NBA: Re-seeding the Western Conference after the Free Agency

9. Minnesota Timberwolves

Last season: 47-35, 8th

Notable ins: Anthony Tolliver, Josh Okogie, Keita Bates-Diop

Notable outs: Cole Aldrich

The Minnesota Timberwolves shocked the basketball world a year ago by trading for Jimmy Butler, but they have largely stayed quiet this offseason.

After making their first playoff appearance in 14 years, the Wolves have reason to feel confident heading into their second season with Butler. However, with the West improving drastically, more of the same might not be enough.

After earning a max extension, Andrew Wiggins seems to have stagnated. His shooting regressed from the field (43.8 percent) and from 3 (33.1 percent), and despite that he finished inside the top 20 in the league for field goal attempts.

Meanwhile, Karl-Anthony Towns, one of the most efficient scorers in the NBA, was third on his own team for shot attempts. Thibodeau needs to better utilize his star big man and somehow reign in Wiggins next season, or the Timberwolves will risk moving backwards.

Thibodeau’s penchant for signing his former Bulls players has also left them with some glaring holes. Taj Gibson was surprisingly effective last season, but he’s another year older and still not a great fit next to Towns.

Derrick Rose played over a promising young shooter in Tyus Jones, and there have even been whispers that Thibodeau would consider signing Joakim Noah or Luol Deng if either were bought out of their contracts.

Basically, Thibodeau has operated like a man with limited knowledge in his dual roles of coach and president of basketball operations. The Wolves got by on talent alone last season, but without upgrading their roster or changing their style, they may struggle to be more than a fringe playoff team.