The Minnesota Timberwolves appeared to have an obvious answer at power forward after trading Julius Randle and Naz Reid. Jaden McDaniels had already played the position at different points of his career, making him the expected choice for opening night. But recent comments from head coach Chris Finch and president of basketball operations Tim Connelly suggest Minnesota may have another plan. That possibility has opened one of the biggest questions remaining on the roster.
Chris Finch Complicates Timberwolves’ Power Forward Decision
Finch on Jaden McDaniels’ Role
Minnesota’s offseason moves created a hole in the starting lineup. After entering its biggest summer with major roster changes, the departures of Randle and Reid made McDaniels look like the natural replacement despite spending most of his career on the wing. His length and defensive versatility made the move seem reasonable — even against bigger opponents.
That assumption changed after Finch spoke with Christopher Hine of the Minnesota Star Tribune. Discussing McDaniels, the Timberwolves coach said, “In my mind’s eye, I don’t see that as a starting lineup with him there.” The comment suggests Finch still views McDaniels primarily as a small forward. If that remains the plan, Minnesota must find another starter at the four.
Tim Connelly Added More Mystery
Finch’s remarks became more interesting after Connelly spoke with Dan Barreiro on KFAN. Rather than pointing toward an obvious replacement, Minnesota’s top executive hinted the answer could surprise people. He said the roster already includes options that might seem “left-fieldish.”
That remark makes a veteran signing or another trade seem less certain than many expected. It also points toward an internal competition before the regular season begins. The Timberwolves may already believe the right player is on the roster, even if that player has not been widely discussed outside the organization.
Several Players Could Enter the Conversation
No candidate checks every box. Joan Beringer started at power forward during his Summer League appearance, but pairing him with Rudy Gobert would leave Minnesota with limited floor spacing. That combination would also place two centers on the floor for long stretches.
Josh Green offers another possibility. He said during his introductory press conference that he is comfortable defending positions one through four. His experience guarding larger players gives Finch lineup flexibility, even if power forward has never been his regular position.
When asked about playing power forward, Josh Green told reporters this morning at Target Center that he is open to defending one through four.
"I think that's one of my strengths, being able to plug in and be able to do that offensively and defensively. So really, whatever is…
— Charlie Walton (@CharlieWaltonMN) July 14, 2026
Terrence Shannon Jr. also deserves consideration. He brings more size than many perimeter players and would allow Minnesota to keep four shooters around Gobert, which could help address the team’s offensive concerns. His rebounding, though, has not yet become a consistent part of his game, which could matter against bigger frontcourts.
Other Options Carry Questions
Jaylen Clark plays with enough strength to defend players bigger than his listed size. His defensive intensity could help Minnesota match smaller lineups across the league. The concern is whether a lineup featuring Clark, McDaniels, Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball would generate enough offense every night.
Trey Lyles is the only natural power forward among the realistic options. Even so, he spent last season overseas before signing a one-year veteran minimum contract with Minnesota. Giving him a starting role immediately would be an unexpected decision based on his recent career.
Opening Night Remains Unclear
If McDaniels stays at small forward, Ayo Dosunmu could become Minnesota’s sixth man instead of joining the starting lineup. That role might strengthen a second unit that lacks proven scoring. It would also allow Dosunmu to play starter-level minutes without creating another size problem in the frontcourt.
Minnesota still has time to make another move before the season begins. Yet Finch and Connelly have both hinted that the solution may already be inside the building. Until training camp begins, the battle for power forward may be the Wolves’ most important unanswered question.
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