The majority of NBA general managers believe Minnesota will just miss the playoffs this season – but they still think highly of the up-and-coming Timberwolves.
The annual NBA GM survey was released on Tuesday, as each executive answered questions about the best teams, players, coaches and offseason moves. Here are four big Wolves points from the survey.
1. Thibs is GOAT
For starters, the GMs picked Minnesota as the most improved team in 2016-17 regular season, with the Utah Jazz and New York Knicks right behind them.
Head coach Tom Thibodeau received a lot love. He was voted the best coach for defensive schemes. Among the new coaches to the NBA this season, they believe Thibodeau will make the biggest impact to his team.
2. Everybody wants KAT
The majority of GMs said they would take Karl-Anthony Towns to start a franchise with, over any other player in the league.
The reigning Rookie of the Year received more votes than Kevin Durant, LeBron James and Steph Curry – all of whom are former MVP’s.
Towns may be younger but considering Durant and Curry are still in their 20s that is beyond impressive. League executives also list Towns as a center they would take over Warriors’ Draymond Green.
3. Big expectations for Dunn
Dunn was voted as the favorite to win Rookie of the Year this season. If Dunn indeed wins ROY, he’ll be the third straight Wolves player to win the award.
He was also listed as the second-biggest steal of the NBA Draft last June (which seems a bit early to guess, but OK) and was behind only Ben Simmons in terms of rookie who will be the best player five years from now.
4. Rubio can dish
Point guard Ricky Rubio was voted the third-best passer in the league behind Chris Paul and LeBron James.
