Minnesota Timberwolves: 5 goals for the 2018 offseason

2. Improve the defense

When Tom Thibodeau signed with the Wolves in the summer of 2016, he was supposed to improve a horrid defense after his time with the Chicago Bulls saw them possess one of the best defenses in the league.

So far, that hasn’t happened. Minnesota ranked 22nd in defensive rating and 20th in points allowed in the paint this past season, seemingly unable to buy into their coach’s schemes.

Whatever the reason may be, that has to change. Teams that don’t defend at a high level rarely compete for championships, let alone win them. The Wolves need to be able to rely on their defense at all times in order to compete with the offensive firepower that resides in their conference.

They certainly have the personnel to do it. Butler is one of the best perimeter defenders in the game. Both Wiggins and Towns have all the tools to become elite defenders at their positions. Teague and Gibson are both above-average stoppers.

There’s no reason for Minnesota to struggle on the defensive end, especially with a coach who specializes in that area. The players just have to go out there, give effort and execute, and the talent should take care of the rest.