Nuggets are missing Tim Connelly, while Timberwolves are thriving with him in charge

Tim Connelly has transformed the Minnesota Timberwolves into a championship contender since taking over as the team's lead executive in 2022. Prior to joining Minnesota, Connelly served as the primary architect for the Denver Nuggets, drafting key players including Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Michael Porter Jr., while also orchestrating a major trade for Aaron Gordon.

Following Connelly's departure, Denver captured an NBA championship in 2023 but struggled to maintain long-term momentum. The Nuggets dismissed Connelly's successor, Calvin Booth, in 2025 and replaced him with Ben Tenzer, while the Timberwolves recently eliminated Denver in the first round of the playoffs.