NBA Notes: Timberwolves, Jonathan Kuminga, Cavs, Tristan Enaruna, Thunder

Timberwolves

Jonathan Kuminga said his early conversations with Timberwolves coach Chris Finch have centered on two responsibilities.

“Rebound and defend,” Kuminga said during his introductory press conference. “Those two will open up the rest of the stats.”

That sounds like precisely what Minnesota needs after trading Naz Reid and Julius Randle in the deal for LaMelo Ball. Kuminga gives the Timberwolves size, athleticism and another versatile defender alongside Ball and Anthony Edwards.

As Ryan Eichten of Timberwolves On SI⁠ relayed, Edwards and Ball spoke regularly with Kuminga during free agency. Edwards apparently called almost every day.

Kuminga said choosing Minnesota was “one of the best decisions” he has made.

Introductory press conferences are designed to make every marriage sound perfect, of course. The real test comes when the shots and minutes are distributed. Still, if Kuminga truly embraces defending, rebounding and playing off the stars, this may finally be the role that sticks.

Cavaliers

Ernest Udeh Jr. may offer the most upside among the Cavaliers’ three two-way players, Zach Weiss of Cavaliers On SI⁠ suggested.

The former Miami center averaged only five points last season, but scoring isn’t why Cleveland signed him. Udeh’s value comes from rebounding, shot-blocking, finishing lobs and generally being large near the basket. Those remain useful NBA skills.

Tristan Enaruna averaged 22 points and six rebounds for the Cleveland Charge last season, while Riley Minix posted 19 points, six rebounds, three assists and 1.5 steals per game.

Of the three, Enaruna may have the clearest path to emergency minutes because of Cleveland’s need for wing depth, Weiss contends. Udeh, however, possesses the most intriguing physical tools.

The addition of Khalifa Diop on a standard contract makes an immediate conversion unlikely.

Nevertheless, Udeh’s job is fairly straightforward: dominate physically with the Charge, make the most of his preseason appearances and remind the Cavs why developmental big men are worth keeping around.

Thunder

The Thunder should enter the season with a “chip on their shoulder” after losing to the Spurs in the Western Conference finals, Grayson Buchanan of Thunder On SI⁠ wrote.

Sure. Chips are popular in September. The more meaningful issues are health and matchups.

Jalen Williams missed much of last season with injuries, while Chet Holmgren struggled against Victor Wembanyama during the conference finals. Oklahoma City will get an immediate rematch with San Antonio on opening night.

Motivation probably won’t be the problem. This is still a talented team that won a championship two seasons ago and reached Game 7 of the conference finals last spring.

If Williams returns to form and Holmgren handles the Wembanyama matchup better, the Thunder can get back to the Finals. If not, no amount of inspirational fuel will solve it.