Timberwolves’ Point Guard Dilemma: The Mike Conley Conundrum
The Minnesota Timberwolves are grappling with a significant issue at the point guard position.
When Tim Connelly orchestrated the trade for Mike Conley, it was an absolute masterstroke. The veteran guard brought stability and experience to the team for the balance of the 2022-23 season and the entirety of 2023-24, a season that culminated in 56 regular-season wins and a trip to the Western Conference Finals. Along the way, Conley even earned a two-year extension, meaning he’ll be in a Wolves jersey through his age-38 season.
But the first dozen games of the season have not gone to plan, and concerns about Conley’s ability to contribute at a high level appear to be founded — as well as question marks about the alternatives, both for this season and as a long-term succession plan.
The Struggles of Mike Conley
Conley, now 37, has seen his minutes decrease significantly. He’s averaging just 23.5 minutes per game, the lowest since his rookie year. This reduction in playtime is mirrored by a dip in his scoring and shooting efficiency. His 3-point percentage is at its lowest since the 2017-2018 season, raising concerns about his legs and overall stamina.
The Timberwolves’ strategy relied heavily on Conley maintaining his form for at least another season. The plan was for Rob Dillingham, the No. 8 overall pick in this year’s draft, to learn under Conley’s tutelage and eventually take over the starting role. However, Dillingham has not yet shown he is ready to step up, leaving the team in a precarious position.
Exploring Alternatives
With Conley’s performance waning and Dillingham not yet ready, the Timberwolves have experimented with other options. Donte DiVincenzo and Anthony Edwards have both played quit a bit of point guard, but the results have been mixed. DiVincenzo’s time at point guard has been particularly challenging, and while Edwards is the more effective player overall, he cannot shoulder the point guard responsibilities full-time without impacting his primary role.
The Timberwolves’ current predicament highlights the importance of having a reliable backup point guard. Last season, the team managed to navigate similar challenges by acquiring Monte Morris, but this year, the options are limited. The front office’s decision to draft Dillingham was a long-term investment, but the immediate need for a solution is pressing.
As the Timberwolves continue to search for answers, the pressure mounts. The team is at a crossroads, needing to either find a way to maximize Conley’s remaining abilities or accelerate Dillingham’s development. The upcoming games will be crucial in determining the direction the team takes.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Timberwolves’ point guard situation, tune into the Locked On Wolves podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Wolves Podcast:
- Analysis of the Timberwolves’ recent performance against the Sacramento Kings.
- The impact of the Timberwolves’ recent trades on team dynamics.
- A look at the Timberwolves’ upcoming schedule and key matchups.
- Discussion on the Timberwolves’ strategy for integrating young talent into the lineup.
