The Timberwolves launch the 2022-23 season tonight at Target Center against the Oklahoma City Thunder. There's a new level of excitement around the team after the off-season acquisition of Rudy Gobert. The WCCO Radio staff takes a shot at predicting how the team will finish the season.
Vineeta Sawkar - Host: 52-30
An evolving core gets out of the gates slower than expected but gels through the new year and becomes one of the best teams in the NBA down the stretch. An excited fan base is jolted by another first-round exit in the playoffs. Why? Other good teams got better too.
Jason DeRusha - Host: 51-31
Last year the Wolves won 46 regular season games and I think the Rudy Gobert upgrade is worth 5 more wins. That should put the Wolves into 4th or 5th place in the West and position them nicely to win a playoff series. It's all about how healthy this team stays, though: if KAT can stay well and Ant continues his growth, I may be underestimating the potential of this team. It's going to be exciting to watch!
Henry Lake - Host: 52-30
I'm predicting that the Timberwolves go 52-30. I think that the addition of Rudy Gobert will prove to be a huge upgrade to the team defensively, which has been an area that they have lacked in for years now. I'm not saying that they will be the best defensive team in the league, but I think that they will be improved. Rudy will make everybody around him better in that department. Offensively things will still go through Karl Anthony-Towns and Anthony Edwards. I believe that Edwards will work hard to make his first all-star game appearance. And head coach Chris Finch is one of the brightest offensive minds in the entire league. And this very well could be the deepest Timberwolves team ever. Strong bench production could take this team a long way.
Jordana Green - Host: 57-25
I predict they go 57 -25. Because my son said so!
Steve Simpson - Anchor: 53-29
The problem for the Timberwolves is that they're in a very tough Western Conference. Having said that, I think it's not out of the question for the Wolves to rack up 53 wins this season and get to a second-round playoff berth before bowing out.
Jimmy Erickson - Executive Producer: 52-30
Injuries will be the big question mark. Can they stay healthy enough to crack the 50-win threshold? I say yes. If people don't know who Jaden McDaniels is, they surely will by the end of this year.
Brad Lane - Brand Manager: 53-29
The Wolves are going to win a lot of games in the regular season; they have constructed a roster that is built to win. That doesn't mean they are definitely going to thrive in the playoffs. The biggest questions of the year are: Was Rudy worth it? Will Ant become the true MVP of the team? How will KAT work at the 4? Where is the veteran leadership going to come from when things get tough (Beverly was relied on for that last season)? And can DLo stay healthy...and engaged?
I predict a 53-29 finish, but could have lots of struggles in the playoffs if they're not healthy or still have chemistry issues with 2 bigs on the floor.
Dave Harrigan - Producer: 51-31
The addition of Rudy Gobert to the lineup will pose problems for almost every team they face as they figure out how to handle the size and skill of both KAT and Gobert on the floor. Those two will provide opportunities for each other on the offensive end and should also open up more space for Anthony Edwards as he continues to prove himself as a legit star in the league. Defensively, while Towns has always struggled as a rim protector, he should now be able to use his length and quickness away from the basket knowing Gobert is still guarding the rim inside.
Lindsey Peterson - News Director: 51-31
51-31, 2nd round of playoffs. Between Edwards taking another step forward, and the defensive presence of Gobert, that will push the Wolves over 50 wins. The postseason success will depend on two things. How will Towns deal with adversity and foul issues? It became a liability last season and he needs to mature past that. The Timberwolves also need better point guard play and that means D'Angelo Russell has to be a facilitator and make shots in the clutch. If he can embrace that role, improve his late-game decision-making, and be a leader on the floor, there is enough talent for a deep playoff run.
Dan Edwards - Digital Content Manager: 55-27
The excitement for this team hasn't been this high since the KG/Spreewell/Cassel era. I think the expectations can be as high for the '22-23 as they were for the that Western Conference Finals team in '03-04. I believe the Wolves will make a run at the WCF...and potentially their first NBA Finals run.
Chris Tubbs - Producer: 51-31
I think you're looking at a 51-31 season. In terms of top-end talent and depth, this is the best roster they've had since their Western Conference Finals appearance in 2003-2004. The sky is the limit for Anthony Edwards and if he continues to develop I think they can make some noise and be a top 4 team in the Western Conference, but the west is a meat grinder. I don't think they're an NBA Finals contender (yet), but they're in a prime spot to take a big step forward.
Rusty Ray - Anchor/Reporter: 54-28
I expect the Timberwolves to continue some sort of upward trajectory this season, and to build on last season’s success. If they can keep the team reasonably healthy—and Karl-Anthony Towns, Rudy Gobert, Anthony Edwards, and D'Angelo Russell can figure out how to play together, then they may be one of the most exciting teams in the NBA. I do think Edwards is the key, and I do think he’s on the cusp of becoming one of the premier players in the league. With the always-strong Western Conference, I would hope the Wolves can keep pace and play well against elite teams like Golden State, Denver, and the Clippers. My prediction: The Timberwolves will finish with 50-55 wins and make it to the second-round of the playoffs. Improvement, sure. Championship? Wouldn’t that be a thing!
Joe Hiti - Writer: 47-35
The Timberwolves took steps to improve their front five this offseason, the addition of Rudy Gobert, while expensive, should make them a strong defensive team when he is on the court. When he’s not is still unknown. The Wolves mortgaged their future for Gobert, an aging 7-footer who, if history repeats itself, will only worsen in the years to come. While the trade for Gobert included names like Vanderbilt and Beverly, the Wolves were able to keep Jaden McDaniels, who should take a big step up this season. I don’t think the Wolves will be bad or beat off the court this season in any way, but the Western Conference is stacked, and it’s not implausible to see them end up in the play-in tournament again. I think anything over 50 games is hopeful, but 47 is more realistic.
Patrick Stelzner - General Sales Manager: 50-32
50-32, 2nd round of playoffs. The Big 3 of Gobert, KAT and Ant is as good as anyone else's Big 3. How fast can the young guys improve and contribute will be the story.
Mark Freie - Reporter: 55-27
Luka Garza's number is 55. Let the Peacock Fly!
Laura Oakes - Anchor: 50-32
I predict the Wolves will go 50-32. Looking forward to seeing how Gobert gels with his new teammates and I'm always excited for Ant. On that note, let's bring out Ant Jr. at halftime one of these games!
Henry Lake - Host: 52-30
I'm predicting that the Timberwolves go 52-30. I think that the addition of Rudy Gobert will prove to be a huge upgrade to the team defensively, which has been an area that they have lacked in for years now. I'm not saying that they will be the best defensive team in the league, but I think that they will be improved. Rudy will make everybody around him better in that department. Offensively things will still go through Karl Anthony-Towns and Anthony Edwards. I believe that Edwards will work hard to make his first all-star game appearance. And head coach Chris Finch is one of the brightest offensive minds in the entire league. And this very well could be the deepest Timberwolves team ever. Strong bench production could take this team a long way.