NBA Western Power Rankings Week 8: Clippers hang onto 4th
By Tom West
Dec 18, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kevin Garnett (21) celebrates after scoring in the third quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Target Center. The Timberwolves won 99-95. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
12th: Minnesota Timberwolves (13 points)
By Tom West
Record: 11-18
Last 10 games: 3-7
The Timberwolves frequently show signs of where they’re heading. With players like Andrew Wiggins, Karl-Anthony Towns and Zach LaVine, they have a better core of first and second year players than every team in the NBA. Along with the likes of Gorgui Dieng, Shabazz Muhammad and Ricky Rubio, they have a group of talent with real potential for the future.
They have athleticism, defense, playmakers, scorers, and all the kinds of pieces that can give fans something to enjoy. The problem with this youth, though (as you’d expect), is consistency.
They’ve had spells of solid play over the first portion of the season and they’re going to surpass their total of 16 wins from 2014-15 by a mile. However, while their rankings of 17th and 20th in offensive and defensive efficiency, respectively, are solid, they still don’t have enough experience or pieces to go much further right now.
Wiggins has upped his scoring to 20.9 points per game and Towns is having a tremendous rookie season with averages of 15.9 points, 9.4 rebounds and 2 blocks per game. That’s as much as fans could hope for, and it’s showing their potential to emerge as a top team in a few years time.
This season is all about experience and development for the young players. In time, the wins will come.
Next: Denver Nuggets