Minnesota Timberwolves
Team Outlook-
The Minnesota Timberwolves have a young core lineup that is poised to take the next step this season. The Wolves feature the last two NBA rookie of the year winners, Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins. The organization landed the top free agent coach on the market, Tom Thibodeau. When Thibodeau coached the Chicago Bulls from 2010-2015, he was known for his strong defensive philosophy and for maximizing starters minutes. Expect the offense to slow down their overall pace and to improve dramatically on the defensive side of the ball. Thibodeau coached teams have finished in the Top 10 on defense in 16 of his last 19 seasons. The Wolves should get a boost from a fantasy perspective due to an increased amount of starters minutes and 3-point attempts. Monitor the Wolves minutes early in the season as they may be underpriced on some DFS sites if they are going off last season’s minutes and projections.
Projected Starting Lineup
Point Guard- Ricky Rubio-
Ricky Rubio is often underrated in the fantasy community because he is not your prototypical scoring point guard. Rubio rarely lights up the scoreboard but is consistently a threat for steals and assists. Rubio always breaks out for a few games each season where he goes nuts in every fantasy category and hits a triple-double. Last season, Rubio finished fifth in the NBA with 8.6 assists/per game and second with 2.13 steals/per game. Rubio should thrive with defensive pressure and steals under his new head coach.
Shooting Guard- Zach LaVine-
Two-time NBA Dunk Champion, Zach LaVine, excelled after moving to the SG position last season. Lavine seemed more comfortable and finished strong after the All-Star break when he averaged 17.8 points/per game. LaVine was one of the top SG values last season as his DFS price point never seemed to increase. If LaVine is to take the next step this season, he will need to improve on the defensive end of the court as he has shown a tendency to play soft defense over the past couple of seasons. Watch LaVine closely as that will not be tolerated under Thibodeau and he could find the bench.
Small Forward- Andrew Wiggins-
Over the past two seasons, Andrew Wiggins fantasy value has been dependent on his shooting. Wiggins was often boom or bust depending on whether his shot was dropping or not. Thus, it was often difficult to trust Wiggins in your cash games but he made for an excellent GPP target depending on the matchup. Expect Wiggins to improve in all aspects of his game under his new head coach. Last season, Wiggins averaged 35 minutes/per game. Expect that number to increase to 38-39 minutes/per game this season.
Power Forward- Gorgui Dieng-
Gorgui Dieng started most of last season alongside Karl-Anthony Towns. Dieng's fantasy value was predicated on matchup as he excelled in certain matchups against smaller opponents. Dieng is a strong defender that should thrive with blocks and rebounds under Thibodeau’s system.
Center- Karl-Anthony Towns-
2015 number 1 overall pick, Karl-Anthony Towns, delivered by earning Rookie of the Year last season. Towns is one of the few big men in the association that can fill up the stat sheet in every fantasy category. Towns will take his game to the next level this season as one of the top 5 players in the NBA. Last season Towns averaged 32 minutes/per game. There were multiple games last season where Towns would stay on the bench for extended stretches for no apparent reason. Expect Towns time on the floor to significantly increase to around 36-37 minutes/per game this season.
Key Bench Players
Kris Dunn- Kris Dunn was selected with the 5th overall pick in the 2016 NBA draft. Dunn was expected to be a top 3 pick but unexpectedly fell to the Wolves. Dunn should develop into the 6th man off the bench substituting in for Ricky Rubio or Zach LaVine. Dunn has the talent to be a star in the association but tread carefully as Thibodeau has a past history of limiting rookie’s minutes.
Nemanja Bjelica
Nemanja Bjelica started strong last season before suffering a knee injury. Thibodeau recently praised Bjelica’s playmaking ability and three-point shot. Bjelica will play primarily a backup role behind Andrew Wiggins and Gorgui Dieng. He has the talent to develop into a similar role as Nikola Mirotic of the Chicago Bulls.
Shabazz Muhammed- Shabazz Muhammed provided an offensive boost off the bench at times last season. Thibodeau commented that Muhammed is a “terrific athlete and there is no reason he can’t be a great defender.” Muhammed has the skill set to play minutes at shooting guard, small forward, or power forward.
Key Offseason Acquisitions
Cole Aldrich- Cole Aldrich returns to the state where he was born and played his high school basketball. Last season, Aldrich backed up DeAndre Jordan and provided high upside in limited minutes. Thibodeau recently commented that Aldrich has “figured out who he is as a basketball player.” “He fits in well, plays to his strengths, covers up his weaknesses, and makes the team function well.” Expect Aldrich to rotate in with Towns and Dieng. Aldrich will average 15-20 minutes/per game but if Towns or Dieng should happen to miss time, Aldrich would become a strong fantasy option.
Jordan Hill- Jordan Hill flashed some potential a few seasons back with the Lakers. Since that time, Hill has struggled to find any consistency. It has been reported that the second year of Hill’s two year, $8 million deal, is not guaranteed. Hill should not be much of a factor unless the Wolves suffer multiple front court injuries.
Brandon Rush-Brandon Rush was brought over from the Golden State Warriors where he was primarily a bench player until Harrison Barnes got hurt. Rush will play minimal minutes barring injuries in front of him.
Key Offseason Departures
Kevin Garnett- Last month, Garnett announced his retirement after 21 seasons in the NBA.
Nikola Pekovic- Last month, Pekovic was ruled out for the entire 2016-2017 season due to recurring right ankle pain.