All Things Minnesota Timberwolves 2022-2023 In-Season Thread

[Breakin' The Plane]

Couple positive results today with Phoenix winning at Dallas and Golden State getting beat by the Lakers. Currently hold the 6 seed, but I think anything from 2-13 is still possible.

 

[jamiche]

It definitely helps take some of the sting out of the Gobert trade.

It takes some of the short term sting out of the trade but it doesn't change the liklehood that Connelly will be forced to trade KAT in order to have assets to supplement Ant and McDaniels during their prime. Everybody will know he has to trade KAT, which will diminish the return.

 

[kg21]

It takes some of the short term sting out of the trade but it doesn't change the liklehood that Connelly will be forced to trade KAT in order to have assets to supplement Ant and McDaniels during their prime. Everybody will know he has to trade KAT, which will diminish the return.

This team is competitive right now. They lose games they should win.

If Ant and McDaniels continue to develop the way the wolves expect, you aren't that far away at all from having 5 more wins.

Trading KAT seems like a win to me. They should be able to add a strong player if they trade him. Get someone athletic and physical. Easier said than done, but man, talk about an opportunity.

 

[short ornery norwegian]

I dunno. at times I get this weird feeling - like I should actually believe in the T-Wolves.

and then I slap myself across the face and say, "get a grip on yourself. We're talking about the Timberwolves!"

they can be fun to watch, but I just don't trust them to come through when it really matters. Maybe they'll prove me wrong.

 

[GopherWeatherGuy]

It takes some of the short term sting out of the trade but it doesn't change the liklehood that Connelly will be forced to trade KAT in order to have assets to supplement Ant and McDaniels during their prime. Everybody will know he has to trade KAT, which will diminish the return.

Ant will be 24 and McDaniels will be 25 when Gobert's contract expires. They'll just be entering their prime at that point. They don't have to trade KAT, but they'll be better off when they do.

 

[Iceland12]

"It had the look of an alarming mid-season trajectory for a franchise’s star player. Yet there is never a concern such a mindset will survive within the guard. Edwards responded to that Warriors’ showing with three games of constant progression in which he’s been locked in defensively and adapted to opposing defenses.

He’s finding different ways to impact games in a positive way. The result: three Timberwolves’ victories.

That’s who the guard is. He showed as much at the beginning of last season, when he grew frustrated that his rim attacks weren’t leading to foul calls and suggested that may deter him from going to the paint as often. Soon after, Edwards said by making those comments, he “sounded like a loser.” He then proceeded to again live at the rack.

Frustration and resignation are short-lived emotions for the guard.

Edwards was clearly discombobulated initially by another leap in opposing defensive attention after D’Angelo Russell was traded to the Lakers. His initial response was seemingly to try to put everything on his shoulders offensively. That led to bad shots and worse turnovers.

Edwards has since corrected course. He’s again using his gravity that attracts double teams to create for others. That resulted in a 138-point offensive explosion for the Wolves in Sacramento in which Edwards tallied eight assists while shooting 50% from the floor.."

“Anthony did a really good job of whether they put two on him and moving it early or when they sent him into a crowd, he took it with the full intention of making the right play with the kick out,” Timberwolves coach Chris Finch said. “I thought it was his best game in terms of doing that.”

Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards continues to adapt and adjust

After a lifeless performance against Golden State, Edwards has found other ways to impact games in a positive way. The result: three Timberwolves’ victories.

www.twincities.com

 

[Iceland12]

Yes, his presence means a lot.

When the Wolves came out of the All-Star break, they didn't have Taurean Prince, who was away from the team because of personal reasons. The Wolves lost both of those games to Washington and Golden State.

Then Prince rejoined the team ahead of its game against the Clippers last week and now the Wolves have won three consecutive games.

This lines up with how the Wolves have been most of the season. When Prince plays, they are 24-16. They are 10-16 when he doesn't.

"He's like the ultimate glue guy with a little bit extra spice to it," guard Mike Conley said. "You think he's just three-and-D and all of a sudden, coming off pin downs, he's making plays for guys. He's being a leader. … He's got a full game to him that's really big for our second unit. It allows the balance to stay how it is."..

Ultimate glue guy: How Taurean Prince brings balance to the Timberwolves

When the veteran forward has played this season, the Wolves are 24-16. When he doesn't? They are 10-16. His impact shows up in ways large and small.

www.startribune.com

 

[jamiche]

Ant will be 24 and McDaniels will be 25 when Gobert's contract expires. They'll just be entering their prime at that point. They don't have to trade KAT, but they'll be better off when they do.

Unfortunately, they will have to trade KAT because of a depleted roster due to the lack of draft picks and cap space. When Ant and Jaden hit their prime they'll be playing three on five most nights unless Connelly trades KAT. Not a position of strength.

 

[Iceland12]

The Timberwolves are 2-2.5pt favorite in tonight's game against Philly.

Pretty surprised by that. Does it mean that if they lose we'll hear a lot of "See! They always lose the games they should win!"

NBA Odds & Betting Lines - Live Basketball Betting Lines

Find and compare NBA odds, betting lines, totals, and point spreads for the 2024-25 NBA Season from Las Vegas sportsbooks and more.

www.vegasinsider.com

 

[JimmyJamesMD]

The Timberwolves are 2-2.5pt favorite in tonight's game against Philly.

Pretty surprised by that. Does it mean that if they lose we'll hear a lot of "See! They always lose the games they should win!"

NBA Odds & Betting Lines - Live Basketball Betting Lines

Find and compare NBA odds, betting lines, totals, and point spreads for the 2024-25 NBA Season from Las Vegas sportsbooks and more.

www.vegasinsider.com

Philly is on back end of back to back, and the last game of a long road trip

 

[tmvander]

The Timberwolves are 2-2.5pt favorite in tonight's game against Philly.

Pretty surprised by that. Does it mean that if they lose we'll hear a lot of "See! They always lose the games they should win!"

NBA Odds & Betting Lines - Live Basketball Betting Lines

Find and compare NBA odds, betting lines, totals, and point spreads for the 2024-25 NBA Season from Las Vegas sportsbooks and more.

www.vegasinsider.com

I saw that too and I'm wondering if its because Philly is on a back to back night?

 

[tikited]

Philly is on back end of back to back, and the last game of a long road trip

Maybe they plan on resting the starters. We seem to be the team to do that against.

 

[Gopherguy0723]

KAT isn't the alpha on a team serious about a deep playoff run. Time to move on and get the best return you can.

I have doubts about Ant, especially his defense, but he hasn't proven he isn't that alpha.

If they make some deft trades this summer by dumping Connelly Jr. and KAT, then they could be pretty tough next year.

 

[Iceland12]

Tonights injury report. Game is on TNT at 6:30.

Philadelphia 76ers

NAME, POS	STATUS	DATE
James Harden SG	Day-To-Day	Mar 7
Tobias Harris PF	Day-To-Day	Mar 7
P.J. Tucker PF	Day-To-Day	Mar 7

Minnesota Timberwolves

NAME, POS	STATUS	DATE
Jaylen Nowell SG	Out	Mar 6
Austin Rivers SG	Day-To-Day	Mar 6

 

[GopherWeatherGuy]

Unfortunately, they will have to trade KAT because of a depleted roster due to the lack of draft picks and cap space. When Ant and Jaden hit their prime they'll be playing three on five most nights unless Connelly trades KAT. Not a position of strength.

Why is it unfortunate that we have to trade KAT? It also won't be 3 on 5, you're being overdramatic because you hate Connelly, Lore, and ARod

Would this team be better right now without Gobert? No. And KAT's contract situation would be the same right now regardless.

 

[Spaulding!No!]

KAT has never been a competitor. Nice job wolves

 

[Iceland12]

KAT has never been a competitor. Nice job wolves

Novel criticism. You could be right. Though most complaints about KAT have been that he's too much of a competitor. That he tries to do too much by himself. Not that he doesn't/won't compete.

If they can get a couple of above average shooters and 2-3 1st Round picks, then trade him.

Otherwise would like to see if they can figure out a way to play Towns and Gobert at the same time. Considering the lack of a training camp for Gobert and Towns injury we can complain or criticize but we have no idea if it will work or not.

So far all we really know about the Wolves is they have a bad bench, not many shooters or dependable ball handlers and if they are missing a starter or two, they usually lose.

 

[From the Parkinglot]

Maybe.

 

[From the Parkinglot]

Novel criticism. You could be right. Though most complaints about KAT have been that he's too much of a competitor. That he tries to do too much by himself. Not that he doesn't/won't compete.

If they can get a couple of above average shooters and 2-3 1st Round picks, then trade him.

Otherwise would like to see if they can figure out a way to play Towns and Gobert at the same time. Considering the lack of a training camp for Gobert and Towns injury we can complain or criticize but we have no idea if it will work or not.

So far all we really know about the Wolves is they have a bad bench, not many shooters or dependable ball handlers and if they are missing a starter or two, they usually lose.

The guy never missed a game with Thibs. Other coaches he has missed a lot of games.

 

[kg21]

I'm sorry, but this is what our playoff games will look like, should we get there. Once someone gets physical against us, it's lights out for the timberwolves.

McDaniels as I post this, the guy I guess we are building around has 3 points and 2 rebounds........HOLY SHIT BALLS

 

[Iceland12]

The guy never missed a game with Thibs. Other coaches he has missed a lot of games.

Ooooh you mentioned Thibs. That'll make your argument stick. Except Towns played 82 games his first year under Saunders and Mitchell. He also played 74 regular season and all 6 playoff games in '21-'22 under Chris Finch.

Yeah, we all understand your "there is no such thing as an injured or sick player." It's all load management and they're all quitters. B.S.

 

[Iceland12]

Nobody should have told the Wolves they were favored.

Wolves got way outshot and rebounded by the 76ers and lost 117-94.

Edwards and Gobert took the ball to the hoop in the 1st half but didn't get rewarded for it. Philly's starting five had a single foul called on them in the half. Refs did a nice job evening it up in the 4th though. Didn't matter. It was the shooting that killed them.

 

[jamiche]

Why is it unfortunate that we have to trade KAT? It also won't be 3 on 5, you're being overdramatic because you hate Connelly, Lore, and ARod

Would this team be better right now without Gobert? No. And KAT's contract situation would be the same right now regardless.

The wolves have to trade KAT because they gave up way, way too much to get Gobert. Kessler would have given them at least 80%-90% of Gobert at 5% of his salary in year one. They would have kept Vanderbilt and Beasley and the four 1sts. It was a teenager move by Connelly.

Lore and ARod are the latest version of Tom Clancy, Reggie Fowler, the Greek guy who was going to buy the Vikings and the guy who was going to move the Twins to NC. If they had the money to own the team, they would own the team. The problem is Glen gave them the keys to the car before they got their DL's. If they ever find the investor money to buy the team, they will move the franchise. The lease is super weak.

 

[Iceland12]

. If they ever find the investor money to buy the team, they will move the franchise. The lease is super weak.

Hmm? Last time I said that you corrected me by saying that the NBA would never allow it because they wanted that sweet expansion money instead.

 

[From the Parkinglot]

Ooooh you mentioned Thibs. That'll make your argument stick. Except Towns played 82 games his first year under Saunders and Mitchell. He also played 74 regular season and all 6 playoff games in '21-'22 under Chris Finch.

Yeah, we all understand your "there is no such thing as an injured or sick player." It's all load management and they're all quitters. B.S.

No I think he had been injured most of this season. The problem is when you portray the message poorly when he first gets hurt and then basically don’t talk about him for 3 months people begin to wonder. Much like Joe Mauer and the bi-lateral leg weakness, a bad message tends to stick around. For all the good Joe did he is most remembered for that. For all the good KAT has done he will be most remembered for this year.

On a side note the nba does have a load management problem, but I have no idea how to fox it other than to force the load management to happen on home games.

 

[BleedGopher]

Souhan: What are the Timberwolves, and Karl-Anthony Towns, hiding?

Are the Wolves bowing to Towns' wishes? Are they avoiding mention of any timetable that could prove to be wrong? Are they being cautious because that is the nature of new basketball boss Tim Connelly?

We don't know.

What we do know is that Towns hasn't played since November, and the longer the Wolves allow this to remain a mystery, the more they appear to be hiding something.

When they go on a three-game winning streak on the West Coast, Towns' status doesn't seem so important.

When their offense sputters against a quality opponent like Philadelphia, Towns' absence nags.

The Wolves have thrived at times without Towns, leading to speculation among fans and some in the media that they are better off without him.

Star Tribune

Your source for Minnesota news today. Read articles, view photos or watch videos about news in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Duluth, St. Cloud, Rochester, and beyond.

m.startribune.com

Howl Wolves!!

 

[Frink]

Random NBA trivia for you. During high school, Bill Laimbeer played a Sleestak on Land of the Lost

 

[Iceland12]

Souhan: What are the Timberwolves, and Karl-Anthony Towns, hiding?

Are the Wolves bowing to Towns' wishes? Are they avoiding mention of any timetable that could prove to be wrong? Are they being cautious because that is the nature of new basketball boss Tim Connelly?

We don't know.

What we do know is that Towns hasn't played since November, and the longer the Wolves allow this to remain a mystery, the more they appear to be hiding something.

When they go on a three-game winning streak on the West Coast, Towns' status doesn't seem so important.

When their offense sputters against a quality opponent like Philadelphia, Towns' absence nags.

The Wolves have thrived at times without Towns, leading to speculation among fans and some in the media that they are better off without him.

Star Tribune

Your source for Minnesota news today. Read articles, view photos or watch videos about news in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Duluth, St. Cloud, Rochester, and beyond.

m.startribune.com

Howl Wolves!!

The part where "Finch smiled" and then told us nothing really irritated me. As for the rest?

Interesting where you stopped your quote.

"The Wolves have thrived at times without Towns, leading to speculation among fans and some in the media that they are better off without him.

Here's what came next:

"That's silly.

He's a proven scorer who makes three-pointers, runs the floor and is a willing passer, and it's not like the Wolves have become world-beaters in his absence. They are one game above .500, even after a rare West Coast three-game winning streak.

Last year, with Towns playing a leading role, they finished 10 games above .500 and won a play-in game.

Towns was also perhaps the teammate most eager to pass the ball to Rudy Gobert, when D'Angelo Russell looked like he couldn't stand being on the court at the same time as Gobert.

The Wolves have survived without Towns, but they didn't trade half the franchise for Gobert so they could survive and hang around .500.

Without Towns, there is a cap on this team's potential. With him, the Gobert acquisition becomes a much more intriguing move.

Against the 76ers, Anthony Edwards dominated the first quarter, scoring 15 of the Wolves' 27 points as they took a three-point lead.

In the second quarter, when Edwards rested, the 76ers took off. Only an Edwards layup at the end of the first half allowed the Wolves to score 18 points in the quarter.

Towns didn't frequently win his duels with Sixers star Joel Embiid, but he usually put up something resembling a fight. Without him on the court, Embiid eased his way to 39 points in the first three quarters on Tuesday.

One reason the Wolves' trade for point guard Mike Conley made sense for this team is that when Towns returns, there will be a need to get the ball to him and Edwards. Russell is a volume shooter. Conley is a distributor who is much better at getting the ball to Gobert than Russell was.

Without Towns on the court, Conley will have to score. He did that well on the West Coast, but he's averaging less than 11 points per game this season. At 35, he should be a situational scorer, not a major part of the offense.

As for Towns, there are two likely possibilities:

He's close to returning and he and the Wolves are being secretive for no good reason.

Or there's a problem, and it's being hidden for a reason."

 

[tikited]

Random NBA trivia for you. During high school, Bill Laimbeer played a Sleestak on Land of the Lost

View attachment 24469

Another reason to put him in my top 5 favorites of all-time.

 

[short ornery norwegian]

I think the best thing the Wolves can do with KAT - assuming he returns before the end of the regular season - is to use him as a spark off the bench - like a really big version of Vinnie "Microwave" Johnson.

Put KAT in and let him fire up "3's" for 4 or 5 minutes and then get him out of there.

It's going to be tricky to re-integrate him into the offense with the starters. I wouldn't even try. The Wolves can't afford to lose games while experimenting with KAT. they could play themselves into the play-in tournament, or worse.