The Minnesota Timberwolves rebuild will continue this offseason when an NBA-worst 16-66 record will give them the best chance at landing the No. 1 overall pick in this year’s NBA Draft. Minnesota also has the No. 1 picks from each of the last two years in Andrew Wiggins and Anthony Bennett, and while they still have their work cut out for them in order to become a playoff contender (in an absolutely loaded Western Conference), there are some quality pieces in place that deserve consideration from a fantasy perspective.
With an eye towards next season, here are the most valuable fantasy pieces currently on the Timberwolves roster.
SF: Andrew Wiggins
No player was more productive for Minnesota from a fantasy standpoint down the stretch than Wiggins, who averaged a team-high 23.0 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.0 steals over the final two weeks of the regular season. Wiggins production climbed throughout the year and by the time the final month arrived, it was clear he was a much different player than his first few weeks of the NBA season. The Brampton, Ontario native will likely earn Rookie of the Year honors for his performance and while the threat of the sophomore slump might be an issue for those who are superstitious, there is a good chance Wiggins will be the Timberwolves best fantasy option for next season.
PG: Ricky Rubio
Rubio might never live up to his immense potential and the ceiling so many had for him, but if there was ever a year that he would come close it will be next season when he is surrounded by a very talented supporting cast. Rubio dealt with injuries and spouts of inconsistent play throughout this year but he still averaged 10.3 points, 8.8 assists, 5.7 rebounds and 1.7 steals. If he can manage to stay healthy, with an improved supporting cast around him, he will have the potential to put up some excellent fantasy stats.
SG: Kevin Martin
The 32-year-old Martin’s production became that much less reliable down the final stretch of he season and with Wiggins’ emergence and veterans Rubio, Nikola Pekovic combined with whoever the Timberwolves add with their top pick, his numbers could dip even further next season. Martin averaged a team-high 20.0 points, 3.6 rebounds and 2.3 assists for Minnesota this year but his fantasy stock will take a hit because of his age and surrounding cast for next season.
SF: Shabazz Muhammad
Muhammad is another quality young player that could shine if he gets the opportunity but with so many capable players and only so many touches to go around, there is a chance his production is hindered next year. Muhammad averaged 13.5 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.2 assists this past year but was injured just as he was starting to sprout. Depending on how things play out this offseason, it will be tough for him to build on those totals.
PG: Zach LaVine
Only Wiggins had a higher average points per game down the final stretch for Minnesota than LaVine, who averaged 21.0 points, 7.1 assists and 5.6 rebounds as the Timberwolves starting point guard with Rubio out. Rubio’s constant injury issues combined with the fact that LaVine proved his worth when given a chance, means the potential is there for him to play a bigger role next year. It does appear the T-Wolves might be transitioning from Rubio to LaVine as Rubio is just injured so often. Still, with so much to be determined, it’s hard to define his fantasy value moving forward.
C: Gorgui Dieng
Dieng showed flashes of what he could potentially do moving forward when he averaged 9.7 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.7 blocks and 1.0 steals per game. He could get more minutes off the bench if he continues to make progress as one of several young big men on the Minnesota roster.
C: Nikola Pekovic
Pekovic might never post elite point totals but he is a consistent player that could very well continue to average 12.5 points and 7.5 rebounds the way he did this past season. Remember, though, he’ll have surgery on his ankle and will be out until about October.
Not Worth A Roster Spot Yet: Anthony Bennett, Adreian Payne
