Minnesota Timberwolves: 5 goals for the 2018 offseason
4. Acquire a stretch-4
Taj Gibson did an admirable job as the Wolves’ starting power forward this past season, playing in all 82 games while averaging 12.2 points and 7.1 rebounds, bringing his usual brand of toughness and grit on the defensive end.
Despite his play, Gibson has one major flaw in his arsenal, and it limits his ability to succeed in today’s game. The man can’t shoot 3-pointers.
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Gibson shot just 20 percent from distance on 0.4 attempts per game in 2017-18. He’s much better from mid-range, shooting 44.2 percent from 10-16 feet, but that just won’t cut it in the modern NBA, where as many as five shooters are on the court at all times.
Without a reliable outside shot, teams can play off Taj and dare him to shoot while cutting off driving lanes for guys like Teague and Butler or make sure a rim protector is always near the bucket.
Minnesota needs the floor as open as possible in order to get the best shot, whether that be outside or in. Looking at the free agent market, there are a few big men who can shoot the basketball that could come relatively cheap.
Ersan Ilyasova and Anthony Tolliver are just two snipers that could do wonders for the Timberwolves on the offense end, keeping the defense honest and keeping the paint clear for the team’s perimeter players.
Gibson is a guy who still has plenty left to give in this league, but without that coveted outside shot, he ends up hurting the Timberwolves more than he helps.