Minnesota Timberwolves are one of the worst-performing franchises in the NBA. The Minneapolis-based franchise has won just one division title in its 32-year history. In fact, they went through a 14-year playoff drought, which they broke in 2018. However, they lost to the Rockets in the first round itself. Their best-ever season remains 2003-04 NBA season when they reached the Conference Finals for the first and last time.
USA Today via Reuters
Dec 23, 2020; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Malik Beasley (5) celebrates with guard D’Angelo Russell (0) and guard Ricky Rubio (9) during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Pistons at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
The Wolves finished 13th in the Western Conference last season and 4th in the Northwest Division. They posted a 23-49 record last season with a win% of .319. Glen Taylor has owned the Wolves for a long time now. He oversaw the golden years of the Wolves during the Kevin Garnett era. But since then, the Wolves have performed under par.
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With a poor 2020-21 season, many would have expected Glen to shell out some bucks to add quality to the team’s roster. But the Wolves were rather quiet during the off-season.
Incoming players
Patrick Beverley
A top-quality addition to their roster, Patrick Beverley is one of the best defenders in the NBA. Beverley showed his importance last season in the playoffs for the Clippers. He is a three-time NBA-Defensive Team member and comes to Minneapolis in top form.
Patrick Beverley in his opening press conference with the Timberwolves:
“I’ve made the playoffs every year of my career and I don’t expect that to change.” pic.twitter.com/u2jEe03DBL
— 𝘽𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙝𝙤𝙤𝙥𝙯 (@theballhoopz) September 16, 2021
Nathan Knight
Knight has signed a two-way contract with the Wolves. He arrived from the Atlanta Hawks after playing 33 games for them last season.
Taurean Prince
Experienced small forward, Prince was traded to Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for Ricky Rubio. Prince last played for Cleveland Cavaliers and made 29 appearances for them.
Leandro Bolmaro (Rookie)
McKinley Wright (Undrafted – 2021 Draft)
ALSO READ- “I like Touching”: Patrick Beverley Heavily Trolled For Absurd Statement
Outgoing players
Ricky Rubio (Cleveland Cavaliers)
After spending six seasons in Minnesota, Ricky came back to the city for a second stint last season. The Spanish point guard played 68 games last season and averaged 8.6 PPG. He will be hugely missed.
Juancho Hernangomez (Boston Celtics) and Jarrett Culver (Memphis Grizzlies)
Another Spaniard who left Minnesota ahead of this season, Juancho, played 52 games last season. But he wasn’t a regular starter for the team and was traded alongside Jarrett Culver to the Grizzlies for Beverley. The Celtics then traded Juancho to Boston Celtics.
Ed Davis (Free agent)
Minnesota Timberwolves NBA Roster 2020-21
USA Today via Reuters
Dec 23, 2020; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) hugs guard D’Angelo Russell (0) following the game against the Detroit Pistons at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Frontcourt
Anthony Edwards
Nathan Knight
Jake Layman
Jaden McDaniels
Taurean Prince
Naz Reid
Karl-Anthony Towns
Jarred Vanderbilt
Backcourt
Malik Beasley
Patrick Beverley
Leandro Bolmaro
Jordan McLaughlin
Jaylen Nowell
Josh Okogie
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McKinley Wright
ALSO READ- What Does the Minnesota Timberwolves Starting Lineup Look Like for the 2021–22 Season?
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The Wolves have made a little noise during the off-season, but they have added some quality players to their roster. They already have two top players in Towns and Russell. Hence, with the addition of Beverley, they can push for a playoff spot in the coming season.
With a new coach and an improved roster at their helm, can the Wolves bounce back to qualify for the playoffs? Let us know in the comment section below.
