Choices made by Timberwolves, Gophers could make or break teams

The Timberwolves and Tom Thibodeau won the battle of black and white this season. They stumbled in areas more gray, where decisionmaking and philosophy became murky.

The Wolves improved by 16 games and made the playoffs for the first time since 2004, but circumstances nag.

Ricky Rubio played well and won a playoff series in Utah, while Jeff Teague often looked as uncomfortable in Thibodeau's offense as had Rubio. Did Thibs choose the wrong point guard?

Andrew Wiggins regressed in the wake of Thibodeau's trade of Zach LaVine for Jimmy Butler. Did Thibs choose the wrong young talent?

Jamal Crawford declined the player option on his contract. Two free agents signed to strengthen the Wolves bench…