The Minnesota Timberwolves are heading into the 2024-25 NBA season with plenty of star power headlined by Anthony Edwards, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Rudy Gobert after making the Western Conference Finals last season. The Timberwolves have everything in place to compete for an NBA championship and we expect them to continue their uptrend in play after ranking 1st in defense headlined by four-time Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert. With rookie Rob Dillingham and veteran Joe Ingles available to replace the departed Kyle Anderson, here is the Timberwolves’ roster divided into six tiers.
Tier 1: Superstars
Anthony Edwards
Anthony Edwards has established himself as one of the NBA’s premier young superstars. After a breakout 2023-24 season (25.9 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 5.1 APG) where he led the Timberwolves to the Western Conference Finals, Edwards is expected to continue his ascent. With his elite scoring ability, athleticism, and growing defensive impact, Edwards is the face of the Timberwolves and a key to their championship aspirations. Having the experience of winning a gold medal with Team USA in the 2024 Paris Olympics will get him a taste of victory, and we expect Edwards to have a superstar season on both ends of the court as a perennial MVP candidate.
Tier 2: All-Stars
Karl-Anthony Towns, Rudy Gobert
Karl-Anthony Towns remains one of the most versatile big men in the NBA. A dominant scorer who can stretch the floor with his shooting, Towns averaged 21.8 points and 8.3 rebounds per game on 41.6% from three last season. His ability to play both inside and out makes him a perfect complement to Edwards and Gobert in the Timberwolves’ lineup. However, the team will need a little more from their second-best player when it comes to being more dominant defensively and consistent offensively to reach that next level.
Rudy Gobert, a four-time Defensive Player of the Year, continues to anchor the Timberwolves’ defense (14.0 PPG, 12.9 RPG, 21. BPG). Gobert’s rim protection and rebounding are unmatched, and he was instrumental in Minnesota finishing with the league’s best defense last season. His presence in the paint is crucial to the Timberwolves’ success, especially in high-stakes playoff games. It is about time we respect the four-time DPOY winner because the Frenchman always seems to have an impact on a team’s defensive stats.
Tier 3: Fringe All-Stars
None
Tier 4: Key Role Players
Jaden McDaniels, Naz Reid, Mike Conley, Nickeil Alexander-Walker
Jaden McDaniels is one of the most promising two-way forwards in the league. Known for his elite perimeter defense and improving offensive game (10.5 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 0.9 SPG, 0.6 BPG), McDaniels is a crucial part of the Timberwolves’ defensive identity. His ability to guard multiple positions and knock down open shots makes him invaluable to Minnesota’s success and he will be the X-factor for the Timberwolves when the playoffs arrive.
Naz Reid has developed into arguably the best backup in the NBA after winning Sixth Man of the Year last year. With his ability to score in the post, stretch the floor, and protect the rim, Reid averaged 13.5 points and 5.2 rebounds per game on 41.4% from three last season. His versatility allows the Timberwolves to maintain a high level of play when Towns or Gobert rests and he will be invaluable once again for the team.
Veteran point guard and 36-year-old Mike Conley brings leadership, playmaking, and experience to the Timberwolves. His ability to control the tempo, make smart decisions, and hit clutch shots makes him a reliable presence in Minnesota’s backcourt. Conley’s steady hand will be key in guiding the Timberwolves through the rigors of the playoffs following averages of 11.4 points and 5.9 assists per game last year.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker is a versatile guard who provides scoring, defense, and energy off the bench. Last season, he became a valuable rotational player, showing his ability to step up in big moments by averaging 8.0 points, 2.5 assists, and 0.8 steals per game. His two-way play will be important for Minnesota’s depth and success throughout the season because he is consistent enough to start or come off the bench.
Tier 5: Supplementary Pieces
Rob Dillingham, Joe Ingles, PJ Dozier
Rob Dillingham, the Timberwolves’ new first-round pick (No. 8 overall) in the 2024 NBA Draft, brings excitement and potential to the roster. A dynamic scoring guard, Dillingham can create his own shot and will learn from veterans like Conley. His development could be crucial for the Timberwolves’ future and he will be an excellent pickup in terms of possibly becoming the long-term starting point guard.
Joe Ingles adds veteran savvy, shooting, and playmaking to the Timberwolves as he approaches 37 years old. A reliable three-point shooter (43.5% last season) and smart defender, Ingles is expected to fill the void left by Kyle Anderson’s departure. His experience and versatility will be valuable in key moments, particularly in the playoffs.
PJ Dozier is a versatile guard/forward who can contribute on both ends of the floor. Known for his defense and ability to play multiple positions, Dozier provides depth and flexibility for the Timberwolves after he carved out a bench role with the Denver Nuggets. His role will be to bring energy and defense when called upon although he won’t play major minutes.
Tier 6: Bench
Luka Garza, Terrence Shannon Jr., Josh Minott, Leonard Miller
Luka Garza is a big man who provides scoring and rebounding off the bench. Known for his soft touch around the rim and ability to stretch the floor with his shooting, Garza offers valuable minutes when the Timberwolves need frontcourt depth. While not the most athletic, his work ethic and basketball IQ allow him to be effective in limited roles after averaging 4.1 minutes per game last year.
Terrence Shannon Jr. is a versatile wing with athleticism and defensive potential as the No. 27 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. His ability to slash to the basket and guard multiple positions makes him an intriguing piece for the Timberwolves. Although still developing his outside shot, Shannon’s energy and hustle could earn him more minutes as the season progresses.
Josh Minott is a young small forward (21 years old) known for his defensive versatility and rebounding ability. He excels in transition and has a knack for making hustle plays that energize the team. Minott is still refining his offensive game, but his defensive upside makes him a valuable bench option for the Timberwolves.
Leonard Miller is a 20-year-old forward with a blend of size, athleticism, and skill. He has shown flashes of being a capable scorer and rebounder, making him a potential long-term asset for the Timberwolves although he is still very raw with only 17 appearances last year.
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