3 reasons to watch the rest of this Minnesota Timberwolves season
Searching for early signs of chemistry
The only narrative larger than whether or not Towns will actually suit up at any point over the last 22 games, is how he and Russell will play together when he does.
Minnesota went all in on the 22-year-old point guard, a player they’ve been pursuing since the summer. Towns and Russell are close, but the fit has to be about the on-court value too.
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They’ve played just one game together, an 11-point loss to the reigning champion Toronto Raptors. The two youth combined for 45 points, 12 assists…and 11 turnovers.
Of course, that was Russell’s first game with the team, among many other players. The offense was bound to be awkward and funky, but there were some moments between the two players.
But the question is, will there be any more this season?
The Timberwolves’ big man was ruled out for two weeks with a wrist injury on February 21st, placing a possible return somewhere in the range of the upcoming weekend.
Minnesota host the Orlando Magic on Friday, and the Pelicans on Sunday. Expect a return for one of the franchise’s now to centerpieces in one of those two games.
When he does get back, the rest of the season is all about him and Russell.
The Minnesota Timberwolves need to get to work on pairing two young stars who’ve failed to win at almost any point in their careers thus far. Even 15 games could be the difference in what they hope will be a playoff appearance come next season.