The Minnesota Timberwolves were quite busy at the NBA trade deadline. After sending off Robert Covington, Shabazz Napier, Noah Vonleh, Jordan Bell, and Keita Bates-Diop, the team got several new faces in the mix. That included D'Angelo Russell, Juan Hernangomez, Malik Beasley, and James Johnson, as well as some future picks.
While it remains to be seen if the changes can help the Timberwolves turn things around, the most essential acquisition has to be Russell. The former top pick continues to shine from last season and is someone that holds close ties with top pick of the 2015 NBA Draft. Best of all, it addresses the big point guard problem Minnesota was having, NBA.com reported. But of course, more key players are needed to make sure the team improves from its current performance.
Karl-Anthony Towns has been pretty vocal about wanting to win. He previously said that the team needs to be smarter, especially when it comes to closing games. Confusion has been part of the all-star center's journey, but it appears the Timberwolves are now trying to rebuild and head in the right direction.
The 6-foot-11 player also pointed out how the team threw away some key players. Zach LaVine was the first one he pointed out and then Covington, another one of his best friends, Yahoo Sports reported. Though both are talented, it remains that if the team does not perform accordingly, changes are forthcoming.
Russell is practically on the same vote, but most believe the T-Wolve's chances have changed. Now, it all depends on how the two friends can blend well and get everyone in the act. Towns seem to be happy, same with DLO. But NBA results still matter at the end of the day.
Towns failed to make the All-Star game this season. He feels that part of that is because of the Timberwolves' performance. The good news is that he is still young and can still improve. He has already shown glimpses of that this season but leading the T-Wolves to go beyond the regular season is perhaps the most essential accomplishment of them all, the Minneapolis Star-Tribune reported.
If Minnesota continues to sputter, there is that possibility he may eventually walk out of the door too. But until that time comes, all eyes will remain on the two-time All-Star's performance. He needs to prove that he can be a pillar for any team, something that starts with the Timberwolves by next season.
