Utah Jazz: Northwest Division Comparison – January

Dec 14, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) defends against Oklahoma City Thunder center Enes Kanter (11) during the second half at Vivint Smart Home Arena. The Jazz won 109-89. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 14, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) defends against Oklahoma City Thunder center Enes Kanter (11) during the second half at Vivint Smart Home Arena. The Jazz won 109-89. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
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Nov 28, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) backs towards the basket as Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) plays defense in the second half at Target Center. The Jazz won 112-103. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) backs towards the basket as Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) plays defense in the second half at Target Center. The Jazz won 112-103. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Minnesota Timberwolves

Current Record: 11-24

Standings: 5th in Division, 14th in Conference

The Timberwolves continue to struggle this year despite being one of the most hyped up-and-coming squads of the offseason. They are benefiting largely from the phenomenal play of Andrew Wiggins, Karl-Anthony Towns and Zach LaVine who are all averaging over 20 points per game, but beyond those three, they don’t have many reliable contributors.

They still have the lowest scoring bench in the league, but beyond their lack of depth the Timberwolves are extremely short on experience as well.

Minnesota did log a better win percentage in December than they did in November, going 6-9 in 15 games, so perhaps they are in store for slight improvement in 2017. However, the T-Wolves are already 0-2 in January and with how slow those improvements are coming, they’re much too far behind to have any legitimate shot of qualifying for the playoffs or competing for a division title.

They are currently 4.5 games out of eighth place in the West and have yet to log a win against any of their divisional foes. As they continue to struggle to close out games and compete with even mediocre teams, it’s looking like this Wolves team will have to hope for better luck next season.