NBA: Ranking the teams in the Northwest Division for 2017-18

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1. Minnesota Timberwolves

The Timberwolves have been one of the busiest teams this summer, overhauling the majority of their roster. They project to have three new starters in 2017-18 and another guy who will get heavy minutes off the bench.

The biggest news is the acquisition of Jimmy Butler. Butler is a legit top-10 two-way player and brings a lot of grit and hard work the Wolves lacked last season. His work on the defensive end of the floor will be especially needed as Minnesota was one of the worst defensive teams in 2016-17.

Taj Gibson is another face that’s familiar to Tom Thibodeau, who coached him in Chicago. Gibson unquestionably has his best playing days behind him, but is still a savvy veteran. He will quickly grasp Thibs’ system and will become a positive role-model for the younger players.

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Jeff Teague is the third new starter. He was brought in off the free agent market to replace the traded Ricky Rubio. Teague isn’t nearly the defensive player or playmaker Rubio was, but he’s a better slasher and overall scorer.

Jamal Crawford is the last big addition to the squad this year. He’s only a couple years removed from his latest Sixth Man of the Year award. He should help spark the bench and produce a few games where he takes over in spurts.

Their biggest question mark remains at the backup point guard position. As of now, Tyus Jones mans that position, but he is largely unproven. If he’s unable to handle such a large role, Minnesota could look to make a move quickly.

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Let’s not forget about the young guns Andrew Wiggins and Karl-Anthony Towns. They have each made nice leaps in their first couple of seasons and we can probably count on that again. If everything clicks for Minnesota, look out, Northwest Division.