Anthony Edwards and the new-look Minnesota Timberwolves might be suffering from a slight case of poor chemistry, according to NBA Insider Bobby Marks. The Timberwolves sit at 2-2, with their most recent loss coming to the Dallas Mavericks. It’s still early in the season, of course, but there have been early signs that Edwards and company are struggling to play together following an offseason roster shift that shook the team up. Marks and the NBA Today panel discussed what’s going on in Minnesota and why following Tuesday’s loss.
Chemistry Issues Slowing Down Timberwolves, Per NBA Insider
ESPN’s Bobby Marks Illuminates Key Factor for Minnesota’s Struggles
When a team loses a high-profile, highly impactful player, there will always be a temporary hole in the roster that a new player cannot always fill. The Timberwolves are experiencing this right now. Minnesota traded Karl-Anthony Towns to the New York Knicks in exchange for Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo shortly before the NBA season began. The trade caught many around the league and the media off guard, including Randle.
With KAT gone, the Timberwolves went from two skyscrapers in the paint to just one, Rudy Gobert. Towns obviously wandered outside the paint often, especially in the offensive zone. Gobert, on the other hand, is limited offensively, and therefore, his offensive activity is far from KAT’s. This is where the Timberwolves have a hole, considering Towns’ high offensive production shooting the three. The addition of Randle is a fair attempt to plug that whole. The thing is, Randle is new, as is DiVincenzo, and both players are still in the integration process with their new team. Comfort and chemistry are missing from the Timberwolves early this season. Marks gave his perspective on the team’s struggles when asked if Minnesota’s lack of chemistry is something or nothing.
“I think it’s something just because this Minnesota offense is still a work in progress here. We see [Anthony] Edwards’ three-point attempts have increased, his play-making has certainly decreased, his assists are down right now. I think it’s just kind of integrating Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo to this lineup. This is a lot different than what we saw in the Conference Finals a year ago.”
Edwards’ play has shifted this season, and his production looks different because his four-year running mate is no longer with him. While Randle and DiVincenzo are adjusting to a new team, Edwards is adjusting to new teammates.
No Need to Panic For Anthony Edwards & the Timberwolves
While it may be something now, as Marks alluded to, hitting the panic button in Minnesota seems too soon and unnecessary with only four games down the chute. Their two losses ended with close scores, losing by seven and six. What bodes well for them is that they’re not getting blown off the floor. Even with his two new teammates, Edwards is leading his team in tight games. The Timberwolves have also beaten a good team in the Sacramento Kings. As for the teams they’ve fallen to, again, good teams, the Los Angeles Lakers and the Mavericks. So, the circumstances could be far worse.
Marks mentioned that Minnesota looks different from how they looked last season. It is reasonable to assume that the Timberwolves will always look different with KAT gone from the mix. Antman is now solely the guy. His squad may be morphing into something different in that retrospect, and it will take some time for the new-look T-Wolves to begin racking up wins and move into contention in the West.
