No. 2: How do the new players fit the Minnesota Timberwolves?
Without a pick in the 2021 NBA Draft or significant cap space to speak of, the Wolves made their offseason about improving the depth spots on their roster.
These moves were based more around upgrading fit than talent, and given that Timberwolves PR tweeted the team has no injuries, Monday will be the first chance to see how the additions fit with the incumbents.
Since they haven’t played much together, it’s more important to look at the interactions and energy between the players than their basketball synergy. It will be interesting to observe Patrick Beverley, for example, and see how much — if any — of his defensive intensity and focus has spread throughout the team.
Taurean Prince could fill a similar defensive need, but Monday is more about seeing how he looks physically after he described the ankle issues that plagued him the last few seasons at Media Day.
Leandro Bolmaro is perhaps the most intriguing newcomer because of the combination of talent and mystery. If the No. 23 pick in the 2020 NBA Draft hits, he could be a necessary jumbo playmaker on a team that lacks creation outside of the guards and Towns; then again, we have no idea what kind of player Bolmaro is at the NBA level.
His first preseason game is no time to jump to conclusions based on results, but it will be worth monitoring how he handles the increased athleticism and what the form on his jumper looks like.