Alex Bader
After game 1 of 82, there is a strong feeling around the Minnesota Timberwolves, that this season will be different then past years - maybe it's too early in the season or just the fact that I have been a Wolves fan for far too many rotations around the sun and suffered too many dark times, but I am not convinced, yet.
One win, against the Rockets of all teams, is nothing to boast about.
The Rockets will not be good this year and frankly, they won't even be competitive in most games.
So, props to the Timberwolves for dominating and winning a game that they should have won.
I am not trying to throw shade at the Wolves, but more or less, I am keeping my feelings in check and making sure to not get ahead of myself when it comes to the Wolves.
BADER'S TAKE
The health of the big three
ANT & KAT
Defense
Playoffs?
Depth
The health of the big three
The Minnesota Timberwolves will have a successful season if they all manage to stay healthy.
KAT and DLO have only played 26 games together since DLO was traded to the Wolves in exchange for Wiggins, back in February of 2020.
Staying healthy has been an issue for KAT. In the last two seasons, he has missed 53 games due to injury or illness.
DLO also missed time last season due to injuries - right when KAT came back to the team.
Health is the key for the Wolves this year. If we can stay healthy and have the big three (KAT, ANT, DLO) play the majority of the games together - as we saw during the season opener - the Wolves will be a threatening team to play against and an entertaining team to watch.
ANT & KAT
ANT brings the heat and energy to the Wolves locker room, something that has been missing since arguably KG.
ANT has a tenacity about him and he just wants to win. His energy and emotions are rubbing off on the whole team.
His personality is infectious, his interviews often leave us laughing our butts off.
"In preseason I was just out there to be out there," Said an energized Anthony Edwards after the first win. "But I'm here now."
ANT dropped 29 Points, 6 Rebounds, and 3 Assists in 31 minutes played in the season opener.
ANT has the skills, power, and drive to take the Wolves to the next level.
He isn't alone.
KAT has been the Wolves franchise player since being drafted back in 2015 and has stated that he is determined to win in Minnesota.
After a couple of seasons full of injuries, and Covid-19 taking a huge toll on him and his family, KAT is ready for a redemption season.
Kat dropped 30 Points, 10 Rebounds, and 2 Assists in the 29 minutes played in the season opener.
Heard it here first! ANT and KAT will be All-Stars this year, marking it the first time in franchise history where we would have two All-Stars in the same year.
If they continue to play the way they played on Tuesday, no doubt in my mind there will be two Timberwolves All-Stars.
They are both top players in the league in their position.
Towns has averaged a double-double, at least 10 points and 10 rebounds, ever since entering the league.
Last year, Towns improved himself as a three-point specialist.
Ant had a tremendous rookie campaign, averaging 19.3 points shooting at a field goal percentage of 41.7.
Wolves need these two players to continue their hot start, and to stay healthy.
Defense
Last year the Wolves lost too many close games because we couldn't defend. The players, coaches, and fans knew this.
This year in training camp, the team only worked on defensive drills.
It is nice to see Chris Finch and his coaching staff address the issues that have plagued this team for multiple seasons.
We know KAT can score. We know DLO can score. We know ANT can score. We can score. It comes down to stopping the other team.
I think we saw the seeds start to develop on Tuesday night. The wolves defended with high energy and emotion.
Having a 27 point lead going into halftime is evident of good offensive play, but also evidence of the great defense.
If the Wolves want to have success they will need to continue to improve their defense as a team and as individuals.
Playoff-bound?
This is tough.
The west is so tough it is scary.
You have the Clippers, Lakers, Jazz, Nuggets, all making the playoffs pretty easily. The Warriors are healthy and look like a remake of their 2018 Finals winning team. The Grizzlies and Kings are going to be tough to throw out.
That is seven teams who - aside from injuries - should make the playoffs and most likely will.
Then you have the Suns, Mavericks, Trail Blazers, Pelicans, and the Wolves all fighting for seeds 7-10 to be in the Play in tournament.
Yes, I know that the Suns were runner-ups last year, however, this is a new year with a full healthy west, and getting back to the finals may be near impossible for the Suns.
The fact that I have the Suns on the bubble is just an indication of how strong the teams in the west are this year.
Back to the Wolves, They are going to be on the bubble right up until the end of the season. Every game will be critical.
Having a healthy and deep roster is also going to be critical for making the playoffs this year. (predictions for the west)
Lakers
Nuggets
Jazz
Clippers
Warriors
Kings
Wolves
Suns
Grizzlies
Mavericks
Pelicans
Spurs
Trail Blazers
Thunder
Rockets
Depth
I have alluded to this a little already in this article, but depth is going to be another key for the Timberwolves and will determine if they make the playoffs.
Injuries and illnesses will occur, that is sports. But how well off are the timberwolves if they lose a starter?
It depends on how long a starter is out for. For instance, if KAT were to get injured and be out for a week or two, then our depth could take over and we would still be competitive. If we lose someone for the long term like last season, we may struggle.
We have Beasley and McLaughlin coming off the bench in the guard position. Beasley is a well-established vet and McLaughlin has a lot of promise as an up-and-coming prospect.
We have Reid and Prince and Vanderbilt coming off the bench for the forwards and center. In about 19 minutes our bench players put in solid work on the defensive side of the ball.
33 points came from the bench which is not great but not bad either.
If the Wolves can maintain their health, they will be a team that should be competitive in every game.
If ANT and KAT can maintain their hot start and put in All-Star worthy campaigns, the wolves will be in the playoffs.
If the Wolves can defend on a consistent basis - especially when the opponent gets tougher - they should be able to find success on the court.
If the Timberwolves depth and bench players can make big plays when called upon, we will be in the playoffs.
All of these keys need to occur for the Timberwolves to find success and ultimately make the playoffs in a very crowded West conference.
What's Next:
Timberwolves (3rd 1-0) vs. Pelicans (8th 0-1) Saturday (10/23) @ 7 p.m. at Target Center
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