After finishing the 2016-17 NBA season with a 31-51 record, the Minnesota Timberwolves were one of the most aggressive teams during the offseason. In hopes of ending their 13-year playoff drought, the Timberwolves acquired Jimmy Butler and signed Jeff Teague, Taj Gibson, and Jamal Crawford.

Along with Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins, the Timberwolves have established a playoff-caliber team heading into the second year of head coach Tom Thibodeau's tenure. As a result, they have already set a new team record heading into the new season according to Jon Krawczynski of Associated Press:

In Thibodeau's first season with the Timberwolves, there were high expectations. However, the team was too young and lacked depth and have now added four players with playoff experience.

As Towns and Wiggins look to take the next step in their development, there is great optimism they can end the drought. According to ESPN, they are expected to win 50.1 games and finish in fourth place.

While numerous Western Conference teams have improved, all eyes remain on the defending champion Golden State Warriors. After re-signing all of their major players, the Warriors actually improved their bench depth by signing Omri Casspi and Nick Young in free agency.