NBA Power Rankings Week 2: The rise of the Atlanta Hawks

Last Week: Lost to Los Angeles Lakers 127-91, Lost to LA Clippers 124-101, Lost to the Washington Wizards 130-109

This Week: 1/3/2021 vs. Denver Nuggets, 1/5/2021 at Denver Nuggets, 1/7/2021 at Portland Trail Blazers, 1/9/2021 vs. San Antonio Spurs

The Minnesota Timberwolves are quickly facing the same issue that befell them last year. When Karl-Anthony Towns is out of the lineup, they are hard-pressed to secure any wins.

They dropped all three games this week by an average margin of 26.7 points. Yes, some of this is to be expected when you are going against the two contenders from Los Angeles. The drubbing by the Washington Wizards, however, is wholly unforgivable.

Simply put, D’Angelo Russell needs to be better. He is a former All-Star. With Towns out should be able to produce in a way that would at least keep the team in games. Not only is Minnesota missing Towns but the loss of Josh Okogie is being felt in a way many on the outside aren’t likely comprehending. He brings a toughness to the team that is missing when he is gone. Naz Reid does some of that but is now forced into a role he is not suited for with Towns out.

To be a little more positive, Anthony Edwards is everything the team could have asked for and has quashed many of the doubts draftniks had about him coming into this season. He is a win for this team and should give them hope for the future. Just not quite the immediate future.