NBA: 5 Most Disappointing Teams So Far In 2016-17

Apr 3, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) and Dallas Mavericks center Zaza Pachulia (27) rebound in the fourth quarter at Target Center. The Dallas Mavericks beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 88-78. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mar 14, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Zach LaVine (8), center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) and guard Andrew Wiggins (22) against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Suns defeated the Timberwolves 107-104. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Minnesota Timberwolves

The Minnesota Timberwolves have not had a playoff appearance since Kevin Garnett led the team to the Western Conference Finals back in 2004.

Despite their lack of success over the past 12 years, there was reason for optimism coming into this season. For starters, they have a trio of talented players in Karl-Anthony Towns, Andrew Wiggins and Zach LaVine — each of whom is averaging more than 20 points per contest.

Secondly, Minnesota hired one of the most respected defensive NBA minds in Tom Thibodeau — a coach who maximized the talent level of several injury-riddled Chicago Bulls teams during his five-year tenure in the Windy City.

Unfortunately, these factors have not translated into a lot of wins on the court. In fact, the Timberwolves are just 6-18 and rank near the bottom of the NBA in defensive efficiency, yielding 112.3 points per 100 possessions.

Prior to the start of the season, I predicted that this young squad would manage to snag the last playoff spot in the Western Conference. But based on how the Timberwolves have played so far, they still appear to be a year or two away from consistently competing for a postseason berth.