarded by opposing teams' weak links, and both players can punish mismatches. Mismatch hunting is one natural way to solve the usage puzzle.
Another factor that can solve the Wolves' usage puzzle is pushing the pace. Last season, the Wolves ranked 10th in both transition points and pace. These numbers should rise with LaMelo and Kuminga in the fold. By pushing the pace, players can seek out easy baskets and create natural opportunities for themselves. Thankfully, almost everyone on the Wolves thrives playing at this fast-paced style, which gives them a clear offensive identity.
Ball's playmaking is another weapon that Minnesota will utilize to solve the usage puzzle. Having an elite playmaker who is constantly looking to set up his teammates should naturally allow everyone to get involved.
Think about the Indiana Pacers from their 2025 Finals run. They presented similar challenges with their numerous creation threats, pace, and an elite playmaker running the show. The Wolves could replicate this blueprint.
All of this is to say that a usage puzzle is the best type of problem to have, and the Timberwolves could make everyone forget about this concern.
Add us as a preferred source on Google