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The 2018-19 NBA season was a disappointment for the Minnesota Timberwolves to say the least. After acquiring Jimmy Butler last season and making the playoffs in 2018 by beating the Denver Nuggets in the last regular season game, better things were expected for Minnesota this season. However, it started with the Jimmy Butler drama. His teammates were too soft and he wanted a mega contract extension.
A deal was struck with the Philadelphia 76ers. On first look, it should have helped the Timberwolves receiving the services of Robert Covington, Dario Saric, and Jerryd Bayless. It also meant alleviating the franchise of a headache in Jimmy Butler. It didn’t work out.
The Timberwolves finished 2019 with a 36-46 record and 11th overall in the west and took a step back from their progress in 2018. Other concerns arose as star Andrew Wiggins saw a decline in his play averaging just 18.1ppg in 2019 while he had peaked at 23.6ppg back in 2017.
With the 11th pick at the 2019 NBA Draft and what is sure to be a busy off-season for Timberwolves general manager Scott Layden, the Timberwolves have some work to do if they wish to return to the playoffs in 2020.
In the meantime here is a short trip down memory lane and a quick look at three outstanding performances by Timberwolves’ players this season.
Andrew Wiggins January 8th, 2019 vs OKC Thunder
Andrew Wiggins is a Canadian forward originally drafted by the Cavaliers’ back in 2014 and traded that summer to Minnesota. He has been a star ever since but seems to have peaked two seasons ago when he averaged over 23ppg.
At just 23 years of age, there is still much time for Wiggins to improve. Along with Karl-Anthony Towns and an 11th overall pick at the 2019 NBA Draft to come, Minnesota should have a strong young core of players.
This, however, does not address the heart and desire of the players involved and whether Wiggins' perceived drop in quality of play is due to a desire to play elsewhere or something else. On January 8th, of this year, he gave a classic example of just what he is capable of when focused on the task at hand.
In a victory over the OKC Thunder, Wiggins scored 40 points and added 10 rebounds for a double-double. Wiggins shot 11/24 from the field that night and his desire to get to the basket was undeniable as he made 16/18 free throws.
Karl-Anthony Towns November 9th, 2018 vs the Sacramento Kings
Karl-Anthony Towns is the star center of the Minnesota Timberwolves. At 7’0 and 248lbs he brings an impressive array of talents to the basketball court. Since entering the NBA in 2015, he has averaged a double-double every season. In 2019 he produced 24.4ppg and 12.4rpg. He was an all-star in 2018 and 2019. Towns has also been named NBA Rookie of the Year in 2016.
It was hoped by Minnesota’s management that he and Andrew Wiggins could gel and form a solid nucleus to build the team around. After 4 years together, it just hasn't worked yet. However, Wiggins is just 23 years old and Anthony-towns is the same as well.
On November 9th, 2018 which began a string of three consecutive games in which the big man recorded double-doubles, Anthony Towns was outstanding. In a loss to the Sacramento Kings, he scored 39 points, grabbed 19 rebounds - nine of which were off the offensive glass, he shot 40% from long range, and 55.6% from the field overall.
When and if he and Wiggins figure out how to elevate their games and become complete players, Minnesota may become a fearsome team in the near future.
Derrick Rose October 31st, 2018 vs Utah Jazz
After suffering an ACL injury that cost him the majority of the 2011-12 season and all of 2012-13 one, Derrick Rose has been unable to play a full season. Its been disheartening for fans and surely for the star 6’3 point guard who quite literally held the fortunes of the Chicago Bulls in his hands. Prior to the injury, he was a perennial all-star and MVP candidate.
Since leaving Chicago in 2016, Rose has bounced around the league a bit playing for the Knicks, Cavaliers and now Minnesota. He had been relegated to bench duties mostly and was a backup point guard in Minnesota behind Jeff Teague this season.
When injury troubles pressed Rose into starter duties temporarily, he produced a throwback performance on Halloween night in 2018 reminiscent of his glory days. That night, he played 40 plus minutes, dropped 50 points (a career high) on Utah on 61.3% shooting, with 6 assists and he was 8/11 from the free throw line.
Rose was left in tears after the game perhaps because it's not that he forgot how to play but rather his body won’t allow him to play at that level consistently anymore.
Guess the Lakers players!
