Editor's note: This is the ninth of Sam Amico's 30 NBA team previews entering the 2014-15 season.
Projected Starters
C Nikola Pekovic; PF Thaddeus Young; SF Corey Brewer; SG Kevin Martin; PG Ricky Rubio.
Reserves
G/F Andrew Wiggins; PG Mo Williams; PF Anthony Bennett; SG Zach LaVine; G/F Glen Robinson III; SF Chase Budinger; SF Shabazz Muhammad; C Gorgui Dieng; F Robbie Hummel; PG Jose Barea; C Ronny Turiaf.
Coach
Flip Saunders, 18th year. After a few season away from the bench and in the front office, Saunders returns to the sidelines to lead the post-Kevin Love era. On the bright side, he has proven to be an exceptional teacher at this level, and with this young bunch, he should be a major plus. Along with overall team athleticism, Saunders can be considered a positive.
Strengths
At the very least, the Timberwolves should have a competitive training camp/preseason, with a number of talented players battling for starting spots. That's particularly true at the swing positions. ... Pekovic is one the league's strongest and most underrated centers, a force underneath who can also spread opposing defenses with a nice touch. ... Young is likely to lead the team in scoring with his arsenal of moves and experience. ... Brewer is among the NBA's top wing defenders. He'll be good for rookie Wiggins. ... Rubio is the best ball-handler this side of Kyrie Irving and a Steve Nash-like passer.
Weaknesses
Without Love, the Timberwolves will have to decide who's going to lead them. Is Wiggins ready? Will Bennett be anything more than a Year One flop? Is Young just another good player on a bad team? ... Chemistry could be problematic early, and with all this youth, even late. ... Not much in the way of consistent scoring here, although that could change should some of the youngsters emerge quickly. ... A lot of folks coming off the bench are unproven. Some just aren't that good at this level.
Outlook
Losing Kevin Love doesn't mean a dip in wins. Not with what the Timberwolves landed in return (Wiggins, Young, Bennett). This will be an exciting team, a team with real athleticism and hope and one that could steal a few games simply by defending, then having Rubio lead the break with Wiggins, Young and even LaVine fill the wings. But as for the playoffs, there's simply too much youth, too many unknowns, to get too carried away.
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