Minnesota basketball went through a dark patch. After their trip to the 2004 WCF, the Wolves have been in decline. The official start to the rebuild began with the 2007 trade of the best player in their history, Kevin Garnett. However, Minnesota had a small glimmer of hope when the 2008 NBA Draft brough them another Kevin - Kevin Love. Love went through what KG went through. Great players who had to deal with a poor front office and lackluster teammates. But the 2014 offseason brought a change. Love was shipped to Cleveland in exchange for Andrew Wiggins and Anthony Bennett - the #1 picks in the 2014 and 2013 drafts respectivelly. To solidify this new era, Saunders decided to return to the Timberwolves as their coach. He also serves as the president of Basketball operations. With that said, it's time to dig into the Timberwolves offseason.
Signings:
In terms of signings, the Wolves didn't do much. So far, the Wolves biggest signing is re-signing the 'Big Ticket', Kevin Garnett. The Re-signing of KG has more to do with KG's impact on the franchise's past and mentoring the younger players. The length of the deal is good, and having KG in the locker room can definitely help the locker room moral of the Timberwolves.
Draft:
The Timberwolves have done a good job of building their core group of players through the draft, and the 2015 NBA Draft helped add on to that. For the first time in team history, the Timberwolves held the 1st pick in the draft, and they looked to capitalize on it. Okafor is a strong player, but Karl - Anthony Towns was the better move for the Timberwolves. Towns offers superstar two-way potential. He can hit the jumper, defend the basket, and pass out of the post. Towns is very reminiscent of LaMarcus Aldridge, but a better defender. Towns was a no doubt pick.
Later in the draft, the 'Wolves picked up Tyus Jones. Jones is the hometown kid and on the best prospects in this draft. He has a feel for the game that not all players have. He also can shoot the jumper with consistency, play his role in a team defense, and manage the game. Tyus won't be a star in this league, but he will be among the best backup PGs or a good starter.
X-Factor:
Zach LaVine is the X-Factor for these young Timberwolves. His development as a Shooting Guard is key for the 'Wolves to at least improve this season. So far this Summer League, LaVine has shown a lot of improvement. He looks more comfortable working with the ball in his hands, his stroke has improved, and he looks more engaged on the defensive end of the court. LaVine has all the physical tools to be a star, now he is getting the basketball skills.
The Wolves are on the come up. The question now is, will the NBA be ready to stop this rising force.