Wolves bank on continuity getting them to the Finals
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Anthony Edwards throws down a dunk. Photo: Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images
The Timberwolves finally have something that has eluded the franchise for the last 20 years: continuity.
Why it matters: After back-to-back Western Conference Finals appearances, the team hopes that bringing back almost the same roster from last season can get the Wolves over the hump — and into the Finals for the first time ever.
By the numbers: Superstar Anthony Edwards begins his sixth season Wednesday night playing alongside Naz Reid and Jaden McDaniels, and his fourth with Rudy Gobert.
- Flashback: A year ago, the Wolves traded Karl-Anthony Towns just before the season, acquiring Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo. Those two now have a full season under their belts here, including a deep playoff run.
What they're saying: With an easy early schedule, the Wolves are hoping to get out to a fast start so they don't have to scramble at the end of the season to get a good spot in the playoffs.
- "Continuity is only good if it pays dividends early," head coach Chris Finch said at the team's media day.
State of play: The Wolves are tied for the seventh-best odds of winning the NBA title this year.
- The defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder, who devastated Minnesota's title hopes in May, are heavy favorites to repeat.
Here are the big things to watch this year:
👋 Replacing NAW: The one major roster change is the departure of guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker. The Wolves will try to replace the defensive stalwart with promising youngsters Terrence Shannon Jr. and Jaylen Clark.
⛹🏾♂️ The point guard predicament: Mike Conley Jr. just turned 38. If he continues to fade, will Finch be ready to give more minutes to second-year spark plug Rob Dillingham?
🗼 Stifle Tower's protegé: The team in June drafted Joan Beringer, a near-7-footer. He already looks like a defensive monster, and now he gets to learn behind fellow Frenchman Gobert.
💨 Time to run: The Wolves were one of the slowest teams in the NBA last season, and Finch said he wants to pick up the pace and run more fast breaks.
🐜 Ant's next step: Edwards is already considered among the league's top 10 players. If he can improve his passing and defensive consistency, he could take the next step and get into the MVP conversation.
Nick's prediction: The Wolves will go 52-30 and get the No. 3 seed.
Details: Tipoff is at 9pm on Wednesday in Portland, against the Trailblazers.
- The first home game is Sunday against the Indiana Pacers.