LeBron James decided to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers, inking a two-year, $8 million deal. Instead of joining the Minnesota Timberwolves, James went to the East. And though the initial reaction may have been disappointment, Anthony Edwards and the Wolves will eventually be grateful that James chose the Sixers.
James is a good player. An All-Star. But the Wolves already have two guys who need the ball in their hands: Edwards and LaMelo Ball. And in today’s NBA, having a good team fit and elite team chemistry is more important than anything else. Adding James to the mix could have thrown those things off balance.
It may not be fun in the short-term, but in the long run, the Wolves will be better off not having James on the roster.
Anthony Edwards and the Wolves will be better off without LeBron James
Edwards is one of the best players on the planet. Though the Wolves haven’t been able to get over the hump in the last few years, he’s done enough to prove that point.
Minnesota was even proactive this summer. Rather than the Wolves resting on their laurels, they took action, making a big-swing trade to bring in Ball as the team’s point guard of the future.
Now, the Wolves are ready to head into next season with Ball, Edwards, Ayo Dosunmu, Jaden McDaniels, and Rudy Gobert as their starting five. That’s one of the most well-rounded starting lineups in the league.
If the Wolves had James in the lineup instead of Dosunmu, they would definitely have more talent. But would the fit be better? Dosunmu is a better three-point shooter and defender than James.
Plus, consistent reps in the starting lineup will help him improve. Minnesota won’t have to deal with the drama that comes with James. They can develop their young guys into better, long-term fits next to Edwards and Ball.
James brings experience, playmaking, and offensive creation to the lineup. The experience would be great, but the Timberwolves already have plenty of the other two things.
Minnesota not signing James this summer will be good for its long-term development, and Edwards and Ball can split the on-ball touches instead of having to share with a third, very ball-dominant player.
Right now, it may feel like the Wolves missed out on something, but they – and Edwards – will be better off for it.
The Wolves are in a good spot. They’re ready to build around Edwards and Ball moving forward. Not having James in town will, ultimately, help them do that.
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