Finch cites Doncic and Harden: “Today you need something different”

Building an entire team around a single playmaker can take you a long way, but according to Chris Finch, it may no longer be the best formula for going all the way. The Timberwolves head coach pointed to some of the NBA’s best playmakers, from Luka Doncic to James Harden and Trae Young, to explain how roster construction is changing.

Speaking on the Dan Moore NBA Podcast, Finch emphasized that teams led by this type of superstar have achieved major results, but have also run into limitations in the playoffs:

They’re all elite passers and playmakers. Maybe those teams had a ceiling in terms of what they were able to do in the playoffs. They had some incredible runs. Now, when you build a roster, I think you have to do it a little differently. Depth, youth, interchangeable players

Chris Finch

It is a philosophy that also seems to be reflected in the decisions made by Minnesota, which is increasingly leaning toward a deep and versatile roster rather than a system completely dependent on a single superstar.

Last year, Anthony Edwards was given greater responsibility as a ball-handler, moving him somewhat away from the role in which he is best able to maximize his strengths. The arrival of LaMelo Ball should change the balance, allowing Edwards to focus more on scoring while splitting offensive creation among multiple players.

The presence of young and versatile wings such as Jaden McDaniels and Jonathan Kuminga follows the same direction: more options, greater interchangeability and less dependence on a single player.

Finch, however, does not believe that what this group has shown so far necessarily represents the maximum it can achieve:

I think we’ve maximized our opportunities. And if you want to call that a ceiling, I think as you keep changing the team and adding pieces, every year is different. It’s really hard to predict

Chris Finch

What strengthens his belief above all is the balance the NBA has shown in recent seasons, with the championship continuing to change hands:

One of the reasons I’m pausing before I answer is that we’ve had, what, seven different champions in seven years or eight? I’ve lost count. So I think everybody has a chance. In that context, there really isn’t a ceiling

Chris Finch

After reaching the Western Conference Finals in recent seasons, the Timberwolves are therefore starting again with a different structure and the goal of making the final leap. Finch’s bet is clear: spreading talent and responsibility could be the right path to bring Minnesota closer to a championship.