When new executives come into a situation, there is usually a seismic shift in the workforce. That’s exactly what happened for the Minnesota Timberwolves. new president Tim Connelly immediately made his mark by trading several first round picks along with Malik Beasley† Patrick Beverley† Jarred Vanderbilt and Leandro Bolmaro acquire Rudy Gobert†
With one of the best results in franchise history, Minnesota hopes to take the next step forward with the addition of the three-time Defensive Player of the Year.
This is what the rotation should look like for them next season…
Point guard
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BEGINNER† D’Angelo Russell
DEPTH† Jordan McLaughlin
D’Angelo Russell arguably the streakiest shooter in the league. If he has it, he can shoot it as well as the best of them. But if his shot doesn’t fall, his irrational confidence could cost his team games. Jordan McLaughlin is a capable backup point who can spell minutes from Russell if D-Lo is cold. In his first full season as a coach, Chris Finch hasn’t been shy to play the hot hand down the line so McLaughlin can now see more minutes now that Beverley is no longer with the team.
Shooting Guard
Harrison Barden-US TODAY Sports
BEGINNER† Anthony Edwards
DEPTH† Bryn Forbes, Jaylen Nowell
There was no sophomore slump with Anthony Edwards (aka Kermit Wilts to those who saw it Rush† Expect his game to continue to evolve as he enters his third season in the NBA as he is on his way to becoming a superstar in the league. his backups, Bryn Forbes and Jaylen Nowell, serve as solid matchup plays. Forbes can stretch the floor with his sharp perimeter shooting, while Nowell is a fantastic defensive wing.
small forward
Jesse Johnson-US TODAY Sports
BEGINNER† Kyle Anderson
DEPTH: Jaden McDaniels, Wendell Moore
the signing of Kyle Anderson gives the Wolves wing depth they didn’t have last season. His role as a secondary ball handler will ease the pressure from Russell and even Edwards. It was reported that Danny Ainge and the Jazz pushed hard to record Jaden McDaniels in the Rudy Gobert agreement. The third-year wing gives the Wolves a positional defender that is vital for a team that needs as many defensive wings as possible. It won’t be a surprise if McDaniels grabs the Slo Mo runway as the season progresses.
Power forward
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BEGINNER: Karl-Anthony Towns
DEPTH† Taurus Prince
Towards the end of last season, opponents matched Towns with smaller defenders, and the big man often struggled to get into foul trouble and failed to score efficiently. Towns is best used as a five that can spread the floor, especially with teams getting small so often now. Taurus Prince is a good backup option to have as four, who can play switchable defense and shoot the three.
Centre
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BEGINNER: Rudy Gobert
DEPTH: Naz Reid
The catch the Wolves gave up on Rudy Gobert has been more of a storyline in its own right than how he would fit into the Wolves’ rotation. Gobert manning the paint will remove KAT from the curb, which isn’t necessarily a good thing. Minnesota had some success with Towns and Naz Reid last season on the field, but over time Towns is still the best when he operates like a five. It won’t be surprising if Gobert ends up on the bench to close out games when opposing teams go with smaller lineups.
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