Minnesota Timberwolves: November player grades

Taj Gibson and Dario Saric

November (Gibson): 14 GP, 26.4 MPG, 10.9 PPG, 6.8 RPG
November (Saric): 8 GP, 22.5 MPG, 10.6 PPG, 6.0 RPG

These two have been sharing power forward responsibilities since the trade, and both are doing good jobs.

Gibson, despite stats that don’t jump out at you, has finally turned into the player he was in Chicago, affecting the game in ways that go way beyond the box score. From October to November, his shooting dropped from 60 percent to 50.9 percent, and he was still noticeably more effective.

A lot of that comes on the defensive end of the floor where he has shined alongside Robert Covington. Gibson is one of the smartest vets in the league, and now that teammates don’t hate each other with a superstar actively trying to sabotage games, those winning plays are actually adding up to victories and a positive environment.

Saric, who is still struggling with his shot, has been solid for the Wolves as well. He only has eight assists and 10 made 3-pointers through eight games, but his presence has helped keep the ball moving and the defense stout.

Advanced stats don’t like Saric’s defensive impact, but he passes the eye test. No, he is not fast, so when he’s switched onto smaller guys things go south, but he is smart, rarely misses rotations and more importantly for this team, he communicates.

It is no wonder that this bench lineup has taken the league by storm since the Butler trade. The Wolves, in the past eight games alone, have dramatically increased the amount they switch on defense (from almost never to occasionally), and this lineup has been switching the most. Covington and Saric both have helped bring better defensive fundamentals to Minnesota, and Saric deserves his share of the praise.

Gibson grade: A-
Saric grade: B-