For Minnesota Timberwolves fans who have survived against all odds, it may be strange to think that the team is all but confirmed to make the playoffs for the third year in a row. Now that this is the new normalplayers need to improve their play to ensure the Wolves have a chance to make a deep playoff run.
Even though the Timberwolves will make another playoff appearance, head coach Chris Finch didn’t have the luxury of deploying his regular rotation last time out.
The Wolves faced the Denver Nuggets in the 2022-23 playoffs, who went on to win the NBA Finals. In this series, Minnesota lost four games to one. That brings us to two key absences from this series that will add another dynamic on both ends of the court. They are big man Naz Reid and two-way wing Jaden McDaniels.
Naz Reid has become one of the most adored timber wolves of all time, dare I say. The versatile big man has an explosive, highlight-reel-inducing style of play that sets him apart every time he steps into the game. Reid has been one of the best sixth men in the league this year; averaging 12.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game.
The 24-year-old notably made a significant jump as a shooter, increasing his 3-point percentage from 34.6 percent last year to 40.6 percent this season. Those numbers may seem relatively modest, but Reid plays behind one of the best and biggest frontcourts in basketball. This makes it difficult to integrate into certain training courses.
Now, when it comes to playoff experience, Reid has very little of it. Having only played five games against the Memphis Grizzlies in the 2021-22 playoffs, the Minnesota big has yet to play in the postseason in his new role as the Wolves’ go-to reserve scorer.
In his lone playoff run, he averaged 4.8 points and 2.8 rebounds in 10.8 minutes of action. Despite the pedestrian numbers, these should only be taken with a grain of salt, as Reid is a very different player than in years past.
All of this means that these playoffs will be a real test not only for the Timberwolves, but also for players with little experience when the lights shine brightest.
Finch tends to use a nine-man rotation throughout the regular season, unlike some coaches who have 10. However, come playoff time, it wouldn’t be surprising to see things tighten up even more.
Reid, Nickeil-Alexander Walker, Kyle Anderson and Monte Morris are all contenders to get minutes down the stretch. However, Reid’s abilities as an off-ball threat and shooter will be indispensable, especially with most of the defensive attention being devoted to star duo Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns.
