What’s Wrong with the Timberwolves Offense?

Following a massive loss at home against the New York Knicks, the Minnesota Timberwolves have been completely stagnant on the offensive end. “We don’t have an identity,” said Anthony Edwards. “We know I’m going to shoot a bunch of shots, and Julius Randle is going to shoot a bunch of shots, but that’s all we know.” When asked about what needs to change, Edwards held his comments to himself. So, what is the answer for the Timberwolves?

It’s a matter of spacing, as the loss of Karl-Anthony Towns is proving to be a major issue. Julius Randle has done a great job contributing on the scoring end, but it has interfered with the flow of the offense. With Randle, Rudy Gobert, and Jaden McDaniels on the floor at once, “I can’t get downhill,” admits Edwards. The Timberwolves need a true playmaker, aiming to set up the offense, along with more perimeter threats to stretch the floor.

Obviously, the ball will be in Edwards’ hands for most of the game, but the Timberwolves need to find a way to allow him to work off the ball. With Edwards’ athletic ability being limited because there are more people towards the paint and his tendency to shoot threes on the rise this year, a dominant ball handler to set up the floor is needed. In addition, a rotation of key bench players that can shoot needs more involvement, with mixed looks of what five players are on the court. In Edwards' own words, the Timberwolves are “a defensive team.” The formula for success is to not change much and stick to the defensive side of the ball. They currently rank in the top five for defensive efficiency, proving to be one of the best in the league again. However, they are 29th in offensive efficiency, only better than the Washington Wizards as it stands. If the key is the defensive end, it will take a huge effort to establish themselves as one of the best teams in the league for a consecutive year.