Salary-cap issues could sidetrack the Timberwolves’ rise in the Western Conference, as Nick Friedell of ESPN details. Referencing ESPN salary expert Bobby Marks, Friedell notes that the Timberwolves would be only $6MM under the projected $123MM luxury-tax line next season with four open roster spots if they kept the current roster together. That would hamstring their ability to bring in quality free agents. The tax implications only get worse in future years if, as expected, they offer Karl-Anthony Towns a rookie max extension and try to re-sign Jimmy Butler when he becomes a free agent in 2019.
In other news around the Northwest Division:
- Forward Darrell Arthur has appeared in just five games this season for the Nuggets but he’s contributing as a leader, according to Christopher Dempsey of the team’s website. “What you have to love about him right now is he’s not playing, and he’s more than capable of helping us out,” coach Michael Malone told Dempsey. “But he’s a guy that right now from a numbers standpoint isn’t getting called on very often. He has not allowed that to detract from his leadership role and staying positive, staying engaged.” Arthur holds a $7.46MM player option on his contract for next season and his lack of playing time increases the possibility that he’ll stay put.
- Shooting guard Andre Roberson has missed the last three Thunder games with a left knee injury and their defense is suffering without him, as Erik Horne of The Oklahoman explains. The Thunder’s defense has allowed 12 fewer points per 100 possessions with Roberson on the floor this season and he’s particularly adept on pick-and-roll coverage, Horne continues. “We 100 percent need the guy because of that reason,” center Steven Adams told Horne. “And it’s just the small things that just start snowballing. He makes that extra one step that’ll stop that player and that possession. He’ll just cut off that whole play.” Roberson is expected to miss at least two more games.
- Butler has been primarily responsible for the Timberwolves’ improvement to playoff-level status, as Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer examines.
This is what happens when you make a regular (unqualified) coach a VP/GM.
Thibs is a great coach, but you need someone with extreme financial and business acumen/experience in the front office.
Otherwise, you just have blinders on. You know the players you want, you go get them, and then eventually you go “oopsie,” when you look at the bill.
What he said.