2019 Timberwolves Likely Facing Another Disappointing Season

2019 Minnesota Timberwolves Betting Storylines

It wasn't that long ago that it felt like the Timberwolves were on the verge of big things. They had impressive young talent with high ceilings, and it seemed like it was only a matter of time. But since then they have proven that things really don't always work out like they are intended to. They have made the playoffs just once since 2004 - two years ago when they were rolled over by the Rockets in the first round. That's a whole lot of mediocrity, and it sure doesn't feel like it is going to end in any hurry - not with the roster they have right now. I've never been a Minnesota Timberwolves fan, so I am forced to just imagine how horrible it must be to cheer for this team.

Last year was a season of turmoil. Jimmy Butler forced his way out of town with truly juvenile behavior, and that act hurt the return a bit. And later in the season, Tom Thibodeau was fired after his old-fashioned, grumpy ways weren't getting results. New coach Ryan Saunders, who is just 33, only won 17 of his first 42 games, but that was enough to earn him the job full time, and it remains to be seen what he can do with a full offseason to put his stamp on things.

And then there is Karl-Anthony Towns. He is by far the best player on this team and the only all-star. He is starting a new 5-year, $190 million extension this year. That locks him in, but he doesn't have to be happy. And he won't be for long if the team continues to flounder around him. His happiness and productivity is crucial to anything this team wants to do. They need to find ways to keep him happy.

2019 Minnesota Timberwolves Additions and Departures

For a team with a world of issues, and hopefully at least some sense of urgency to turn things around, this was a truly pathetic offseason. They didn't even sniff the playoffs last year, and they have returned the same basic team at the core. That's a very odd approach to keeping your most important player happy. They did try to get involved in free agency, and for a while it seemed like they were going to land D'Angelo Russell. But he wound up in the Kevin Durant deal, and I'm sure he's not too sad about being locked up in Golden State instead of Minnesota. And there was just no one else interested in taking their big money.

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The closest thing to a big splash that the team did was trading their 11th pick, Cameron Johnson from North Carolina, and Dario Saric, to Phoenix for the sixth pick. It's a move that would have made sense if they had grabbed Coby White to be their point guard of the future. But instead they grabbed Texas Tech's Jarrett Culver. The shooting guard can score, and he's defensively stout for a team that struggled to defend last year, but he doesn't fill nearly as much of a position of need, and he doesn't have the ceiling of White from where I sit.

After that, there just isn't much to care about. They mostly just added bit pieces. Jake Layman came from Portland in a sign and trade. Noah Vonleh came cheap in free agency. Jordan Bell came cheaper. Shabazz Napier is a cheap backup point guard. Tyrone Wallace was a waiver claim. And so on. You can't argue with any of those pieces, and they lack cap flexibility because of the anchor of the Andrew Wiggins deal, but these are not changes that move the needle. The one departure of note we haven't dealt with yet is Derrick Rose. He was a good story last year, but he struggled to stay healthy, and he would have cost more than would have been prudent, so they let him go to Detroit.

2019 Minnesota Timberwolves Futures Odds and Trends

Minnesota Timberwolves Futures Odds

NBA title odds : +15000

Western Conference title odds : +10000

Northwest Division title odds: +2000

Karl Anthony Towns MVP Odds : +2000

Season win total: 35.5

Will the Minnesota Timberwolves make the playoffs: Yes +400, No -500

There wasn't much to get excited about from a betting perspective last year - just as there wasn't much excitement to come from watching them. They were 40-42 ATS on the season, so there were no real profits to come from being pessimistic or optimistic in the long term. They were a little more useful on the total, going over 44 times and under just 38.

2019 Minnesota Timberwolves Predictions and Futures Odds Picks

Things are going to be ugly for this team. They are still better than Phoenix . But they are probably a little better than Memphis. But that's about it. They were better than Dallas and New Orleans last year, but they won't be again. So, 13th in the West. Maybe 12th if everything breaks their way. Ugh. What a mess. I'd take the under on the season win total, and I'd feel pretty happy about it.

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