NFL
By: Mark T. Wilson
The Minnesota Timberwolves are now under the microscope. But not in a bad way. With the offseason trade for defensive stud, Rudy Gobert, the Wolves are no longer an under-the-radar team. They’re now expected to win with a core that includes Karl Anthony-Towns, Gobert, Anthony Edwards, and most importantly, D’Angelo Russell. What their success will come down to is Russell handling the expectations.
Russell’s path has been well documented. A high draft pick for the Los Angeles Lakers then had a breakout year for the Brooklyn Nets then excelled with the Golden State Warriors before landing with the Wolves. Russell entered the league a young pup, but since then, he has grown into a pretty good solid player. But the Wolves need Russell to take one more step in his development.
Last season, Russell averaged 18.1 points and 7.1 assists for the Wolves as they made their way back to the playoffs. But all did not go as planned. Russell struggled against the Memphis Grizzlies averaging just 12 points on .333 percent shooting in their first-round matchup. The Wolves, much like the Grizzlies are a young team searching for their footing. But the addition of Gobert changes their approach on both sides of the floor. And for Russell, this places him in a position to be their true leader.
Most of the credit for their turnaround will be attributed to Anthony-Towns and Edwards. And rightfully so, but for the Wolves to be successful in the 2022-23 season, everything will begin and end with Russell. With Patrick Beverly being traded, the sole PG duties will now fall on him.
Russell has the chance to put his name up there with the likes of Chris Paul, James Harden, Stephen Curry, and the rest of the top PGs in the league. By all comparisons, he’s not that far off now. But with the addition of Gobert and the dominant inside presence of Anthony-Towns, Russell’s assists totals should rise to 10+ per game. Gobert is not an offensive threat to the point where he will take shots away. What he will provide the Wolves with is better spacing for their outside shooting.
Last season, the Wolves were No. 1 in the NBA in 3-pointers attempted with 41.3 per game and makes with 14.8. Gobert will add to those already great stats. While Edwards and Anthony-Towns will benefit, it’s Russell who will see more open looks. Last season, Russell attempted 8 three-pointers per game while making 2.7. With defenses now collapsing to deal with Gobert and Anthony-Towns, Russell will have more looks.
But his real growth will have to be on the playmaking side. This team will by far be the best he’s ever played on in terms of sheer talent. Yes, he’s played with the likes of Julius Randle, Jordan Clarkson, and even Kobe Bryant for a while but this young Wolves team is different. They’re explosive and now with a rebounding and shot-blocking machine providing help, Russell is left to be creative.
Rebounding opens the door for many things and as a PG, that’s what you want to lead the attack. Gobert averaged 14.7 rebounds last season which should help the Wolves with their fast break offense. Last season, the Wolves were 4th in the NBA in fast break points with 15 per game. Imagine their improvement with Gobert.
With Russell leading the point of attack with his ability to hit from the perimeter, directing the transition offense, and slashing ability, the Minnesota Timberwolves should be mentioned as a top 4 team in the Western Conference. The addition of Gobert provides them with defense but it will be the leadership of D’Angelo Russell that will provide them with wins.
