{"id":888620,"date":"2019-03-19T12:52:44","date_gmt":"2019-03-19T17:52:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thesportsdaily.com\/?p=888620"},"modified":"2019-03-19T14:11:02","modified_gmt":"2019-03-19T19:11:02","slug":"the-minnesota-timberwolves-should-embrace-the-tank-dols11","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thesportsdaily.com\/news\/the-minnesota-timberwolves-should-embrace-the-tank-dols11\/","title":{"rendered":"The Minnesota Timberwolves should embrace the tank"},"content":{"rendered":"

During a season that started with playoff hopes, it\u2019s been a wild ride for the 2018\/19 Minnesota Timberwolves. From the Jimmy Butler saga, to the Tom Thibodeau firing, to all the injuries down the stretch, things haven\u2019t gone according to plan for Minnesota this season. With just 12 games remaining on the season, the Wolves sit 10th in the Western Conference, currently slotted with the 12th pick in the NBA Draft Lottery. With the 12th pick in the lottery, that selection gives the Wolves a 7.1% chance to move into the top four, and a 1.5% chance at getting the top selection. However, with 12 games to play, it\u2019s time for the Minnesota Timberwolves to embrace the tank to see if they can move higher in the draft order.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Where things currently stand<\/b><\/h4>\n

As I just stated, with the Timberwolves currently slotted in the 12 spot in the draft, that gives them a 7.1% chance to move into the top four if the ping pong balls fall their way. However, the Wolves are just 2.5 games from moving into the 8th spot, which would increase their chances of getting a top four pick to 26.3%, with a 6% chance at the top selection, also known as Zion Williamson. For a more detailed look at where things stand in the \u201ctankathon\u201d standings, take a look at the graphic below.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"NBA<\/p>\n

How should the Wolves tank<\/b><\/h4>\n

The Timberwolves are 3-7 in their last 10 games, so I guess they should just keep doing what they are doing, right? Showing minimal effort on defense and allowing open threes has been a staple for the Wolves defense this season, especially the last handful on games. Over the last 10 games, Minnesota is allowing an astonishing 123.1 points per game. You don\u2019t have to be an NBA expert to know that isn\u2019t ideal.<\/span><\/p>\n

To make the tank over the last 12 games worthwhile, the Wolves should continue to be garbage on defense. Okay, I\u2019m kidding. A \u201cyoung\u201d team shouldn\u2019t be building these habits. Whether it\u2019s the defensive system, or all the injuries, the Timberwolves have the worst defense in the league, and that needs to change.<\/span><\/p>\n

Instead of not trying on defense, Minnesota should approach the tank by playing their young guys as many minutes as possible. Keita Bates-Diop, Josh Okogie, and Cameron Reynolds should all be playing over 30 minutes a night. Get them as much experience as possible in NBA action, so when the Wolves need to rely on them next season in meaningful games, the transition will be smoother. There can be a case made to bring <\/span>Andrew Wiggins off the bench<\/span><\/a> for the rest of the season, but unfortunately for the tank, that probably hurts the Wolves chances at losing.<\/span><\/p>\n