Latest bombshell gives advantage to Timberwolves in West standings
By Bret Stuter
A new hope for the Minnesota Timberwolves?
Before we get too empathetic to how this news may impact the fortunes of the Memphis Grizzles, keep in mind that the Minnesota Timberwolves lost star center/power forward Karl-Anthony Towns for 53 games in the 2022-23 NBA season to injury.
That complicated an already difficult season for the Timberwolves, as the team was already embroiled in creating chemistry around two principal versions of a starting five that, due to other injuries, illnesses, and simply bad fits, never really had time to gel at all throughout the season.
And the verdict is?
The decision is made. For the official release, just check out this Tweet:
NBA’s full statement on the Ja Morant situation pic.twitter.com/AgghOImxdZ
— Wilton C. Jackson II (@WiltonReports) June 16, 2023
And how have the powers that be ruled in this case? Well, see for yourself:
The suspension will come with conditions for his return, sources tell ESPN. https://t.co/m5aXEpCXrS
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 16, 2023
Now the Memphis Grizzlies must determine how a suspension for Morant can best be addressed. And that is where this all gets tricky. If the front office focuses exclusively on the team to attempt to address their chances of winning without Morant, they run the risk of seeming insensitive to supporting their star player.
Timberwolves turn the tables
If the team resolves to support Morant exclusively, the first 25 games of the season could put the team in a rather deep hole that they may not easily recover from. And keep in mind that a 25-game suspension nullifies Ja Morant’s chances to practice with his teammates. So even after the suspension, there will be a period when the team will need to get Morant onboarded.
That could mean turning the tables for the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2023-24 NBA season. Even as the Memphis Grizzlies must now pivot to address their immediate needs to start the season, the Minnesota Timberwolves can return their starting five and build around them. Just for comparison’s sake, the Timberwolves were 13-12 after 25 games last season, while the Memphis Grizzlies opened with a 16-9 record after 25 games.
Minnesota Timberwolves may shock fans by opting for this off-season strategy. light. Hot
Look for the two teams to flip their records out of the gates in the 2023-24 NBA season. And that could be a huge advantage for the Minnesota Timberwolves in the NBA Western Conference standings.