13. Minnesota Timberwolves
After being a pleasant surprise a year ago, the Minnesota Timberwolves made it clear this offseason that they’re all-in on winning. They showed that by trading for Rudy Gobert. Now, the Wolves are positioned to possibly be a dark horse threat in the Western Conference.
Gobert is a player that could dramatically shift this team’s defensive capabilities and is a veteran presence that will help take some of the pressure off of Karl-Anthony Towns in the paint. If Anthony Edwards can make a note developmental leap, the Wolves could be a top 5 team (in the conference) this season.
Though, that’s still something that needs to be answered. Either way, it’s hard not to respect what the Wolves did during the offseason and their approach heading into the season. Will it work? Who knows, but at least they’re trying.