Minnesota Timberwolves: 3 takeaways from the new roster

1. A good fresh start

Since the Butler trade came in the middle of the season, it isn’t quite a fresh start, but the feeling around the team is much more important to the franchise’s long-term future.

Helping things get off right, Covington and Saric were wonderful in their debuts. Covington put up 13 points and seven rebounds while Saric posted nine points and three rebounds. More importantly, both had their strengths on point:

The Wolves have long lacked a proper 3-and-D guy, and Covington played that role masterfully. Likewise, Saric looked comfortable facilitating and handling the ball, and even played solid post defense against both Davis and Julius Randle.

Through one game, it sure looks like the glove fits, and this Wolves team was fun to watch again. A certain disgruntled superstar’s absence was notable for all the right reasons.

Still, Wiggins and Towns have taken the high road since the Butler trade; Towns claimed the saga was not “a distraction” and told ESPN,

"“I don’t know how many Jimmy Butlers there are in the world, so I think he’ll be missed.”"

Likewise, Wiggins noted,

"“I learned a lot of things from him. We made the playoffs, something we haven’t done in a long, long time. So I think it was a positive either way you put it.”"

No matter what stance they take –although the diplomatic one is probably for the best — Towns and Wiggins led the Wolves’ new and improved roster to victory Wednesday. If they keep playing the way they did against the Pelicans, there is no chance anyone misses Jimmy Butler one iota.