New-look roster? No problem. The Minnesota Timberwolves' defense has been on an absolute string to start the season, holding their opponents to 106 and 93 points, respectively. They weren't slouches of opponents either; the Miami Heat and Orlando Magic were both expected to be at the very least playoff contenders to start the season.
Usually, a team that gains two new starters has to go through a bit of a gelling period before things click. We're seeing that with the Miami Heat right now, actually. Plus, when the Wolves traded for Rudy Gobert initially, it took a while before the team looked formidable. But with this Wolves team, it's been the complete opposite.
A big reason that could explain this is that the Wolves made a clear effort to build chemistry this offseason. The whole team visited Gobert in France, and they were constantly seen together in the gym.
It looks like all of that offseason bonding might be paying dividends as the Wolves sit 2-0 with both wins being different styles of games, but both wins were convincing too.
The Timberwolves' offseason chemistry building is showing on the court
Before the season, Chris Finch said the Wolves traded moodiness for giddiness, and this quote adds up after two games.
Over the past few seasons, the Wolves didn't feel connected, and they were all playing for themselves for various reasons. Acquiring LaMelo Ball and Jonathan Kuminga this offseason has changed all of that.
Ball might be one of the most joyous players in the NBA, and his infectious positive energy is exactly what this team needed. Kuminga also went from a situation where he didn't feel valued to a team that extensively sought him out and recruited him, and his happiness to be somewhere he's wanted is showing up in his play.
All of these good vibes that were built during an offseason of bonding and building chemistry are mirroring how the team is playing so far. They look bought in on both ends of the court. Lonzo Ball even went on Twitter and said that this is the most he's seen LaMelo defend in his life.
You can honestly take that comment and apply it to the entire starting lineup besides Rudy Gobert and Jaden McDaniels, who have consistently been elite defenders throughout their careers. But Anthony Edwards, who's been rather disengaged on defense the last couple of years, has looked to be taking a lot of pride in that area to start the season.
Kuminga has also been working his tail off defensively. He took the Giannis Antetokounmpo matchup in the first game and the Paolo Banchero matchup in the second one and has looked great. He's been everything the Wolves have hoped for and more, and it likely goes back to him being excited to be on a team that clearly values and appreciates one another.
It's been impressive to see how quickly the new-look Timberwolves roster has meshed, and it's hard not to think that their offseason work together has been a factor.
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