Sir Charles in Charge
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NBA: 2018 New Year’s resolutions for the League’s top 10 teams

By Cai Owen

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 18: Kyrie Irving#11 of the Boston Celtics watches the action during the game against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on December 18, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 18: Kyrie Irving#11 of the Boston Celtics watches the action during the game against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on December 18, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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Jimmy Butler
MIAMI, FL – OCTOBER 30: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on during a game against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena on October 30, 2017 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

Minnesota Timberwolves: Extend the rotation

The Wolves are currently 4th out West, preceded by San Antonio and trailed by OKC. But there is a slight worry despite their solid start.

For the most part, Tom Thibodeau has deployed an 8 man rotation, with Tyus Jones, Jamal Crawford and Gorgui Dieng making up the bench unit. As of late, Nemanja Bjelica has earned some PT, but is rarely exceeding 10 minutes.

Minnesota’s staring five all play in excess of 34 minutes per night, headlined by Jimmy Butler’s obscene 37.8 minutes per contest. Also, the Timberwolves’ starting 5 averages 6 more minutes per game than any other lineup in the league (NBA.com).

This wear and tear will almost inevitably be costly by season’s end, with fatigue likely to be a major factor. Thibs will have to trust his roster. An 8 man rotation is understandable deep into the playoffs, but at this stage of the season, there’s no real reason why he shouldn’t be deploying 10 guys per night. He has solid options at his disposal, with the likes of Cole Aldrich, Shabazz Muhammad and Aaron Brooks.

Thibs needs to wise up and extend the rotation, otherwise his side may completely burn out.

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