The Timberwolves were recruiting LeBron James hard for several reasons, not the least of which were his ability to impact winning even at 41 and the belief that his vast experience competing for titles would be highly valuable to a young team that has yet to reach the mountaintop. But they also had a natural hole in their roster that James would have perfectly fit.
To land LaMelo Ball, the Wolves had to liquidate their depth at power forward, sending Julius Randle to the Brooklyn Nets and Naz Reid to the Charlotte Hornets. Adding Ball’s $41 million salary put Minnesota right up against the second-apron payroll threshold of $221.7 million for this upcoming season, leaving Connelly with little ammunition to address the lack of depth at the four. Had James decided to come and play in Minnesota for the league minimum, it would have been an incredible stroke of good fortune and removed any worries about the roster construction heading into Edwards’ seventh season in the league.
While observers of the roster have expressed serious concern about the lack of size up front next to Gobert, Connelly and coach Chris Finch do not seem as bothered.
“Certainly it’s going to be a new-look roster,” Connelly said. “And all credit to Coach Finch’s willingness to consistently evolve and coach what’s put in front of him. There’s not a more creative coach in the world, so we have full faith that whatever we put out there is going to be successful.
“It might look different, but we’re excited about it.”
