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Minnesota Timberwolves Current Starting Lineup And Bench: A Serious Contender For The NBA Finals

By Fran Leiva,

8 hours ago

The 2023-24 season was a historic one for the Minnesota Timberwolves , marking one of their best campaigns in franchise history. They finished with an impressive 56-26 record, good for third place in the ultra-competitive Western Conference. The Wolves made waves by reaching the Western Conference Finals for the first time since 2004, after a dramatic playoff run that included a stunning comeback in the semifinals against the Denver Nuggets.

This offseason, the Timberwolves made a few key moves to address those issues. They lost some free agents, including Kyle Anderson, but added young talent through the draft and focused on bolstering their bench. With the core of Edwards, Towns, and Gobert still intact, and with the addition of new faces, the Wolves are aiming to prove that last season’s success was no fluke. As they prepare for the 2024-25 season, the expectations are higher than ever, and the pressure is on to not just return to the playoffs, but to make an even deeper run. Let’s take a closer look at the starting lineup and bench that will be pivotal in their quest to keep climbing the ranks in the West.

Point Guards

Mike Conley, Rob Dillingham

Mike Conley remains the steady hand at the point guard position for the Minnesota Timberwolves. In the 2023-24 season, Conley demonstrated his enduring value by averaging 11.4 points, 5.9 assists, and 2.9 rebounds across 76 games. His ability to orchestrate the offense, hit key shots from deep, and provide leadership in clutch moments was essential as the Wolves made their deep playoff run, eventually reaching the Western Conference Finals.

Even at 37, Conley’s high basketball IQ and experience make him a vital piece of the Timberwolves’ puzzle. His role extends beyond just his on-court performance; he’s a mentor to the younger players, helping them navigate the rigors of an NBA season and the pressures of playoff basketball. As the Timberwolves aim to build on last season’s success, Conley’s leadership and playmaking will be crucial.

Rob Dillingham was selected 8th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft by the San Antonio Spurs, but his rights were quickly traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves in a significant draft-night deal. The Timberwolves, eager to inject more young talent into their roster, sent a future first-round pick and a pick swap to the Spurs in exchange for the promising young guard.

Dillingham, who played his college ball at Kentucky, is known for his lightning-quick speed, creative ball-handling, and scoring ability. Although he has yet to debut in the regular season, Dillingham gave fans a glimpse of his potential during the NBA Summer League, where he averaged 14.6 points, 4.8 assists, and 3.2 rebounds per game. His dynamic playmaking and ability to score in various ways make him a valuable addition to the Timberwolves' rotation.

This combination of Conley’s experience and Dillingham’s youthful potential provides the Timberwolves with a balanced and versatile point guard rotation, crucial for their ambitions in the competitive Western Conference.

Shooting Guards

Anthony Edwards, PJ Dozier, Terrence Shannon Jr.

Anthony Edwards is the clear star of the Minnesota Timberwolves and one of the brightest young talents in the NBA. In the 2023-24 season, he took another leap forward, averaging 25.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 5.1 assists across 79 games. Edwards has become the focal point of the Wolves' offense, known for his explosive scoring ability, whether it’s driving to the basket, hitting tough mid-range shots, or knocking down three-pointers. His continued development as a playmaker and defender adds layers to his game, making him not just a scorer but a well-rounded threat on the court. As the Timberwolves aim for a deep playoff run, Edwards will be the key figure leading the charge.

PJ Dozier did not play in the NBA during the 2023-24 season. Instead, he spent the year overseas with KK Partizan in Serbia, where he appeared in 33 games and averaged 9.2 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game while shooting 49% from the field. Dozier is known for his versatility as a guard-forward and his strong defensive skills. Although his shooting has been inconsistent throughout his career, he provides value with his length, defensive acumen, and ability to play multiple positions.

Terrence Shannon Jr. was selected by the Timberwolves with the 27th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Standing at 6'6", Shannon is known for his athleticism, defensive potential, and ability to score in transition. Although he’s entering his rookie season, Shannon made a solid impression during the NBA Summer League before being sidelined by a toe injury. The Timberwolves are excited about his potential, viewing him as a key piece for the future who can contribute on both ends of the floor.

Small Forwards

Jaden McDaniels, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Joe Ingles

Jaden McDaniels continues to be a key piece for the Timberwolves, especially on the defensive end. During the 2023-24 season, McDaniels averaged 10.5 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.4 assists over 72 games. Known for his versatility and length, McDaniels often takes on the toughest defensive assignments, guarding multiple positions. Offensively, he’s been a reliable option, particularly with his ability to stretch the floor and knock down threes. Heading into the 2024-25 season, McDaniels is expected to continue his role as a crucial two-way player for Minnesota, providing both defensive stability and offensive support.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker proved to be an important rotational player for the Timberwolves last season, averaging 8.0 points, 2.5 assists, and 2.0 rebounds over 82 games. His defense, particularly on the perimeter, has been a standout aspect of his game, often being called upon to guard some of the league's top guards. Alexander-Walker has also shown improvement in his offensive game, especially in his shot selection and playmaking. As he continues to develop, his role as a reliable bench player or even a spot starter in the event of injuries will be vital for the Timberwolves' success.

Joe Ingles, at 36, brings a wealth of experience and basketball IQ to the Timberwolves. Last season with the Orlando Magic, he averaged 4.4 points, 3.0 assists, and 2.1 rebounds in 68 games, primarily serving as a veteran presence off the bench. Ingles is known for his shooting, particularly from beyond the arc, and his ability to facilitate offense, making him a valuable asset in the second unit. As he transitions to a new role with the Timberwolves, his experience and leadership will be essential, especially in guiding younger players and providing steady play during critical moments of the game.

Power Forwards

Karl-Anthony Towns, Josh Minott, Leonard Miller

Karl-Anthony Towns continued to be a central figure for the Timberwolves during the 2023-24 season. He averaged 21.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 3.0 assists over 62 games, showcasing his versatility as both a scorer and rebounder. His shooting efficiency remained solid, hitting 50.4% from the field and 41.6% from beyond the arc. Towns also earned his fourth All-Star selection. His ability to stretch the floor and dominate inside makes him a key player for Minnesota as they aim for playoff success this season.

Josh Minott is an emerging talent for the Timberwolves, known for his athleticism and defensive potential. Although he saw limited action in the 2023-24 season, appearing in only 25 games, Minott showcased flashes of his potential in the G League, where he averaged 16.2 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game. Standing at 6'8", Minott has the physical tools to become a versatile defender, capable of guarding multiple positions. As he continues to develop his offensive game, particularly his shooting, Minott could carve out a more significant role in the Timberwolves' rotation, providing energy and defense off the bench.

Leonard Miller is another young prospect who the Timberwolves are excited to develop. Drafted in the second round of the 2023 NBA Draft, Miller spent most of his rookie season in the G League, where he averaged 18.5 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game. At 6'10", Miller has a unique skill set for a power forward, with the ability to handle the ball, create off the dribble, and make plays for others. While still raw and developing, Miller’s potential is evident, and the Timberwolves are hopeful that he can grow into a versatile forward who can contribute on both ends of the floor. As he gains more experience, Miller will likely see increased opportunities to prove himself in the NBA.

Centers

Rudy Gobert, Naz Reid, Luka Garza

Rudy Gobert had another strong season in 2023-24, where he averaged 14.0 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game over 76 games. His dominant defensive presence earned him his fourth Defensive Player of the Year award, solidifying his status as one of the league’s top rim protectors. Gobert's ability to control the paint on both ends of the floor remains critical to the Timberwolves' success.

Naz Reid stepped up in a big way during the 2023-24 season, earning the NBA's Sixth Man of the Year award. Reid averaged 13.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in 81 games, providing a significant scoring punch off the bench. His ability to stretch the floor with his shooting and versatility in playing both the power forward and center positions made him an invaluable asset for the Timberwolves. Reid’s performance was instrumental in the team's success, as he consistently provided energy and production in his role.

Luka Garza served as reliable depth for the Timberwolves, providing additional size and scoring when needed. While he didn’t have as prominent a role as Gobert or Reid, Garza's presence in the rotation ensured that the Timberwolves maintained quality play at the center position throughout the season.

Can The Timberwolves Reach The NBA Finals?

The Minnesota Timberwolves have been building toward something special over the past few seasons. With a core led by Anthony Edwards, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Rudy Gobert, the team has consistently improved, culminating in a deep playoff run last season where they reached the Western Conference Finals. However, they fell short of their ultimate goal: making it to the NBA Finals. The question now is whether this year’s Timberwolves have what it takes to go all the way.

One of the Timberwolves' biggest strengths lies in their defense. With Rudy Gobert anchoring the paint, the Wolves have a formidable defensive presence that makes it difficult for opponents to score inside. Gobert’s ability to protect the rim, combined with Jaden McDaniels' versatility on the perimeter, gives Minnesota one of the most feared defenses in the league. Add in the contributions of Naz Reid, who can hold his own defensively while also providing scoring off the bench, and the Wolves have a defensive core that can match up with any team.

Offensively, the Timberwolves are no slouches either. Anthony Edwards continues to evolve into a bona fide superstar, capable of taking over games with his scoring and playmaking. Karl-Anthony Towns remains a matchup nightmare with his ability to stretch the floor and score from anywhere on the court. The addition of veteran players like Mike Conley and Joe Ingles adds stability and experience to the lineup, ensuring that the Wolves can execute in crunch time.

Injuries have plagued the Timberwolves in the past, and staying healthy will be crucial for their success. Karl-Anthony Towns missed a significant portion of the previous season due to injury, and the team’s fortunes could hinge on his ability to stay on the court. Similarly, maintaining the health of key players like Gobert and Edwards is essential if the Wolves hope to make a deep playoff run.

The Western Conference remains as competitive as ever, with teams like the Denver Nuggets, Phoenix Suns, and Oklahoma City Thunder all posing significant challenges. However, the Timberwolves have the talent and potential to hang with these teams. If they can stay healthy, maintain their defensive intensity, and continue to develop their young players, there’s no reason why Minnesota can’t make a serious push for the NBA Finals.