Minnesota Timberwolves: Player grades for first quarter of the season

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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – NOVEMBER 28: Robert Covington #33 of the Minnesota Timberwolves speaks to the media after the game against the San Antonio Spurs on November 28, 2018 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Robert Covington – Player Grade A-

Through 8 games in a Minnesota Timberwolves’ jersey, swing man Robert Covington is averaging 14.3 PPG, 5.8 TRB, and 2.8 steals.

And yes, all of Covington’s statistics have increased since departing Philadelphia.

More importantly, RoCo’s ability to shoot the 3 has completely revamped the fast paced Minnesota offense as of late, and his league leading 2.8 steals per game has drastically changed the defense too.

Covington has started in every game he’s played in a Wolves’ jersey, but the possibility of bringing him off the bench isn’t a bad idea either. RoCo seems to mesh well with the bench, specifically playing next to Derrick Rose who loves to push the pace.

Specifically, the best lineups on the team all feature RoCo, but by far the best one has been the Derrick Rose, Tyus Jones, Robert Covington, Dario Saric, and Gorgui Dieng with an offensive rating of 116.1 and defensive rating of 80.5.

The Wolves’ are also 6-2 with Covington in the starting lineup, helping the Wolves move from the 14th seed to the 9th seed, respectively. Not only their record, but their attendance sales have boosted from worst in the league, to 17th in the NBA.

RoCo’s partner in crime is next, the one and only Dario Saric.

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