NBA 2017-18: 5 Most Improved Teams

2. Minnesota Timberwolves- 16 Games (31-51 to 47-35)

Jimmy Butler and Karl-Anthony Towns

Perhaps one of the more “expected” improvements this year, the Timberwolves were expected to improve significantly after adding superstar Jimmy Butler through a trade last offseason. For a while, the Timberwolves seemed like a dark horse contender as they hovered around the 3rd and 4th spot in the Western Conference standings.

However, in March, an injury to Butler derailed the team’s momentum as it collapsed to the last playoff spot in the conference (almost missing the playoffs) before getting crushed by the Rockets in five games. At the end of the season, there was a tinge of disappointment surrounding the franchise as bigger things were expected from the team. Moreover, tensions between coach Tom Thibodeau and young superstar Karl-Anthony Towns have dominated most of the discussion this offseason.

Nonetheless, the improvements made by the Minnesota Timberwolves must be acknowledged. This is especially true on the offensive end where the Timberwolves went from sporting the 10th best offense in the league to the 4th best. Butler was easily their best player, as the former Chicago Bull averaged 22.2 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.9 assists per game while being one of the league’s premier defenders. Butler’s comparatively efficient production was a massive upgrade over Minnesota’s wing rotation last year.

Meanwhile, at point guard, Jeff Teague was also an important addition as he averaged 14.2 points and 7.0 assists per game for his career. While in-house stars Towns and Andrew Wiggins did not improve significantly, the increased (and more efficient) production from the newcomers allowed the Timberwolves to break their playoff drought. However, the team (especially Towns and Wiggins) will need to make significant improvements if they are to reach their full potential.