25. Minnesota Timberwolves (15-31)
We’re slowly descending into the category of dreck teams, and the T-Wolves have been a historically bad franchise. With just nine playoff appearances since 1989 and only one Conference Final appearance in 2004, this team needs help and a lot of it. Karl-Anthony Towns is a lot like Andre Drummond in that they’re great for stats, but can they actually carry teams as the focal point of an offense?
Not that KAT has much help, though Andrew Wiggins had shown a little improvement while Towns was down with a knee injury. The point guard situation has been a revolving door though it looks to be Shabazz Napier’s job now with Jeff Teague having been shipped back to the Hawks. Minnesota is also one of the worst defensive teams in the league, giving up nearly 115 points per game; good for 26th in the NBA. It might not be a bad idea to blow this thing up as it’s unlikely the Timberwolves make any noise with its current roster.
26. Charlotte Hornets (15-31)
After cheaping out on Kemba Walker, and subsequently giving Terry Rozier a three-Year, $58 million deal (seemingly out of necessity to fill up cap-room) the Hornets find themselves in essentially the same predicament that got them moved to New Orleans in 2002. How do you expect to compete if you cannot retain or attract talent? There really is not much to say about this franchise other than they potentially found a diamond in the rough in Devonte Graham (2nd round pick in 2018).
Graham has averages of 18.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 7.7 assists; far better than anyone would have predicted, and he’s now getting all the run he can handle on a team devoid of talent. The Hornets rank dead last in the league in Pace/Possessions (96.9), and a recent 2-13 stretch has put a serious damper on any playoff aspirations the Hornets might have once had.