MN Timberwolves Remain Near Top of NBA Power Rankings

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Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves
Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

This offseason is a critical one for the Minnesota Timberwolves. After back-to-back trips to the Western Conference Finals they are hoping to take the next step. Chris Finch is going to have a similar looking roster, but new ownership can speak into some additional tweaks.

Team president Tim Connelly got deals done with both Naz Reid and Julius Randle. He then drafted big man Joan Beringer, who is already being called the steal of the NBA Draft.

Naz Reid, Minnesota Timberwolves
Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

Minnesota still needs point guard insurance behind Mike Conley, and Rob Dillingham isn’t certain to be the answer. Despite that level of uncertainty, the roster still warrants plenty of high praise.

Power rankings lean into Minnesota Timberwolves established talent

It’s still early in the offseason, and the roster shuffling is not yet done for the MN Timberwolves. That said Law Murray put together a summer edition of NBA Power Rankings over at The Athletic. Tier one is what he dubbed as “top contenders” and that’s where Minnesota sits.

“Two out of three isn’t bad. Minnesota kept the frontcourt together by re-signing Randle and Reid. It wound up losing Alexander-Walker, but Minnesota has three players who could vie for Alexander-Walker’s minutes in Terrence Shannon Jr., Jaylen Clark and Rob Dillingham. Minnesota also used a first-round pick on center Joan Beringer to replace Garza. Minnesota lost combo forward Minott, so there’s a spot for another forward that Minnesota should look to add. Overall, Minnesota is in a good position to attempt to win the West after losing back-to-back conference finals.”

Law Murray – The Athletic

Checking in at fourth, the Timberwolves are behind only Oklahoma City, the New York Knicks, and Cleveland Cavaliers. Denver rounds out the top five before the next tier drops down to “In a Good Place.” That’s not a bad situation to be in when considering there is still more work to be done for Chris Finch’s rotation.

Terrence Shannon Jr. showed out during Summer League action in Las Vegas, and he seems poised for a breakout season with additional minutes opening. Nickeil Alexander-Walker’s departure will be something the team needs to work through, but they have time to settle in.

The Western Conference remains a gauntlet and the MN Timberwolves know that more than anyone. They still need to make the final moves that can get them over the top, but they are clearly one of the best franchises in the sport right now.

Related: Minnesota Timberwolves Pick Called Steal of NBA Draft

If Finch can get the job done in the Western Conference Finals this season, Anthony Edwards would be set up to bring home the franchise’s first championship.

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