The Minnesota Timberwolves already had Anthony Edwards in their backcourt. But if that wasn’t enough, they made a blockbuster trade for LaMelo Ball to create one of the most must-see duos in the NBA. The two former All-Stars should be the centerpiece for the Wolves next season, but they’re also hoping they can be much more than a viral duo on the court.
With that in mind, Edwards has already gone to great lengths to build a championship-caliber connection with Ball, hosting him at his house while he was in town for his introductory press conference this week. While he noted the two were willing to clean up their postgame interviews, he also revealed the importance of creating chemistry ahead of next season.
“He’s been at the house for two days. …I wish he’d come back to Minnesota so we can kick it a little more because I think a lot of people misjudge the NBA,” Edwards explained while speaking at Fanatics Fest NYC in New York on Friday. “...The closer you and your team are, the more [of a] chance y’all got to win the championship.”
Anthony Edwards knows exactly what the Timberwolves need this season
Edwards’ comments are a sign of maturity or perhaps evidence that he saw what happened with his former teammate Karl-Anthony Towns with the New York Knicks. The Knicks' togetherness as a team helped them go on one of the most dominant playoff runs in NBA history, putting together a 13-game winning streak after losing their opening game and capturing New York’s first championship since 1973.
The Wolves could also use some of that togetherness. Before he was sent to the Charlotte Hornets in the trade that brought Ball to Minnesota, Naz Reid mentioned the “moodiness” of the team as a reason why they didn’t reach the Western Conference finals for the third straight season.
The Wolves reacted by trading Julius Randle to the Brooklyn Nets in the same four-way trade, and it has a new team that has to gel right out of the gate in the Western Conference.
For Edwards and Ball, that will mean sharing the same backcourt. Edwards continues to get better with each season, averaging a career-high 28.8 points per game to go with five rebounds and 3.7 assists while battling a knee injury for part of the year.
But his leadership could also use some improvement, which may be the catalyst for inviting Ball to his house after the trade.
Ball could also benefit from having a player like Edwards both on and off the court. While he had one of the best seasons of his career with 20.1 points, 7.1 assists and 4.8 rebounds per game last year, he has yet to play in a playoff game.
That leadership and togetherness could take another step forward if LeBron James signs with the Timberwolves. But with that still being a long shot, it may be on Edwards to bring everyone together. His comments suggest he’s already taken the first step, and Wolves fans will hope it transfers to the court for a dynamic connection that can bring home a championship next season.
Add us as a preferred source on Google