The Dane Moore NBA Podcast

On today’s show, Dane is joined by Jace Frederick of The St. Paul Pioneer Press to discuss which Timberwolves players found their way onto CBS Sports and ESPN’s top 100 lists. Dane and Jace go position-by-position to discuss where Rudy Gobert, Karl-Anthony Towns, Anthony Edwards and D’Angelo Russell rank amongst their positional peers. And discuss whether or not Jaden McDaniels has a case to be one of the top 22 small forwards in the league this season.— Questions comparing Gobert to Anthony Davis and Bam Adebayo— Is it ridiculous that Zion Williamson ranks above KAT at power forward?— Is KAT at 20 on CBS Sports’s overall list too low? Is KAT 13th on ESPN’s overall list too high?— How does Ant compare to Donovan Mitchell, Zach LaVine and Bradley Beal (all of whom rank above him)? How does Ant compare to Jordan Poole and Tyler Herro (who rank below him)— D’Angelo Russell not making CBS Sports’s top 100 list or their top 22 point guard list. What is the case to have DLo be in those ranking above players like De’Aaron Fox, Jalen Brunson and Tyrese Haliburton?Try out Land & Lore’s men’s skincare line at Land-Lore.com, and use the promo code “DaneNBA” for 15% off at checkout.If you’d like to participate in our Prize Picks promotion, Prize Picks will give you a $100 signup bonus if you use the promo code “DANE” when creating an account. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, Dane is joined by Chris Hine of The Star Tribune to discuss his career as an openly gay sportswriter. Chris has worked as a traveling beat writer since 2009, for The Chicago Tribune covering Notre Dame football and the Chicago Blackhawks, and most recently for The Star Tribune as a Minnesota Timberwolves reporter. His job has taken him all over the country covering hundreds of players in his career. Two of those players from Chris’s beats — Andrew Shaw of the Blackhawks and Anthony Edwards of the Timberwolves — entered the public eye for videos that displayed homophobic language. In this episode, Chris describes the repair work he saw Shaw do in Chicago and the repair work he hopes Edwards can do in the Minnesota community.You can read Chris’s story with Andrew Shaw here. And you can read the reporting Chris has done in the wake of Edwards’s comments here, along with his interview with Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, Dane is joined by Kyle Thiege to discuss the burning questions they have in advance of Timberwolves training camp. What do we not know now that we may be able to learn about through access in training camp and by watching the games this preseason? Questions include...— How exactly will the Target Centers (KAT + Gobert) experiment work?— Where Does Jaylen Nowell fall in the playing time pecking order compared to Austin Rivers and Bryn Forbes?— How will Chris Finch’s rotation play out?— What will Chris Finch have to say about how aggressive the defensive scheme will be now that Rudy Gobert is in the mix?— Is Jaden McDaniels worth it?— How’s everyone’s jumper looking (specifically Kyle Anderson and Jaden McDaniels)?— Who is in charge of the locker room?— How often is D’Angelo Russell initiating the offense vs. how often Anthony Edwards is initiating the offense?Try out Land & Lore’s men’s skincare line at Land-Lore.com, and use the promo code “DaneNBA” for 15% off at checkout.If you’d like to participate in our Prize Picks promotion, Prize Picks will give you a $100 signup bonus if you use the promo code “DANE” when creating an account. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today's show, Dane is joined by Jace Frederick of The St. Paul Pioneer Press to discuss how the integration process of Rudy Gobert might play out this fall, both on the court and off the court. Dane and Jace discuss what they've seen from Gobert in FIBA play this summer, and get into what they think is and is not relevant from that play when compared to the NBA game. Additionally, some talk about how Gobert the person might integrate into the Wolves personality pecking order. Also some discussion of how the hurtful comments Anthony Edwards made about the LGBTQ+ might impact how he fits into the locker room as a leader this season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, Dane is joined by Andrew Schlecht — who covers the Oklahoma City Thunder for The Athletic — to discuss the Wolves and Thunder matching up twice in the first three games of the regular season. Not a game preview, but in light of the schedule coming out, this conversation serves as a way to think about how the two teams matchup with each other.— The Wolves soft schedule to start the season— How do OKC fans feel about opening the season in Minnesota? Do they think the Wolves are good?— The Chet Holmgren homecoming angle— Understanding who exactly is gonna start/be in the rotation for the Thunder?— Who guards who? How are the Wolves going to matchup with the Thunder and how will the Thunder chose to matchup with the Wolves— Will Finch put Gobert on Holmgren, and if so, would that be what the Thunder would prefer (pulling Gobert away from the basket)?Sign up today for a 14-day free trial of Aura’s digital security at Aura.com/Dane Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, Dane is joined by Britt Robson from MinnPost to discuss the elements of this new Timberwolves team that we are most interested in/excited to see once the season rolls around. Some of those topics include...— What players on the roster will serve as a connective tissue that enhance the new roster— How the Wolves matchup against the Western Conference elites early on in the season— The ways Finch might go about increasing Gobert’s role in the offense— Kyle Anderson as the 6th man, and who he will be able to play alongside— What Towns has prioritized in the offseason, so as to be able to fit into his new role/position— How much attention the Wolves will receive in the national mediaSign up today for a 14-day free trial of Aura’s digital security at Aura.com/Dane Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, Dane is joined in-studio by Timberwolves guard D’Angelo Russell. The early parts of the conversation cover the changes to the Wolves roster and organization this offseason — from the Rudy Gobert trade, to how this roster might fit together from a basketball standpoint and to the status of Russell being in a contract year. Other topics include:— Russell’s view on the fit of Gobert and Karl-Anthony Towns— The nature of having four serious offensive weapons in the starting lineup— The lack of continuity Russell has had in his career, and the value he sees in being in one place for an extended period of time— Playing in a contract year— Reflecting on the Memphis series— Chris Finch’s style of coaching and the brand of basketball he wants his team to play— The emergence of Jaden McDaniels and Jaylen Nowell— A loaded Western Conference— The excitement surrounding the teamSign up today for a 14-day free trial of Aura’s digital security at Aura.com/Dane Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, Dane looks back on the Timberwolves offseason by taking listener questions on a handful of topics. Those topics include...— D’Angelo Russell and his perception in the national media versus his actual impact on the team— What does it mean to keep the “DLo salary slot”?— How the NBA’s new television deal will impact the salary cap, and specifically how that cash infusion will impact the perception of the contracts of Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert, along with the impending contract extensions coming for Anthony Edwards and Jaden McDaniels— How much will the Wolves style of play evolve to looking something like the Jazz’s style of play?— Which teams are the best playoff matchup for the Wolves?— What player traded away in the Gobert deal would fit best on this current Wolves roster?For a 14-day free trial of Aura’s digital security, sign up at Aura.com/Dane Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, Dane is joined by Britt Robson from MinnPost to further discuss the Rudy Gobert addition after some time to reflect. Additional topics include the Austin Rivers signing, impressions of Wendell Moore Jr. and Josh Minott in Summer League and where Vegas has set the Wolves win total over/under for the upcoming season.Now with more time to let the Gobert deal sink in, Dane and Britt get in to more of the nitty-gritty of where Gobert’s impact will be felt most. What is Gobert’s expected impact on offense versus defense?The Rivers conversation is really more about what we expect the Wolves’ rotation to be? Where does Rivers rank in the pecking order compared to Bryn Forbes and Jaylen Nowell specifically?What stood out, for better or worse, from Moore Jr. and Minott’s Summer League performance. And where do those two fit in the Wolves pecking order at the moment?Vegas set the Wolves win total over/under at 49.5 (or 48.5 if you find the right book). What does that win total suggest about the perception of the Wolves in the Western Conference hierarchy? And how profitable is the idea of betting on the Wolves being a 50-win team this season? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, Dane is joined by Timberwolves owner Marc Lore. Dane and Marc recap a wild last six weeks for the Wolves — from the Tim Connelly hire to the Rudy Gobert trade, and make sure not to brush over the Karl-Anthony Towns super max extension.Marc also recaps a whirlwind of a first season as an owner, looks forward to Year 2, and explains the process of continuing to develop the culture he envisions in Minnesota. Also some new arena talk mixed in there.For a 14-day free trial of Aura’s digital security, sign up at Aura.com/Dane Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, Dane is joined by Kyle Theige following the Timberwolves first Summer League game in Las Vegas to give first impressions of the Summer League Wolves and to further get into some of the nuance of the Rudy Gobert trade.Dane and Kyle start by discussing Josh Minott’s mini-breakout performance in the Wolves first Summer League game in Vegas. Additionally getting into first impressions of Wendell Moore Jr. and where he might fit in the Wolves pecking order.From there, some focus on the strategy that went into the Gobert trade, specifically in regards to how the trade seems to have nullified a D’Angelo Russell problem (if there ever was one). Also, our first thoughts on how Chris Finch might handle rotating Gobert and Karl-Anthony Towns. Will the goal be to have one of the two on the floor for all 48 minutes, or will Finch prioritize maximizing the time those two share the floor? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today's show we get into why the Timberwolves traded for Rudy Gobert. So much of the discourse in the days following the Gobert trade has been about why this was an overpay by the Wolves. But Wednesday's press conference introducing Gobert was the first time the Wolves's organization could comment on why they took this path that so many people seem to disagree with.On Wednesday, Tim Connelly and Chris Finch got the chance to speak on the record for the first time since the trade went down. And they detailed why they believe this makes sense for them. So on today's show we parse those answers in an effort to better understand the Wolves process. Why Connelly thought this was an expensive but reasonable price to pay and why Finch believes he can make the Gobert fit not only work but thrive in Minnesota. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, Dane is joined by Britt Robson of MinnPost to discuss Friday’s blockbuster Rudy Gobert trade, and to hit on the news of the Kyle Anderson signing. Dane and Britt get into the magnitude of the Gobert deal, highlighting the great upside this all-in move creates and also acknowledging the serious risk of the move given the load of outgoing assets to Utah.Many topics are breached from Gobert’s fit next to Karl-Anthony Towns, down to how Rudy Gobert might have the most profoundly positive impact on D’Angelo Russell of all people.— The fit of KAT and Gobert— Projecting how the Wolves offense and defense will rank next season— What is a realistic expectation for total wins next season— Attempting to quantify the value of what they gave up— How this move is the latest example of how the Wolves are operating in a very different manner under Marc Lore than they have under Glen TaylorFor a 14-day free trial of Aura’s digital security, sign up at Aura.com/Dane Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, Dane is joined by Memphis Grizzlies beat writer Chris Herrington of The Daily Memphian to discuss the Timberwolves signing of now-former Grizzly Kyle Anderson. Chris breaks down the four-year Anderson experience in Memphis and gives his opinion on why he believes Anderson is good fit in Minnesota, whether that be next to Karl-Anthony Towns in the starting lineup or as a backup forward for the Wolves.Additionally, some conversation about Tyus Jones ultimately choosing to stay in Memphis rather than pursuing a free agent deal from Minnesota or elsewhere.Enjoy getting to know Anderson from the Memphis perspective, both Anderson’s merits as a modern day forward and the elements of his game that can hold him back.For a 14-day free trial of Aura’s digital security, sign up at Aura.com/Dane Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, Dane is joined by Will DeBerg to review the film of Wendell Moore Jr. at Duke. Dane and Will discuss the elements of Moore's game that we feel confident will translate to the NBA, the elements that might translate and the elements that will likely never come to fruition at the next level.Additionally, some conversation on how Moore’s game might fit into the context of the Wolves current roster and stylistically how he might play when surrounded by players like Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, Dane is joined by Will DeBerg to review the film of Walker Kessler at Auburn. Dane and Will discuss the elements of Kessler’s game that we feel confident will translate to the NBA, the elements that might translate and the elements that will likely never come to fruition at the next level.Additionally, some conversation on how Kessler’s game might be able to fit next to Karl-Anthony Towns if/when the two share the floor — both in terms of how they could play off of each other offensively and how they might be able to play off of each other defensively. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, Dane is joined by Britt Robson of MinnPost to discuss Britt’s most recent column that reflects on the Timberwolves draft night and considers how Tim Connelly and Chris Finch might be building this roster out. The news of Taurean Prince’s new contract extension is discussed, as is Prince’s ideal role in the context of this evolving roster. Jaylen Nowell’s name has also been primed by Finch in a way that suggests a bigger role for the combo guard. So Dane and Britt also discuss what that role might look like, and how the rest of the roster might need to be adjusted to account for Nowell’s presence consistently in the rotation. Also some discussion about how Dejounte Murray might fit on the Wolves if he is traded for.— The Taurean Prince contract news— What a bigger role for Jaylen Nowell might look like— How the rookies might fit next to D’Angelo Russell if Russell is in fact on team next season— What Malik Beasley’s value on the trade market might be— Will the Wolves add a power forward in free agency or through a trade?— Dejounte Murray’s basketball and financial fit on the Wolves if he is traded for Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, we react to the introductory press conference for Walker Kessler, Wendell Moore Jr. and Josh Minott. In addition to getting into the rookies’ first media availability, we dive into Chris Finch’s first time speaking with reporters since the draft, which included some dialogue about some Wolves players already on the roster. Most notably Jaylen Nowell’s name being included in the “young core” along with Anthony Edwards and Jaden McDaniels seemed noteworthy.So on top of getting into what Finch and Tim Connelly said about the new rookies, this episode will also focus on what we can take from Finch’s commentary on Nowell and also on Karl-Anthony Towns’ ability to sign a supermax extension in July.— Where will Moore Jr. fit in on the roster in terms of position?— What do the Wolves envision from Kessler on the offensive end?— How might they use Kessler defensively?— What might we be able to expect from Minott in Summer League?— What would a bigger role for Nowell mean for Malik Beasley?— Finch on how they plan to approach free agency and the trade market— KAT’s supermax coming up shortly Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, Dane is joined by Britt Robson of MinnPost to recap the Timberwolves swirling draft night and the swirl of rumors surrounding D’Angelo Russell. Dane and Britt start by discussing the approach Tim Connelly and the revamped front office took to the draft, and from there get in to the players they ultimately wound up with.The focus begins with Walker Kessler, the Wolves top pick on Thursday. The discussion is not exclusively about Kessler as a player but also about how this seems to signal a new view of how to build out the frontcourt around Karl-Anthony Towns.Wendell Moore Jr. is next up. A high character, high work-ethic player that really seems to fit Tim Connelly’s style in Denver. Also some discussion on Josh Minott, who seems to be the upside swing of the draft.Finally, some more D’Angelo Russell discussion. Obviously some discussion on the rumors surround DLo, but also on his fit on this team as they begin to play a different style of game from last season.For a 14-day free trial of Aura’s digital security, sign up at Aura.com/Dane Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, Dane is joined by Britt Robson of MinnPost to discuss the Timberwolves upcoming decision to be made in the draft and offseason, and to reflect on Andrew Wiggins and the Golden State Warriors winning the NBA championship. Topics include:— Andrew Wiggins’s performance in the Finals and what his next contract might look like— Which position (big/wing/guard) might the Wolves pursue with the No. 19 pick— Why drafting a “big” would be the conservative move. The difference in drafting EJ Liddell versus Mark Williams or Walker Kessler— Taking a higher upside swing on a wing or guard, and what the risk profile would be there— Taurean Prince and the incumbent power forward options— Some hypothetical D’Angelo Russell trades— Comparing Jayson Tatum’s growth before and after playing with Kyrie Irving to Anthony Edwards’s growth playing with D’Angelo RussellFor a 14-day free trial of Aura’s digital security, sign up at Aura.com/Dane Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, Dane is joined by Tim Connelly, the Timberwolves new president of basketball operations. As Connelly ramps up for the draft and free agency, the conversation touches on an array of topics.— Does Denver having the 21st and the Wolves having the 19th pick make the first round selection process easier?— What will the war room environment look like on draft night?— In what ways will having experience in a lead executive role help avoid mistakes?— What are Connelly’s areas of expertise (outside of scouting)?— Perception of Anthony Edwards from afar, and how has that perception evolved now as a part of the organization?— Have you seen Ant and Juancho Hernangomez’s new movie Hustle?— How can this team address size and physicality this offseason? External growth versus internal growth?— Can Karl-Anthony Towns play power forward next season, next to another more traditional center?For a 14-day free trial of Aura’s digital security, sign up at Aura.com/Dane Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today's show, Dane is joined by Britt Robson of MinnPost to react to the Tim Connelly introductory press conference and how Connelly might approach the offseason. Dane and Britt dig into the dynamics between Connelly and ownership, and also how they might approach D'Angelo Russell this offseason. Also some discussion on the Boston Celtics and Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals.For a 14-day free trial of Aura’s digital security, sign up at Aura.com/Dane Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, Dane is joined by Britt Robson of MinnPost to discuss Tim Connelly being named president of basketball operations, Karl-Anthony Towns making All-NBA, Malik Beasley’s future with the Wolves and what Andrew Wiggins is doing in the playoffs.With Connelly being named POBO on Monday, Dane and Britt reflect on the process that led to the hire. The Sachin Gupta and Chris Finch dynamics with Connelly. They also reflect on how the leadership core has shifted from Tom Thibodeau’s dismissal in 2018 to where it is today, just four years later.KAT making All-NBA is a deserving and impressive accomplishment for the 2021-22 season. It also opens up the possibility of signing a 4-year, $211 million supermax contract extension. That is discussed at length, along with other moves that Connelly could potentially make in his first few months on the job.Finally, Dane and Britt discuss Andrew Wiggins’s success in Golden State reaching a new peak in the conference finals. A discussion about why this has come together for Wiggins in Golden State and why it seemed unlikely he would ever hit this level had he stayed in Minnesota. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, Dane is joined by Kyle Theige to discuss Monday’s breaking news of the hiring of Tim Connelly away from the Denver Nuggets and to become the President of Basketball Operations for the Minnesota Timberwolves. Dane and Kyle give their instant reactions to the news that has been percolating over the last week. Topics covered in the conversation include:— Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez convert on their big-game hunting quest to land a top-notch executive— Connelly’s offseason to-do list— Sachin Gupta’s role going forward— The Finch and Connelly relationship— The Wolves set up to have max cap space in the summer of 2023 and what Connelly might be able to do with that— How this addition signals the influence and likely long-term impact of the Lore and Rodriguez as ownersFor a 14-day free trial of Aura’s digital security, sign up at Aura.com/Dane Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, Dane is joined by Adam Mares of DNVR Sports, who has covered Tim Connelly for eight years in Denver. Adam helps shed light on not only what Connelly has done from a roster construction standpoint in Denver to who he is as a person and leader.In this episode, you’ll be able to glean the Denver perspective of the move (disappointment), while also better understanding what Connelly’s strengths and weaknesses as a lead executive have been. Topics include...— The Denver perspective on losing their chief decision-maker in what is likely the most important summer of the Nikola Jokic era— How the rest of the league is viewing the tactics the Wolves are using to pry away Connelly, specifically using ownership stake as a carrot— Is this a bigger loss for Denver than it is a gain for Minnesota?— Connelly’s background coming from a basketball family in Baltimore— Connelly’s track record of establishing culture and finding gems in the draft, and more question marks about his trading tracking— Will Connelly influence the style of play?— Chris Finch and Tim Connelly’s personality similarities— How Connelly might round out his front officeFor a 14-day free trial of Aura’s digital security, sign up at Aura.com/Dane Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, Dane is joined by Britt Robson of MinnPost to discuss the report of the Timberwolves being in serious talks with Denver Nuggets president of basketball operations, Tim Connelly, to become the Wolves next president of basketball operations above Sachin Gupta. Dane and Britt discuss what might be attracting Connelly to join the organization and where Gupta and Chris Finch mix into this context.Additionally discussed is Britt’s most recent column on the offseason steps that can be taken to help sustain the success generated this past season. The focus there is on the D’Angelo Russell question mark that needs to be answered — in terms of a trade or contract extension — and also the lingering question of what the frontcourt will look like next season next to Karl-Anthony Towns.For a 14-day free trial of Aura’s digital security, sign up at Aura.com/Dane Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, Dane is joined by Wolves beat writer Jace Frederick of the St. Paul Pioneer Press to discuss watching the NBA playoffs through a Wolves lens. Dane and Jace discuss continuing to watch these NBA playoffs with an eye on what is proving to work and not work in the later rounds of the playoffs and asking themselves how far the Wolves are from being able to execute those elements of playoff-level basketball.Dane and Jace also discuss the success old friends Tyus Jones and Andrew Wiggins had or are having in a playoff environment. And finally they talk about the Kristaps Porzingis for Spencer Dinwiddie and Davis Bertans trade — how that’s help drive the Mavericks to the conference finals and how a similar style of trade could be a path the Wolves could take should they choose to move off of D’Angelo Russell’s max contract.For a 14-day free trial of Aura’s digital security, sign up at Aura.com/Dane Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, Dane is joined by Britt Robson of MinnPost to discuss his most recent column on the four people most responsible for making the 2021-22 Timberwolves season such an enjoyable ride. Then Dane and Britt get into discussing the second round of the NBA playoffs, hitting on the four series currently in the balance. Some topics today inclue:— Why Chris Finch’s presence receives the gold star for individual who made this Wolves season so enjoyable— Patrick Beverley changing the culture, and the risks overcome of bringing in a player and personality like Beverley brought— Why the Wolves really are now becoming their own version of “Houston North”— Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards embracing a pecking order that empowered each other— Looking at the four playoff series taking place and pondering how constructing a championship roster has continued to evolve Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, Dane is joined by Minnesota-native and Timberwolves superfan Craig Kilborn to reflect on one of the most enjoyable Wolves seasons in franchise history and to look ahead to what this summer and free agency might bring. The show starts as a reflection on the 2021-22 season and turns into quite the offseason deep dive on how and where the Wolves might be able to tweak the roster. Topics of the conversation include:— Craig’s background growing up in Minnesota and falling in love with Minnesota hoops— The environment at Target Center for the playoff series— Comparing this season to the Jimmy Butler year— Can KAT get back into the post and avoid foul trouble next season? And can he play power forward?— The type of point guard Craig would like to replace D’Angelo Russell with— Craig’s new podcast and YouTube channel— Craig’s top-5 movies of shows of all-time Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, Dane is joined by Michael Rand of The Star Tribune to discuss the news that Timberwolves play-by-play voice Dave Benz will not return to Bally Sports North’s broadcast team next season and to discuss his article on Bally’s new, stand-alone streaming service that will retail for $20 a month next season. The conversation, necessarily, also hits on the role of Wolves new ownership beginning to make significant changes the fan experience, the broadcast crew being but a first breadcrumb.— The role of Sinclair Broadcast Group, who owns Bally Sports, in the dysfunctional relationship between fans who want to watch the Timberwolves but have not had the opportunity with their current television provider— Is $20 a month a fair price point?— The frustration of our friend, Dave, losing his job— The role Timberwolves new ownership played in the Benz decision, as part of a larger plan to change the Timberwolves fan experience — on both television and in-person— How we are seeing the influence of Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez grow, and how their style is different than Glen Taylor’s— The role ownership might play in the D’Angelo Russell and other offseason decisions yet to come this summer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, Dane is joined by Britt Robson of MinnPost to discuss the Timberwolves exit interviews on Saturday morning and to do a too-early preview of the offseason. A lot of today’s conversation is targeted at the Wolves most meaningful pieces — D’Angelo Russell, Karl-Anthony Towns, Anthony Edwards, Chris Finch and Sachin Gupta. Topics today include...— Attempting to have a rationale conversation about D’Angelo Russell fit on the Wolves roster and what his future, being extension eligible, might look like going forward— Reading the breadcrumbs of Sachin Gupta’s comments about what the Wolves might do to the roster this summer— Chris Finch’s reflections on the season and what he might want in terms of roster tweaks going forward— Karl-Anthony Towns’s persona vs. on-court performance— The potential tweaks to Anthony Edwards’s role for next season Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, Dane is joined by Kyle Theige of CanisHoopus to give immediate reactions from Game 6 and to reflect on the season that was. Dane and Kyle get into what we learned this season about this team and discuss what this team still has to learn themselves, here in the first step of their build.— Reflecting on a loss that stings in a season that exceeded expectations— These playoffs establishing who Anthony Edwards is becoming— Excitement about the future of Anthony Edwards and Jaden McDaniels— The role of Chris Finch— D’Angelo Russell’s struggles in this series— Karl-Anthony Towns’ performance in this series and the supermax contract he could potentially sign this summer— Having a front row seat to watching the Timberwolves fanbase fall back in love with this team Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, we will do both a preview of Game 6 from the Wolves perspective, with audio clips from Chris Finch, Anthony Edwards and Malik Beasley, and then also have Keith Parish, who covers the Grizzlies, join the show to give some more perspective on where Memphis is at entering Game 6. Everything to get us ready for Friday’s elimination game.— Malik Beasley on why the Wolves feel like this series should already be over and the confidence of the group entering Game 6— Chris Finch on Memphis’s blueprint to winning Games 2, 3 and 5— Anthony Edwards on solving the rebounding issues and late-game offensive execution issues— Keith Parish joins to give the Memphis perspective entering Game 6— What are the Memphis and Minnesota x-factors that will need to come together for either team to win? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, Dane is joined in Memphis by Wolves beat writer Jace Frederick of the St. Paul Pioneer Press to rattle off immediate reactions from the Wolves Game 5 loss to the Grizzlies. With the Wolves giving up an 11-point lead in the 4th quarter, a lot of this episode’s focus is on what went into another late-game collapse after having led for the majority of the game.— Memphis thrives by going small with Brandon Clarke at the 5— Why weren’t the Wolves able to punish Memphis’ lack of size in the 4th quarter?— The late-game offense dynamics between Anthony Edwards, D’Angelo Russell and Karl-Anthony Towns— How can the Wolves account for all three of Ja Morant, Desmond Bane and Brandon Clarke?— Can the Wolves, the seemingly better team, rattle off two wins in Games 6 and 7? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, Dane is joined by Chris Herrington, a Memphis Grizzlies columnist for The Daily Memphian. Chris and Dane dig into what has gone into Ja Morant’s performance through the first four games of the series. Also a lot of attention is paid to the Karl-Anthony Towns versus the Grizzlies frontcourt matchup. Officiating in the series, Jackson Jr.s’ disappointing start, x-factor, series predictions and more.— What is up with Ja Morant in this series? Is he hurt?— Should Morant be guarding D’Angelo Russell?— Why the Jaren Jackson Jr. and Brandon Clarke frontcourt is the Grizzlies best matchup for KAT— Chaotic officiating in the series, both ways— DLo from the Memphis perspective— Is there a Wolves counter for Brandon Clarke’s style of play and impact— Our final series predictions for Wolves-Grizzlies Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, Dane is joined by Britt Robson of MinnPost to breakdown Game 4 of the Wolves-Grizzlies series and to look ahead at what sort of adjustments might come to define the rest of the series. A lot of today’s show focuses on what Memphis has find to work and what questions they may not have answers for. Also lots on Karl-Anthony Towns bouncing back and Jordan McLaughlin, almost out of nowhere, delivering in a big way.— Why the reaction to Game 3 was over the top and not a fair example of “Minnesota sports all over again”— The Wolves needing to pick their poison between Ja Morant and Desmond Bane— Patrick Beverley making Morant work on both ends— Why aren’t Jaren Jackson Jr. and Brandon Clarke sharing the floor more— The role of the refs in a foul-heavy series— JMAC!— Jarred Vanderbilt delivering in Games 3 + 4 and Karl-Anthony Towns facilitating that delivery— Rest of series predictions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, Dane is joined by Kyle Theige of CanisHoopus.com to reflect on and enjoy the Timberwolves bounce back performance in Game 4 against the Memphis Grizzlies. Karl-Anthony Towns puts Game 3 behind him, Ja Morant is stifled, Jordan McLaughlin goes off, the environment at Target Center, another protester — we cover it all before heading off to Memphis for Game 5.— Karl-Anthony Towns bounces back with a 33-point, 14-rebound performance— The Wolves effectively forces the Memphis offense away from Ja Morant— Jordan McLaughlin, after not playing at all in Game 3, delivers as the most valuable piece in Game 4— Gotta talk about another protester— Another mysterious Anthony Edwards injury that again wasn’t actually an injury— Also a bounce back game from Chris Finch 48 hours after timeout-gate in Game 3 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, we get into Game 3 of the Wolves-Grizzlies first round matchup, highlighting what went into the Wolves building two separate 20-point leads only to watch both leads crumble away. An obvious key area to focus on in this game was Karl-Anthony Towns, who not only got in foul trouble again in this matchup but also took a career-low of four shots in the loss. Topics today include:— Why did KAT only shoot four shots?— Jaren Jackson Jr. and Karl-Anthony Towns showing off chronic foul problems that have plagued both players for their entire career— Chris Finch opting to save timeouts rather than using them during Memphis’ run— Should Finch be anticipating foul trouble from KAT?— Patrick Beverley effectively attacking Ja Morant, and why that could be valuable if it sustains throughout the series— Anthony Edwards hurts his knee, fades away— What needs to be different in Game 4 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, we react to the Wolves Game 2 loss in Memphis on Tuesday evening. In a 28-point loss, obviously a lot went wrong for the Wolves. But we try to distinguish if what worked for the Grizzlies in this game are temporary or permanent solutions. Those topics include:— Karl-Anthony Towns’ foul trouble and how that empowered Memphis to effectively go small (taking Steven Adams out of the rotation)— Anthony Edwards’ lack of offensive rhythm and poor shot selection— D’Angelo Russell’s in ability to get his offense going again— After surviving on the glass in Game 1, struggling to defensively rebound in Game 2— Naz Reid and the minutes KAT is off the floor in this series— The value of being able to go home and play in front of the Target Center crowd Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, Dane is joined by Britt Robson of MinnPost to discuss the Wolves Game 1 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies. Dane and Britt breakdown Anthony Edwards’ 36-point night, Karl-Anthony Towns major bounce back performance and how the Wolves other pieces also came to play. They also look at how Ja Morant countered the Wolves’ defensive attack to the tune of 20 free throw attempts and discuss what adjustments might be coming before Game 2.— Anthony Edwards, again, showing up with the lights on as the best player on the floor— Karl-Anthony Towns playing a disciplined and effective game, rebounding from a disappointing play-in loss— The Wolves defensive coverage on Ja Morant and how Morant countered the Wolves’ high wall look— The production from Malik Beasley and Jaden McDaniels— Comparing the Wolves to the 17-18 Pelicans’ success— The Naz Reid minutes— What we’re expecting in Game 2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, Dane is joined by Kyle Theige to record an instant reaction episode after the Timberwolves play-in win over the Clippers. A reflection on not only what happened in the game but why this matters for this fanbase, organization, roster, front office and coaching staff. We celebrate the performances of Anthony Edwards, D’Angelo Russell and Chris Finch, and acknowledge that this was Karl-Anthony Towns’ worst game of his career. Topics today include:— Wolves back?— Attempting to articulate the wild environment at Target Center— The explosion of Anthony Edwards onto the scene— D’Angelo Russell stepping in exactly when the Wolves needed him— Acknowledging Karl-Anthony Towns’ disastrous performance while noting that he has the opportunity to make up for it in Memphis— Patrick Beverley getting his vengeance— Chris Finch doing what it took to make it work Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, Dane is joined by Timberwolves beat writer Chris Hine of The Star Tribune to discuss Chris’s feature story on what made Anthony Edwards. Dane and Chris also discuss Chris Finch’s newly minted contract extension with the Wolves and they also get into what lies ahead in the play-in tournament. Topics today include:— Chris’s feature story reported from Atlanta on the joy within Anthony Edwards that fuels who Ant has become as a basketball player and person— Chris Finch signing a contract extension in advance of the play-in tournament— The importance of the alignment between Finch and Sachin Gupta— Looking ahead to the play-in matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers, and the different paths that will materialize based on Tuesday’s result Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, we recap our final regular season game of the year for the Wolves and look for nuggets from this game that are relevant as we look forward to the play-in and playoffs. We also reflect on a 46-36 season now in the books and compare this first the Wolves have taken the first steps that the Houston Rockets took a decade ago, when Chris Finch was an assistant on Kevin McHale’s staff. We also talk about what we saw in Greg Monroe’s return and discuss what Nate Knight’s future with the Wolves might be.— Comparing the 2021-22 Wolves to the 2012-13 Rockets— Finch hints at how the Wolves might pursue the Clippers matchup— What Greg Monroe showed in his return on Sunday that leads us to believe he might be able to contribute in the postseason— Nate Knight’s future with the Timberwolves Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, Dane is joined by Los Angeles Clippers writers Lucas Hann and Robert Flom of 213Hoops to preview the Wolves-Clippers matchup from the perspective of the opponent. We dig into the four matchups these two teams have had this season — and acknowledge that this matchups are only so relevant, given how much the Clippers have evolved since the beginning of the season. Topics include:— The Chris Finch vs. Ty Lue chess match— The role Patrick Beverley will play, given his familiarity with the Clippers— How the Wolves will handle the Batum-Zubac double look on KAT, and how the Clippers can throw different personnel into that coverage— Paul George’s shot selection and the way he might pursue the Wolves aggressive defensive coverage schemes— The role the benches will play— Our predictions for the matchup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, Dane is joined by Britt Robson of MinnPost to discuss Britt’s most-recent column previewing the Wolves play-in matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers. But prior to previewing the Clippers, Dane and Britt reflect on Anthony Edwards’s historic if not a bit overzealous 49-point performance on Thursday night. Topics today include:— Ant’s 49-point performance against the Spurs— How much should we care about Ant gunning for 50 points?— How many teams in the West are a worse matchup for the Wolves than the Clippers?— An extensive preview of the matchup against the Clippers— The importance of KAT’s offensive volume being high— Will Finch go with the same starting 5 against the Clippers? Who will be in the rotation?— The role physicality, experience, poise and Pat Bev will play against the Clippers— Play-in score predictions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, we dig into Anthony Edwards’s career-high scoring night against the San Antonio Spurs and discuss the role a conversation with an assistant coach and the ability to get to the free throw line played in Edwards’s ability to dominate to the tune of 49 points. We also make the case for Patrick Beverley to make one of the All-Defense teams and discuss the impact the Greg Monroe signing could have on the Wolves play-in and potential playoff run.— Ant finding a way to dominate all four quarters— The Wolves coaching staff challenging Ant to dominate— How getting to the free throw line more could put Ant on a different level— Pat Bev’s case for making an All-Defense team— The Greg Monroe signing and the role he could play for the Wolves in the playoffs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, we react to the Wolves 18-point loss at home against the Wizards and ask if this was the most demoralizing loss of the season thus far. With a real opportunity to make hay in the pursuit of the six seed, the Wolves got beat up by the size of Kristaps Porzingis and Daniel Gafford, continuing a year-long struggle for the Wolves against big frontcourts. In addition to discussing the loss, we run through where the Wolves currently sit in the standings and also reflect on what the return of Jaden McDaniels might mean.— The value lost in being the seven seed versus the six seed— Comparing this loss to the other worst losses of the season— The Wolves chronic problem of underestimating lesser opponents— More size problems: Porzingis and Gafford dominate the interior— Why the Wolves shouldn’t bank on generating turnovers in the playoffs— The return of Jaden McDaniels Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, we discuss the Wolves eventually taking care of business in Houston against the Rockets, in a game fueled by elite offense and often non-existent defense. While it wasn’t a well-rounded performance, it was the second consecutive game that all three of Karl-Anthony Towns, D’Angelo Russell and Anthony Edwards have produced in tandem. So we look back at the production of the Big 3 this season and wonder out loud about what level they can get to in the playoffs.— The KAT + Ant + DLo trio’s effectiveness this season compared to other Big 3s— The role of Chris Finch’s ability to relate to the KAT + Ant + DLo as people— The impact of Malik Beasley’s presence around the Big 3— Jordan McLaughlin now providing shooting in addition to his usual under the radar impact Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s show, Dane is joined by Britt Robson of MinnPost to discuss just an excellent basketball game in Denver on Friday night, featuring perhaps the best center duel we’ve seen in the NBA this season. In addition to discussing the Towns and Jokic matchup, we discuss the role the surrounding pieces enhanced the game — or in the case of the Nuggets, hurt their changes of coming out with the win. We bounce around quite a bit, but here are a few of the topics we hit on:— KAT’s internal belief that he can take Jokic— The surrounding contributions of not only Edwards and Russell, but also the critical role Jordan McLaughlin and Taurean Prince played in the win— The difference between the play-in and getting the six seed— Britt’s most recent column on three concerns that linger as the season comes to a close Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today's show, Dane is joined by the DNVR Nuggets crew in Denver to preview the Nuggets-Wolves matchup and discuss how the Western Conference standings are shaking out. Lots of KAT-Jokic talk, along with our takes on which player might be an X-factor in this matchup. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.