The Minnesota Timberwolves have certainly sputtered out of the gate to start the 2020-21 season.
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This has been a far-too-familiar scene for fans, as glimmers of hope tend to fade rather quickly. We knew it would likely be an unpredictable season due to the COVID-19 outbreaks, but there was still a level of optimism surrounding the pack with the pairing of Karl-Anthony Towns and D’Angelo Russell alongside the new young talent. Injuries, as well as health-and-safety protocols, have led to Towns, among others, being sidelined.
One of the most intriguing storylines this offseason surrounded who the front office would pair with KAT. They ultimately settled with Juancho Hernangomez.
The early dividends? Not great, Bob.
He has been a complete liability on both ends of the floor and that $7 million a year could have gone elsewhere. It is still early in the season, but his struggles have certainly been discouraging. He was recently listed as a close contact to someone contracting the virus, so he has been out of action. This has potentially been a blessing in disguise as it has opened the door for others to step in.
Jarred Vanderbilt
Enter Jarred Vanderbilt. He was acquired from the Denver Nuggets in the same four-team midseason trade last year that brought Hernangomez and Malik Beasley to Minnesota. Vanderbilt was thought to be a throw-in piece to complete the trade, as he spent a majority of the season with the team’s G-League affiliate. He played sparingly in his short time with the big club since being drafted in the second round of the 2018 NBA Draft.
Vanderbilt is the exact type of player the Timberwolves need. He isn’t the most skilled player at this stage in his career but makes up for it with energy and effort. With a roster full of question marks, you know what you’re getting with Vando every single night. He is more than capable of switching onto guards and wings while defending the rim at a high rate. When KAT returns, it will be interesting to monitor how well they mesh together.
Jaden McDaniels
When looking at the Timberwolves’ 2020 draft class, all eyes often gaze to Anthony Edwards. And while he should receive his fair share of attention, the Wolves were also able to snatch Jaden McDaniels.
McDaniels was a highly-sought-after five-star recruit of high school, choosing to stay true to his pacific northwest roots and attend his hometown Washington Huskies. He declared for the 2020 NBA Draft despite an underwhelming freshman season. His film still flashed enough to be selected in the first round and his tools are as unique as they come.
When looking around the association, Kevin Durant is the only player who even remotely comes close to comparison. For as long and lanky as they are, they sift their way around the court like guards.
The No. 28 selection wasn’t expected to play much this season for a variety of reasons. That hasn’t stopped him from shining every single time he has stepped on the court. COVID-19 has allowed him to enter the rotation, and he has run with it.
We knew that McDaniels had talent, but for him to put together such impressive stretches this early? He is already looking like one of the top steals of the draft. Timberwolves fans can already start to thank Gersson Rosas and crew for this potential diamond in the rough.
Both Vanderbilt and McDaniels have exhibited enough to continue getting quality rotation minutes when everyone else returns. The hope is that head coach Ryan Saunders echoes the same sentiment. Only time will tell, but this T-Wolves team could use a jolt to jumpstart their season.
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