5 reasons why Minnesota Timberwolves boasts NBA Top 5 backcourt

I: Fit and chemistry optimized, not forced

Just like the frontcourt duo of Rudy Gobert and Karl-Anthony Towns, the backcourt duo of D’Angelo Russell and Anthony Edwards is based upon the summation that the pair have complementary skillsets. Unlike Gobert and Towns, the two players are entering their third season together, so their ability to play in the same rotation has developed organically.

Perhaps it’s that slow and steady progress that has led to Peter O’Keefe omitting the Timberwolves tandem from even an honorable mention, instead choosing to blow the trumpets for Chicago Bulls’ Lonzo Ball and Zach LaVine, Portland Trail Blazers Damian Lillard and Anfernee Simons, and Memphis Grizzlies’ Ja Morant and Dillon Brooks. The only reason that the Timberwolves’ backcourt has not gotten similar distinctions is the fact that Ant-Man has not broken the 25.0+ PPG barrier. But just between us, I think the Timberwolves’ backcourt will outperform all three duos listed here.

Top 10, but not Top 5?

Beale St Bears writer Jacob Ellerbee wrote a similar piece where he ranked the Top-10 NBA backcourts. In his perspective, the Timberwolves come in at Number 9, which is about four or five places too low in my opinion. But he does mention them, which is a start anyways.

The difficulty I see in many rankings is the presumption that players who starred elsewhere will be even better on new teams without a mention of fit or chemistry seems quite presumptuous, particularly in light of the harsh scrutiny many NBA pundits and analysts have leveled on the Minnesota Timberwolves acquisition of Rudy Gobert, a player who is a great fit for what the Timberwolves want to do this year.

Last season, Edwards and Russell combined for 39.4 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 10.9 APG, 2.5 SPG, and 0.9 BPG. Those numbers will improve this season. Where do you see the Timberwolves’ backcourt ranking in the NBA this season?