The Minnesota Timberwolves enter the 2026-27 season with a revamped rotation after acquiring All-Star guard LaMelo Ball. Following a 109-139 loss to the San Antonio Spurs on May 16, 2026, and a 1-4 record in their last five games, the Wolves look to Ball to elevate their offense and address frontcourt gaps. President of basketball operations Tim Connelly overhauled the roster, leaving coach Chris Finch with tough decisions on the starting lineup.
How does LaMelo Ball fit into the Timberwolves' starting five?
Ball replaces Donte DiVincenzo in the backcourt, but his impact goes beyond a one-for-one swap. Finch sees Ball as a Randle-like scorer, leaving a power forward vacancy. Ayo Dosunmu, Josh Green, and Trey Lyles emerge as top candidates. Dosunmu’s 14.8 points per game last season make him a strong option, but Green’s familiarity with Ball and playoff experience with Dallas could give him the edge. Lyles, the only true power forward, lacks defensive versatility but provides size.
Why is the Timberwolves' bench unit crucial this season?
With Ball and Anthony Edwards leading the offense, the bench needs scoring punch. Dosunmu’s 43.9% three-point shooting would bolster the second unit, while Green’s defensive versatility could stabilize the starting lineup. Finch’s reluctance to start Jaden McDaniels at power forward suggests a preference for traditional lineups, though McDaniels will still see minutes there. The Wolves’ success hinges on balancing star power and role-player contributions.
What challenges does Chris Finch face with the new rotation?
Finch must integrate Ball’s playmaking with Edwards’ scoring while addressing defensive gaps. The Timberwolves’ recent struggles (1W-0D-4L) highlight the need for consistency. Green’s ability to space the floor and Lyles’ rebounding could mitigate defensive concerns. If Dosunmu starts, the bench loses its top scorer, forcing Finch to rely on younger players like Terrence Shannon Jr. and Jaylen Clark. The Wolves’ playoff hopes depend on Finch’s ability to optimize this new-look rotation.
