Charlotte Hornets at Orlando Magic, Orlando, Florida, USA Orlando, Florida, USA, April 18, 2026, Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball 1 shooting a free throw at the Kia Center. Copyright: xMartyxJean-Louisx
Charlotte Hornets at Orlando Magic, Orlando, Florida, USA Orlando, Florida, USA, April 18, 2026, Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball 1 shooting a free throw at the Kia Center. Copyright: xMartyxJean-Louisx
Always seen as a defensive powerhouse, the Minnesota Timberwolves have decided to change the narrative this time around. Their latest additions will bolster their attack, giving them a new look.
The Wolves will enter the 2026-27 season after losing two of their top six players, Julius Randle and Naz Reid. However, new signings LaMelo Ball and Jonathan Kuminga have plenty to offer.
Reid was moved to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for LaMelo Ball, who was their center of offense last season.
February 15, 2022: LaMelo Ball of the Hornets watches DAngelo Russell of the Timberwolves grab the ball in the first quarter Tuesday. - ZUMAm67_ 0151049123st Copyright: xTNSx
February 15, 2022: LaMelo Ball of the Hornets watches DAngelo Russell of the Timberwolves grab the ball in the first quarter Tuesday. - ZUMAm67_ 0151049123st Copyright: xTNSx
Posting a staggering +13.1 On/Off OffRtg, Ball had the highest mark in the league. He also took 5.6 pull-up threes per game and converted them at a 36.9% clip, per TipOff's X post.
Ball will be the starting point guard next to Anthony Edwards, making up one of the most exciting backcourts in the league. Edwards’ game will finally unleash an off-ball dimension with his addition.
On the other hand, Jonathan Kuminga, who was signed late in free agency, will take over as the starting power forward.
With an incredible 18.2% defensive rebounding rate and a 5.6% offensive rebounding rate, Kuminga fills the gap that Randle and Reid left in their games.
Kuminga’s overall efficiency at the rim has gradually degraded over the last few years. However, combining with someone like Ball, he could get back to his prime 2023-24 form.
It’s a revamped look for the Wolves this time, although they lack frontcourt depth. However, head coach Chris Finch’s defensive strategy has showcased its upside.
Finch now wants Edwards to take the full lead.
Antony Edwards takes the reins
The Wolves have bestowed the entire leadership on Anthony Edwards. Head coach Finch has made the message loud and clear.
"But we purposefully haven’t added a bunch of veterans to the team this year," Finch said to MinnPost's Britt Robson for their annual preseason interview. "My approach with Ant or with Jaden or with all these guys is, if we’re going to take the diapers off, let’s take the diapers off."
Veterans Mike Conley, Joe Ingles, and eventually Kyle Anderson all left the organization during free agency this summer.
Edwards leaps from a promising star to the Wolves’ marquee man. He will be the one leading the locker room in the upcoming season.
Written by
Avishek Sarkar