NFL
By: Courtney Byrd
The Minnesota Timberwolves finished the preseason 3-3, leaving fans with plenty to feel good about. Still, a few questions remain heading into the regular season. The new-look starting group showed how much more dynamic the offense could be, while the final games gave younger players a chance to make their case for minutes.
The biggest storyline was LaMelo Ball’s fit alongside Anthony Edwards. Ball averaged 9.5 points and 5.8 assists in four preseason games. However, his impact went beyond the box score. He moved the ball quickly, pushed the pace, and looked comfortable setting up teammates. That kind of playmaking could give Minnesota a different offensive rhythm and create more room for Edwards to attack as a scorer.
Ball’s early connection with Rudy Gobert was another encouraging sign. A point guard who can read the defense quickly and deliver the ball in different ways could give Gobert more opportunities around the basket. Ball also seemed to find Jaden McDaniels in situations where he could take advantage of a mismatch. If those connections keep developing, Minnesota’s offense could become harder to predict.
One area to watch remains turnovers. Ball averaged 3.5 per game in the preseason, and Minnesota has struggled to protect the ball in recent seasons. Some turnovers come with playing aggressively and trying to create for teammates. However, the Wolves will need to find a better balance as the games count on. Ball’s passing can open the offense if those ambitious plays lead to more scoring chances than empty possessions.
Edwards looked ready to lead the scoring attack. He averaged 19.8 points in four preseason games and continued to show why his three-point shooting is such an important part of his game. McDaniels also gave the Wolves reason to be optimistic, shooting efficiently and showing flashes of a more confident offense. With Ball creating opportunities, McDaniels could attack favorable matchups more often instead of forcing his own offense.
Minnesota’s final preseason game offered a different kind of test. The Timberwolves rested their starters and lost 133-116 to the Chicago Bulls, giving younger players extended minutes against a stronger lineup. Jaylen Clark scored 18 points, while rookie Isaiah Evans finished with 21. Those performances gave the coaching staff something to consider, though a strong preseason night does not guarantee a regular-season rotation spot.
Clark showed his defensive ability can make him useful, but consistent offense will matter if he wants minutes. Several players are competing for the available bench spots, and the rotation could be tight to start the season. Minnesota may need to see more dependable scoring and decision-making from its younger players before trusting them with regular minutes.
The preseason also left questions about the bench’s overall consistency. Terrence Shannon Jr. had an uneven exhibition run, and Minnesota will need reliable contributions when its starters sit. The team waived Antonio Reeves, Enrique Freeman, KJ Martin, Norchad Omier, and Drew Timme before opening night, narrowing the roster as it prepares to move from evaluation mode to the regular season.
A 3-3 preseason doesn’t tell the whole story, especially with Minnesota resting several key players in the finale. The most encouraging takeaway is the potential of the starting group: Ball brings a new style of playmaking, Edwards remains the team’s top scoring threat, and McDaniels could benefit from the added space and pace. The questions are just as clear, with turnovers and bench production likely to shape how smoothly the team gets started.
The Timberwolves open the regular season Wednesday, Oct. 21, against the Miami Heat. The preseason gave Minnesota a glimpse of what this roster can become. Now the challenge is turning those flashes into consistent play when the games count.
