NFL
By: Randall Gimm
This new-look pack of Timberwolves players has accumulated a 2-2 record with those two losses coming from teams most experts believed to be in the Victor Wembanyama Sweepstakes. The first loss came from the Jazz that traded both their All-Stars and a Spurs team that is composed of only 4 players with more than 5 years of experience in the NBA.
On paper, the Wolves were poised to go 9-1 in their first ten games this season. But, with Rudy Gobert coming off a long stint in EuroBasket and KAT recovering from a non-covid illness, and losing 20-plus pounds, the Timberwolves did not have an ideal training camp. President of Basketball Operations, Tim Connelly said that this group hasn’t practiced much during his sideline interview with Hannah Storm during game one. That has been evident in this team’s continuity.
As they opened the season against the Oklahoma City Thunder, they had 17 assists on 25 field goals. That is evidence of an unselfish team that trusts one another. Then they let the youngest team in the NBA come back and almost steal a win on the Wolves’ opening night. That is a flash of last-years team that blew large leads against the Grizzlies in the playoffs. They pulled that win out with some good poise late in the game. Then two nights later they lost to the ‘I thought they were tanking’ Utah Jazz.
A Utah team that had some extra motivation from former Timberwolves Malik Beasley and Jarred Vanderbilt. Vanderbilt was a sad piece to part with because of his ‘V8’ style energy on the court. His speed and strength combined with his mentality, make him a must-use in almost any 15-man roster. Monday night in the Wolves’loss to the Spurs, they needed that type of energy.
I saw a Wolves team that failed to get back in transition, failed to communicate on defense, and ultimately failed to share the ball offensively. The ball didn’t move well in OT versus the Jazz last Friday as well. Chris Finch said after Monday’s loss, “They out-punked us in every way possible, … it was ugly and unacceptable”. Couldn’t have said it better myself, coach. The Wolves got beat in every way on Monday night, including the post-game interviews.
Karl-Anthony Towns spoke on Anthony Edwards not eating healthy and not taking care of his body. That was a poor example of leadership and KAT allowed a reporter’s question to deter the narrative from what this team needed to focus on. Coincidentally, the Spurs are the best at answering questions and keeping things in-house. KAT needs to adopt that mantra and have that conversation with Anthony Edwards privately. This was a horrible team effort. This loss was not on Edwards’s diet. This loss had everything to do with how this team has not developed a personality and KAT’s comments took a step in the opposite direction of that.
If KAT wants to earn the respect of his teammates, he needs to use his voice effectively and in a way that promotes his team to buy in. The wolves have the day off this Tuesday and will have another matchup with the Spurs on Wednesday. I expect to see an inspired team that is ready to prove to the league that they can be a juggernaut that isn’t to be played with.
In my estimation, I give the Wolves another 8 to 12 games before they hit their stride. That stride will consist of being top-5 in assists per game, top-ten in forced turnovers, and players emerging in their roles.
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