Minnesota Timberwolves: Predicting each player’s stats

D’Angelo Russell

24.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 1.2 steals, 0.2 blocks

The Minnesota Timberwolves acquired D’Angelo Russell for their 2021 first-round pick in addition to Andrew Wiggins. Russell was really, really good for the Wolves in his short stint last season, despite not playing alongside Towns for the large majority of his Minnesota minutes.

Russell is going to be able to take on a larger scoring role for Minnesota after the team brought in veteran guard Ricky Rubio. Sliding him down to the 2-guard slot is not only going to help his scoring output, but the team as a whole. This does not mean that Russell won’t be a facilitator, either. Assuming Ryan Saunders properly staggers he and Rubio’s minutes, Russell should be able to maintain his assist numbers while increasing his point share.

The most notable thing to watch for with Russell is going to be whether he increases his efficiency. There is going to be a plethora of scoring on the Timberwolves’ perimeter after re-signing Beasley and drafting Edwards with the first pick. Hopefully this means Russell is able to hit more shots despite an increase in volume.