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Minnesota Timberwolves: The Good, The Bad & The Ugly 20 Games Into Season

By Aaron Mah

Oct 23, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Andrew Wiggins (22) and guard Ricky Rubio (9) help forward Kevin Garnett (21) out of the crowd in the second quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 23, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Andrew Wiggins (22) and guard Ricky Rubio (9) help forward Kevin Garnett (21) out of the crowd in the second quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 27, 2015; Sacramento, CA, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kevin Garnett (21) look on from the sideline during the third quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Sleep Train Arena. The The Timberwolves won 101-91. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2015; Sacramento, CA, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kevin Garnett (21) look on from the sideline during the third quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Sleep Train Arena. The The Timberwolves won 101-91. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

The Good: The KG Effect

The importance of intangibles, like setting a culture, is often scoffed at by many results-oriented decision makers (looking at you, Sam Hinkie).

But the 2015-16 Minnesota Timberwolves have served as tangible proof as to just how the presence of experienced veterans can help change the entire tenor of a struggling organization.

In particular, Kevin Garnett has reinjected his trademark passion and relentless work ethic on the young and impressionable Wolves. The legendary tales of the 21-year veteran being the first one at practice and the last to leave has become the expected standard.

We have seen how his communication on D and mere existence on the court have helped the Wolves’ once-horrid defense.

From his tribal screams after a big play, to yelling “ALL DAY” as a teammate goes to work on the block; from spitting expletives at Omri Casspi for no apparent season, to shoving and bumping his brethrens on the sidelines after a big basket is made in a close game; the energy and enthusiasm the 39-year-old has exuded has undoubtedly rubbed off on the malleable KAT, and even the introverted Wiggs.

Not just a spiritual leader, KG is still a net positive on the defensive end despite not being the defensive rebounding magnet he once was.

And once in a while, he’ll jump into the hot tub time machine and supply us with a vintage gem.

The other veterans are thriving as well.

Andre Miller, in his limited minutes, has ran the team extremely well, especially when compared to the trainwreck-in-waiting, LaVine. And when given the playing time, Professor Dre will not hesitate to pleasure us with at least one “old-man move” a contest.

Likewise, Tayshaun Prince — while overused by Mitchell at times this season — is still a serviceable defender capable of defending multiple positions in a pinch. His ability to fight over screens, stay in front of his man, and help the helper has been invaluable for a young team like the Wolves.

Next: The Bad: Rotations, Rotations, Rotations

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