How 9 Timberwolves can benefit from the 2023 FIBA WC competition

Wolves 2023 FIBA World Cup competition

The number of World Cup participants from the Minnesota Timberwolves roster is multiplying as we speak.  At last count, the Minnesota Timberwolves are up to seven, count ’em, seven, players who are competing. That’s as many players as will see meaningful playing time in an NBA Playoffs contest. And they are considered to be the world’s best basketball players, too.

It was not so long ago that the Timberwolves learned that a fifth player was joining the fray:

But players were only getting started in the competition. More names, recognizable Timberwolves players flocked to compete for international teams. Karl-Anthony Towns threw his hat into the ring and will compete for the Dominican Republic.

And then, even forward Kyle Anderson committed to the 2023 FIBA World Cup competition, as he will compete for China.

Two weeks later, the number of Minnesota Timberwolves players competing in the 2023 FIBA World Cup has increased to six.

Even a Timberwolves coach is in on the act. Timberwolves coach Pablo Prigioni was named as the coach of Team Argentina.

So why would NBA players whose careers be at risk of injury compete in international competition? It’s a chance to compete with and against basketball players whose reputation ascends to the best of the world. And it’s a chance to play in a different system, compete at a less intense pace, and flirt with new shots, and new strategies, and try to enhance and optimize their skill sets.