D+
bringing losing NAW into the math makes no sense unless you ignore Ayo...
Jalen Brunson effect and the Wolves head east
Re: Wolves acquire Lamelo Ball and Josh Green for Naz
Posted: Thu Jun 25, 2026 4:08 pm
by weimy froob
Spoiler:
Frederick: In LaMelo Ball, Timberwolves found Anthony Edwards a dream offensive co-pilot
A roster specifically built to suit the guard is slowly taking shape.
The Timberwolves are going all in. Again. Frankly, it’s the airspace in which Tim Connelly and Co. have lived for years now.
When they have picks available, they trade them. It’s true dating all the way back to the Rudy Gobert trade in 2022.
And both then and now, the moves were largely made with one player in mind — Anthony Edwards.
As it should be when your No. 1 is a top-seven player in the NBA. Four years ago, the Gobert trade was made in an effort to elevate Minnesota’s floor, and guarantee Edwards grew up in a winning culture and gained ample playoff experience in the process.
Now, as Edwards embarks on the prime of his career, Minnesota has paired him with what, on paper, looks to be a perfect basketball partner on the offensive end.
Following a season in which Edwards was thrust into the role of the Wolves’ de facto point guard, Minnesota’s brass noted an appetite to get the guard off the ball more.
He can create for others, but Edwards is a scoring guard at heart. So, when opponents devote half of their bodies in the half court to getting the ball out of Edwards’ hands, he’s no longer the maximized version of himself.
The solution in those instances is to get Edwards the ball coming off actions or the second side of plays. There is no stopping Edwards from getting to the bucket against a non-set defense.
That showed up in his teammates’ shooting percentages. Rookie wing Kon Knueppel attempted 493 catch-and-shoot triples in Charlotte last season. When Ball was on the floor, Knueppel shot 46.3% from distance. That number dipped to 37.3% when the point guard wasn’t on the floor.
Now, envision Edwards putting up even 60% of that volume of catch-and-shoot jumpers to pair with his ability to score in isolation, in which he may be able to operate more frequently free of double teams, with Ball also lurking on the perimeter.
Not only could Edwards become one of the league’s more efficient scorers, but he could do so via a less-taxing route.
Perhaps that could free up the energy required for the Wolves’ superstar to recapture his defensive prowess from a few years ago. Edwards has undeniably dipped on that end, and it’s possible the burden of being Minnesota’s primary — and sometimes only — creator has prevented or deterred the guard from giving the defensive effort necessary to thrive on that end of the floor.
For more than a year, members of the organization have floated Ball’s name as a potential A1 option to pair with Edwards in the backcourt. Now, the dream has come to fruition.
Minnesota’s objective this offseason was to best position its best player to be the best possible version of himself. A roster specifically built to suit the guard is slowly taking shape.
The end result of Thursday’s seismic shakeup could be any number of things for Minnesota. On the top end is the Timberwolves’ franchise superstar reaching his ultimate peak, which has long represented Minnesota’s most straightforward path to winning an NBA title.
Edwards has learned, he’s grown and now — with an ideal offensive co-pilot now in place — it’s time to go.
Re: Wolves acquire Lamelo Ball and Josh Green for Naz
Frederick: In LaMelo Ball, Timberwolves found Anthony Edwards a dream offensive co-pilot
A roster specifically built to suit the guard is slowly taking shape.
The Timberwolves are going all in. Again. Frankly, it’s the airspace in which Tim Connelly and Co. have lived for years now.
When they have picks available, they trade them. It’s true dating all the way back to the Rudy Gobert trade in 2022.
And both then and now, the moves were largely made with one player in mind — Anthony Edwards.
As it should be when your No. 1 is a top-seven player in the NBA. Four years ago, the Gobert trade was made in an effort to elevate Minnesota’s floor, and guarantee Edwards grew up in a winning culture and gained ample playoff experience in the process.
Now, as Edwards embarks on the prime of his career, Minnesota has paired him with what, on paper, looks to be a perfect basketball partner on the offensive end.
Following a season in which Edwards was thrust into the role of the Wolves’ de facto point guard, Minnesota’s brass noted an appetite to get the guard off the ball more.
He can create for others, but Edwards is a scoring guard at heart. So, when opponents devote half of their bodies in the half court to getting the ball out of Edwards’ hands, he’s no longer the maximized version of himself.
The solution in those instances is to get Edwards the ball coming off actions or the second side of plays. There is no stopping Edwards from getting to the bucket against a non-set defense.
That showed up in his teammates’ shooting percentages. Rookie wing Kon Knueppel attempted 493 catch-and-shoot triples in Charlotte last season. When Ball was on the floor, Knueppel shot 46.3% from distance. That number dipped to 37.3% when the point guard wasn’t on the floor.
Now, envision Edwards putting up even 60% of that volume of catch-and-shoot jumpers to pair with his ability to score in isolation, in which he may be able to operate more frequently free of double teams, with Ball also lurking on the perimeter.
Not only could Edwards become one of the league’s more efficient scorers, but he could do so via a less-taxing route.
Perhaps that could free up the energy required for the Wolves’ superstar to recapture his defensive prowess from a few years ago. Edwards has undeniably dipped on that end, and it’s possible the burden of being Minnesota’s primary — and sometimes only — creator has prevented or deterred the guard from giving the defensive effort necessary to thrive on that end of the floor.
For more than a year, members of the organization have floated Ball’s name as a potential A1 option to pair with Edwards in the backcourt. Now, the dream has come to fruition.
Minnesota’s objective this offseason was to best position its best player to be the best possible version of himself. A roster specifically built to suit the guard is slowly taking shape.
The end result of Thursday’s seismic shakeup could be any number of things for Minnesota. On the top end is the Timberwolves’ franchise superstar reaching his ultimate peak, which has long represented Minnesota’s most straightforward path to winning an NBA title.
Edwards has learned, he’s grown and now — with an ideal offensive co-pilot now in place — it’s time to go.
Thanks, Weimy.
Re: Wolves acquire Lamelo Ball and Josh Green for Naz
Posted: Thu Jun 25, 2026 4:29 pm
by somuchyummy
I think the unknown part of this is that Lamelo has brought out the best in other players (Knueppel/Diawara are good examples) - but he's always indisputably been The Man. How's he do with that when he's clearly not. Ant's the one, and this will be new territory for Mr. Ball.
Re: Wolves acquire Lamelo Ball and Josh Green for Naz
Posted: Thu Jun 25, 2026 4:33 pm
by somuchyummy
Best wishes to Naz. I wonder if he knew this was coming - or was shocked by it as the rest of us. He's going to a rising team that loves the three. Should fit in well. For the ups and downs we had with him, there is no dispute that he was one of the best value deals we've had here in like FOREVER. UDFA, baby! So kudos to him for that rise - and for the work he put in to make it happen.
Re: Wolves acquire Lamelo Ball and Josh Green for Naz
Posted: Thu Jun 25, 2026 4:42 pm
by Lightning
I don’t get this team at all.
Re: Wolves acquire Lamelo Ball and Josh Green for Naz
Posted: Thu Jun 25, 2026 4:42 pm
by Jimi_Thing
feekdogg wrote: ↑Thu Jun 25, 2026 3:48 pm
Rui and Tobias are kind of tweeners. Less interior presence than Naz for sure. He's a bleeping moron, but it's too bad the Pistons traded Isiah Stewart to Memphis. He'd have fit nicely here.
Yeah. I would really like Stewart in a Woofs uniform.
Re: Wolves acquire Lamelo Ball and Josh Green for Naz
Posted: Thu Jun 25, 2026 4:45 pm
by YBBR
Naz Reid will go down as one of my favorite Wolves of all-time. He's top 3, easy. He will be beloved in this section of the country until time immemorial.
Re: Wolves acquire Lamelo Ball and Josh Green for Naz
Posted: Thu Jun 25, 2026 4:51 pm
by YBBR
The floor and ceiling for this LaMelo move is immense. It could work out and the Timberwolves could be a legitmate perennial challenger for the trophy every year for like 6-8 years. Or LaMelo could completely blow up in our face and either his injury history or lack of professionalism and attitude complete tank the outlook of this team.
Re: Wolves acquire Lamelo Ball and Josh Green for Naz
Posted: Thu Jun 25, 2026 4:53 pm
by weimy froob
YBBR wrote: ↑Thu Jun 25, 2026 4:45 pm
Naz Reid will go down as one of my favorite Wolves of all-time. He's top 3, easy. He will be beloved in this section of the country until time immemorial.
open up this guy's feed and he's got a lot of clips. this one shows all that he brings to the court for me. probably his best season too.
Re: Wolves acquire Lamelo Ball and Josh Green for Naz
Posted: Thu Jun 25, 2026 4:55 pm
by Oriole81
YBBR wrote: ↑Thu Jun 25, 2026 4:51 pm
The floor and ceiling for this LaMelo move is immense. It could work out and the Timberwolves could be a legitmate perennial challenger for the trophy every year for like 6-8 years. Or LaMelo could completely blow up in our face and either his injury history or lack of professionalism and attitude complete tank the outlook of this team.
as a soon to be 45 year old who's overall interest in the NBA has seriously been waning anyway, and who doesn't have it in him again to go through another Wolves rebuild...BRING IT ON!
Re: Wolves acquire Lamelo Ball and Josh Green for Naz
YBBR wrote: ↑Thu Jun 25, 2026 4:45 pm
Naz Reid will go down as one of my favorite Wolves of all-time. He's top 3, easy. He will be beloved in this section of the country until time immemorial.
open up this guy's feed and he's got a lot of clips. this one shows all that he brings to the court for me. probably his best season too.
This guy came into the league as an overweight center and he has handles like this now in the opencourt. Disgusting.
Re: Wolves acquire Lamelo Ball and Josh Green for Naz
Posted: Thu Jun 25, 2026 5:20 pm
by flexbuffchest
Christ I can't believe I have to route for Ball. Gross
BUT
He absolutely raises the ceiling for this team over Naz.
This is our home run swing. There is no denying that when Ball is "on" he can absolutely be elite. But he's also dumb as a box of rocks.
Re: Wolves acquire Lamelo Ball and Josh Green for Naz
Posted: Thu Jun 25, 2026 5:22 pm
by DonaldDouchebag
flexbuffchest wrote: ↑Thu Jun 25, 2026 5:20 pm
Chris I can't believe I have to route for Ball. Gross
BUT
He absolutely raises the ceiling for this team over Naz.
This is our home run swing. There is no denying that when Ball is "on" he can absolutely be elite. But he's also dumb as a box of rocks.
This is definitely a low BBIQ team all around.
(Ayo and TSJ would be my exceptions.)
Re: Wolves acquire Lamelo Ball and Josh Green for Naz
Posted: Thu Jun 25, 2026 5:28 pm
by LordNu
I dont know how to feel. Must be more moving parts as the team feels very incomplete in the frontcourt.
Re: Wolves acquire Lamelo Ball and Josh Green for Naz
YBBR wrote: ↑Thu Jun 25, 2026 4:45 pm
Naz Reid will go down as one of my favorite Wolves of all-time. He's top 3, easy. He will be beloved in this section of the country until time immemorial.
open up this guy's feed and he's got a lot of clips. this one shows all that he brings to the court for me. probably his best season too.
There was a 10-minute YT clip I stuck on the thread in the main board in response to someone who said he couldn’t drive.
Re: Wolves acquire Lamelo Ball and Josh Green for Naz
feekdogg wrote: ↑Thu Jun 25, 2026 3:48 pm
Rui and Tobias are kind of tweeners. Less interior presence than Naz for sure. He's a bleeping moron, but it's too bad the Pistons traded Isiah Stewart to Memphis. He'd have fit nicely here.
Yeah. I would really like Stewart in a Woofs uniform.
we would have had to make the money work. $15M this year - and obviously something Memphis could absorb by just sending out three 2nd round picks. I think we can pick up a decent option for less - probably in the $5M per year range.
Re: Wolves acquire Lamelo Ball and Josh Green for Naz
I love you, Naz. Here's your coat. What's your rush?
Re: Wolves acquire Lamelo Ball and Josh Green for Naz
Posted: Thu Jun 25, 2026 6:13 pm
by Beef Supreme
flexbuffchest wrote: ↑Thu Jun 25, 2026 5:20 pm
Christ I can't believe I have to route for Ball. Gross
BUT
He absolutely raises the ceiling for this team over Naz.
This is our home run swing. There is no denying that when Ball is "on" he can absolutely be elite. But he's also dumb as a box of rocks.
This is it for me too.
Someone on the radio today said Ball is the ultimate feast or famine player. There will undoubtedly be nights where they look like the best tandem in the NBA. But I bet we lose some games for confounding reasons too.
We need frontcourt help, but it doesn’t need to be dynamic. Someone who can shoot a little and rebound and not be a liability on defense. A Harrison Barnes type.
Not sure who’s out there that would be a good fit. But right now Rudy and Beringer ain’t enough. And I’m not sure Joan can play the 4. I’m damn sure Rudy can’t.
Re: Wolves acquire Lamelo Ball and Josh Green for Naz
feekdogg wrote: ↑Thu Jun 25, 2026 3:48 pm
Rui and Tobias are kind of tweeners. Less interior presence than Naz for sure. He's a bleeping moron, but it's too bad the Pistons traded Isiah Stewart to Memphis. He'd have fit nicely here.
Yeah. I would really like Stewart in a Woofs uniform.
we would have had to make the money work. $15M this year - and obviously something Memphis could absorb by just sending out three 2nd round picks. I think we can pick up a decent option for less - probably in the $5M per year range.
Yeah. Lunatics like him don't fall from trees though.
Re: Wolves acquire Lamelo Ball and Josh Green for Naz
Posted: Thu Jun 25, 2026 6:18 pm
by SHAFA
Beef Supreme wrote: ↑Thu Jun 25, 2026 6:13 pmAnd I’m not sure Joan can play the 4. I’m damn sure Rudy can’t.
I beg to differ, Beef. Rudy’s ready to make you proud.
Proud.
Re: Wolves acquire Lamelo Ball and Josh Green for Naz
flexbuffchest wrote: ↑Thu Jun 25, 2026 5:20 pm
Christ I can't believe I have to route for Ball. Gross
BUT
He absolutely raises the ceiling for this team over Naz.
This is our home run swing. There is no denying that when Ball is "on" he can absolutely be elite. But he's also dumb as a box of rocks.
This is it for me too.
Someone on the radio today said Ball is the ultimate feast or famine player. There will undoubtedly be nights where they look like the best tandem in the NBA. But I bet we lose some games for confounding reasons too.
We need frontcourt help, but it doesn’t need to be dynamic. Someone who can shoot a little and rebound and not be a liability on defense. A Harrison Barnes type.
Not sure who’s out there that would be a good fit. But right now Rudy and Beringer ain’t enough. And I’m not sure Joan can play the 4. I’m damn sure Rudy can’t.
I have to believe there's another roster balance trade to be made.
They have alot of smaller pieces now that can easily be configured and moved.
Re: Wolves acquire Lamelo Ball and Josh Green for Naz
Re: Wolves acquire Lamelo Ball and Josh Green for Naz
Posted: Thu Jun 25, 2026 6:46 pm
by witljon
YBBR wrote: ↑Thu Jun 25, 2026 4:51 pm
The floor and ceiling for this LaMelo move is immense. It could work out and the Timberwolves could be a legitmate perennial challenger for the trophy every year for like 6-8 years. Or LaMelo could completely blow up in our face and either his injury history or lack of professionalism and attitude complete tank the outlook of this team.
We better be a perennial challenger because we’ve mortgaged our future draft picks. And I think as long as we have Edwards we will be.
Re: Wolves acquire Lamelo Ball and Josh Green for Naz
flexbuffchest wrote: ↑Thu Jun 25, 2026 5:20 pm
Christ I can't believe I have to route for Ball. Gross
BUT
He absolutely raises the ceiling for this team over Naz.
This is our home run swing. There is no denying that when Ball is "on" he can absolutely be elite. But he's also dumb as a box of rocks.
This is it for me too.
Someone on the radio today said Ball is the ultimate feast or famine player. There will undoubtedly be nights where they look like the best tandem in the NBA. But I bet we lose some games for confounding reasons too.
We need frontcourt help, but it doesn’t need to be dynamic. Someone who can shoot a little and rebound and not be a liability on defense. A Harrison Barnes type.
Not sure who’s out there that would be a good fit. But right now Rudy and Beringer ain’t enough. And I’m not sure Joan can play the 4. I’m damn sure Rudy can’t.
I have to believe there's another roster balance trade to be made.
They have alot of smaller pieces now that can easily be configured and moved.
I’m sure there are other moves forthcoming. You can’t go into the season with a frontcourt that thin.
