Minnesota Timberwolves
Minnesota has a long way to go from their eighth seed finish last season, but if some of their young players progress they could become one of the elite teams in the West.
The biggest reason for a potential rivalry is Karl-Anthony Towns. The talented young center is already a force offensively, and his defensive game is improving, a lot like Deandre Ayton. The two are skilled, exciting, smart, and filled with personality. It’s all a recipe for a one of the most fun matchups the league will produce and one everyone should have marked on the calendar.
Unfortunately for the Timberwolves, Jimmy Butler will probably start to hit a decline at the same time the Warriors and Rockets do, so Minnesota will have to find a way to replace that production. What they could really use is improved play from Andrew Wiggins.
Wiggins, a former number one overall pick, is one of the league’s best athletes. When it comes to translating that into good play on the court, though, Wiggins has been lacking.
Through four NBA seasons, his advanced stats are horrific.
Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 6/25/2018.
To make matters worse, he’s on a max contract and causing issues within the team with complaints about his role. If the Timberwolves can turn Wiggins into a productive player and add some peripheral talent around Towns, the Suns and Timberwolves could become top talents and must watch basketball in the Western Conference.