2022-2023 Timberwolves Predictions (standings/stats/roles)

[BlacJacMac]

1. KAT has a monster year - 23 ppg 9 rpg. I believe KAT has always kind of hated playing in the post. He lost of bunch of weight last year which helped his ISO game but he got his butt kicked by bigger centers and it led to frustration. I think behind the scenes he's been begging for a big to do the dirty work. He will be refreshed and all smiles during the season.

So a monster year doing more of the little things that aren't reflected in the boxscore?

He hasn't scored less than 24.4 PPG in 5 years and he's a career 11.3 RPG guy.

[NebWolvesFan]

1. KAT has a monster year - 23 ppg 9 rpg. I believe KAT has always kind of hated playing in the post. He lost of bunch of weight last year which helped his ISO game but he got his butt kicked by bigger centers and it led to frustration. I think behind the scenes he's been begging for a big to do the dirty work. He will be refreshed and all smiles during the season.

So a monster year doing more of the little things that aren't reflected in the boxscore?

He hasn't scored less than 24.4 PPG in 5 years and he's a career 11.3 RPG guy.

I think with the growth of Ant and Jaden, and the acquisition of Rudy, Kat's counting numbers will go down, but he will still have a big year at PF.

[life_saver]

I selfishly hope that Ant has a great season but ends up getting unfairly snubbed in All-NBA team selections

[Klomp]

1. KAT has a monster year - 23 ppg 9 rpg. I believe KAT has always kind of hated playing in the post. He lost of bunch of weight last year which helped his ISO game but he got his butt kicked by bigger centers and it led to frustration. I think behind the scenes he's been begging for a big to do the dirty work. He will be refreshed and all smiles during the season.

So a monster year doing more of the little things that aren't reflected in the boxscore?

He hasn't scored less than 24.4 PPG in 5 years and he's a career 11.3 RPG guy.

I think with the growth of Ant and Jaden, and the acquisition of Rudy, Kat's counting numbers will go down, but he will still have a big year at PF.

A couple of things to think about.

First of all, Beasley's volume scoring will be missed. I know a lot of people are hopeful Nowell will take on that role, but it likely won't be at the same volume.

Part of that volume replacement in 3-point shooting specifically will be added to Towns' responsibilities. His per-36 volume was roughly three attempts below his career high, despite his efficiency not dropping with higher volume earlier in his career. Gobert's addition combined with Beasley's departure will open up that part of Towns' skill set to flourish. So while his total FGA may stay similar, his points would improve just by his shot selection.

I also wouldn't rule out Towns getting a kinder whistle just due to the team being better but also him going against smaller players even if it's not all on post-ups. Though actually, he did pretty well in that category last year, finishing Top 10 in free throw attempts per game (6.3). Getting to the line should be a strength for the team as a whole, as Gobert also finished Top 10 (6.7). Second on the team last year was Edwards at just 3.9 per game.

[Klomp]

I think with the growth of Ant and Jaden, and the acquisition of Rudy, Kat's counting numbers will go down, but he will still have a big year at PF.

There will be a reshuffling of statistics and roles with the new roster no doubt. Who picks up the slack remains to be seen, but typically the responsibility falls on the best player(s). We were a Top 10 scoring bench last season. With the scoring likely more focused on fewer players, there might not be the same scoring load. Swapping out Vanderbilt for McDaniels will lower it some. I wouldn't expect Nowell to assume the full Beasley scoring load either. These examples will create an avenue for all of our starters to grow their scoring loads as needed.

One thing that could hold back Towns' counting stats is if we play so well that we are blowing teams out, stars will be resting a lot at the end of games. But in terms of your typical game averages, I believe we could easily see Towns average something like 28/8. The addition of Gobert will likely hold back his rebounding numbers, but I think having Gobert will allow him to focus more on offensive efficiency as well. Edwards will grow in his role, but I think the stats will only improve minimally in volume on greater efficiency. 21 ppg is still very good where he's starting at, but he might bump up to 24 ppg.

[KGdaBom]

I think with the growth of Ant and Jaden, and the acquisition of Rudy, Kat's counting numbers will go down, but he will still have a big year at PF.

There will be a reshuffling of statistics and roles with the new roster no doubt. Who picks up the slack remains to be seen, but typically the responsibility falls on the best player(s). We were a Top 10 scoring bench last season. With the scoring likely more focused on fewer players, there might not be the same scoring load. Swapping out Vanderbilt for McDaniels will lower it some. I wouldn't expect Nowell to assume the full Beasley scoring load either. These examples will create an avenue for all of our starters to grow their scoring loads as needed.

One thing that could hold back Towns' counting stats is if we play so well that we are blowing teams out, stars will be resting a lot at the end of games. But in terms of your typical game averages, I believe we could easily see Towns average something like 28/8. The addition of Gobert will likely hold back his rebounding numbers, but I think having Gobert will allow him to focus more on offensive efficiency as well. Edwards will grow in his role, but I think the stats will only improve minimally in volume on greater efficiency. 21 ppg is still very good where he's starting at, but he might bump up to 24 ppg.

It's amazing we have two players as offensively gifted as KAT and Ant. Having Rudy is only going to free them up to be even better offensively I'm so psyched for what will happen this season.

[KG_And1]

I think we’ll finish top 3 in West and surprise many. Last season we had Memphis emerge as a surprise team, the year before we had Phoenix, this year I can see the Wolves be that surprise team.

Trading for Gobert, a 3x DPOTY, in his prime, is no minor move. I feel like many, outside the Wolves organization, do not realize how much better he is going to make us. I would be more surprised if we won less than 50 games and less surprised to see us winning 60.

Gobert - I see him having a similar statistical year; maybe less points.

KAT - I can see him having similar points, more rebounds, and more assists - all on similar efficiency.

JMac - should be starting but I can see Kyle Anderson starting many games should JMac struggle early again. No major change in stats.

Edwards - I wouldn’t be surprised if Ant averages 30 points a game this season, tbh.

Russell - just hoping for better efficiency and smarter plays.

- I can see Gobert, KAT, and Edwards all making the All Star game. Gobert likely 3rd team All NBA and 1st team Defense. KAT and Edwards could both be 2nd team All NBA.

[bluethunder0005]

Barring injury I predict:

50-32, #4 seed in West (behind PHX, GSW, and DEN)
Make the 2nd round and either beat PHX or lose to GSW. Unsure of matchup against DEN, could go either way.

KAT makes an All-NBA team (probably 2nd team), Gobert is first team All-Defense and finishes top 3 for DPOTY with a good chance of winning, and Finch finishes top 3 for COTY. KAT will make the All-Star team and Edwards may as well. Edwards takes a nice jump defensively and scores more efficiently but doesn't take a big leap in volume scoring. Keeping DLo after the Gobert acquisition pays off to be the correct move.

[Klomp]

Am I crazy, or is a Durant trade the only thing potentially standing in the way of Connelly and Executive of the Year assuming we finish high in the West?

[KGdaBom]

Am I crazy, or is a Durant trade the only thing potentially standing in the way of Connelly and Executive of the Year assuming we finish high in the West?

Klomp we all know you're crazy , but if the Wolves make the WCF or better I would think Connelly gets executive of the year.

[TimberKat]

If big3s is the way to build an NBA championship team, the Twolves stack up very well against all the other teams. Our support cast is as good as most. So, 53 wins and conference final. I think only GSW is better. Clippers, Nuggets, Nets, Lakers has as many question marks as we do. Maybe someone could try to rank them.

Nuggets: Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr.
Heat: Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, Kyle Lowry
Suns: Devin Booker, Chris Paul, Deandre Ayton
76ers: Joel Embiid, James Harden, Tobias Harris
Warriors: Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, Klay Thompson
Bucks: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, Jrue Holiday
Nets: Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, Ben Simmons
Lakers: LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Russell Westbrook
Celtics: Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Malcolm Brogdon
Clippers: Paul George, Kawhi Leonard, John Wall
Hawks: John Collins, Dejounte Murray, Trae Young
Cavaliers: Jarrett Allen, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley
Pelicans: Brandon Ingram, CJ McCollum, Zion Williamson
Raptors: Scottie Barnes, Pascal Siakam, Fred VanVleet
Timberwolves: Anthony Edwards, Rudy Gobert, KAT

[KGdaBom]

If big3s is the way to build an NBA championship team, the Twolves stack up very well against all the other teams. Our support cast is as good as most. So, 53 wins and conference final. I think only GSW is better. Clippers, Nuggets, Nets, Lakers has as many question marks as we do. Maybe someone could try to rank them.

Nuggets: Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr.
Heat: Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, Kyle Lowry
Suns: Devin Booker, Chris Paul, Deandre Ayton
76ers: Joel Embiid, James Harden, Tobias Harris
Warriors: Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, Klay Thompson
Bucks: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, Jrue Holiday
Nets: Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, Ben Simmons
Lakers: LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Russell Westbrook
Celtics: Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Malcolm Brogdon
Clippers: Paul George, Kawhi Leonard, John Wall
Hawks: John Collins, Dejounte Murray, Trae Young
Cavaliers: Jarrett Allen, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley
Pelicans: Brandon Ingram, CJ McCollum, Zion Williamson
Raptors: Scottie Barnes, Pascal Siakam, Fred VanVleet
Timberwolves: Anthony Edwards, Rudy Gobert, KAT

Thanks for compiling that. I think ours is best, but I know I'm biased so other than ours who do we all think is the best? I'd go with Giannis, Middleton and Holiday.

[Nick K]

I think something big to think about is Kat not committing so many fouls with Rudy in there. Rudy should relieve a lot of pressure on Kat there.

[shrink]

I think something big to think about is Kat not committing so many fouls with Rudy in there. Rudy should relieve a lot of pressure on Kat there.

Yep! That’s the big question of the entire season to me.

Can KAT avoid picking up fouls in his PF minutes, reaching and plowing through screens on the perimeter?

Or can he fight his temperament so far and let a few players get past him without fouling, letting Rudy clean up for him?

I don’t know which one I’d bet on, but if KAT can reign it in and avoid picking up defensive fouls, this team will go a long long way.

[winforlose]

So this is a depth chart, not a rotation chart. Obviously a rotation might have staggered lineups and more or less than 10 men in the rotation.

PG: Dlo, JMAC, Nowell, Rivers, Moore

SG: Ant, Nowell, Forbes, Rivers, Lawson, Moore

SF: MCD, Prince, Lawson, Anderson, Minott, Paschall

PF: KAT, Anderson, Knight, Paschall, Minott

C: Rudy, KAT, Naz, Knight, Paschall

Naz might slot into PF at some point, but this just seems a little more of a safe bet.

[Grubie024]

If big3s is the way to build an NBA championship team, the Twolves stack up very well against all the other teams. Our support cast is as good as most. So, 53 wins and conference final. I think only GSW is better. Clippers, Nuggets, Nets, Lakers has as many question marks as we do. Maybe someone could try to rank them.

Nuggets: Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr.
Heat: Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, Kyle Lowry
Suns: Devin Booker, Chris Paul, Deandre Ayton
76ers: Joel Embiid, James Harden, Tobias Harris
Warriors: Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, Klay Thompson
Bucks: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, Jrue Holiday
Nets: Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, Ben Simmons
Lakers: LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Russell Westbrook
Celtics: Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Malcolm Brogdon
Clippers: Paul George, Kawhi Leonard, John Wall
Hawks: John Collins, Dejounte Murray, Trae Young
Cavaliers: Jarrett Allen, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley
Pelicans: Brandon Ingram, CJ McCollum, Zion Williamson
Raptors: Scottie Barnes, Pascal Siakam, Fred VanVleet
Timberwolves: Anthony Edwards, Rudy Gobert, KAT

I like how you frame this up. Agree on everything.

What's crazy to think is we aren't even putting D Lo on this list. One year ago we were pretty happy to have him in our Big 3, now he's an afterthought, and it's not due to a decline in his play.

Ranking the cores is really tough... injuries and age decline inject a lot of uncertainty
West
Warriors - getting really old now, but they're the champs
Timberwolves - this core fits together perfectly I think. Balanced. I'm a little concerned with KAT defending faster wings/PF's, but i thought he did a good enough job last year staying on his man after switches for example. Each of these three will have the best seasons yet.
Nuggets - this is assuming Murray and MPJ are healthy and effective. I'm banking on yes, and that's a dangerous big 3
Clippers - Will Kawhi regain his former level of play? PG13 is 32 now...
Pelicans - Does INgram take the next step? Is Zion the real deal? Huge potential here.
Suns - can't believe #1 seed core is down here, but I think CP3 is cooked and Ayton and Booker won't improve enough to lift them over the other cores here.

[winforlose]

Prediction: During at least one of the regular season games this year the Timberwolves will set the all time record for most blocks in a single game. I say at least one because I think it is possible they will break their own record.

[minimus]

Prediction: During at least one of the regular season games this year the Timberwolves will set the all time record for most blocks in a single game. I say at least one because I think it is possible they will break their own record.

I prefer a record for lowest opponent points in the game of the season even with 0 blocks. Just completely shut down offense of one of top teams.

[Biff Cooper]

I predict the MN Timberwolves will finally out-draw the MN Wild.

[KGdaBom]

Prediction: During at least one of the regular season games this year the Timberwolves will set the all time record for most blocks in a single game. I say at least one because I think it is possible they will break their own record.

I prefer a record for lowest opponent points in the game of the season even with 0 blocks. Just completely shut down offense of one of top teams.

How about lowest points and most blocks. The Wolves setting a new blocks record is an interesting question. They've been around for 32 years so this is just one chance to break what was established in 32 chances. However, best shot blocker in NBA plus more minutes for McDaniels.