A Timeline Of How The Timberwolves Built A Championship Team After Being One Of The Worst NBA Franchises

The Minnesota Timberwolves have become a surprise powerhouse in the NBA, now facing off against the Dallas Mavericks in the Western Conference Finals. It's a remarkable shift for a team that missed the playoffs entirely from 2019 to 2022 and then got knocked out in the first round in both 2023 and 2024. Their rise has been nothing short of spectacular.

Just a few years ago, it was hard to imagine the Timberwolves in this position. After years of struggle and early playoff exits, they've made a series of smart moves that have turned them into real contenders. From big trades and smart draft picks to solid player development, Minnesota has put together a team that's tough to beat. This article takes a look at how the Timberwolves went from missing the playoffs to being a top team in the West.

June 25, 2015 - Drafting Karl-Anthony Towns

On June 25, 2015, the Minnesota Timberwolves selected Karl-Anthony Towns with the first overall pick in the NBA Draft. Towns, a standout from the University of Kentucky, was highly regarded for his combination of size, skill, and versatility. His selection was seen as a major step forward for the franchise, aiming to build a competitive team around him.

However, Towns' early years with the Timberwolves were marked by struggles. Despite his impressive individual performances, the team had difficulty translating his talent into wins. In his first six seasons, the Timberwolves made only one playoff appearance, in 2018, where they were eliminated in the first round. During this period, Towns averaged strong numbers, but the team lacked the additional pieces needed to support his efforts and achieve consistent success.

The turning point came with the selection of Anthony Edwards in the 2020 NBA Draft. Edwards brought a new dynamic to the team, providing the explosive scoring and leadership that had been missing. Over the past three seasons, since Edwards' arrival, the Timberwolves have seen significant improvement. Towns continued to contribute solidly, averaging 21.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game in the 2023-24 season, but it was Edwards who emerged as the game-changer.

Towns' role evolved with Edwards taking on more of the scoring burden. This adjustment allowed Towns to focus on other aspects of his game, including defense and playmaking. The synergy between Towns and Edwards, along with other key acquisitions, has propelled the Timberwolves to deeper playoff runs, including their current journey to the Western Conference Finals.

While Towns remains a critical piece of the team, it is clear that the addition of Edwards provided the spark that transformed the Timberwolves into serious contenders. The combination of Towns' established presence and Edwards' emerging stardom has given Minnesota a balanced and formidable roster, poised for continued success.

July 5, 2019 - Signing Naz Reid

On July 5, 2019, the Minnesota Timberwolves made a pivotal move by signing Naz Reid to a two-way contract after he went undrafted. Reid quickly proved his worth, showcasing his versatility and skill set, and eventually earned a full NBA contract. His journey from an undrafted player to a key contributor epitomizes the Timberwolves' strategic player development.

Reid's impact on the team has grown significantly over the years. In the 2023-24 season, he averaged 13.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game, earning the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award. His ability to stretch the floor with his shooting, combined with his rebounding and defensive capabilities, has made him an invaluable asset for the Timberwolves. He shot an impressive 41.4% from three-point range, adding a critical dimension to Minnesota's offense.

Reid's development has been instrumental in bolstering Minnesota's depth and overall team performance. His contributions off the bench have provided the Timberwolves with a reliable scoring option and defensive presence, helping them achieve a 56-26 record and secure the third seed in the Western Conference. This season, Reid's performances have been crucial in Minnesota's playoff run, underscoring the importance of smart, under-the-radar acquisitions in building a championship contender.

November 18, 2020 - Drafting Anthony Edwards And Acquiring Jaden McDaniels

The Minnesota Timberwolves made a franchise-defining decision on November 18, 2020, by selecting Anthony Edwards as the first overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. Edwards, known for his explosive athleticism and scoring ability, quickly demonstrated his potential in his rookie season. He averaged 19.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game, earning him a spot on the NBA All-Rookie First Team.

In the following seasons, Edwards continued to grow as a player. By the 2024 playoffs, he had established himself as one of the league's premier young talents. During these playoffs, Edwards has been exceptional, averaging 28.9 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game. His ability to take over games, especially in high-pressure situations, has been crucial for the Timberwolves' deep playoff run.

Edwards' standout performances include a 43-point game against the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference Semifinals, where he showcased his scoring versatility and clutch play. His leadership and on-court presence have been vital in guiding the Timberwolves through challenging matchups.

Alongside Edwards, the Timberwolves also got Jaden McDaniels in the same draft as the Lakers selected him and then traded to the Wolves. McDaniels has developed into a key player for Minnesota, known for his defensive prowess and versatility. In the 2024 playoffs, McDaniels has averaged 11.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game, providing crucial support on both ends of the floor. His growth, alongside Edwards, has fortified the Timberwolves' young core, making them a formidable team in the postseason.

February 22, 2021 - Hiring Chris Finch

The Minnesota Timberwolves appointed Chris Finch as their head coach on February 22, 2021. Finch brought extensive experience from his roles as an assistant coach with the Toronto Raptors, New Orleans Pelicans, and Denver Nuggets. Known for his innovative offensive strategies and ability to develop young talent, Finch's arrival marked a significant turning point for the Timberwolves.

In his first full season with the Timberwolves (2021-2022), Finch led the team to a 46-36 record, securing their first playoff berth since 2018. Although the team was eliminated in the first round, this season demonstrated the potential for growth under Finch's leadership. The following season (2022-2023), the Timberwolves finished with a 42-40 record and made the playoffs again, but faced another first-round exit.

The 2023-2024 season marked a breakthrough for the Timberwolves. Under Finch's guidance, the team finished with an impressive 56-26 record, establishing themselves as a formidable force in the league. Finch's coaching style, emphasizing offensive creativity and defensive resilience, played a crucial role in developing the team's young core, including stars like Anthony Edwards and Jaden McDaniels. His ability to adapt and maximize his players' strengths has been instrumental in the Timberwolves' transformation.

In the 2024 playoffs, Finch has been a key figure in several notable victories. The Timberwolves, under his leadership, managed a historic Game 7 comeback against the Denver Nuggets, overcoming a 20-point deficit to advance to the Western Conference Finals. Finch's strategic acumen and leadership have been vital in guiding the Timberwolves through the postseason, showcasing his impact on the team's success. This season's deep playoff run, culminating in their current battle against the Dallas Mavericks in the Western Conference Finals, highlights the significant strides the team has made under Finch's tenure.

July 6, 2022 - Acquiring Rudy Gobert

In a bold move to enhance their defensive capabilities, the Minnesota Timberwolves acquired Rudy Gobert from the Utah Jazz on July 6, 2022. This blockbuster trade involved the Timberwolves sending Malik Beasley, Patrick Beverley, Jarred Vanderbilt, Leandro Bolmaro, Walker Kessler, and a series of first-round draft picks (2023, 2025, and 2027 unprotected, a 2029 top-five protected pick, and a 2026 pick swap) to Utah.

Rudy Gobert, a three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year and six-time All-Defensive First Team member brought an immediate defensive upgrade to the Timberwolves. His presence significantly bolstered Minnesota's defensive efficiency and rebounding, areas where the team had previously struggled. In the 2021-2022 season, the Timberwolves were ranked 25th in defensive rebounding, a weakness Gobert's league-leading 14.7 rebounds per game was expected to address.

Gobert's impact went beyond traditional statistics. Known for his ability to alter shots and protect the rim, he led the league in defensive field goal percentage at the rim, holding opponents to just 49.3% shooting. His influence on the court transformed the Timberwolves' defensive strategy, allowing them to compete more effectively against top-tier teams.

This acquisition marked a significant step in the Timberwolves' evolution into a championship contender. Gobert's arrival complemented the team's young core, including Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns, setting the stage for Minnesota's impressive playoff performance. His defensive prowess has been a key factor in their deep playoff run in the 2024 season, demonstrating the transformative impact of this high-profile trade.

February 8, 2023 - Trading D'Angelo Russell For Mike Conley

In a strategic move aimed at bolstering their playoff hopes, the Minnesota Timberwolves participated in a three-team trade on February 8, 2023. This deal saw the Timberwolves send D'Angelo Russell to the Los Angeles Lakers while acquiring veteran point guard Mike Conley from the Utah Jazz. The trade also involved the Timberwolves receiving Nickeil Alexander-Walker and several second-round draft picks.

D'Angelo Russell, who had been with the Timberwolves since February 2020, was averaging 17.9 points and 6.2 assists per game during the 2022-23 season. His scoring ability and playmaking were key assets, but the Timberwolves sought a more experienced and steadying presence at the point guard position as they aimed for a deeper playoff run.

Mike Conley, a seasoned veteran known for his leadership and defensive skills, provided the Timberwolves with exactly that. Averaging 10.7 points and 7.7 assists per game at the time of the trade, Conley's experience, particularly his previous synergy with Rudy Gobert from their time together on the Jazz, was seen as a valuable addition to the Timberwolves' lineup.

This trade was all about boosting team chemistry and gearing up for a stronger playoff run. Adding Alexander-Walker and those extra draft picks also gave Minnesota a brighter future, making this move a win for both now and later.

Overall Conclusions

The Minnesota Timberwolves' quick rise to becoming a championship contender is all about smart decisions and key moves. Drafting Anthony Edwards and Jaden McDaniels in 2020 was a game-changer, bringing in young talent that has really paid off. Edwards' scoring and McDaniels' defense have been huge for the team.

Hiring Chris Finch as head coach in 2021 was another big step. Finch brought fresh strategies and a knack for developing players, which has helped the team improve every season. This all led to their impressive 2024 playoff run.

Trading for Rudy Gobert in 2022 added some serious defense to the mix. Gobert's skills in rebounding and shot-blocking have made the Timberwolves a much tougher team to beat. Then, in 2023, the midseason trade for veteran point guard Mike Conley gave the team some much-needed experience and leadership. Conley's history with Gobert helped boost team chemistry even more.

All these moves have not only made the Timberwolves better right now but also set them up for long-term success. With a solid mix of young talent and experienced players, Minnesota is looking strong as a serious contender in the NBA.