Some (way too early) Timberwolves takeaways

It’s been only three games, but it’s time to talk about what early exaggerations we can make, as well as what implications these three games might have on the rest of the season for the Timberwolves.

First of all, Ricky Rubio’s shot has improved drastically over the course of the summer, with his inspired play in the opening game of the season against the Lakers a testament to his potential.

The following two games, however, he hasn’t been able to contribute in terms of points. While he did start out 3-for-3 from the field against the Blazers, he eventually finished 4 of 10. This could be an early indication that Rubio might be a streaky shooter. Despite this, he’s looking more confident and aggressive, which was quite lacking from him last season, and that’s something to look forward to as he becomes the leader of the Timberwolves.

He’s also shown that he’s one of the best all-around point-guards in the league, currently leading the league in assists and flirted with a triple double against Portland. Should he keep his shot under control and continue facilitating, he’ll make solid progress throughout the season.

Karl Anthony-Towns basically came out of the box NBA-ready, and while many people thought the 76ers’ Jahlil Okafor might have been more NBA-ready, Towns is giving him a run for his money. He devastated the Nuggets to the tune of 28 points and 14 rebounds, earning himself a double-double in each of his first two games as an NBA player. Not too bad.

Andrew Wiggins, on the other hand, is a player I’d be worried about. His shots haven’t been falling, and he hasn’t been aggressive as he was last year, possibly in part due to his total baptism by fire as a rookie. Perhaps it’s the Towns Effect that’s dampening Wiggin’s numbers, maybe it’s something else, but I sure hope he starts getting back into form soon, because the Timberwolves will absolutely need it.

Nemanja Bjelica has looked to be quite a solid addition, filling up the box score as well as contributing reliable percentages along the way. I love the pick-and-roll partnership he’s been able to develop with Rubio, and he stretches the floor well, another department Minnesota was lacking in last year. Furthermore, he’s occasionally flashed his point-forward skills which creates nice mixups both when Rubio is on and off the floor.

It does bother me that Zach Lavine is still being played as Rubio’s backup point guard. We’ve seen time and time again he works better in catch and shoot situations than having the ball in his hands. He’ll need to hone his basketball IQ a bit more, which speaks to his rawness as an NBA player overall.

Overall, the Timberwolves have looked like a better team than they were last year. Only some unlucky calls against them in the closing moments of the Blazers game denied them a chance at going 3-0 on the season so far. It was a heartbreaking loss, but in my opinion, they truly deserved it. Defense, while better than previous seasons, is still a big issue — especially once the second unit comes in.

Next: Timberwolves Predictions From Dunking With Wolves Staff

We’ve seen some good things and some bad things. Some of the above probably overreactions on my part, and some I hope I’m dead wrong on by the end of the year. Hopefully, over the course of the season, we see more good than bad, and eventually see some progress that demonstrates why we put our faith in this franchise in the first place.