The Minnesota Timberwolves have gone from a team that utilized frontcourt depth and size to one with a dynamic backcourt but less size. It is a risky move to change the team’s dynamic so drastically, but if everything works out with LaMelo Ball, it could pay immediate dividends.
Meanwhile, the San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder had much quieter offseasons. Has Minnesota caught up to the two Western Conference powerhouses, or will continuity win out?
Spurs and Thunder didn't make major moves
It can be argued that the Thunder have gotten weaker this offseason, or at least lost some of their elite depth. Luguentz Dort, Isaiah Joe, and Aaron Wiggins were all traded as OKC looked for some savings on its rather expensive roster.
The Spurs didn’t lose anyone notable in free agency, but depth was more of an issue for them last season than it was for the Thunder. Adding Tobias Harris gives them another player who can consistently get buckets, whether San Antonio decides to start him or bring him off the bench.
Nonetheless, both teams have more continuity than the Wolves. That may give them the advantage, at least to begin the upcoming season. Not only does Minnesota have to get acclimated to Ball, but losing both Julius Randle and Naz Reid likely puts a greater onus on Rudy Gobert to crash the glass. It’s pertinent that the backcourt helps out by getting to the deep rebounds.
It’s a totally different style of play, as the Wolves haven’t had a point guard as dynamic as Ball since perhaps a young Stephon Marbury. The ceiling—particularly on the offensive end—has improved greatly. The floor—if Joan Beringer isn’t ready for a larger role or Ball gets hurt—may have fallen.
Could take a year for new-look Wolves to reach their peak
Anything can happen in any given regular season. Injuries or a sudden downturn in someone’s performance can change everything, but the Thunder and Spurs are still relatively young. The Timberwolves are as well, considering that Gobert is the only player at least 31 years old.
Still, most recent champions haven’t gone through a major change. The New York Knicks had the same starting lineup for the second straight year—and there was also the whole Villanova thing.
Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton had played together for years before winning it all. Likewise, Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray had played together for numerous seasons. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown were in their seventh year as teammates when they won the title.
Even a team that seemed unbeatable, the Miami Heat, didn’t win the NBA Finals until LeBron James’ and Chris Bosh’s second year with the team. Maybe it takes a full second season together for Ball and Ant-Man to reach their peak.
Again, though, anything can happen.
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