How Timberwolves can fulfill Anthony Edwards’ ‘superteam’ declaration

Minnesota ranked 12th in the NBA with 8.7 steals per game last season, according to Statmuse. If they are to take a defensive leap, that number will have to rise, with more impactful and consistent perimeter defense. While Ball isn’t necessarily known for his prowess on the defensive end, as Edwards noted, he’s a serviceable defender off the ball, averaging 1.2 steals per game last season, ranking in the 80th percentile amongst qualified defenders last season, per Databallr. 

The primary defensive constant between last year’s iteration of the Timberwolves and this season’s new look roster is defensive anchor and four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert. Gobert ranked fourth in the NBA in Defensive Shot Quality Influence (D-SQI), meaning his presence altered shots primarily around the rim more than almost anyone in the association, per Databallr. 

“I learned that Rudy, defensively, sometimes his defensive metrics don’t show up in a stat sheet,” said Timberwolves guard Ayo Dosumnu. “Like, sometimes he’ll get four blocks, but when you go against Rudy, Rudy is really a force there, and when he’s in that drop-in, the guard is getting into the ball, and you get to that area where it’s like… 15 feet to the 12 feet and you think you got a mid-range or you think you got to a shot, the way he’s able to cover and alter those shots, that’s something that if you watching him, you can’t just pick it up. You have to really watch him over time and play against him to really see that.” If the Timberwolves defense is to reflect the ‘superteam’ label given by Edwards, it is going to start with Gobert.

With that being said, Edwards’ excitement surrounded their new ability to switch on the perimeter and fly around, in a way that they weren’t able to do last season because of their personnel. “Us being young, man, playing with our hair on fire, and like I said defensively just having that edge, I think the whole starting five got it, I know the bench guys got it, Ayo got the bench ready to guard, TJ, Joan, so yeah it’s gonna be exciting defensively,” said Edwards. 

Many basketball lifers, including Gregg Popovich and Coach K, have attributed success on the defensive end to energy and effort. While their defense is anchored by Gobert, it will be solidified in consistent effort from perimeter players, including and especially Ball, who is in a true ‘winning situation’ for the first time in his NBA career.