The Minnesota Timberwolves don’t have the right offensive system to maximize LaMelo Ball’s skill set. Yes, you read that correctly. Let me explain.

Over the first six seasons, LaMelo Ball has preferred an offensive set that let him handle the ball. Since 2021, he has spent 38.6% of his offensive possessions as a pick-and-roll handler, averaging 8.9 per game.

He averages 7.7 points, shooting 40.9% on seven attempts per game. The offensive set accounts for 37% of his scoring. Unfortunately, Minnesota does not run these offensive sets often.

Since Chris Finch became head coach in 2021, Minnesota has called a pick-and-roll on 14.6% of its offensive sets, averaging 16.4 per game. These numbers have helped Minnesota rank 21st in pick-and-roll ball-handler usage.

Chris Finch emphasizes ball movement. Minnesota has ranked ninth in passes per game since 2022, averaging 292.2 per game. When Minnesota emphasizes basketball movement, the team rarely uses off-ball actions.

Since 2021, Minnesota has cut to the basket 6% of the time, 24th in the league. Since 2021, Minnesota comes off a screen 4.8% of the time, 5th in the league. As a result, players mostly stand around behind the arc when they are off the ball.

If this trend continues, LaMelo Ball will spend a significant portion of his offensive possessions off the ball during the 2026-27 season. This role will hurt his chances of having a good statistical season during his first year in Minnesota. Therefore, Minnesota will eventually be forced into one of two options:

1. Chris Finch makes significant alterations to his offensive system to feature the pick-and-roll set more prominently.

2. Minnesota will be forced to fire Finch to bring in a head coach who features this offensive set.

Regardless of what option Minnesota chooses, LaMelo Ball will regress statistically at the start of the upcoming season.