The Minnesota Timberwolves front office is beginning to slide

The Timberwolves missed out on value with Hollis-Jefferson

Hollis-Jefferson, who had been on a training camp contract with Minnesota throughout the preseason, averaged 7.7 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.0 steals through the three Minnesota preseason games. He was proving to be a nice piece to the roster, and could have been the backup small forward Minnesota needs to allow Edwards to shift between the two and three.

It’s also worth mention that he shot an eye-popping 88.7 percent from the field. That rate, though he only attempted three shots per game, put him second overall among players who have averaged more than 10 minutes per game.

The problem with Hollis-Jefferson, or rather what the Minnesota Timberwolves perceive to be the problem, is that he doesn’t shoot 3s. Minnesota is going towards a much more analytic-based, 3-ball heavy style; and while that does bring it’s own benefits, Hollis-Jefferson doesn’t fit that type of play. Still, his release came as a shock to many who thought he was having a sort of resurgence with Minnesota.

The worst part of all of this isn’t any of the moves made this offseason, some of which (like the Hernangomez signing) were really good. No, the worst part is that Minnesota once again feels directionless. They’re a rebuilding team who spent $60 million on a backup. A Western Conference team hoping for a playoff run without a single 1st team All-NBA player. An analytics-based team with a leading point guard who only shoots 36.0 percent from 3-point range. And a fast-paced, young squad who took a 30-year-old big man who doesn’t shoot from deep over the 24-year-old scorer who shoots 38.6 percent from that range (Christian Wood).

If the Minnesota Timberwolves want the fans behind them through this difficult year, which they seem more than willing to do, they need to find their direction, and start making decisions that help them progress in whatever area they choose.