One of ESPN’s best tools as far as an analytical/predictive tool is their Real Plus-Minus metric. It is meant to take into account a variety of factors, including teammates.
Kevin Pelton and his crew, including Jeremias Engelmann and Steve Ilardi, have compiled their 2016-17 standings projection, based off of RPM.
In their ESPN Insider piece, Pelton and Co. have given the Timberwolves an 11th-place finish in the Western Conference come next spring. Here’s his analysis:
Remember, RPM projections don’t factor in coaching, and the arrival of Tom Thibodeau makes the Timberwolves overwhelmingly likely to outperform their projected ranking of 27th in defensive rating.