Though KAT is certainly a threat, his aggression (or lack-there-of) has put Minnesota at a disadvantage when rebounding. Karl-Anthony Towns devoted himself to getting bigger this offseason in effort of commanding the post. Physicality has been an obvious focus for this new squad. Who trades for Ben Simmons this season? - Powered By PickUp A positive that can be taken from D-Lo’s early-season struggles is they parallel his start to the 2018-2019– a season where he was an All-Star and carried Brooklyn to the playoffs. Russell’s name has been mixed in trade rumors all offseason, and certainly remains so with Ben Simmons still unsettled in Philly. Shooting only 30% from three and noticeably struggling to find any consistency, the Wolves point guard has been weighing down the offense. D-Lo Still a Long-Term Fit?ĭ’Angelo Russell has been a hot topic in Minnesota throughout the first cluster of games. In time this will surely trend upwards, just was we’ve seen with his rebounding this year (not to mention his added intensity on defense). 1 pick - but the stats are yet to reflect his improving shot selection. His volume is high - as it should be for a No. Ant has made a similar impact, only the inefficiency is rearing its ugly head again (Edwards has yet to notch a 50% or better shooting performance this year). In Jaden’s case, the impact isn’t reflected on the stat sheet but in his defense. The 2020 first rounders are solidified in the starting five and frequently making impact plays on either side of the court.
The Good and the UglyĪnthony Edwards and Jaden McDaniels are for real. If the Wolves are to have any chance at staying relevant, they need to take advantage of the absences and mismatches. Within the next five games, Minnesota will face a short-staffed but solid Warriors squad, the Clippers twice without Kawhi, and a Lakers squad still trying to figure it out. It’s no secret that the West is pegged as the more competitive conference.
Just take a look at Franz Wagner‘s poster for explanation. Let’s not even mention the game against the Orlando Magic.
#Four reasons for optimism after warriors ugly loss to suns full
With Denver missing Jamal Murray, the 93-91 loss marked another loss to a team not at full power. Outside of Malik Beasley‘s solid second half, the Timberwolves shot 36% to close out the game. As for Saturday’s battle with the Nuggets, the ball simply wasn’t going in. So far, the biggest knocks on this year’s roster have been the inability to grab boards and streaky shooting to close out games.Īgainst a Zion-less Pelicans squad we saw Jonas Valančiūnas dominate the boards, making the small-ball approach appear as more of a detriment than advantage.
Minnesota sits at 3-3 through their first six games.
Only, while the bodies on the sidelines heal up, the Timberwolves can take advantage of their absences to get a jump in the standings. It’s bad for the game to be without stars, let alone any player. Injuries are plaguing the Western Conference to start the year, which are remnant from a tough 2020 season. Beverley has proven to be the voice Minnesota needs to push mental and physical limits.Īnd with the West looking much different, this could be the year we see the Wolves return to the postseason. The Wolves acquired tone-setters in Patrick Beverley and Taurean Prince, have a legitimate big three, and young, energetic pieces that force Chris Finch to stay on his toes.
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