Minnesota Timberwolves

The Timberwolves returned to prominence last season, reaching the Western Conference Finals for the second time in franchise history. Anthony Edwards continued his ascension making his second straight All-Star team while reserve Naz Reid won the league’s Sixth Man of the Year award. 

The success was not only buoyed by the strong play of Edwards and company but by sustained health. As an organization the Timberwolves had their healthiest season since the 2009-2010 campaign, surrendering 70 total man games lost to injury or illness. Led by longtime franchise stalwart Gregg Farnam, the medical team was able to keep the young-and-upcoming team on the court. Only twice did a player to miss more than 10 consecutive games due to injury, including Karl-Anthony Towns 18 games lost due to a meniscus tear.

The medical staff was restructured following the season with Farnam promoted to Vice President of Medical Services. Erin Sierer was elevated to Head Athletic Trainer after spending the last five season as an Assistant Athletic Trainer. Sierer becomes the first woman to hold the title in franchise history.

The group will need to replicate last season’s success to maintain the on-court productivity. They will be challenged early on as a last-minute trade with New York sent Towns to the Knicks with Julius Randle landing in Minnesota. Randle has a lengthy injury history, including a shoulder labrum tear that required surgery and prematurely ended his 2023-24 season. Keeping Randle on the court will be a key factor in returning Minnesota to the top of the Western Conference.