MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Timberwolves rocketed into the nationwide highlight final yr due to the superstardom of Anthony Edwards and a run to the Western Convention Finals.
NBA insiders take notice. CBS Sports activities has launched its checklist prime 100 nba gamers and 6 Wolves have been chosen, with Edwards making his approach into the highest 10.
The timeless Mike Conley ranked eighty fifth on the checklist. The veteran level guard is significant to the Wolves’ offense and supplies a gradual presence on a crew that’s principally younger. CBS Sports activities’ Jasmyn Wimbish stated Conley “ought to as soon as once more be a key a part of a Minnesota crew poised to make one other deep playoff run.”
Subsequent up on the seventy fifth step is fan favourite Naz Reidwhose title has grow to be a slogan for Wolves followers. Sixth Man of the 12 months “He is among the finest position gamers within the league,” CBS Sports activities’ James Herbert stated. Whereas he may very well be a starter on many groups, Reid signed a contract to remain in Minnesota as a part of one of many league’s finest younger cores.
Jaden McDaniels, ranked 62nd, is among the many finest defenders within the league. With Rudy Gobert (Keep tuned for his rankings), McDaniels is a giant cause the Wolves ranked first in defensive ranking and first in opponent factors per recreation final season. CBS Sports activities’ Brad Botkin additionally famous his spectacular offensive performances within the playoffs.
Rudy Gobert And Karl-Anthony Cities Gobert was praised for his fourth Defensive Participant of the 12 months award and his partnership with Cities. Apparently, Sam Quinn’s article on Cities focuses extra on what Cities must do to enhance than why he’s ranked so extremely.
“He was invisible for lengthy stretches within the Western Convention Finals, when Minnesota desperately wanted offense,” Quinn wrote. “Cities doesn’t must be the all-around offensive drive he was early in his profession, however he does want to have the ability to discover baskets when the Timberwolves want them most.”
Unsurprisingly, Edwards is the highest-ranked Wolf on the checklist, coming in at No. 10.
“He averaged career-highs throughout the board final season, made his first All-NBA look and led the Timberwolves to the Western Convention Finals, upsetting the defending champion Nuggets alongside the best way,” Jack Maloney wrote.
The Wolves are certainly one of 4 groups with six gamers on the roster – the others are the New York Knicks, New Orleans Pelicans and Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder.
Three-time MVP Nikola Jokic tops the checklist.
The wolves start the 2024 season October 22 in Los Angeles towards the Lakers.