Timberwolves Check In:
The Timberwolves enter the All Star Break in an interesting situation and being around .500, it is not surprising that there are positives and negatives moving forward. First off let’s analyze the most recent trade deadline changes, trading D’Angelo Russell for Mike Conley, Nickeil Alexander-Walker and three 2nd round picks. DLo was about to become an unrestricted free agent and since there had been no success in contract extension talks it only made sense to get some value for him in case of a summer departure. In fact it was reported by Darren Wolfson that we “never wanted to extend” him. The draft capital gained here is key because Tim Connelly has a proven track record in drafting in the 2nd round, but more importantly this team just needed draft assets.
Timberwolves Draft Assets post trade deadline 2023. From 6 picks to 9 picks.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker isn’t exactly a household name like his cousin (Shai Gilgious-Alexander) but I think he has the right to crack into this rotation. Only being 24, NAW is known for his defensive upside but has proven this season to have offensive potential, as his shooting numbers have jumped to 40% from behind the arc. When Karl returns to the lineup we will need more 3 & D type players rather than scorers like Jaylen Nowell, and I believe NAW will get that chance to become a rotational player on this roster. Finally, we added a new floor general in Mike Conley. Conley flat out is not going to score to the level Russell did but he will be able to generate better offensive play from his teammates, especially Gobert. Since this will be their 4th season playing together, Rudy’s offensive game will only continue to grow for the rest of the season. I think this swap was the best case scenario in terms of other players on the market. I’d prefer Conley over Westbrook and Lowry without a doubt, and I guess a Fred VanVleet deal was never on the table or else I’d lean his way. This entire trade hinges on the fact Karl-Anthony Towns, a career 23 PPG scorer, will be returning to the lineup after the break. Since the trade, Anthony Edwards has been the only guy on this team who can consistently go out and get a bucket. A team that ranks 10th in PPG on the season has dipped to 23rd since the February 9th deadline, proving that this team needs the scoring punch KAT offers. Since we mentioned Anthony, let's give him the flowers he deserves. In Thursday’s loss he became tied with KG as the 2nd quickest to score 1500 points in a season (first is Kevin Love). Ant leads the league in total minutes, total steals and is 5th in total points and the only players to have ever finished a season with those marks are Allen Iverson and Michael Jordan, not bad company. Although he wasn’t an outright decision and only made it into the ASG because of an injury replacement, Anthony Edwards is undoubtedly an All-Star this season.
Moving into the last 21 games, this team better have enjoyed their break because it will not be an easy finish. In terms of remaining games, the Wolves have the 4th hardest strength of schedule in the Western conference (12th overall). The only teams in the West with a more difficult calendar are the Kings, Clippers and Suns, who are in 3rd, 4th and 5th place in the standings. The Timberwolves are tied for 7th but are only 3 games behind the Kings, which opens up a huge opportunity to rise in the standings. This squad have proven all season long that they can contend with the best but often play down to their opponents, so a difficult schedule should benefit this team’s effort levels.
The engine of this team is Anthony Edwards, we need to see him have high scoring outings in order to keep winning games. Not just scoring but this team needs heart and emotion, ever since Pat Bev and Vando left, we haven’t seen a fire in this squad and I’d reason Ant has the best chance to bring it. Jaden McDaniels needs to continue his First-Team All Defense type season, and I’ve loved seeing him expand his offensive role the last few games. Another positive aspect to the trade is that it allows Jaden a bigger slice of the offensive pie. A Jaden with confidence on both sides of the ball is something we’ve seen flashes of, but not quite the full picture. He’s not been at his peak but Rudy Gobert has looked more comfortable on the court and has improved each month on the defensive end. The offensive side will only continue to gel with his old friend Conley in the lineup. Kyle Anderson has been such a difference maker in clutch situations, I honestly feel more calm with the ball in his hands than Ant in the closing moments of a game. Chris Finch has some difficult moves ahead when Karl returns as I don’t see how you can take Anderson out of the game when it matters most. But this is what it all comes back to, Karl-Anthony Towns. This team has stayed afloat without him but desperately need him back. KAT is still a deadly shooter and scorer, who will instantly bring much needed help to Edwards. Before his injury, this team was unable to maximize the “Northern Heights” duo, but it was only 20 games - even the Heatles (Lebron, Wade, Bosh) started 9-8 in their first season as a trio in 2011 - not saying the Timberwolves are headed to the finals the next 3 seasons but it proves even the best needed time to figure it out. KAT proved to have instant offensive chemistry with Rudy, having the most assists on the team to Gobert. Defense will be the true test and I do have worries about KAT being able to defend at a high level after such a long time being off the court. I am also worried about KAT joining a team that leads the league in technical fouls, because he isn’t exactly a saint to referees. This should be an entertaining close to the season, with most of the West being bunched up in the standings, every game will carry importance. Every win doesn’t mean a championship is on the horizon and every “L” doesn’t equate to we lost the Gobert trade. We can hope for a top 6 spot, but if I’m a betting man (which I am) I’d imagine another play-in game tournament visit for the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Will we see the death lineup of Ant-Jaden-Kyle-Kat-Rudy? Yes we will.
What happens if Dillon Brooks makes an all-defensive team and Jaden doesn't? We riot.
Should KAT come off the bench upon being cleared to play? Yes, but they’ll start him anyway.
Naz Reid? Naz Reid
How many regular season games will Karl play in? And will it be enough to find on-court chemistry on both sides of the ball? Tune in on soon to be bankrupt Bally Sports Network to find out!
