The Minnesota Timberwolves are currently down 3-1 against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Finals. This series has highlighted a key roster flaw for the Wolves: a lack of point guard. While the Wolves' point guard play has been a problem all season, the WCF has exposed this issue.
The Wolves have averaged 16.5 turnovers this series, which has been a key problem. At 37, Mike Conley can't provide the same level of production. Adding a point guard next to Anthony Edwards would increase the Wolves' championship upside. Let's further explore this flaw and how the Timberwolves could improve it this offseason.
The Wolves clearly need another point guard
Conley has struggled in the playoffs, averaging just 6.4 points and 3.5 assists. As a result of Conley's play, Edwards has been the primary playmaker for the Timberwolves at various points of the playoffs, including against OKC. The Wolves don't have another natural point guard in their rotation.
While Edwards has improved as a playmaker, he's clearly at his best next to a point guard. Despite a dip in production, Conley has posted a stellar 10.9 net rating, including a 15 net rating in the Western Conference Finals. This highlights the value of having a playmaking point guard next to Ant.
Is Rob Dillingham ready for a bigger role?
The answer to Minnesota's point guard problem might already be on the roster. Rob Dillingham was the No. 8 overall pick in last year's draft. He didn't play much as a rookie, averaging just 10.5 minutes per game. However, Dillingham's upside is clear, and he showed plenty of positive flashes in his rookie year. Dillingham's shot-creation and playmaking would bolster the Wolves' offense. He can score in bunches and is a high-IQ passer. This skill set is exactly what the Timberwolves need.
If Dillingham gets more opportunities and performs well in his second year, this could solve the Wolves' point guard issue. In this scenario, Dillingham could split minutes with Conley. However, it's unclear if the Timberwolves believe the 6-foot-1 guard is ready for a sizable role, especially given his defensive deficiencies. Regardless, Dillingham should get more minutes next season and could very well contribute at a high level.
Other options
If the Timberwolves believe Dillingham needs more time to develop or simply want more guard depth, there are a few other options they could pursue. A reunion with Tyus Jones could make sense. He is an excellent playmaker and decision-maker capable of stabilizing the offense. Furthermore, Jones signed a minimum contract last offseason and could once again be available for a cheap price.
Chris Paul is another option due to his elite playmaking and experience. However, the Wolves might be apprehensive about signing another veteran guard. Malcolm Brogdon and Spencer Dinwiddie are two other players with a bit more size than Jones and Paul. Both Brogdon and Dinwiddie are skilled playmakers. While these aren't star players, adding one of these names could make a significant difference, especially if Dillingham takes a leap.
If the Wolves are looking for a pure depth piece with Dillingham getting a bigger role in mind, Monte Morris, Delon Wright, and Markelle Fultz are all possible candidates. The Wolves could look to draft a point guard with the No. 17 pick, however, it's unclear if they'd want to develop two young point guards at the same time.
Trading for a star point guard would obviously give the Timberwolves more upside. Nevertheless, there aren't many star guards available, especially with what Minnesota would have to offer. Ultimately, look for the Wolves to sign a free agent and Dillingham to have a bigger role, for them to fill this point guard void.