{"id":205253,"date":"2026-07-16T15:33:50","date_gmt":"2026-07-16T19:33:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=205253"},"modified":"2026-07-16T15:33:50","modified_gmt":"2026-07-16T19:33:50","slug":"chris-finch-lineup","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2026\/07\/16\/chris-finch-lineup\/","title":{"rendered":"Chris Finch Complicates Timberwolves\u2019 Power Forward Decision"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Minnesota Timberwolves appeared to have an obvious answer at power forward after trading Julius Randle<\/a> and Naz Reid<\/a>. Jaden McDaniels<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

Chris Finch Complicates Timberwolves\u2019 Power Forward Decision<\/h2>\n

Finch on Jaden McDaniels’ Role<\/h3>\n

Minnesota’s offseason moves created a hole in the starting lineup. After entering its biggest summer<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

That assumption changed after Finch spoke with Christopher Hine of the Minnesota Star Tribune<\/a>. 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.<\/p>\n

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Tim Connelly Added More Mystery<\/h3>\n

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<\/a> the roster already includes options that might seem “left-fieldish.”<\/p>\n

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<\/a> may already believe the right player is on the roster, even if that player has not been widely discussed outside the organization.<\/p>\n

Several Players Could Enter the Conversation<\/h3>\n

No candidate checks every box. Joan Beringer<\/a> started at power forward during his Summer League appearance, but pairing him with Rudy Gobert<\/a> would leave Minnesota with limited floor spacing. That combination would also place two centers on the floor for long stretches.<\/p>\n

Josh Green<\/a> offers another possibility. He said during his introductory press conference<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

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When asked about playing power forward, Josh Green told reporters this morning at Target Center that he is open to defending one through four.<\/p>\n

"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\u2026<\/p>\n

— Charlie Walton (@CharlieWaltonMN) July 14, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n