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Predictions For The Northwest Division In 2016-17

By Carter Johnson

Dec 23, 2014; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) attempts a shot against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) during the second quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 23, 2014; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) attempts a shot against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) during the second quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 6, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Andrew Wiggins (22) and center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) celebrate during the fourth quarter at Target Center. The Timberwolves won 112-105. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 6, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Andrew Wiggins (22) and center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) celebrate during the fourth quarter at Target Center. The Timberwolves won 112-105. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Minnesota Timberwolves

2015-16 Record: 29-53 (Last in Northwest Division)
2016-17 Prediction: 39-43 (4th in Northwest Division) 

After landing the last two Rookie of the Year award winners and several other solid youngsters through the draft, the Minnesota Timberwolves added two more pieces that may be enough to catapult them into the playoff picture in 2016-17.

First, the team hired defensive guru Tom Thibodeau as their next head coach and president of basketball operations.

Thibodeau has turned every team he has coached, whether as an assistant or head coach, into a top-10 defensive unit and has been essential in developing All-Star caliber centers like Yao Ming and Joakim Noah.

He’s expected to have the same impact on a budding star in Karl-Anthony Towns and this young, talented T’wolves team.

Secondly, they got arguably the most NBA-ready prospect in the draft in point guard Kris Dunn.

Dunn is like a beautiful mix of Gary Payton and John Wall, boasting elite size, speed and athleticism coupled with superb court vision, raw energy and rugged, tenacious defense.

It didn’t take long for him to show fans what he’s made of as he stole the show in his two outings at the Las Vegas Summer League, looking like the most complete player on any team.

He’s just the type of floor general this team needs alongside Towns, Andrew Wiggins and Zach LaVine to push this team to the next level in Thibs’ system that prides itself on a defense-first mentality.

It will be interesting to see who starts the season at the point guard spot between him and veteran Ricky Rubio, but Dunn is just too talented to be held to the bench for long.

With infinite young talent on the roster led by a core of future All-Stars and a highly-regarded head coach, the sky is the limit for this Timberwolves team in 2016-17.

Next: No. 3