Modify the Rotation (Slightly)

As was illustrated earlier, the regular Wolves starting five is a very good group. However, minor changes are necessary to better balance the Timberwolves offense.

First (as discussed at length), Tyus Jones should play the role of sixth man. He takes care of the ball and can coordinate the offense, plus he’s a decent shooter.

During the first quarters of games, Wiggins should be the first starter to come out of the game. Let Jones come in and run the offense with capable three-point marksmen in Teague, Butler, and Towns plus a rim-roller/garbage man in Gibson. Let’s see what that lineup can do.

As for Wiggins, he has shown the ability to score in the post and as a cutter, so he can play major minutes alongside Jones in blended second units (read more about Wiggins here).

Last year, Jones and Wiggins played 795 minutes together with a net rating of 8.7. That figure is much higher than the Teague-Wiggins combo that produced a net rating of 2.2.

Further down the bench, free agent additions Anthony Tolliver and James Nunnally are both capable shooters and should receive minutes to help space the floor. From the jump, Tolliver should take minutes away from Gorgui Dieng, a less-than-ideal fit on an awful contract.

Rookies Josh Okogie and Keita Bates-Diop may have to fight for minutes under Thibodeau. Speaking of the coach, Thibodeau will almost assuredly give Derrick Rose too many minutes hoping that he can recreate his surprising (small sample) performance in the playoffs.

The Wolves won 47 games a season ago and are in prime position to match that number and make a return trip to playoffs. The offense isn’t losing any major contributors and making these minor changes in 2018-19 can propel them to another level.

Per-game stats courtesy of basketball-reference.com, lineup data courtesy of nba.com and synergy