4 Timberwolves bigs need to show up big starting now
By Bret Stuter
After the Minnesota Timberwolves dropped an NBA king’s ransom to acquire All-Star center Rudy Gobert, the team needed to do a savvy but effective marketing blitz to introduce Gobert to the loyal Timberwolves fans. A year ago, that was easy to do. The Minnesota Timberwolves fans may be disenchanted at times, but the Timberwolves enjoy a passionate and loyal fanbase. And the fans are always eager to welcome any NBA player who can secure an NBA Championship.
Such was the warm welcome given to Rudy Gobert one year ago, and it made everything that followed a little less significant.
30 minutes after Fan Fest Rudy Gobert was still signing autographs & taking photos for fans in the skyway.
— Alan Horton (@WolvesRadio) October 1, 2022
Rudy’s made quite the impression already. pic.twitter.com/YK4MXgfjMd
Gobert was a big deal last season (pun intended).
Timberwolves learned from 2022-23
The truth of the matter is clear. The Minnesota Timberwolves started the 2022-23 NBA season with some clear and obvious shortcomings. But the Timberwolves front office has acted deliberately and consistently to address the areas that proved to be significant struggles for the team a year ago.
PG: Conley / McLaughlin / Shake Milton
— The Lead (@TheLeadSM) September 5, 2023
SG: Ant / N. Alexander-Walker / Milton
SF: Jaden McDaniels / Troy Brown Jr.
PF: KAT / Kyle Anderson / Miller
C: Gobert / Naz Reid / Luka Garza
Awesome combination of absurd frontcourt length, young athletic wings, and crafty veterans 🔥 pic.twitter.com/fjdCkbdCvi
While the Timberwolves did not deal away for a blockbuster trade or acquisition this season, the team is every bit as dependent on the new arrivals to contribute. And the new faces on the team will not have the luxury of making an excuse like “Hey, don’t look at me. I’m new here,” which gives them a pass to step onto the basketball court but not show up.
Still, this is a team that has started the 2023-24 NBA season ice cold. So how can the team fix that? The Timberwolves roster needs positive contributions from these players: