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.