When any NBA team loses its star player, it's natural to have growing pains; this is especially true if you lose a superstar like Anthony Edwards. The Minnesota Timberwolves, who are 2-2 in the four full games without Edwards (3-2 if you count the game where Edwards played three minutes), have had their share of growing pains. However, this stretch should also remind everyone how many scoring options the Wolves have.
Without Edwards, the Wolves have still ranked eighth in offensive rating and ninth in net rating. For reference, last year they ranked eighth in ORTG and fourth in net rating.
In Edwards' absence, Julius Randle has adapted wonderfully to being the first option, averaging 26.5 points, and Jaden McDaniels has taken a massive leap (22.8 ppg). Additionally, Rudy Gobert has been more involved in the offense, while Naz Reid and Donte DiVincenzo have found their groove. 38-year-old Mike Conley has also had some nice moments, especially as a playmaker, when he returned to the starting five. Monday's 125-109 win over the Brooklyn Nets highlighted this everybody-eats style of offense for the Wolves, as five players notched 15-plus points.
The Wolves' versatility is key to their offensive success
One thing that really stands out with the Wolves' offense is their versatility. Randle is an elite interior bruiser who is shooting 43.2 percent from 3-point land. Likewise, McDaniels is an elite finisher who is netting a career high 46.2 percent from beyond the arc. Gobert is an efficient source of offense around the rim. DiVincenzo, Reid, and Conley are all high-level spot-up shooters. Reid's 38.7 percent from beyond the arc (still borderline elite) is the lowest of the bunch.
In terms of versatility, the Wolves rank in the top 10 in both 3-point percentage (fifth) and points off drives (seventh). Furthermore, per Cleaning the Glass, the Wolves rank seventh in location effective field goal percentage (essentially shot quality). The Wolves' ability to generate efficient shots has helped them stay afloat without Edwards. While the Wolves' talent is the main factor, you have to give Chris Finch his flowers for helping generate open shots in a variety of ways.
Minnesota has gotten inconsistent contributions from its young talent and, at times, struggled defensively, especially without Edwards. Nevertheless, the two through seven of the Wolves' rotation rivals that of anyone in the league.
Edwards seems primed to return from his hamstring injury next week, and the supporting cast building some momentum should benefit the team in a big way. Overall, the Wolves' supporting cast is the perfect complement to Edwards and has helped them maintain success without him.