While Minnesota’s roster moves over the past week improved the Timberwolves’ salary cap situation and solved the team’s point guard conundrum, they also flipped one of the team’s greatest positions of strength – power forward – to a barren wasteland.
As it stands, the Wolves would likely need to start Jaden McDaniels – their slender, premier perimeter defender – at the four spot in a suddenly, significantly smaller lineup than they’ve trotted out in the past.
Perhaps that’s the plan. It certainly could increase pace and ****** ing. Four wings playing around one center proved to be an effective approach for the Spurs last season. But San Antonio’s lack of a viable power forward did also contribute to the team’s eventual demise in the NBA Finals.
If nothing else, it’s nice to have options to counter whatever conundrums arise throughout the 82-game campaign and beyond.
But even if Tim Connelly and Co. want to add size to the roster this week – free agency opens on Tuesday evening – there are few avenues to do so. The most Minnesota can likely offer any player in a signing is $6.5 million annually. And the Wolves are out of future draft picks to trade.