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Minnesota Timberwolves have important figure holding them back from winning NBA title, claims former Bulls player

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network
By James Shearman | Last updated Sep 15, 2025 6:52 PM ET

The Minnesota Timberwolves are expected to be one of the leading contenders in the Western Conference again next season.

The Timberwolves have made the playoffs in the last four consecutive seasons and reached the Conference Finals in the previous two.

There is no doubt that Chris Finch’s team is excellent, but they must find another gear if they want to win the championship or even make the NBA Finals.

One former NBA player has now named the Timberwolves’ weak link, which has prevented them from advancing further into the postseason.

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Olden Polynice thinks Chris Finch is the Minnesota Timberwolves’ problem

Olden Polynice, who played 15 seasons in the NBA for five different teams, recently discussed the Timberwolves with Byron Scott.

Polynice shared the controversial take that head coach Chris Finch is actually the team’s biggest issue heading into the new season.

“As long as Finch is the head coach, nope,” he claimed. “I go with the universe, man. There are some people, certain looks, a different combination of things that tell you if you’re gonna win.

“Chris Finch does not look like a head coach. Just like Thibodeau, can you imagine him winning a championship? It ain’t happening.

“Finch is not a championship coach, because he makes all the wrong moves at all the right times.”

Polynice is also not convinced by Anthony Edwards as the Timberwolves’ first option. “I don’t like the way he’s moving,” he added.

Did the Minnesota Timberwolves improve this offseason?

Although the Minnesota Timberwolves deserve credit for consistently contending, the end goal is always to win championships.

“That’s the next step for them,” Byron Scott said. “They got a chance. We’re talking about teams that can mess around and surprise you and get there.”

Unfortunately, the Timberwolves cannot be described as anything more than a dark horse after failing to improve this offseason.

Minnesota re-signed Naz Reid and Julius Randle, but they did not make any moves that would suggest they will be better than last season.

Perhaps either of their recently drafted centers, Joan Beringer and Rocco Zikarsky, will surprise people by making an instant impact in the NBA.

This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

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