Minnesota Timberwolves: The Most Hated Team in the NBA?

The Minnesota Timberwolves are in a peculiar position. Despite having one of the NBA’s most promising young stars, Anthony Edwards, the team has become the most criticized in the league. This off-season, the Timberwolves have attracted more scrutiny than almost any other team, and it’s not just due to their controversial acquisition, Rudy Gobert.

Last season, Minnesota surprised many by reaching the Conference Finals, sweeping the Phoenix Suns and eliminating the defending champion Denver Nuggets. Despite this success, critics argue that their achievements were a fluke. For example, Charles Barkley has been vocal in his skepticism, asserting that Minnesota benefited from unusual circumstances, like the Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic being exhausted from battling two seven-footers. Barkley and others believe the Timberwolves’ success was more about luck than talent.

The Rudy Gobert Controversy

Rudy Gobert, a central figure in the Timberwolves’ defense, has been a lightning rod for criticism. From Shaquille O’Neal to anonymous NBA players, many seem to find fault with Gobert’s game. Recently, a survey in The Athletic labeled Gobert the most overrated player in the NBA, a title he has seemingly carried for some time. The resentment likely stems from Gobert’s max contract and multiple Defensive Player of the Year awards, which some argue overstate his value.

Gobert, who was drafted in the late first round, has worked tirelessly to become an All-Star. However, his limited offensive skills and struggles in high-stakes playoff games have fueled critics who believe he is not deserving of his accolades. Gobert’s reputation also suffers from the perception that he is vastly overpaid compared to more versatile stars like Kyrie Irving, who can create plays one-on-one. The sentiment among many players seems to be: “If he can earn that much, why can’t I?”

Anthony Edwards’ Controversial Comments

Edwards also managed to ruffle feathers this off-season. In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, he suggested that players from previous eras, apart from Michael Jordan, lacked the skills of today’s NBA stars. This sentiment stirred up reactions from retired players and analysts alike. Paul George called it immature, DeMar DeRozan questioned Edwards’ respect for the game’s legends, and Magic Johnson delivered the harshest blow, dismissing Edwards’ comments by pointing out the young star has yet to win any major titles.

Edwards may have meant to praise the current era’s talent, but his comments came off as a dismissal of NBA history and, in turn, alienated some of the league’s most influential voices. The NBA’s relationship with its history is unique; fans and players alike hold the game’s past in high regard. By dismissing those legends, Edwards risks falling out of favor with the very fans who have been rallying behind him.

Pressure Mounting on Minnesota’s Stars

Both Gobert and Edwards are in precarious positions. Gobert, with his hefty contract and accolades, is expected to deliver more than just defense, while Edwards must navigate the expectations of his budding stardom carefully. Fans and analysts are notoriously quick to build up and tear down young stars, as seen with players like Luka Doncic and Zion Williamson. At first, Doncic was hailed as the next great European player, but after some playoff shortcomings and criticisms about his fitness, the narrative quickly shifted. Williamson, once hailed as the next face of the NBA, now often finds himself as the punchline to jokes due to injuries and inconsistent performances.

The same could easily happen to Edwards if Minnesota stumbles this season. Already, there’s speculation about Karl-Anthony Towns’ future. With his max contract kicking in, Minnesota may look to trade him if the team’s performance stagnates. Towns, who has spent his career shouldering the burden for the Timberwolves, could soon find himself on the trading block if the franchise aims to reset.

Minnesota’s Off-Season Moves and Outlook

The Timberwolves made several notable off-season moves. They lost role players like Kyle Anderson, Monte Morris, and Jordan McLaughlin but added veteran Joe Ingles and two rookies from the draft. Minnesota traded up with the San Antonio Spurs to acquire Rob Dillingham, a high-upside scorer who could help shoulder the offensive load. While this strategy could lead to more regular-season losses as they develop their younger players, the Timberwolves are focused on being competitive in the playoffs.

Defense remains Minnesota’s strength, with the team ranking first in the league last year. Offensively, however, they were 17th— a ranking that is far from championship-caliber. Historically, no team has won a title with such a poor offense since the 2004 Detroit Pistons. The Wolves’ front office is banking on Dillingham’s potential to alleviate their offensive struggles. While he may be a defensive liability due to his size, his shooting and playmaking abilities could provide a significant boost to Minnesota’s offense, which heavily relied on Edwards last season.

The Road Ahead for the Timberwolves

With a deep Western Conference, Minnesota faces an uphill battle to secure a playoff spot. Only eight teams will make the cut, which means a single misstep could lead to major changes. If the Timberwolves fail to meet expectations, they could join the list of teams considering a blockbuster trade. Whether it’s trading Towns or pursuing another star, the team’s future is highly uncertain.

Yet, for the first time in years, Minnesota is relevant enough to attract such strong opinions. For nearly two decades, they were stuck in the doldrums, with little hope for advancement. Now, they find themselves in a position similar to that of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokic before their championships. Both stars were once heavily scrutinized but eventually silenced their critics by leading their teams to titles.

A Possible Turning Point?

The Timberwolves have a golden opportunity to change the narrative. With strong defensive foundations and the potential for growth on offense, Minnesota could surprise its doubters once again. If Gobert, Edwards, and Dillingham can develop chemistry and avoid injuries, they have the tools to compete. However, given the pressure and the high expectations, a lot is riding on their success. Whether they can sustain their momentum or regress remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: all eyes are on the Minnesota Timberwolves this season.