PP: Six bold predictions for the 2025-26 Timberwolves season (Minnesota wins 53 games, falls in Round 2 to Denver)

[BleedGopher]

Per Jace:

Minnesota wins 53 games, falls in Round 2 to Denver​

Even in a talented West, the combination of Minnesota’s top-eight talent, Edwards and experience make the Wolves a clear-cut top four team in the conference. A strong start figures to pave a smooth path for the regular season.

But a significant jump is required for the Wolves to be true title contenders, something they were not a year ago. That will have to come in the form of improved team offense, more consistent defensive effort and individual development.

The guess here is they make strides in two of those three categories, but it’s not quite enough to keep pace with Oklahoma City and the Nuggets’ revamped roster.

Six bold predictions for the 2025-26 Timberwolves season

The Timberwolves will start fast, but how will they finish?

www.twincities.com

Howl Wolves!!

 

[Slim Tubby]

For a team that has NBA Title aspirations, heading into the season with Conley, Dilly and Bones Hyland as our PGs doesn't exactly instill much confidence.

With many teams in the West like GS, HOU, LAC, DEN and DAL strengthening their rosters in the off-season, I fear a serious regression might be coming our way this year. Excited to see how TSJ and Beringer progress, though.

 

[kg21]

For a team that has NBA Title aspirations, heading into the season with Conley, Dilly and Bones Hyland as our PGs doesn't exactly instill much confidence.

With many teams in the West like GS, HOU, LAC, DEN and DAL strengthening their rosters in the off-season, I fear a serious regression might be coming our way this year. Excited to see how TSJ and Beringer progress, though.

they are going to start games again this year with can't score Rudy, can't score Conley, and occasionally score McDaniels.

Once again, sorry, Ant!

 

[GopherWeatherGuy]

The Wolves are going to be just fine this year. Basketball, more than any other sport is about cohesion.

OKC added 1 solid player to their roster after getting bounced in the 2nd round a year ago. Then they dominated their way to a NBA championship. They just let their team grow up. The Wolves can do the same.

 

[Gopher_In_NYC]

For a team that has NBA Title aspirations, heading into the season with Conley, Dilly and Bones Hyland as our PGs doesn't exactly instill much confidence.

The Athletic ranked starting players by position and the Wolves had all in the Top15, except Mikey who was 25; no other playoff team had a PG in the 20s. Ant was #1 SG IIRC.

What they’re accomplishing with him starting is semi-miraculous. He’d be the perfect backup PG, but unless Dilly surprises and takes a quantum leap forward - they’ll need to find a new one next year.

With many teams in the West like GS, HOU, LAC, DEN and DAL strengthening their rosters in the off-season, I fear a serious regression might be coming our way this year. Excited to see how TSJ and Beringer progress, though.

 

[jamiche]

For a team that has NBA Title aspirations, heading into the season with Conley, Dilly and Bones Hyland as our PGs doesn't exactly instill much confidence.

With many teams in the West like GS, HOU, LAC, DEN and DAL strengthening their rosters in the off-season, I fear a serious regression might be coming our way this year. Excited to see how TSJ and Beringer progress, though.

I really have no idea how the season is going to play out. I like the continuity. I think Ant will continue to progress, as will McDaniels offensively. Agree about being excited about TSJ and Berenger. As much as I liked NAW, I don't think they will miss him that much. Rudy will drive me batshit crazy but I've come to accept that and appreciate the one or two things he does well. Finch remains the best coach the wolves have ever had by far, though I hope his rotation expands this year.

Three concerns (from watching an unhealthy amount of preseason ball):

1. Julius and Ant's continued ball dominance. This team just doesn't consistently move the ball the way the best teams do.
2. The PG situation (obvious). The only thing Conley can still do is hit a wide open three. Otherwise he hurts the team. Dilly clearly tries on defense but he gets cooked. Finch won't be able to play him against even an average size PG. Offensively, his quickness is fun but there's no consistency and it doesn't look like he has a plan. Ant and DDV aren't the answer. They are scorers and Ant doesn't really facilitate.
3. Nobody is really talking about injuries. Ant has played 78-80 games each of his first five years. Can we continue to count on that? What does the season look like if he plays 60-65 games?

I could see this team winning 55 games and finishing second in the west. I could also see them winning 43 games and scrambling to get in the play in. As I said, no idea.

 

[Gopher_In_NYC]

they are going to start games again this year with can't score Rudy, can't score Conley, and occasionally score McDaniels.

Unfortunate facts, are still FACTS

Once again, sorry, Ant!

 

[Slim Tubby]

The Athletic ranked starting players by position and the Wolves had all in the Top15, except Mikey who was 25; no other playoff team had a PG in the 20s. Ant was #1 SG IIRC.

What they’re accomplishing with him starting is semi-miraculous. He’d be the perfect backup PG, but unless Dilly surprises and takes a quantum leap forward - they’ll need to find a new one next year.

Even with SGA, OKC will never give up Cason Wallace, especially to a WC rival, but he's exactly who we need.

As it stands, I think finishing in the Top 6 might be a real struggle:

1. OKC added :
* Topic (2024 FRP) back from injury
* Everyone else returns

2. DEN added:
* Cam Johnson
* Jonas Valancuinas
* Tim Hardway Jr
* Bruce Bowen

3. LAC Added:
* Bradley Beal
* Brook Lopez
* John Collins
* Chris Paul

4. GSW added:
* Al Horford
* Gary Payton Jr
* Butler fully healthy

5. HOU added:
* Kevin Durant
* Clint Capela
* FVV season injury a huge loss

6. DAL added:
* Cooper Flagg
* Healthy Kyrie Irving
* Healthy Anthony Davis

7. MIN added
* 3rd string PG

8. LAL added:
* DeAndre Ayton
* Marcus Smart
* Full year with Doncic

 

[GopherWeatherGuy]

Even with SGA, OKC will never give up Cason Wallace, especially to a WC rival, but he's exactly who we need.

As it stands, I think finishing in the Top 6 might be a real struggle:

1. OKC added :
* Topic (2024 FRP) back from injury
* Everyone else returns

2. DEN added:
* Cam Johnson
* Jonas Valancuinas
* Tim Hardway Jr
* Bruce Bowen

3. LAC Added:
* Bradley Beal
* Brook Lopez
* John Collins
* Chris Paul

4. GSW added:
* Al Horford
* Gary Payton Jr
* Butler fully healthy

5. HOU added:
* Kevin Durant
* Clint Capela
* FVV season injury a huge loss

6. DAL added:
* Cooper Flagg
* Healthy Kyrie Irving
* Healthy Anthony Davis

7. MIN added
* 3rd string PG

8. LAL added:
* DeAndre Ayton
* Marcus Smart
* Full year with Doncic

You're banking on a lot of old and often injured guys to stay healthy and play well to have the Wolves in a play in game after back to back western conference finals trips.

I think the Wolves are easily a top 4 team in the West. Possibly top 2.