With the 2019-2020 NBA season fast approaching, Our First Draft is providing team previews for all 30 NBA teams. These are intended to inform the reader about important roster changes for all teams, as well as summarizing the outlook of the team ahead. This includes the Vegas Over/Under line, OFD’s recommendation on which side to take, as well as a projected record for the team.
Team: Minnesota Timberwolves
Conference: Western
Wins O/U: 35.5 (Over -110, Under -110)
Last Year’s Record: 36-46
Projected Roster (Projected Starters marked with asterisks): K. Beita-Diop, J. Bell, R. Covington*, J. Culver*, G. Dieng, T. Graham, J. Layman, S. Napier, J. Nowell, J. Okogie, J. Teague*, K. Towns*, N. Vonleh, T. Wallace, A. Wiggins*
Key Offseason Moves: Drafted J. Culver and J. Nowell, Lost T. Jones, Lost T. Gibson, Added J. Bell, Added N. Vonleh, Added S. Napier, Lost D. Saric
Overall Summary: New year, similar Timberwolves, and it shows in how close their line is to last year’s record. Star center Karl-Anthony Towns somehow remains underrated, potentially because of the team’s low profile and the perception that he is still one of the worst defensive big men in the league. He has improved to around average on that end, which combined with his prodigious offensive game, allows him to be one of the best players in the game. His combination of inside game, 3-point shooting, and passing means that he can anchor any modern offense. The problem for the T-Wolves is everyone else. Former #1 overall pick Andrew Wiggins may be the most disappointing player in the entire NBA, with inefficient offense and poor defense. His contract is among the worst in the league (Wall and Westbrook come to mind) and will hamstring Minnesota’s cap for years to come. There are interesting pieces among the rest of the roster, notably 3-and-D wing Robert Covington. I also liked their pick of Jarrett Culver, who led Texas Tech to the championship game against Virginia. Players like Okogie, Vonleh, Beita-Diop, and Bell give Minnesota athleticism off the bench, if not too much skill. At the end of the day, though, this feels like the same mediocre Timberwolves from much of this century.
Verdict: I would stay-away, as this line feels pretty accurate, though if you do have to bet it, take the under. While Towns’ talent is undeniable, the West is brutally tough, and the lack of other talent on the roster will consign Minnesota to the lottery. I project a record of 34-48.
