The Minnesota Timberwolves didn’t always exhibit the best body language last season. Fans believed the main culprit was Julius Randle, which is similar to what New York Knicks fans thought about him when Randle was a member of their team.
It would be unfair to blame all of this on Randle, though. So even though he has been traded to the Brooklyn Nets in the offseason, it doesn’t necessarily mean the problem is solved.
On The Dane Moore NBA Podcast, Britt Robson discussed the issue in detail and how it can still linger.
“We talked about moodiness last year,” Robson said. “The more I thought about this as the season was coming to an end, the more I disliked the way everybody just danced around stuff last year. Moodiness is a symptom, not a cause…you’re moody because of the situation on the team and something is not to your liking. Moodiness, or whatever the character issues were on this team last year, I don’t think they all go away because Julius Randle left the team. I do think that (Chris) Finch will have to coach differently, Ant (Edwards) is going to have to approach the season differently, Melo (Ball) is going to have to be molded as much as possible into the best-fitting piece, and Jaden (McDaniels) and TJ (Shannon Jr.) are going to have to be more consistent.”
It’ll be interesting to see how the Wolves handle adversity at the start of next season. But to Robson's point, moodiness is a one-man problem, and if the Wolves are ready to leave this problem behind them, everyone needs to look themselves in the mirror.
Can LaMelo Ball help to change the team’s attitude?
Everyone has done nothing but speak positively about bringing in Ball. Finch talked about his “infectious quality.” Anthony Edwards stated at Fanatics Fest that Ball has already been at his home. Tim Connelly believes that Ball will “elevate” the team.
Throughout his six-year career, there have been negative narratives surrounding Ball, such as bad shot selection and, at times, lackadaisical defense. Last season saw the 24-year-old rein in his propensity to shoot the ball aplenty, as he was surrounded by his most talented teammates, led by rookie Kon Knueppel and Brandon Miller.
Now, he’s with an even better offensive player in Ant-Man. What if Ball resorts to some of those poor habits during the upcoming season, though? Or what happens if he gets hurt again?
Another narrative surrounding him is that he is injury-prone, although he was mostly healthy in 2025-26, and the Timberwolves would again be without a true lead guard whenever he is sidelined. That would lead to less ball movement and could lead to unhappy players on the court.
Last season, Finch seemed to never say anything disparaging about Randle, perhaps concerned about messing with the three-time All-Star’s psyche. Benching him when he was playing poorly and giving off a bad vibe just never seemed to be an option. Finch may have to do a better job of letting players know when it seems their mood could be affecting their play.
Expectations are as high as ever in Minneapolis, in large part due to finally being able to get that star-level point guard. The Wolves can’t let something like moodiness derail them early in the year.
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