We’re just a few weeks out from tip-off, and Wolves fans are in that rare space between “please don’t let the dream die” and “holy hell, this could actually happen.” Back-to-back trips to the Western Conference Finals, the kind of thing we could only dream about, are now reality.
But here’s the catch: nobody goes into an 82-game season dreaming of being the “scrappy semifinalist” again. We’ve had the appetizers. We’re starving for the entrée. The question is: how do the Wolves actually take the next
step, dethrone OKC, and finally make it to the Finals?
We threw it to the Canis Hoopus community. The votes came in. And honestly? Every option on the board has some juice. Let’s break them down.
1. Ant Goes Full Supernova (43%)
Every title team has the guy. The face of the franchise, the person you build your identity around, and the best player on the floor when it matters. Jordan. Duncan. Kobe. LeBron. Steph.
For Minnesota, that guy is Anthony Edwards.
The leap already happened. He’s no longer a “could be” star, he’s there. But the scary part is he’s only 24. Last season, Ant didn’t just make highlight reels; he added substance. He led the NBA in threes made, turned himself into a consistent takeover scorer, and showed leadership flashes that made everyone in the league quietly circle “Wolves” as a real threat.
This summer? By all accounts, he’s leveled up again. Best shape of his life. Three percent body fat. The guy who once admitted to scarfing Popeye’s after practice now looks like he could star in the next Creed sequel. If the Ant that cooked L.A. and Golden State in spurts last spring turns into a version that does it every night, the Wolves aren’t just a contender—they’re terrifying.
2. Continuity Becomes a Weapon (35%)
Continuity doesn’t trend. It’s not going to earn you a breaking news tweet from Shams. But in Minnesota’s case, it might be the secret sauce.
Think back: after the Gobert trade, 2022–23 was a bit of a mess. The spacing was clunky, the vibes were off, and you had long stretches where even diehards weren’t sure what Tim Connelly was trying to build. But in 2023-24 the Gobert/KAT front court finally found its footing and resulted in the second most-successful season in franchise history. That harmony didn’t last long with the Wolves trading KAT and bringing in Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo on the fly. The start to the season was a master class in inconsistency. But by late March, the Wolves weren’t just surviving, they were humming. They smoked the Lakers. They stomped the Warriors. Suddenly, the pieces fit.
Now you start a season with that same core, with nearly 100 games of shared experience, and an actual training camp together. That’s how you move out of the 6-seed fight and into the 3- 2- or 1-seed conversation. That’s how you avoid burning Ant’s legs just to climb the standings in April. Continuity isn’t sexy, but it’s how good teams turn into great ones.
3. Terrence Shannon Jr. Fills the NAW Void (19%)
Nickeil Alexander-Walker walking in free agency left a real hole. He gave Finch a Swiss Army knife guard who could steady possessions, hit threes, and defend without blinking.
Enter Terrence Shannon Jr.
He’s older than most second-year guys. He’s battle-tested. And the flashes were already there — none bigger than that 25-point comeback against OKC, where Shannon was everywhere. Then he followed it up with a Summer League where he looked like the kid who shows up to the playground already calling next.
If TSJ can put his own spin on NAW’s role as the 2nd guard off the bench — attack off the dribble, defend wings, keep the second unit moving — he’s the exact type of low-cost, high-upside player every contender dreams of plugging in around stars. In a world where cap aprons are the new boogeyman, having a cost-efficient guy like Shannon is invaluable.
4. Joan Beringer: The Rookie X-Factor (3%)
Nobody’s asking Joan Beringer to be a star. Hell, nobody’s asking him to be a starter. But in a league where size still matters, the Wolves betting on a soccer-to-hoops convert at the mid first round might pay off sooner than expected.
He’s raw, sure. But the instincts are there. Think Dereck Lively II in Dallas two years ago. You don’t need him to be brilliant; you just need one or two playoff games where he tips the scales. If Joan gives you 8–12 honest minutes behind Rudy and Naz, that’s a big deal.
The Big Picture
So yes, the Wolves have plenty of ways to improve upon last season. Ant’s ascension is the headliner. Continuity is the quiet edge. Shannon is the wild card. Beringer is the lottery ticket. Put them together and suddenly Minnesota looks less like “fun conference finalist” and more like “serious Finals threat.”
After two decades in the wilderness, that’s not something you take for granted.
And if you want to put some skin in the game, FanDuel Sportsbook already has Wolves futures posted. If Ant makes the leap and the young guys fill in the gaps, Minnesota isn’t just a good bet — they’re a live one.
