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Minnesota Timberwolves need the All-Star D’Angelo Russell

By Dylan Jackson

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - APRIL 16: Bam Adebayo #13 of the Miami Heat defends against D'Angelo Russell #0 of the Minnesota Timberwolves during the second quarter of the game at Target Center on April 16, 2021 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 (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - APRIL 16: Bam Adebayo #13 of the Miami Heat defends against D'Angelo Russell #0 of the Minnesota Timberwolves during the second quarter of the game at Target Center on April 16, 2021 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 (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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The Minnesota Timberwolves are going to need more from their players this coming season – especially D’Angelo Russell – who did not perform well towards the start of last season.

D’Angelo Russell is an interesting player. In the trade deadline of 2020, the Minnesota Timberwolves traded their 2021 first-round pick in addition to Andrew Wiggins to acquire him.

Minnesota Timberwolves need the All-Star D’Angelo Russell

D’Angelo Russell had one of the more interesting seasons of all players on the Timberwolves roster. Over the first 20 games of the year, Russell averaged 19 points and five assists on shooting splits of 43/40/75 – which, in a nutshell is not bad – but Russell failed to affect winning at a high level – earning a plus-minus of -10 per appearance.

Following Russell’s return, though, he averaged 19 points and seven assists on 44/38/78 splits with a positive plus-minus, with the Timberwolves earning a 0.500 (11 wins, 11 losses) record in his appearances.

The Minnesota Timberwolves are going to rely more heavily upon Russell this coming season – as he will be fully healthy, playing alongside an improved Anthony Edwards and no-limits Karl-Anthony Towns. Additionally, Minnesota Timberwolves general manager Gersson Rosas could be looking to improve the team further (I would keep an eye on the forward rotation in terms of what he could be attempting to sure-up).

The Minnesota Timberwolves are going to be a better team next season than they were in 2020-21 – from the natural progression from their young players as well as having a healthy roster. However, D’Angelo Russell returning to his Brooklyn Nets, All-Star caliber form he was at two seasons ago is going to be crucial to see just how far the team can go.

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If Russell is unable to improve, Rosas could look to unload his contract in the 2022 offseason – though I am confident he will be able to prove his worth.

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