Minnesota Timberwolves: 5 reasons they will make the playoffs in 2017-18

2. Improved defense

Defense was one of the biggest reasons the Wolves struggled to win games last season. They could score with the best of them, but could not stop other teams from doing the same.

The additions of Jimmy Butler and Taj Gibson instantly boost the Wolves’ defensive ability. Butler is a three-time All-Defensive player in the NBA. He is a complete all-around player who has the ability to slow down and in some cases shut down the other team’s top scorers.

Gibson also improves the Wolves defense. Gibson has posted a top-10 defensive rating in two separate NBA seasons. Jeff Teague does not have any of the accolades of Butler and Gibson, but by watching his film he is very scrappy and puts good pressure on opposing guards.