Looking at the center depth of the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The Minnesota Timberwolves will look much different this season as they have not only reshaped their roster; they should play a much different style as well.
Previously built around size with the likes of Rudy Gobert, Naz Reid, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Julius Randle, the Timberwolves will now rely on their guards, with LaMelo Ball taking the reins alongside Anthony Edwards.
They are flanked by Jaden McDaniels and Jonathan Kuminga, two versatile players with athletic upside.
Minnesota should play faster and in transition more than we’ve seen in the past; they’ve gone to their bigs at the four, either for bully ball or extra spacing.
Biggest Weakness
The forward depth of the team could certainly be better, although the addition of Kuminga will help in that area.
Looking further down the depth chart, the center position could be a big weakness.
Gobert has been one of the best defensive centers in the league for a decade, but he is 34, and his defensive impact did slip last season. With the team going smaller, having Kuminga at the four, more pressure will be on him as a rim protector and rebounder.
Behind Gobert is Joan Beringer, who is going into his second season after barely playing in his rookie year. He was a positive player in limited minutes last season, though his defense isn’t polished.
Will It Be Enough?
Gobert is a proven anchor on the defensive end. Though his numbers may have slipped last season, the Timberwolves defensive rating has a whole was +9.8 better when he was on the floor. He may’ve slightly brought down their offense, but he means everything to their defense.
Offensively, he now plays next to a true playmaking center for the first time since Mike Conley was closer to his prime in Utah. Passes that other teammates weren’t making to him may now come his way.
Beringer is a bit of a mystery due to limited playing time, but he is a great athlete and has shown he can offer similar value as Gobert with his presence around the rim on both ends of the floor.
The issue will become injuries. If Gobert misses time, Beringer will have to step up into the a starters role and carry the defense for long stretches. If Beringer misses time, Gobert may see the floor more or they’ll be forced to go small with Kuminga or Trey Lyles at the five.
