Which former Timberwolves player will be missed the most next season?

As the Minnesota Timberwolves gear up for the 2022-23 season, they’ll be moving on without several players that were key pieces of the team last season. Losing players from such a fun group last year will take some getting used to, but such is the price a team must pay when acquiring a talent like Rudy Gobert.

Jarred Vanderbilt, Patrick Beverley, Malik Beasley, and Leandro Bolmaro were all dealt to Utah in  the trade for Gobert. Additionally, Jake Layman, Josh Okogie, and Greg Monroe will all be moving on from Minnesota as well. With such high turnover this offseason, the team will assuredly look different come October.

But different isn’t always bad. As Gobert and new role players get ready to suit up for the Wolves, Minnesota will be on the fast track to becoming an even better team going forward. At the same time, there will absolutely be moments where certain former players and their talents are missed. So, which of the former Timberwolves will be missed the most next season?

Vanderbilt’s Energy Will Be Missed

One of the most impactful players lost in the offseason was the starting center for the Timberwolves last year, Jarred Vanderbilt. Spending over two seasons in Minneapolis, Vanderbilt brought energy and intensity every time he stepped on the floor for the Timberwolves.

Starting in 67 of the Wolves’ 74 contests in 2021-22, Vanderbilt put up career highs in points, rebounds, assists, and steals per game. His energy was infectious, and his skill made him extremely valuable to the Timberwolves’ game plans and schemes. V8’s capability as a wing defender, playability in pick-and-roll, and presence as a lob threat will all be missed in Minnesota this year.

Although the Timberwolves have since picked up more scoring talent on the perimeter, they’ll also miss the outside shooting of Malik Beasley. A sniper from beyond the arc, Beasley made over 40% of his three-point shots during his time in Minnesota. Wolves fans will miss watching him play, but the hope is that players like Jaylen Nowell and Bryn Forbes can replace his production.

Patrick Beverley Will Be Missed Most

Perhaps the player that will be missed most in the Twin Cities next season is Patrick Beverley. Not only are the Timberwolves a little short on perimeter defense without him, but his spirited play and infectious energy both on and off the court ignited a special passion in Timberwolves fans.

If you need more evidence that he’ll be missed more than any of the other former Wolves next season, all you have to do is check social media. Not only does the Minnesota faithful have a special place in their heart for him, but Beverley feels the same way. Earlier in the week, he fired back at claims that the Timberwolves didn’t do him right, reiterating his appreciation for the organization.

Pat Bev took pride in playing for the Timberwolves and embraced the culture of Minnesota to a degree that inspired awe in his teammates and the fanbase alike. If there’s ever a day where Beverley has the opportunity to return to the team, I have no doubt he and the fans would welcome it.