2 Timberwolves who earned untouchable status, 2 who haven’t
By Will Eudy
![Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Minnesota Timberwolves (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images) 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. Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Minnesota Timberwolves (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images) 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.](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/9378b4ebc7a8692756eef7e646e6db244c5da778708ca39f15fb1292950d7ce5.jpg)
Untouchable: Kyle Anderson
Coming over from the Memphis Grizzlies as a free agent last offseason, Kyle Anderson made an immediate impact in his first season with the Minnesota Timberwolves. While he was always expected to contribute, no one quite predicted he would be as vital to the team’s success as he ended up being.
When Karl-Anthony Towns went down with a calf injury in late November, many assumed it would be a death sentence for Minnesota’s playoff hopes with how deep the Western Conference is. But in the midst of the chaos, Kyle Anderson stepped up and started 46 games in his place.
Anderson enjoyed one of the best statistical seasons of his career in 2022-23, all while helping keep the Timberwolves aloft in the standings with Towns healing from his injury. After never shooting above 37% from three in his career, Slo-Mo became one of the most reliable outside threats on the team this past season, knocking down 41% of his threes.
He also dished out a career-high 4.9 assists per game. And as always, Anderson’s calm and collected composure kept the team functioning at a high level both on and off the floor. In just one season, he showed that he is already one of the best free agent signings in Timberwolves history.
As such, Kyle Anderson earned the label of untouchable for the foreseeable future. Minnesota’s plans as a franchise will undoubtedly include him going forward.