The Minnesota Timberwolves are closer to the playoffs than they have been in years. They are eighth in the Western Conference with the All-Star break only a few weeks away. Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards are lighting it up. Patrick Beverley has meshed perfectly with the young Wolves squad. For the first time in a while, there is genuine excitement around Minnesota basketball.

Still, the Wolves could be a lot better. Their defense, once a top-10 unit in the NBA, is now ranking in the middle of the pack. Their offense is too, despite the litany of scorers and shooters they have. Although they are dealing with some injuries, they have areas they'll have to improve in. Something has to change in order to take Minnesota from playoff contender to playoff lock.

This season is not defined by the Timberwolves winning a championship or not. it's about finding a group of players they can build around to get them into contention for the franchise's first title. Minnesota has intriguing young players but there is one position in particular where they could use some help.

Biggest need the Timberwolves must address at the 2022 NBA Trade Deadline

The Timberwolves' biggest need is a more reliable option at power forward.

This is no slight to Jarred Vanderbilt, the Timberwolves' energetic forward and defensive extraordinaire. The 22-year-old has been tremendous in his role this season and should have a long, solid career that could feature some All-Defensive Team buzz as early as this season.

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However, Vanderbilt has his limitations. On offense, he doesn't contribute much besides offensive rebounding, which he is very good at. He rarely shoots outside of the restricted area and doesn't generate many looks by himself. Basically, he has the offensive role of a traditional, rim-running center. It has worked for now but may not be as effective in the playoffs, where offensive liabilities get exposed.

What the Timberwolves could really use is an offensive upgrade that can also provide defense. Using Vanderbilt in a prominent bench role would be preferable. Head coach Chris Finch should make him one of the first guys off the bench and play him in crunch time when the Wolves need stops.

Jaden McDaniels could be an offensive upgrade over Vanderbilt, as he shot 36.4 percent from 3-point land last year. His percentage is down by almost 10 percentage points, though. What the Timberwolves need is a forward that can create some offense while contributing some defense.

There are numerous players Minnesota could get via trade that would improve their lineup. Jerami Grant would be a noticeable upgrade, though it may cost a lot to get him. His ability to score, shoot and defend several positions makes him an optimal fit. P.J. Washington is young, talented and could possibly be obtained for less, but he is due for a contract extension and doesn't offer the isolation scoring that Grant can.

Ultimately, the Timberwolves would be better off using Vanderbilt and McDaniels situationally. Both of them fit alongside Towns, Edwards and D'Angelo Russell as stout defenders. Their lack of offense leaves much to be desired, especially in close games. The reliability they both show on defense should earn them minutes but they don't show enough offensive value to be played big minutes late in games. It would give the opposing defense an easy out by leaning off of them to help slow down the Wolves' big guns.

While the power forward spot isn't in a dire situation for the Timberwolves, it's the position where they could most use an upgrade.