As the Minnesota Timberwolves gear up for the season, there will be plenty of worthy competition in the Western Conference. Many talented teams will be doing their best to beat out the Wolves for a playoff spot.
While they may not be the greatest threat in playoff positioning, the Spurs will also be a formidable opponent simply because of Victor Wembanyama. The first overall pick from this past June has already been terrorizing NBA players in preseason with his incredible size and skill.
Every indication thus far is that Wembanyama will be a very good basketball player in the NBA from day one. But as the Timberwolves get ready to compete against him for years to come, they may just have the perfect kryptonite to limit his incredible talent.
Many have criticized Minnesota for employing so many big men in a league that is so guard-centric. But in the end, their size could be what gives them a chance to stop Victor Wembanyama.
The Timberwolves’ height could help them stop Victor Wembanyama
One of the most obvious advantages Wembanyama will have entering the NBA is his height. Officially measuring in at 7-foot-4, he is tied for the tallest player in the league with Boban Marjanovic.
Naturally, the toughest competition he faces in one-on-one scenarios will be players that are large enough or skilled enough to challenge him. The Timberwolves have a bevy of players that fit this description.
With Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert in their starting lineup, Minnesota rolls out one of the best Wembanyama defenses possible from the opening tip. Not only is Gobert a 7-foot-1 master shot-blocker, but he is more familiar with Wemby’s game than most players, having known him since he was 13 years old.
Beyond the two twin towers in the starting lineup, the Wolves employ several other players that boast a big frame and have one or more skills useful in dealing with a 7-foot-4 behemoth. Naz Reid, Jaden McDaniels and Kyle Anderson all stand at least 6-foot-9 and have the defensive versatility to frustrate Victor Wembanyama.
All signs point to Wemby becoming a full-fledged star in the NBA. But the Timberwolves may just have the best formula in the league to stop him.