MINNEAPOLIS, MN – FEBRUARY 15: D’Angelo Russell #0 of the Minnesota Timberwolves celebrates after making a three-point shot in opposition to the Charlotte Hornets within the first quarter of the sport at Goal Middle on February 15, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: Consumer expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or utilizing this {Photograph}, consumer is consenting to the phrases and circumstances of the Getty Pictures License Settlement. (Photograph by David Berding/Getty Pictures)
In the event you haven’t been listening to the all of the sudden competent Minnesota Timberwolves just lately, what the hell are you doing? Karl-Anthony Cities is wanting just like the famous person we at all times thought he could possibly be and Anthony Edwards continues to make strides as a menacing second or third offensive possibility.
Level guard Patrick Beverley went on JJ Redick’s podcast just lately and proclaimed that he doesn’t get the credit score he deserves on main teams to the postseason. On the idea of how the Timberwolves have performed currently, and his restricted however efficient position of their system, he may be proper.
Maybe most significantly, nevertheless, has been the quiet and regular evolution of D’Angelo Russell, who appears as constant and composed as he ever has.
The model of Russell you’ve in your head is probably going one among two earlier iterations. The primary, and extra widespread, was the All-Star level guard with a ton of swagger who led a enjoyable Brooklyn Nets outfit to the playoffs.
This was when expectations have been low in New York, and the followers reacted to the low expectations accordingly. Russell was nice there however in a form of “not ok or critical sufficient to make any actual noise” form of means.
The second model was the one which landed with the Golden State Warriors. Instantly misplaced subsequent to a different world-level expertise in Stephen Curry, Russell’s starpower dimmed. He was not the younger child enjoying subsequent to Kobe Bryant with the Los Angeles Lakers, or the star of the present in Brooklyn. He simply… was in San Francisco, and it confirmed.
The beginning of his time in Minnesota was a lot the identical. At this level, you could possibly nonetheless make the case that the Warriors gained that commerce in getting Andrew Wiggins. He’s a greater two-way participant who suits into what they’re attempting to do wonderful. Russell joined his good friend Cities and Edwards and instantly took ill-advised pictures and usually compelled issues. No person appeared like they have been having enjoyable.
