Ben Beecken here, the host of the daily Locked On Wolves podcast, with your daily Locked On Wolves newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Wolves and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
Minnesota Timberwolves’ Big Man Pairing: Which duo is better than last year?
Timberwolves’ Big Man Dynamics: A Season of Change
With the acquisition of Julius Randle and the departure of Karl-Anthony Towns just prior to training camp, the dynamics of the Minnesota Timberwolves’ frontcourt shifted dramatically, bringing new challenges and opportunities.
Through the first quarter of the regular-season schedule, the Wolves have one particular big-man pairing that stands above the rest as the most successful, and one that has been a negative to this point. Let’s take a look at the best, the worst, and how they all compare to last year’s team.
Rudy Gobert and Naz Reid: A Defensive Powerhouse
The best standout pairing so far this season is Rudy Gobert and Naz Reid. In 597 possessions so far this season, this duo boasts a remarkable plus 11.6 net rating, placing lineups featuring Gobert and Reid in the 92nd percentile league-wide. The Gobert-Reid combination excels defensively, ranking in the 98th percentile, despite Reid not being traditionally known for his defensive prowess.
Reid’s ability to complement Gobert’s defensive skills has been a revelation. While Naz may not be a traditional rim protector, his agility and improved instincts make him a formidable presence alongside Gobert. This pairing’s success underscores Reid’s value and potential as a defensive asset for the Timberwolves.
Julius Randle’s Role and Defensive Challenges
Julius Randle’s integration into the Timberwolves’ lineup has been a mixed bag. While the Gobert-Randle pairing is the most frequently used with 965 possessions thus far, it has a net rating of plus 3.3, which is respectable but not as impressive as the Gobert-Reid duo. The defensive performance of this pairing is notably weaker, ranking in the 77th percentile.
Randle’s offensive contributions are undeniable, but his defensive lapses have been a concern. His on-off numbers reveal a minus 7.2 impact on the season. Randle’s physicality and rebounding skills are assets, but his defensive awareness and effort need to be more consistent to maximize his impact on the court.
The Timberwolves’ big man rotation is still evolving, and the data suggests that Reed’s defensive synergy with Gobert is a key factor in the team’s success. As the season progresses, there may be opportunities to adjust lineups and explore different combinations to optimize performance.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Timberwolves’ big man rotation, tune into the Locked On Wolves podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Wolves Podcast:
- Analysis of the Timberwolves’ power rankings and their defensive performance.
- Discussion on potential lineup changes and trade considerations.
- Insights into the Timberwolves’ upcoming matchups and strategies.
- Evaluation of individual player performances and their impact on the team.
A common refrain about Spike Lee movies is that the city of New York feels like a living, breathing character. It has a presence in his films beyond that of a typical urban backdrop. It has dialogue; it impacts events.
Well, the Knicks crowd, amplified by the presence of Gotham villain Trae Young, felt three-dimensional in this NBA Cup quarterfinal, moaning, groaning, and cheering every time the ball ricocheted off a body part or players tumbled to the ground. It felt like it could change the events on the court, albeit with little control, like a player tilting a pinball machine. Even from my couch, I could feel the energy pulsing from the screen.
The atmosphere was electric; the quality of play was suspect. I’m not sure I’d let my loved ones watch, but for a specific breed of basketball fan (like the one who subscribes to this newsletter), it was gloriously grimy.
It was a miracle either of these teams hit triple-digits. The ball spent more time squirting out of rugby scrum-style dog piles than it did going through nets. The Knicks posted their lowest offensive rating of the season; the Hawks’ two best players, Jalen Johnson and Trae Young, combined for 43 points on 42 shots. Atlanta started the game 1-for-10 from deep, while New York had a stretch where they missed 12 straight triples.
In the end, however, it was Trae Young rolling phantom dice on the Knicks’ logo to celebrate going to Vegas.
The Hawks defense might be legit. Young is an easy target, but he also suckers teams into getting out of their offense to try and attack him, leaving them vulnerable to the swarm of kinetic, lengthy athletes that are standing by to help at a moment’s notice. Dyson Daniels chewed Jalen Brunson up (14 points on 15 shots), using a toothpick to get every last morsel.
Mike Shearer (@bballispoetry) has written about the NBA full-time since 2021 at various and sundry places. For more from Mike, check out his Substack bestseller, Basketball Poetry, where he uses unnecessary metaphors and the occasional haiku to discuss the NBA’s happenings with an analytical lens.
Home and Away
Analysis An evaluation of Timberwolves’ coaches and Anthony Edwards during clutch time reveals key decision-making strategies and performance insights. Coaching grades provide a detailed breakdown. (Star Tribune)
Analysis Karl-Anthony Towns’ worst big-game habits resurfaced as the Timberwolves were eliminated by the Hawks in the NBA Cup. His inconsistency in critical moments remains a concern. (CBS Sports)
Injury As the Timberwolves prepare to face the Lakers, LeBron James’ uncertain status due to personal reasons could play a key role in the game’s outcome. (CBS Sports)
Rumor What is the league doing to address referee gambling concerns, and how effective can safeguards be? (Front Office Sports)
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Fantasy Cheat Sheet
A Kawhi Leonard Update & A Fantasy Basketball News Catchup
Nov 20, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) looks on from the bench in the first half against the Orlando Magic at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Kawhi Leonard’s Uncertain Return
Kawhi Leonard’s return remains a topic of speculation. Recent reports suggest that his comeback isn’t imminent, leaving fantasy managers in a bind. If you’re holding onto Leonard, patience is key, but be prepared for a potentially lengthy wait.
Jimmy Butler Trade Rumours
The rumour mill is buzzing with talk of a potential Jimmy Butler trade. While speculation is rife, it’s essential to remember that these rumours often don’t materialise. The complexities of NBA trades, including salary cap constraints and team dynamics, make it challenging to predict outcomes. Instead of getting caught up in the hype, focus on the players currently delivering consistent performances. If Butler does get traded, assess the situation then, but for now, it’s best to concentrate on tangible fantasy assets.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Fantasy Basketball Podcast:
- The impact of Mitchell Robinson’s injury on the Knicks’ rotation - Evaluating Max Strus’s fantasy value upon his return - Donovan Clingan’s potential role with the team - The latest on Fred VanVleet’s shooting struggles and assist numbers - A look at the upcoming matchups and their fantasy implications
Stay ahead of the game by keeping these insights in mind as you navigate the ever-changing landscape of NBA fantasy basketball.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Wolves podcasts.
Timberwolves fall to Warriors as offense sputters once again, Steph Curry dominates late The Minnesota Timberwolves dropped their second consecutive home game in embarrassing fashion, falling behind by 21 to the Golden State Warriors and needing a bench-driven comeback that ultimately fell short as Stephen Curry dominated late.
Karl-Anthony Towns dominates the Minnesota Timberwolves in return with the New York Knicks The Minnesota Timberwolves suffered an embarrassing loss at the hands of an old friend as Karl-Anthony Towns led a dominant New York Knicks performance in his return to Target Center. Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) breaks down the bad vibes surrounding the team, as well as how this game got so far off track so quickly.
Checking on Karl-Anthony Towns in New York and Timberwolves newcomers with Locked On Knicks Karl-Anthony Towns is having a career year with the New York Knicks, while former Knicks players Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo have been on a roller coaster ride with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) of Locked On Wolves discusses both ends of the trade and previews Wolves-Knicks with Gavin Schall and Alex Wolfe of Locked On Knicks.
