2015-16 Finish: 43-39

 

Season Highlight:

Over .500. The Timberwolves were finally able to get more wins than losses in the 2016 season. Something they haven't managed to do since 2012. A solid core of 6 really good players was built at the back end of last season, and the normally trade happy Javi kept his composure, turned off the phones, and let that core build cohesion and unity, resulting in 43 wins, just 2 wins away from his first playoff appearance since that 2012 season.

 

Season Lowlight:

The Timberwolves were right in the playoff hunt in the Western Conference heading into the last few weeks of the season. But injuries really snuffed out any chance they had. With key players such as Bradley Beal, Ryan Anderson and Tyreke Evans watching from the sidelines, the Wolves second unit was unable to keep the wins coming in, and the Wolves eventually fell out of the race in the final week. A disappointing way to end a solid season.

 

Best Trade:

The Minnesota Timberwolves send Jose Calderon and T.J. Warren to the Orlando Magic. The Orlando Magic send Ryan Anderson and Shelvin Mack to the Minnesota Timberwolves. 
The Orlando Magic send a 2nd-Rounder (Min) to the Minnesota Timberwolves. 

The Minnesota Timberwolves trade -8 GM points. The Orlando Magic receive 8 GM points.

The Wolves had a huge hole in their frontcourt heading into the season, however Javi was able to fill it nicely with this move, bringing in Ryan Anderson, a long range threat whom paired nicely with the defensive minded Nerleans Noel. Unfortunately injuries and other unfortunate off-court happenings limited him to just 56 games.

 

Worst Trade:

The Boston Celtics send Trevor Ariza, Taj Gibson and Jeremy Lin to the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Minnesota Timberwolves send Tyreke Evans to the Boston Celtics. 
The Minnesota Timberwolves send a 1st-Rounder (Min) to the Boston Celtics. 

This one gets the worst trade, as it should have happened sooner. With Tyreke Evans ruled out long before the end of the season, many offers were coming in for the injured wing. But Javi didn't pull the trigger, even as his season was slipping away. A good return for Tyreke mid-year could have meant playoffs.

Other Notable Trades:

The Orlando Magic send Richaun Holmes to the Minnesota Timberwolves. 
The Minnesota Timberwolves send a 2nd-Rounder (Min) to the Orlando Magic. 
The Minnesota Timberwolves use their trade exception over $ 1,075,000. 
The Minnesota Timberwolves trade -4 GM points. The Orlando Magic receive 4 GM points.

The Chicago Bulls send Mike Miller to the Minnesota Timberwolves. 

The Chicago Bulls receive 3 GM points. The Minnesota Timberwolves trade -3 GM points.

These are the only other trades Javi made this past season, as you can see this was not the trade happy Javi of seasons past.

Best FA Signing:

Andrea Bargnani – Not a big free agency for the T-Wolves, Bargnani came at a real cheap price, and was able to play 49 games, the most he has for a long time.

 

Worst FA Signing:

Ryan Hollins – Man does this guy get around, Hollins was a catch and release in Minnesota.

 

Star:

Paul George- My goodness what a comeback by Mr George. After missing an entire season with a horrific broken leg, nobody knew how Paul George would come back to the NLL. Well, any fears about an impact to his athleticism, confidence or game were quickly dispelled with a stellar season as the main man in Minny. George averaged 21 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists per game, suiting up in every single one. He topped it off with 2 player of the week and 1 player of the month awards.

 

Surprise:

Kyle Lowry- After an amazing breakout season in 2015, many thought it might have been a one off. But Kyle Lowry shocked everyone by putting up another stellar year, while this time playing every game. Lowry along with Paul George really carried this team all year, while his teammates fell around him, Lowry put up 24 points, 7 assists and 4 rebounds per game. Lowry won a player of the week award, and in the off-season was even selected to play for team USA, alongside teammate Paul George.

 

Goat:

Bradley Beal- A special, young and talented two guard, Beal was great when on the court, albeit only in 47 games. However his constant shenanigans, sitting down with the GM every second week means he finds himself as the goat. Oh to be a fly on the wall in Javi's GM office.

 

Draft Report Card:

After some controversy, the Timberwolves made good on a long standing deal, sending their first round pick to Denver. This left Javi with only pick 43 heading into the draft.

At that 43rd pick, Javi landed Chinanu Onuaku, 6'10, 245 pounds center out of Louisville. At just 19 years old, Onuaku is a pretty nice value pick at this stage, and I'm sure Javi hopes he can turn into a solid rotation player in that injury prone front court.

Upcoming Free Agents:

Bradley Beal(RFA)- I'm sure all those trips to the GM's office were probably discussing terms for his huge looming payday, Beal will remain in Minnesota.

Ryan Anderson- The Wolves would love to keep this guy around, but after bringing in Taj Gibson as insurance, Anderson might be out the door.

Matt Bonner- In the league a long time, Bonner wants to go on again, but will anybody take him?

Chris Copeland- A promising player who has seen his career come to a grinding halt, will need to impress in workouts to land with a team.

Mike Miller- A veteran shooter who appears to like what Javi is building. A definite chance to return.

Andrew Nicholson- Has promised so much and delivered so little so far, a real liability on defense, who will likely attract a salary more than he is worth elsewhere.

Looking at the future

The future looks pretty good in Minnesota, if everyone can stay healthy. A very solid starting five of Noel, Gibson, George, Beal and Lowry should carry them to another plus season, and should Ryan Anderson stay, the Wolves will have some weapons on the bench as well, with Ryan, Jeremy Lin and sophomore Justin Anderson. Javi has built this team and allowed it to develop some chemistry for over a season now, so it's time for the medical and fitness staff to do their job and keep these guys on the court. If they can do that, I think Javi should be able to break back into the playoffs in the Western Conference this season. Best of luck Javi!