The Minnesota Timberwolves are poised to make a statement in the 2025-26 season. They have advanced to the Western Conference Finals for two consecutive years. However, that’s not their final destination. The Wolves want to reach the NBA Finals next year and secure their first championship.
How can the Wolves make the finals in a Western Conference that got deeper?
The Oklahoma City Thunder are projected to repeat as NBA champions. So the Wolves are aware of the challenges that lie ahead of them. However, they can reach the finals if they use the proper rotations.
The Wolves have a deep lineup if they have the proper rotations
They will have depth
Finch plays four units each quarter
Ant – McDaniels – Naz – Randle – Rudy
This will be Finch’s starting unit. It doesn’t have a true point guard (PG), but it’s defensively stacked. They’re reliable on both ends of the court. Ant and Randle will have another year to gel into one of the league’s best duos.
Minnesota must monitor Randle’s minutes to keep him healthy. Injuries have been a recurring problem in his career, and he’s approaching his 30th birthday. McDaniels and Naz are younger than Randle, and the Wolves can rely on them more defensively. That gives the Wolves the advantage with Rudy playing with them. This unit will play the first 5 minutes of a quarter.
Ant – McDaniels – Naz – Rudy – Rob
The Wolves have inserted Rob as their 6th man and starting PG. Naz will be taking Randle’s place while the Wolves play a real PG with Ant. This is where the Wolves start to be more opportunistic offensively. This unit will play for the next 2 minutes into mid-quarter.
Rob is trusted to facilitate offense to open up space for Ant and Naz. Both Ant (39.5%) and Naz (37.9%) are good 3-point shooters. Rob (33.8%) was also good enough last year. McDaniels (6 rebounds per game) and Rudy (11 rebounds) will be threats for rebounding and scoring around the basket.
Rob – Naz – Shannon – DiVincenzo – Beringer
This is why the Wolves decided to keep Naz over Nickeil Alexander-Walker (NAW). Naz can play multiple roles except for point guard. While NAW was the better guard than Naz, NAW isn’t a center who can play when Rudy needs to rest.
This rotation gives them the depth to replace NAW’s presence. The Wolves can trust Naz to guide Beringer while Rudy also rests. Shannon gets an extended look as Finch’s lucky charm (lucky 7!). DiVincenzo is a reliable depth scorer. This unit will play the last 2 minutes of mid-quarter.
Conley – Randle – Shannon – DiVincenzo – Beringer
Conley becomes the team’s veteran closer at PG. Randle is fresh coming back into the game to support Conley’s lack of size. Shannon and Beringer are explosive players. DiVincenzo can be relied on to maintain a good offensive flow.
Beringer won’t be exposed much as the Wolves develop him. He needs to continue bulking up his frame. Rudy and Naz will be carrying the load at center. This unit will play the last 3 minutes of a quarter.
Break glass in case of emergency
Ant – Naz – Rob – Beringer – Clark
Unfortunately, Finch won’t give Clark many looks, but he can serve as an insurance policy. Clark can form a strong chemistry with Beringer and Naz as an elite defensive trio. This suffocating defense, combined with Ant and Rob’s firepower, will spell success. Finch has a secret weapon in this unit.
Clark can also play with more players, but Finch will only do this if there are injuries. Finch didn’t factor Rob, Shannon, and Clark into the lineup last season. Beringer addressed Finch’s need for a 3rd center in his depth chart. He has enough guards for a 10-man lineup. However, you can never have enough guards. Finch isn’t that flexible.
Clark will likely get more playing time when Conley retires. However, since Clark isn’t a true PG, he may be the odd man out again unless DiVincenzo regresses. Clark can be a backup guard for DiVincenzo, which is necessary due to his streaky offense.
This would extend Finch’s lineup to 11 since Conley would get PG minutes. Beringer still gets center minutes. The Wolves can’t compete with Rob as their only PG, and they can’t use Clark as a center to backup Rudy. Still, Clark has a role as a depth guard.
The Wolves can reach another level with these rotations
This lineup represents the factors that will make the Wolves a better contender.
Ant will reach another level. Randle learned from his playoff experience, McDaniels will mature into an elite two-way forward, and Naz is displaying true versatility. Rob is a legit Sixth Man of the Year candidate, and Shannon may have a breakout season. Beringer is thriving in rotation minutes. Clark is an X-factor when needed, thanks to Conley’s guidance.
If the Wolves take on the Thunder, Denver Nuggets, Houston Rockets, and other teams with deep lineups, Finch will likely play up to 11 men in Clark. Further maximizing his lineup. This would be an example of Finch thinking outside the box, which he isn’t used to doing. For the most part, expect Finch to play up to 10 men.
The Wolves are destined for greatness; they don’t need Kevin Durant. They have potential star power from within that’s ready to explode if Finch can maximize their talent. They also must trust Rob to develop as a starting PG with Conley mentoring.
Ant is ready to compete for Most Valuable Player (MVP). Randle will learn from his playoff experience. McDaniels will be a two-way force, and Reid’s versatility will help him thrive. Shannon is Finch’s good luck charm, DiVincenzo will improve, and Clark is a good insurance policy. Beringer is set to take over for Gobert in the next couple of years. Conley continues to be their locker room leader.
The Wolves have the ingredients. Now it’s time for Finch to cook.