Dallas Mavericks coach Dusty May praises newly‑signed center Daniel Gafford, who started the season strong after a $54.4 million extension and even hit his first career three‑pointer in a win over Oklahoma City. Meanwhile, Spurs veteran Tobias Harris continues rehab from a calf strain, Suns big man Oso Ighodaro is questionable with an oblique strain, Grizzlies forward Quinten Post left a game with an ankle injury after posting 7.6 points per game, and a side‑by‑side look compares Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg with Timberwolves forward Jonathan Kuminga, both 24. The roundup covers key health updates and early performances across the Western Conference.
Former NBA star DeMarcus Cousins suggests the Minnesota Timberwolves trade Rudy Gobert to the Washington Wizards for Anthony Davis to offset Anthony Edwards' absence. Cousins argues Davis would provide a new offensive focal point alongside LaMelo Ball, while Gobert’s recent scoring woes make him expendable. He also cites Washington’s possible reluctance to extend Davis and the opportunity to give rookie AJ Dybantsa more touches. However, the proposal faces hurdles: Wizards would need a compelling reason to part with Davis, salary matching, and roster fit. The idea remains a provocative podcast discussion, not a concrete trade plan.
Ben Simmons, the former No. 1 overall pick and three‑time All‑Star, says he’ll return to the NBA “better than I was before” after an Achilles tear that likely sidelines him for the 2026‑27 season. The 30‑year‑old, who hasn’t played since April 2025, praised the Sacramento Kings for supporting his rehab, noting visits from Zach LaVine and teammates. Despite interest from the Warriors, Timberwolves and Knicks, only the Kings offered a contract after watching him work out in Miami. Simmons told Andscape’s Marc J. Spears he’s committed to surgery, rehab and a dominant comeback, emphasizing his mindset and the organization’s backing.
Jonathan Kuminga sparks a showdown with his former Warriors staff during Minnesota's 119-114 loss to Golden State on Oct. 30, 2026. The forward posts a season‑high 20 points, five assists and two steals, but the real drama unfolds as he trades barbs with ex‑development coach Anthony Vereen, calling him "one of my brothers." Meanwhile, Stephen Curry erupts for 44 points and rookie Yaxel Lendeborg adds 26. With Anthony Edwards out for two months, Kuminga’s role expands as he averages 13.2 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2 steals per game for the Timberwolves.
With Anthony Edwards sidelined, the Minnesota Timberwolves will lean on Ayo Dosunmu on the ball more than they typically do. Can he handle this responsibility?
The Minnesota Timberwolves (3-2) host the Los Angeles Clippers (1-3) at the Target Center on Friday, Oct. 30, 2026, in what could be a morale‑boosting showdown after two recent losses. With Anthony Edwards sidelined, the preview zeroes in on Rudy Gobert’s slide from a 68.2% shooting leader to a 0‑for‑13 stretch and questions his minutes, while LaMelo Ball’s dip to a career‑low 13.4 points and a high 3.8 turnovers per game threatens the Wolves' offense. The piece highlights the need for Gobert’s rim protection against Brook Lopez and for Ball to step up as the team’s primary creator. A win against the Clippers could stabilize the fanbase and keep Minnesota afloat in the early Western Conference race.
LaMelo Ball is averaging just 25.4 minutes per game in the Timberwolves first five outings. However, the context of these games explains why.
Ahead of the Warriors’ Oct. 30 showdown with Minnesota, coach Steve Kerr stresses that rookie Yaxel Lendeborg and former Warrior Jonathan Kuminga are not comparable. Kerr notes Lendeborg’s rapid rise in Golden State’s rotation, thanks to injury‑created minutes, while Kuminga, now with the Timberwolves, struggled to find a role during the Warriors’ championship run. The coach wishes Kuminga well, recalling his stint in Atlanta, and highlights the different developmental paths of both 2023 lottery picks.
Amid Rudy Gobert's struggles, Chris Finch discussed how he needs to be better and finish with power.
The Los Angeles Clippers list forward Rui Hachimura as questionable for Friday’s game against the Minnesota Timberwolves after missing the previous matchup with the Lakers due to left‑quad soreness. Hachimura has averaged 10.3 points, six rebounds and one assist in the first three contests but is shooting just 26.3% this season, a steep drop from his typical 50%+ career rates. The Clippers, who scored only 87 points on 35.1% shooting in his absence, hope his return steadies an offense plagued by injuries to Jordan Miller, Yanic Konan, Max Strus, Brandon Ingram and Bradley Beal.
Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg says Draymond Green berated him during Wednesday’s game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, urging the 22‑year‑old to drive “into somebody’s f—ing chest” after a turnover. Lendeborg took the advice, attacking former teammate Jonathan Kuminga for a key play, and finished with 26 points, eight rebounds and seven turnovers in his fifth NBA appearance. He admits he played too soft against Minnesota’s physical defense but credits Green’s tough love for helping him adapt as the Warriors cope with injuries.
Rudy Gobert is unplayable on offense right now. But who can the Timberwolves comfortably close games with?
The blog’s Feel Good Friday highlights five upbeat points for the Minnesota Timberwolves: they’ve finally beaten division rival Denver, who now sits 2‑2 and looks out of contention; the Wolves boast a +63 point differential after five games, with narrow losses only by seven points; their upcoming 15‑day stretch features just two playoff‑caliber opponents, giving them a chance to refine play; Terrence Shannon Jr. shines with a 58.9% eFG% while averaging 14.2 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.4 assists; and the team still has a shot at an historic 80‑2 record. The post invites fans to share their own feel‑good moments in the comments.
Kon Knueppel, the Hornets' 7‑foot rookie who posted 18.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and a record‑shattering 273 three‑pointers last season, is close to returning from a hamstring strain. The team announced Thursday that he will be sent to the G League for practice, a step that signals his imminent comeback to Charlotte. Hornets fans can expect Knueppel to help solidify the revamped roster, which now includes former Duke teammate Grayson Allen, Naz Reid, Royce O’Neale, Dennis Schröder and newcomers Hannes Steinbach and Christian Anderson after LaMelo Ball’s trade to Minnesota. The injury update fuels optimism ahead of the upcoming season.
After Anthony Edwards’ knee surgery sidelines him for two months, the Minnesota Timberwolves dropped a second straight game, this time to the Golden State Warriors. LaVar Ball seized the moment, blasting coach Chris Finch on X and urging the team to “run the gun,” take more shots and double‑team Stephen Curry. He claimed the Wolves’ 45 three‑point attempts (10 more than the Warriors) should have secured a win, despite guard LaMelo Ball’s modest 8 points, 2‑of‑8 from deep and six turnovers. Finch’s rotation decisions, including bringing LaMelo back early in the fourth quarter, are defended, but the loss highlights Minnesota’s struggle to convert volume into points while searching for a new offensive identity without Edwards.
The Timberwolves need LaMelo Ball to take control with Anthony Edwards out. If he doesn't elevate his play, Minnesota's season could quickly unravel.
Rudy Gobert pushes back against the viral Timberwolves timeout clip that suggested teammates LaMelo Ball and Jonathan Kuminga were losing patience with him after the 119–114 loss to Golden State on Oct. 28. Gobert says he felt no animosity, only mutual frustration, and emphasizes that communication remains strong despite the team’s first losing streak and Anthony Edwards’ absence. He also acknowledges his own shooting woes—going 0‑13 from the field in the last two games—and agrees with coach Chris Finch that he needs more extension and decisive finishes. The article frames the clip as misinterpreted drama while highlighting broader issues like passing, ball movement, and the Wolves’ adjustment period.
DeMarcus Cousins believes the Minnesota Timberwolves should trade Rudy Gobert for Anthony Davis, arguing that the move would give the team another offensive option while Anthony Edwards recovers from a knee injury.
The post DeMarcus Cousins proposes Rudy Gobert-Anthony Davis trade appeared first on TalkBasket.net .
The Timberwolves look promising early in 2026‑27, thanks to LaMelo Ball’s playmaking and Anthony Edwards’ 33.3‑point average, but looming injuries and a waning Rudy Gobert threaten their 2027 title hopes. Edwards will miss up to two months after knee surgery, and the team’s shift to a faster style after trading Naz Reid and Julius Randle places too much pressure on the 34‑year‑old Gobert. Though Minnesota ranks second in defensive rating (102.5), Gobert is a scoring liability, averaging just 6.6 points on 37% shooting and even attempting ill‑timed threes. These flaws could derail Minnesota’s championship run.
After a 0-for-13 slump and a 119-114 loss to the Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves coach Chris Finch publicly criticized center Rudy Gobert’s lack of finishing power. Gobert, who managed just one point, four rebounds and a steal, admitted he needs to be more decisive and dunk more often, especially with All‑Star forward Anthony Edwards sidelined for two months. Averaging 6.6 points and 12.2 rebounds over six games, Gobert faces pressure to boost the offense as the Wolves aim to rebound against the Spurs on Saturday.
Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch publicly critiques Rudy Gobert’s recent shooting slump, noting the veteran’s “finesse” shots and lack of extension after going 0‑13 over the past two games. Gobert, who historically posts a 66% career field‑goal rate (second‑all‑time), acknowledges the criticism and vows to finish stronger around the rim, especially with Anthony Edwards sidelined after knee surgery. Finch and fans alike urge Gobert to dunk more and play with greater decisiveness, hoping his efficiency will rebound as the season progresses.
The Minnesota Timberwolves' inability to get to the line is a sneaky concern without Anthony Edwards. Thankfully, Terrence Shannon Jr. excels at drawing fouls.
With Anthony Edwards out, the Minnesota Timberwolves need as much offense as they can get, and Rudy Gobert is not helping that cause.
The third episode of Adidas' sketch-comedy web series Minnatlantasota featuring Minnesota Timberwolves superstar Anthony Edwards dropped on Thursday.
The Toronto Raptors lose Kawhi Leonard for several weeks after a knee swelling, leaving a sizable hole in the lineup early in the 2026‑27 season. Third‑year guard Ja’Kobe Walter emerges as the most viable option to fill the void, having scored a career‑high 22 points on 7‑of‑12 shooting (including five threes) in the 117‑94 loss to Minnesota on Oct. 25. Walter’s perimeter shooting, defensive instincts and ability to play off primary ball‑handlers give him a chance to earn more minutes, but consistency remains the key question. With Leonard sidelined, the coaching staff will test Walter’s decision‑making and transition play, offering a crucial stretch for the young guard to prove his ceiling and secure a larger role in Toronto’s rotation.