Minnesota Timberwolves starting lineup: Locks, fringe, potential break-ins

With so many choices due to their free agency moves, who is a lock for the Minnesota Timberwolves starting position, and who’s fighting for a spot?

The Minnesota Timberwolves are spoiled for choice as it stands right now for starters. By bringing in players like Ricky Rubio and Ed Davis, as well as bringing back Malik Beasley and Juan Hernangomez, Minnesota has given themselves no shortage of potential starters for their team.

However, with this depth of choice comes a curse. We’ve seen players not getting the role they wanted ruin relationships with a team and with the front office, and with the Timberwolves being on the verge of a playoff spot, they definitely want to avoid as much turmoil as they can.

Alas, there are only five starting spots; and it’s going to be crucial for Timberwolves management to determine who gets them. If they start the wrong people, Minnesota could isolate some of their stars, and take a step back in development. But with the right starters, Minnesota can move beyond what they achieved last season, and they can shatter many people’s expectations.

Luckily, the Timberwolves front office has done a fairly good job setting the team up for success at this point. It’s likely they will leave this decision up to head coach Ryan Saunders, which could turn out to be for the best, as almost every player on the roster respects Saunders and would likely be more willing to accept a decision if he made it.

As of now, the players on the roster stand in one of three positions: starting lock, on the edge, or might be a surprise. But who are the players Minnesota needs to consider for a starting role? And where does everybody stand with the preseason starting this weekend?