The three trials and tribulations for the Minnesota Timberwolves

The Minnesota Timberwolves have made some major changes over these last two seasons, but there are three major challenges in their way to new heights.

At the end of the 2008-09 season, the Minnesota Timberwolves found themselves in a bit of a rut, and owner Glen Taylor decided to make a major change in the coaching staff by bringing in Kurt Rambis. Rambis had a nice pedigree, and a launching pad as the assistant to Phil Jackson, but unfortunately his attitude quickly soured to the team, and after a dismal 32-132 record over two seasons, he was relieved of his position.

Following him into the office was Rick Adelman, who quickly turned fortunes around. Over the next three seasons, Adelman went 97-133. Despite winning more games in his second season than his first, and even more in his third season than his second, Adelman decided that his time in the league was over, and retired at the end of the 2013-2014 season.

At that time, then-general manager Flip Saunders took over, and the regime change had a significant impact on the team. In an effort to lift team morale, Saunders made a trade for fan-favorite Kevin Garnett, who ended up staying with the team for one more season, spending most of that time on the injured reserves.

Since that time, the Timberwolves haven’t had too many high points. They broke their historic playoff drought, took control of three first overall picks in Karl-Anthony Towns, Andrew Wiggins, and Anthony Edwards, and last season they acquired D’Angelo Russell, who is going to be a big piece in convincing Towns to stick around.

For the first time since 2007, the Timberwolves have a shot at achieving the highest level of play in franchise history, but there are still three major obstacles that stand in their way.