The Minnesota Timberwolves are one of the teams reportedly in the running to sign LeBron James this summer. It’s a move that makes sense, but one that would very quickly define the LaMelo Ball era in Minnesota. Adding James would give the Wolves three ball-dominant guys – James, Ball, and Anthony Edwards – meaning someone, likely Ball, would have to play largely off the ball.
That’s not necessarily a bad thing. Ball is a solid three-point shooter – maybe more than solid – so he could definitely adapt to that type of role. Edwards could, too. He’s a great shooter, cutter, and offensive player. But at this point in his career, that’s not a place where James necessarily thrives. He can do it, but it’s not great.
Bringing James on board would very, very quickly define what roles Ball and the rest of the Wolves’ core would play before the era even begins.
Adding LeBron James would define LaMelo Ball era
James is one of the best basketball players on the planet. Even at 41 years old, he’s still playing at an All-Star level. He may be playing closer to an All-NBA level, given the right health and situation.
Minnesota would be a good spot for him. For years, the Timberwolves have been so close to getting over the hump with Edwards at the helm, and bringing in an additional, high-level talent like James would certainly help them keep pushing to get there.
His playmaking, leadership, and overall offensive hub abilities would make a perfect addition to a lineup that has desperately needed an infusion of all of those things for a long time.
However, they are all issues that the Wolves already addressed with the Ball trade earlier this summer. He was supposed to be the guy to patch up all of those holes in the Timberwolves’ lineup.
Ball is one of the best playmakers in today’s NBA. He’s a great offensive creator and an impressive, high-volume three-point shooter. Minnesota has been looking for a point guard to complement Edwards for years, and they finally found one.
Yet as soon as they found the right guy – and paid a pretty penny to bring him to town – they are considering a move that would objectively take the ball out of his hands a lot.
Ball is a good off-ball player. He can shoot, drive, and create space without the ball in his hands. But the Wolves brought him to Minnesota so he could have the ball in his hands.
Adding James would just massively shift everything that seemed to be the plan in Minnesota. It would immediately change what the beginning of the Ball era would look like.
And that’s a change to seriously consider.
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