The Minnesota Timberwolves are coming off one of the best seasons in franchise history, finishing 3rd in the Western Conference with a 56-26 record. They swept the Phoenix Suns, beat the defending champion Denver Nuggets in an epic 7-game series, and reached the Western Conference Finals for just the second time in franchise history.
Unfortunately, they ran into a scorching hot Dallas Mavericks team, bowing out in five games as their shooting went cold. This offseason, the Wolves made a significant move, trading long-time franchise cornerstone Karl-Anthony Towns to the New York Knicks in exchange for Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo in a move that is seen as both a cost-cutting measure and a way to reshape the team’s future.
Let’s take a look at their projected starting lineup and key reserves for the 2024-25 season.
Point Guard (PG)
Starter: Mike Conley
Reserves: Rob Dillingham, Daishen Nix, Skylar Mays
Mike Conley, the veteran leader of the Timberwolves, continues to be a steady presence in the backcourt. Last season, Conley averaged 11.4 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game while shooting an impressive 45.7% from the field and 44.2% from three-point range. At 36 years old, Conley is in the twilight of his career, but he remains an effective starter, providing leadership and poise for a young Wolves squad. His experience will be crucial as the team looks to integrate new pieces.
Behind Conley, the Timberwolves have Rob Dillingham, the 8th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Dillingham is an exciting young guard with scoring potential, and he impressed during the preseason. Daishen Nix and Skylar Mays will add further depth at the point guard position.
Shooting Guard (SG)
Starter: Anthony Edwards
Reserves: Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Josh Minott, PJ Dozier
Anthony Edwards has firmly established himself as the franchise centerpiece for the Timberwolves. Coming off his best season yet, Edwards averaged 25.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 5.1 assists while shooting 46.1% from the field and 35.7% from beyond the arc. His performances in the playoffs cemented his place as one of the league’s rising stars, and he is on the verge of becoming the face of the NBA.
Edwards earned his second All-Star selection and was named to the All-NBA Second Team, marking the first such honor of his career. Edwards will be the engine that powers the Wolves, and his continued growth is critical to the team’s success.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker is a capable two-way player who can provide solid minutes off the bench, offering defense and shooting. Josh Minott and PJ Dozier will also compete for minutes in the backcourt rotation.
Small Forward (SF)
Starter: Jaden McDaniels
Reserves: Donte DiVincenzo, Terrence Shannon Jr., Jaylen Clark
Jaden McDaniels continues to be a key player for the Wolves, especially on the defensive end. Last season, McDaniels averaged 10.5 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.4 assists while shooting 48.9% from the field and 33.7% from three-point range. Known for his elite defense, McDaniels was named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team.
His ability to guard multiple positions and contribute offensively has made him a vital part of the Timberwolves’ core. The Wolves recently signed McDaniels to a $131 million contract extension, ensuring that he remains a foundational piece of their future.
Donte DiVincenzo, acquired in the trade with the Knicks, is coming off a career year where he averaged 15.5 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.7 assists while shooting 44.3% from the field and 40.1% from three-point range. DiVincenzo will provide instant offense off the bench and has the ability to make a massive impact with his scoring and defensive capabilities. Terrence Shannon Jr. and Jaylen Clark provide further depth on the wing.
Power Forward (PF)
Starter: Julius Randle
Reserves: Joe Ingles, Keita Bates-Diop, Leonard Miller, Eugene Omoruyi
Julius Randle, now with the Timberwolves after being traded from the Knicks, will step into the power forward role. Randle had an injury-riddled season last year, missing 36 games, but he still averaged 24.0 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 5.0 assists while shooting 47.2% from the field. At the Knicks, Jalen Brunson became the focal point of the offense, which saw Randle’s role diminish.
However, in Minnesota, Randle will clearly be the second option behind Anthony Edwards, and he will be keen to prove himself in a new setting. The Wolves will rely on Randle’s ability to score inside and out and his toughness on the boards.
Veteran forward Joe Ingles will provide leadership and shooting off the bench, while Keita Bates-Diop, Leonard Miller, and Eugene Omoruyi offer additional depth and versatility at the forward position.
Center (C)
Starter: Rudy Gobert
Reserves: Naz Reid, Luka Garza, Jesse Edwards
Rudy Gobert, the four-time Defensive Player of the Year, remains the anchor of the Timberwolves’ defense. Gobert averaged 14.0 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game while shooting 65.5% from the field. His ability to protect the rim and dominate the boards makes him a crucial part of Minnesota’s success. Gobert won his fourth Defensive Player of the Year award last season and will be looking to continue his elite defensive performances.
Naz Reid, who won the Sixth Man of the Year award, has become a vital part of the Timberwolves’ rotation. Reid averaged 13.5 points and 5.2 rebounds while shooting 47.7% from the field and 41.0% from three-point range. Reid’s development was one of the key reasons Minnesota felt comfortable trading away Karl-Anthony Towns, as they believe Reid can be a significant contributor. Luka Garza and Jesse Edwards provide additional size and depth at the center position.
The Minnesota Timberwolves are entering the 2024-25 season with renewed confidence after a deep playoff run last year. However, the trade of Karl-Anthony Towns, one of the best shooting big men in NBA history, has put the team in a state of flux.
The addition of Julius Randle brings a different dynamic to the team, as Randle is more of a bruising inside scorer who will need to fit alongside Rudy Gobert in the frontcourt. The success of this new pairing will determine how far the Wolves can go this season.
The acquisition of Donte DiVincenzo provides an immediate spark off the bench and adds much-needed shooting and versatility. The Wolves will continue to rely on Anthony Edwards, who has blossomed into a bona fide superstar, to lead them. If Edwards can maintain his All-NBA form and the team can integrate their new pieces effectively, the Wolves have the talent to be a top contender in the Western Conference.
The Timberwolves are expected to make the playoffs again, but how deep they go will depend on how well Julius Randle and Rudy Gobert fit together and if Anthony Edwards can take yet another leap forward. With the right chemistry and health, Minnesota has the potential to be a dark horse contender for the NBA Finals.
Here are all the projected lineups we’ve done so far:
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2024-25 Chicago Bulls Projected Starting Lineup
2024-25 Cleveland Cavaliers Projected Starting Lineup
2024-25 Dallas Mavericks Projected Starting Lineup
2024-25 Denver Nuggets Projected Starting Lineup
2024-25 Detroit Pistons Projected Starting Lineup
2024-25 Golden State Warriors Projected Starting Lineup
2024-25 Houston Rockets Projected Starting Lineup
2024-25 Indiana Pacers Projected Starting Lineup
2024-25 Los Angeles Clippers Projected Starting Lineup
2024-25 Los Angeles Lakers Projected Starting Lineup
2024-25 Memphis Grizzlies Projected Starting Lineup
2024-25 Milwaukee Bucks Projected Starting Lineup
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