Chris Finch is in every respect the best coach in the franchise history of Minnesota Timberwolves. His 56.6 winning percentage is the highest history of franchise, and his 21 play -off victories are also the highest in team history. However, even great coaches have room for improvement. For Finch it is about using his bank more.
Last season the Timberwolves were 24th in the banking minutes and 19th in Bench points. Moreover, during the four full seasons of Finch, they have arranged as head coach of the wolves only once above average. With Naz Reid and Donte Divincenzo, the Wolves have two of the best bank players in the competition. Anyway, Finch traditionally plays no more than eight players.
The Oklahoma City Thunder, the ruling champions and the Indiana Pacers, the reigning second place, both leaned in their depth. In recent years, depth has been a common theme with many elite teams. Given this, in combination with the departure of Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Mike Conley Aging, the wolves will have to lean in their collective depth.
Finch seems open to expanding his rotation
Despite its history of performing a tight rotation, Finch seems to be open to expand his rotation this season. Earlier in the low season Finch openly stated that he intends to expand the rotation of the wolves with a maximum of 10 players. This is undoubtedly an encouraging sign.
He also mentioned playing at a faster pace, which would match both the skills of Anthony Edwards and some of the young bank players, including Terrence Shannon Jr. And Rob Dillingham. Finch’s comments, this season outside the season, shows that he is adaptable, which is a common characteristic of many great coaches.
Expanding the rotation is connected to the development of the young talent of the Timberwolves
An important part of expanding the rotation offers young players sufficient opportunities. Shannon, Dillingham and Jaylen Clark can all make up for the loss of Alexander-Walker, and Dillingham will help as Conley ages. Clark actually played the most from this group. Yet Dillingham and Shannon were buried on the Wolvenbank during their Rookie season.
Despite limited minutes, both players showed flashes, especially as scorers last season. In particular, Shannon scored 35 points in the last three games of the Western Conference Finals, and Dillingham on average 15.3 points per 36 minutes. Dillingham’s perimeter shot creation is the exact skill that the wolves need. Shannon offers scoring, versatility and energy. To maintain success, Minnesota must develop these young players for the future.
At the age of 25, Shannon is ready to handle big minutes. Although there may be some growth pains with the 20-year-old Dillingham, his advantage cannot be denied and he has already shown many positive flashes. Undoubtedly, expanding the rotation and giving the young players will be an important adjustment for Finch. Fortunately, he seems ready to do that.
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