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NBA Free Agency 2017: 5 offseason needs for the Minnesota Timberwolves

By Michael Matossian

Mar 30, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) reacts after being fouled by the Los Angeles Lakers at Target Center. The Timberwolves won 119-104. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 30, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) reacts after being fouled by the Los Angeles Lakers at Target Center. The Timberwolves won 119-104. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 7, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Tom Thibodeau reacts during the second quarter against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 7, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Tom Thibodeau reacts during the second quarter against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Keep a shorter leash on Thibs

If this season was any indication, the Timberwolves are still nowhere near where they need to be. There is no reason to make things worse by panicking and throwing a wrench into the rebuild. It’s worrying that we keep hearing Thibodeau wants to speed up the rebuild by trading for former Bulls’ players or start trading some of the Timberwolves’ assets.

Look at what could have happened if Tom Thibodeau would have taken Derrick Rose for Ricky Rubio in a straight swap. Derrick Rose tears his meniscus in Minnesota and is out for the rest of the season while Rubio goes on a late season tear in New York to boost his stock even further.

Another valid concern would be the fact that Towns and Wiggins ranked first and second in total minutes this season, LaVine was on pace to join them in the top five before getting injured, and Deng finished 20th in the overall rankings. He didn’t have much of a bench to work with, but if this team is able to bring in some young talent, he needs a more balanced rotation with constant improvement out of his players.

Next: Every NBA team's greatest playoff moment

It is not time to call for his job just yet, but the Timberwolves are deep in the process of turning potential into wins and anything that hinders that growth in any way needs to go.

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