Minnesota shocked the basketball world when it traded Karl-Anthony Towns to New York prior to the start of training camp. Towns was a massive piece of a team that made it to the Western Conference Finals last season, but this team is different – not worse – than it was last season. There is still plenty to like about the Timberwolves.
The Towns trade is made possible by the presence of Naz Reid. The reigning Sixth Man of the Year was brilliant off the bench last season. He averaged 13.5 points and 5.2 rebounds on 47.7% shooting from the floor. When Reid was at power forward Minnesota, outscored opponents by 7.7 points every 100 possessions. With Rudy Gobert next to him at center, their net rating was +8.4 per 100 possessions. That is on par with the pairing of Towns and Gobert (+9.2). Reid can stretch the floor from the four as effectively as Towns – he shot 41.4% from deep last season – while also providing help defense at the rim. The Timberwolves should not miss a beat with Reid as their starting power forward.
This deal also gives Minnesota some much-needed depth. Prior to the trade, much was going to be asked of rookies Rob Dillingham and Terrence Shannon Jr. Now, everyone gets pushed down the depth chart with the additions of Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo.
The former Villanova Knick is a career 37.6% shooter from deep. He hit 40.1% of his attempts last season. He obviously provides some shooting off the bench, and he can spell Mike Conley at the point. That might not be perfect, so Dillingham will still need to develop. But it will not have to happen as quickly.
Randle is a great rebounder and scorer who gives Minnesota a physical presence up front they did not have last season. Randle is a career 33.3% shooter who has shot just 32.9% the last three seasons. His fit next to Gobert is not great, but Reid can slide to center and play very well next to him.
The Timberwolves will also still be just as good defensively as they were last season. Anthony Edwards is the best two-way player in the league, and Jaden McDaniels is one of the best wing defenders in the NBA. Those two with Gobert form one of the best defensive trios on any team. Nothing but injuries should keep this team from being a top-five defense once again.
Timberwolves Win Total Prediction
Minnesota still sports the second-highest win total in the Western Conference at DraftKings (52.5) and for good reason. This team’s depth is stronger after the trade of Towns, and they have a replacement for him. Its schedule is very manageable as well. The Timberwolves have a +2 net rest advantage on the season and only play in 14 back-to-backs. It also helps playing in the Northwest division. Oklahoma City will be very good, but Denver figures to take a step back and both Utah and Portland are lottery teams. Minnesota should be in the mix for a top-three seed in the Western Conference once again this season.
Bet: Over 52.5 Wins (+124)
