The Minnesota Timberwolves belong to Anthony Edwards. At just 24 years old, he has made two All-NBA First Teams and has twice led the Timberwolves to the Conference Finals.
Their present and future are linked to him.
In an effort to maximize Edwards and his unmatched athleticism, the Timberwolves want to enter the 2025-26 season as one of the fastest teams in the league. Last year, they ranked 24th in pace. The season before that, also 24th.
In order to go faster, the Wolves are turning to Mike Conley, the methodical, 37-year-old point guard. Conley is coming off the worst season of his career. Nevertheless, the Timberwolves are asking him to be more than a veteran leader.
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 17: Mike Conley #10 of the Minnesota Timberwolves in action during the game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on January 17, 2025 in New York City. The Timberwolves won 116-99. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
Timberwolves to Rely on Conley to Push the Pace
Conley has never been known as a high-tempo player, and as he ages, he has only slowed down. The Wolves may have been expected to use him this year to show Rob Dillingham the ropes.
Instead, he will be tasked with picking up the pace, especially after Rudy Gobert snags a defensive rebound.
“It’s changing the process,” wrote The Athletic’s Fred Katz on how Minnesota approaches possible fast-break situations. “It wants Randle and Edwards streaking to the corners or the wings in transition. Conley is supposed to come back for the pass. The goal is to get the basketball in the hands of the squad’s most mature decision-maker.”
“Most mature” is certainly a way to describe Conley, who is about to start his 19th season. In theory, as soon as a shot clangs off the rim, Julius Randle and Edwards will get in position to score, not run the offense, and Conley will be tasked with quickly finding one of them down the court.
There should be less confusion. If fans look at it as “Conley pushing the pace,” it sounds ridiculous. If they look at it as “Conely organizing the offense,” it sounds perfectly reasonable.
GettyMINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – MAY 14: Mike Conley #10 of the Minnesota Timberwolves reacts against the Golden State Warriors during the first quarter in Game Five of the Western Conference Second Round NBA Playoffs at Target Center on May 14, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ellen Schmidt/Getty Images)
Mike Conley Will Play Two Roles
Last season, in 74 games, Conley averaged 8.2 points and 4.5 assists while still being a pesky on-ball defender. One of his biggest responsibilities was mentoring the young team.
Conley, of course, is one of the best mentors in the NBA.
As much as the Timberwolves might want to pivot to Dillingham, there will certainly be some growing pains if they give the young guard the reins. Conley, to his credit, is ever-steady and understands his role, even if he doesn’t have the legs he once did.
“Conley can push it down the court, or even kick a dish ahead to a sprinting Randle or Edwards,” Katz added. “The team hopes this will open up buckets for its leading scorers while allowing it to play faster.”
Playing faster with a soon-to-be 38-year-old running the show seems counterintuitive, but if the Wolves aim to run an efficient offense, letting Conley take control is a model for success.
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