Timberwolves Must Prove They Are More Than Anthony Edwards

Minnesota rebuilt its backcourt this summer to give Anthony Edwards a lead guard. LaMelo Ball could organize possessions, while Edwards attacked defenses without carrying every play. The Timberwolves opened 3-1, and Edwards averaged 33.3 points over four games. Ball’s arrival had reduced Edwards’ need to create every shot. His 47 points in Monday’s overtime loss to Cleveland showed how much scoring still ran through him. Minnesota still needed him to rescue possessions when its offense stalled. The Timberwolves now must prove they can create points without relying on him. Anthony Edwards Sidelined By Knee Surgery Edwards will undergo an arthroscopic procedure on his right knee Thursday, and reports say he could miss roughly two months. Minnesota has not given a firm return date. President of basketball operations Tim Connelly said the procedure is not related to a meniscus injury. He also said new imaging showed a change in Edwards’ knee. So here’s what I have: – Ant was feeling really good after resting his knees in the summer. – Camp went well. Then he tweaked it in Miami. MRI revealed need for a cleanup. – Doing it now gets him back likely in Jan. He believes Wolves can contend for the title when he returns. — Jon Krawczynski (@JonKrawczynski) October 28, 2026 Edwards averaged 33.3 points on 48.1 percent shooting and 40 percent from three. Defenses send help to him, leaving better chances for teammates. Edwards played only 61 games last season, largely because of knee problems, so Minnesota cannot rush Edwards back from his injury . LaMelo Ball Must Create Easier Shots Ball must organize the offense for longer stretches and create shots before defenses get set. He can push in transition, run pick-and-rolls with Rudy Gobert , and find shooters when help collapses. He does not need to score 30 points every night. He needs to keep the offense moving so Minnesota avoids late-clock possessions with no clear option. That was the idea behind Ball’s new offensive role. But this is a harder assignment than sharing the floor with Edwards. Ball must direct an offense that has lost its leading scorer, and opponents will test whether his teammates can punish extra pressure. Supporting Cast Must Share Scoring Jaden McDaniels and Jonathan Kuminga must attack the rim instead of waiting for Edwards to draw two defenders. Ayo Dosunmu can attack in transition and keep the ball moving. Gobert must finish the chances Ball creates, especially when smaller defenders switch onto him. Minnesota needs 10 to 15 extra points from the supporting cast and fewer empty possessions. Its wings must punish defenses that load up on Ball. Last Word on Sports’ earlier analysis of the Timberwolves’ wing issue explained why reliable scoring beyond the two guards mattered. McDaniels must defend leading scorers while adding points. Kuminga must use his strength to attack rather than settle for difficult jumpers. Chris Finch Must Change Offense Chris Finch must create more points through cuts, screens, and early attacks. If Ball controls every possession, defenses can pressure him and leave the rest of the lineup waiting. McDaniels and Dosunmu should cut when defenders turn their heads, while Kuminga should attack mismatches before help arrives. Finch cannot replace Edwards’ isolation scoring every night. He can reduce the need for it by getting shots earlier in the clock and using Gobert near the rim. Finch’s challenge with Ball and Edwards was already about sharing the ball. Without Edwards, he must make the remaining players produce enough offense together. The Last Word Minnesota should test its current roster before trading for another scorer. A midseason deal would cost picks or players, and the team still does not know what Ball can lead without Edwards. Finch should give McDaniels, Kuminga and Dosunmu defined roles, then evaluate the results over several weeks instead of reacting to a short stretch. Gobert can anchor the defense and finish inside, but he cannot replace perimeter shot creation. Edwards should return when his knee is ready, not because the standings create pressure. Minnesota can remain competitive by sharing the scoring load, protecting the ball and defending. If every late possession still depends on one player, the same offensive problems will return. Featured Image: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images More NBA News: Timberwolves Duo LaMelo Ball And Anthony Edwards Already Look Perfect Together LaMelo Ball’s Debut Had Everything: 21 Points, A Blowout Win, And 4 Illegal Steps Spurs’ Every Voice Points to Same Fix: Trust Instincts, Easier Shots, Win as One