30 in 30: How will the Minnesota Timberwolves handle expectations?

As we continue our 30 in 30 series, we discuss how the Minnesota Timberwolves will handle expectations. 

For the first time since the 2017-18 NBA season, the Minnesota Timberwolves will head into the start of a new campaign with expectations. After putting up a strong fight against the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round of the playoffs last year (taking them to six games and actually holding a 2-1 series lead), the Wolves entered the summer with the hopes of making a splash that would catapult them this season.

Minnesota accomplished that by acquiring Rudy Gobert from the Utah Jazz in a blockbuster deal that caught nearly everyone by surprise. Now, heading into the 2022-23 season, the Wolves face expectations.

The Minnesota Timberwolves aren’t used to this role

Generally speaking, the Wolves are not used to being in this role heading into a season. And they’ll certainly be tested. But this is where their leadership will need to stand out. That onus will likely fall on Anthony Edwards, Karl-Anthony Towns, D’Angelo Russell, and, now, Rudy Gobert.

One of the bigger questions that the Wolves are facing revolves around how they’ll be able to handle it.