Tom's Title Tiers #8

Can Rudy Gobert's revival make Minny a true contender?

Rudy Gobert has a lot to be smile about. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)

Who knew that getting put into a chokehold would result in a surge in popularity? Thanks to Draymond Green’s antics, Rudy Gobert and the Minnesota Timberwolves have punctured the public consciousness and sit atop the Western Conference. Are they true contenders though?

(Psst … Rudy was right about Draymond).

Welcome to this week’s Tom’s Title Tiers. A reminder: This is my subjective list based largely on objective data. This is not a pure, analytical ranking. You’re here because you want to know what I think, to get inside my brain a little bit. Consider this a weekly report of what I see on film; what I glean from the numbers; what I hear on the phone; what I read in the news; what I feel.

I’m also going to write about one team each week. 

This week’s featured squad: the Minnesota Timberwolves.

I’ll go a little deeper later, but here’s a quick rundown of each tier.

Tom’s Title Tiers

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This is a complete team, no notes.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Just missing that one thing.

⭐⭐⭐ One move away from being one move away.

⭐⭐ So much has to break right.

⭐ Sooo you’re saying there’s a chance.

So, where do I put the Timberwolves and the rest of the contenders? And which teams got demoted 📉 ? Which teams are on the rise 📈 ?

Some big moves this week…

Let’s find out.