The Timberwolves still have important roster work to do
By Travis Young
After quality additions this offseason, the Minnesota Timberwolves now need to add serviceable depth.
The old adage of ‘you are only as strong as your weakest link’, certainly can be applied to professional teams sports. Regular season schedules are exhausting and tedious on occasion. Injuries, performance issues and even sickness to elite level players on any club can quickly sidetrack a promising start. As such, quality reserve play is a must. The Minnesota Timberwolves are no exception.
As we have seen in years past, although not all-star caliber players at the time, serious injuries to Kevin Love, Ricky Rubio, Al Jefferson and Nikola Pekovic crushed any aspirations of post season play. These hand, knee and foot ailments gave the Wolves no chance to even sniff a playoff spot.
When discussing the Wolves roster and depth at this point, the ever prevailing thought of a potential Kyrie Irving trade needs to be considered. Realistically, with the roster as is, the only major component to possibly leave Minnesota would be Andrew Wiggins. Cleveland would require significantly more, but point guard Jeff Teague could not be part of any trade until December 15th at the earliest. I do not see the Cavaliers or Wolves disrupting their in-season chemistry and rosters to complete this transaction.
With the current core of Karl Anthony-Towns, Jimmy Butler, Wiggins and Teague, expectations are now for the Timberwolves to enter the playoffs. But, extended injuries to two or more of these essential players, or possibly Taj Gibson and Jamal Crawford, would quickly turn optimism into doubt. This is where quality depth comes into play.
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Currently, the roster lacks experienced reserves at the point guard and wing spots, other than Jamal Crawford. Coach Tom Thibodeau indicated through Darren Wolfson on Twitter last month that he was seeking shooting and defense out of these spots. Although we know that Thibodeau plays his starters heavy minutes, quality rotational players are required to offset injuries and the long grind of any season.
Look for the Wolves to sign three more players to minimum level deals. Aaron Brooks or Rodney Stuckey would complement the backcourt with athleticism, tenacity and play making ability. Defensive artist Tony Allen, Anthony Morrow and Minneapolis native Alan Anderson would round out Thibodeau’s requisite shopping list for wings. These are all solid bench options to provide the Timberwolves with continued prosperity throughout a six month marathon.
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