The Dane Moore NBA Podcast

On today’s show, Will DeBerg (Assistant Men’s coach at the University of St. Thomas) joins to breakdown the film of Jalen Green and Jonathan Kuminga from the G-League’s G-League Ignite team. Green and Kuminga are like top-5 picks in this month’s NBA Draft. We discuss: The environment Green and Kuminga played in this year in the G-League and the level of competition they went against compared to other prospects we have watched The similarities between Green as a prospect to Zach LaVine when he came out of UCLA Why Kuminga’s ceiling is not just about being a “freak athlete” How Dane and Will rank Green and Kuminga compared to Cade Cunningham, Evan Mobley and Jalen Suggs as prospects Create a BetUS account with promo code "Dane125" at: https://bit.ly/DaneMooreBetUSSign up for Dane's Patreon ($5 a month) at: Patreon.com/DaneMooreNBA 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, Britt Robson of The Athletic joins to compare notes on our reactions from Gersson Rosas’ mid-offseason press conference from earlier this week. Rosas’ commentary led Britt and I to dig into these topics amongst others: How much of Rosas insistence about trade talks being underway is a smokescreen for not having draft picks? Rosas basically saying we have enough young players already Rosas saying the Wolves need for “veteran leadership” — and where Ricky Rubio might figure into that If Karl-Anthony Towns is ultimately a 1B or No. 2 star, how might the Wolves proceed? The Anthony Edwards and Jaden McDaniels timeline versus the Karl-Anthony Towns and D’Angelo Russell timeline, and whether or not the Wolves should be picking a path Create a BetUS account with promo code "Dane125" at: https://bit.ly/DaneMooreBetUSSign up for Dane's Patreon ($5 a month) at: Patreon.com/DaneMooreNBA 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 pod, Britt Robson of The Athletic joins to take stock of what has been one of the most bizarre, but also fun, NBA playoffs. We start to look ahead to the Milwaukee Bucks and Phoenix Suns as the likely NBA Finals contenders, while also giving the Atlanta Hawks their due respect for an impressive run. As always, the conversation ranges all over the NBA, with many veers back to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Topics include: Milwaukee triumph without the traditional star core Chris Paul’s performance and his impact on his teammates, specifically DeAndre Ayton The Atlanta Hawks being a team who have left their mark in these playoffs as a team who has trappings of being a perennial contender in the East going forward Create a BetUS account with promo code "Dane125" at: https://bit.ly/DaneMooreBetUSSign up for Dane's Patreon ($5 a month) at: Patreon.com/DaneMooreNBA 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, Britt Robson of The Athletic joins to discuss the Timberwolves offseason outlook now that we know they will not have their first round pick in July’s draft. That variable being removed hones the focus on the 12 players currently under contract for next season and makes ideas about how to adjust the roster more direct. We discuss: The caliber of this Wolves team if they make no meaningful additions to the roster prior to next season What archetype of added big might bring out the most from this roster — using Myles Turner, Ben Simmons and John Collins as examples of three archetypes What Britt would be willing to give up for Ben Simmons versus what Dane would be willing to give up Create a BetUS account with promo code "Dane125" at: https://bit.ly/DaneMooreBetUSSign up for Dane's Patreon ($5 a month) at: Patreon.com/DaneMooreNBA 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, Jake Paynting of CanisHoopus joins to discuss his film review of Leandro Bolmaro — the Timberwolves’ 23rd overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, who seems poised to join the team after playing for FC Barcelona last season. We discuss: Bolmaro’s sure-fire NBA-ready skill: On-ball defense What Bolmaro’s game looks like offensively The swing skills that will determine Bolmaro’s ultimate ceiling Bolmaro’s one clear weakness entering the NBA How Bolmaro might into the construct of the Timberwolves’ current roster, and how his presence further affirms the need to address the power forward position at some point this offseason Create a BetUS account with promo code "Dane125" at: https://bit.ly/DaneMooreBetUSSign up for Dane's Patreon ($5 a month) at: Patreon.com/DaneMooreNBA 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 pod, we (finally) talk potential Ben Simmons to Minnesota trades. While any trade being consummated is inherently unlikely, we get into why the Simmons idea no longer feels like completely reckless speculation. How Gersson Rosas has talked about making moves for star players since he took over the front office — and why Simmons might check those boxes, and why he might not Rosas’ history of trading for players whose values have recently dipped — both D’Angelo Russell and Malik Beasley How Simmons’ everything-other-than-shooting would be a great fit What it would take to match salaries in a potential trade What sort of draft capital I’ve been hearing it would take to acquire Simmons in a Wolves package Three different trade frameworks Create a BetUS account with promo code "Dane125" at: https://bit.ly/DaneMooreBetUSSign up for Dane's Patreon ($5 a month) at: Patreon.com/DaneMooreNBA 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 begin our series NBA Draft prospect film reviews for the pod. Will DeBerg of the University of St. Thomas is again joining me in this venture, as he did last summer. And to start off the series, and on the day of the NBA Draft lottery, Will and I take a look at the top three prospects in 2021 Draft class, Cade Cunningham, Evan Mobley and Jalen Suggs. For each of the three prospects, we run through what stood out from their games on each side of the ball in their college film and speculate on what might and what might not translate to the next level. So start your NBA Draft research with today’s show. Create a BetUS account with promo code "Dane125" at: https://bit.ly/DaneMooreBetUSSign up for Dane's Patreon ($5 a month) at: Patreon.com/DaneMooreNBA 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, Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report joins to highlight the many Timberwolves-related anecdotes from his new book “Built To Lose: How The NBA’s Tanking Era Changed The League Forever”. The ties from the Philadelphia 76ers to the Houston Rockets and even to the acquisition of Andrew Wiggins and selection of Karl-Anthony Towns are abundant. Sachin Gupta’s role in The Process with Sam Hinkie The impact the lottery odds flattening might have had on the Timberwolves not tanking this season Flip Saunders motivations going into the 2015 Draft in regards to Jahlil Okafor versus Karl-Anthony Towns And much more If you would like to purchase Jake’s book, you can do that from our friends at SubText Books here.Create a BetUS account with promo code "Dane125" at: https://bit.ly/DaneMooreBetUSSign up for Dane's Patreon ($5 a month) at: Patreon.com/DaneMooreNBA 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.

Britt Robson of The Athletic joins the pod for a second time this week, where on this episode we discuss the recent Minnesota Timberwolves news and notes since the season ended one month ago. Topics discussed include: Iowa Wolves coach Sam Newman-Beck ousted as Chris Finch and Gersson Rosas begin to build out a new coaching staff from top to bottom, moving on from the majority of the remaining members of Ryan Saunders’ staff (first 15 minutes) A timeline of what is proving to be a messy transition of power from Glen Taylor to Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore (second 15 minutes) Laying out the path to the Timberwolves staying in Minnesota under new ownership + the doomsday path Rodriguez and Lore could pursue if they opt to be aggressive about relocating the franchise (final 15 minutes) Create a BetUS account with promo code "Dane125" at: https://bit.ly/DaneMooreBetUSSign up for Dane's Patreon ($5 a month) at: Patreon.com/DaneMooreNBA 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, Britt Robson of The Athletic joins the show to discuss a wide open NBA playoff field, with three series tied at 2-2 and the Phoenix Suns ascending to the conference finals. We discuss: Chris Paul’s dominance and the Suns exploding into championship contention The Nets title odds through a bundle of injuries + what is left to be desired from Giannis and the Bucks. Adjustments for the remainder of the series Assessing the Sixers as title contenders, Joel Embiid’s health and Trae Young inspiring the Hawks through Ben Simmons’ defense A still fascinating, toss-up of a Clippers-Jazz series + sleeping on Kawhi Leonard + where Rudy Gobert ranks amongst the other top centers in the league Create a BetUS account with promo code "Dane125" at: https://bit.ly/DaneMooreBetUSSign up for Dane's Patreon ($5 a month) at: Patreon.com/DaneMooreNBA 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.

Brendan Hedtke of CanisHoopus joins the pod today to discuss the potential paths for the Timberwolves to take this summer to become a respectable defense next season. What can Gersson Rosas add to this roster and what can Chris Finch adjust to make the Wolves’ defense good enough to make the playoffs? We discuss: The Wolves history of being a below-average defensive team, specifically over the six seasons Karl-Anthony Towns has been on the roster Where do the Wolves need to rank defensively to make the playoffs next season? Should the Wolves consider adding a true rim-protecting center? What are the paths to doing that? Why Jaden McDaniels’ best position may be small forward instead of power forward Sign up for Dane's Patreon ($5 a month) at: Patreon.com/DaneMooreNBACreate a BetUS account with promo code "Dane125" at: https://bit.ly/DaneMooreBetUS 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.

Britt Robson of The Athletic again joins the show. This time to discuss the now set, eight-team field for the second round of the playoffs. We spend about twenty minutes on all four of the second round series, in this order: Bucks-Nets, Nuggets-Suns, Clippers-Jazz, Sixers-Hawks. Topics discussed include: Our announcement of a live show on NBA Draft Lottery Night, June 22nd, at Forgotten Star Brewery in Fridley, Minnesota. Britt and I will be at Forgotten Star to see how the lottery balls bounce in the draft lottery, and immediately record a live episode following the Lottery’s results How Brooklyn still looked like they had more than enough for Milwaukee even once James Harden went down The X-factors for a Denver team against a more sturdy Phoenix squad Dane and Britt come down on different winners for the Jazz-Clippers series How the Sixers can recover against the Hawks the rest of the series Sign up for Dane's Patreon ($5 a month) at: Patreon.com/DaneMooreNBA 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 pod, Jack Borman of CanisHoopus joins the pod to chat about our Timberwolves-related thoughts that have been triggered while watching these playoffs. We’re calling it “watching the playoffs through a Timberwolves lens”. And, in that, we discuss:• The idea of this playoff role player-type of John Collins being on the Wolves next season• Buy low guys that could be acquired via trade this summer by the Wolves who are playing in these playoffs. Guys like Daniel Gafford of the Wizards• The power forwards the Timberwolves pursued this offseason — like Derrick Jones Jr., Paul Millsap and JaMychal Green — having relatively small playoff impacts. How does this impact our view of the midlevel exception?• The similarities in offensive structure between what Brooklyn has built to what the Timberwolves have on their roster — three strong isolation players and one shooter 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 pod, Glen Willis of PeachTree Hoops joins the pod for a Hawks-Knicks deep dive, a look into what has played out in the Grizzlies-Jazz series and the Sixers Title chances. We discuss: Are Thibs and the Knicks done? Trae Young’s explosion and Julius Randle’s deflation in their first playoff experiences John Collins future in Atlanta? What would Collins cost for the Timberwolves to acquire and what would his impact be on the Wolves’ roster? How these playoffs have suggested a superstar upside for Ja Morant What should we think of the Jazz as contenders in the West? How might they matchup with the Mavs or Clippers in Round 2? Joel Embiid’s dominance and the problems he’ll present in an eventual matchup against the Nets or Bucks? Utter confusion about what is playing out in the Western Conference Submit your Blue Wire Hustle application here: http://bwhustle.com/joinSign up for Dane's Patreon ($5 a month) at: Patreon.com/DaneMooreNBA 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.

Britt Robson of The Athletic joins the pod on Wednesday afternoon to review the five playoff series that have completed Game 2 thus far. We discuss: Jrue Holiday and the Milwaukee Bucks new-found talent advantage shining through over the Miami Heat. Plus: Jimmy Butler’s underwhelming first two games of the series The Los Angeles Lakers obsession with their size advantage over the Phoenix Suns and why Anthony Davis at center might be able to end the Suns’ fire. Plus: Phoenix sadly playing with a broken Chris Paul The Denver Nuggets breaking the Portland Trailblazers defense down in Game 2 in a Damian Lillard versus Nikola Jokic battle Luke Doncic handling everything the Los Angeles Clippers throw at him and the potential demise of the Clippers grand plan The Brooklyn Nets are here — look out, world Sign up for Dane's Patreon ($5 a month) at: Patreon.com/DaneMooreNBA 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, Britt Robson of The Athletic joins Dane for one final conversation about the 2020-21 Minnesota Timberwolves. A reflection on Anthony Edwards' first season in Minnesota, the status of the KAT and DLo pairing, where Gersson Rosas may take this team this summer, and much more. Thank you all for following along with Britt and I all season. Appreciate y'all. Sign up for Dane's Patreon ($5 a month) at: Patreon.com/DaneMooreNBA 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 Gersson Rosas end of season press conference and media exit interviews with the players on the roster. We hit on the array of topics covered by Rosas on the state of the roster going forward and parse through the player’s refections on their seasons individually and as a group. Rosas and Chris Finch on the plan at power forward going forward. What needs to be addressed at that position and Rosas’ means to address those needs in the offseason D’Angelo Russell on feeling “needed” in Minnesota rather than “wanted”, as he felt at previous stops of his career. Plus a reflection on his individual success after returning from injury Ricky Rubio on how he fits going into next season Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns on making the playoffs next season And plenty more Sign up for Dane's Patreon ($5 a month) at: Patreon.com/DaneMooreNBA 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.

We made it through 72 games of Minnesota Timberwolves basketball this season, somehow. It was wild. It was weird. And it was certainly only the beginning... of something. After a win in Game 72 over the Dallas Mavericks, on today’s show, we reflect on the season that was, acknowledge that Anthony Edwards is something to believe in, and turn our gaze onto Gersson Rosas and the front office for their biggest offseason yet. A thank you from me to you for making this season, the pod and my job possible One last look at Anthony Edwards’ insane close to the season. Making the case that Edwards is not only something to believe in but a player that has already arrived Why it’s now go-time for Gersson Rosas and the front office to win the Summer of 2021 Sign up for Dane's Patreon ($5 a month) at: Patreon.com/DaneMooreNBA 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.

In the Timberwolves second-to-last game of the season, they seemed to run out of whatever good vibes they were running on. Saturday’s loss to the Celtics signaled much of the good JuJu that had been fueling team has either expired or been put on ice until next year — but it also opened up a chance to greatly improve their lottery odds in the final game of the season against Dallas. On today’s pod we discuss: How the Timberwolves lottery odds will be impacted by Sunday’s results Another disappointing loss for a team that is “not a tanking team” Decision time for Rosas on the Rubio and DLo pairing. Does it matter that the Rubio-DLo numbers have been better under Finch than they were under Saunders? How deciding Jaden McDaniels’ position is a sliding door decision for the Wolves this summer Sign up for Dane's Patreon ($5 a month) at: Patreon.com/DaneMooreNBA 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.

As the Minnesota Timberwolves began to play out the string with a Thursday night loss to the Denver Nuggets, we look forward to what Chris Finch might be able to bring out of Karl-Anthony Towns next season. How Finch’s experience with Nikola Jokic in Denver and Anthony Davis in New Orleans might apply to KAT potentially reaching a new level. Amongst other things, we discuss: Finch speaks on his time in Denver with Jokic — watching Jokic’s breakout season first hand What parts of Jokic’s ascension can we bank on for KAT next season? Anthony Edwards’ 18-point third quarter on Thursday and the Timberwolves relationship with streakiness The Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore ownership deal reportedly crossing the finish line and what the first steps are in this transition of power from Glen Taylor to Rodriguez and Lore Sign up for Dane's Patreon ($5 a month) at: Patreon.com/DaneMooreNBA 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.

Tuesday night was another blowout win for the Timberwolves. On today's pod, we reflect on the Wolves now being 10-7 with KAT, DLo and Ant all in the lineup since DLo's return (and 12-9 for the season). And then we take a mental note of how much the numbers have been inflated by these last two blowouts. We also touch on DLo showcasing his special passing lately. And close out the pod be wondering what the Wolves in-house options at power forward might be if they don't address the position this offseason. Sign up for Dane's Patreon ($5 a month) at: Patreon.com/DaneMooreNBA 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.

With only four Timberwolves games left this season, Britt Robson of The Athletic joins the pod for his final in-season appearance of the 2020-21 season — to take stock of what has transpired this past month and what it might portend for the future. We discuss: Anthony Edwards turning yet another corner, beginning to post legitimate star numbers What role Chris Finch has played in Ant’s ascension and the Timberwolves going 9-9 since D’Angelo Russell returned from injury Forcing Britt to have the Ant vs. LaMelo Rookie of the Year conversation The keeping the pick versus losing the pick offseason paths this summer — and what impact that will have on the futures of Ricky Rubio and Malik Beasley The decision not to tank and whether that will be worth the lottery balls lost in the process Sign up for Dane's Patreon ($5 a month) at: Patreon.com/DaneMooreNBA 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.

With another win on Sunday night in Orlando, this time in blowout fashion, the likelihood that the Timberwolves fall to the Number Six slot in the lottery has greatly increased. On today’s pod, we weigh the value winning since the All Star Break (14-18) against the drop in the likelihood that the Wolves keep their pick this summer (probably a 12.5% drop — down from 40.1% to 27.6%). Why the No. 6 slot now seems most likely Has winning since the break had a significant impact on how bought-in D’Angelo Russell is? How good exactly have the Wolves been since the break? Is 11th on offense that big of a deal if they’ve still been 28th on defense? What have been the “soft” values of trying — culture, habits, etc? Where is Karl-Anthony Towns’ head at going into the offseason? Sign up for Dane's Patreon ($5 a month) at: Patreon.com/DaneMooreNBA 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.

The Minnesota Timberwolves are becoming Anthony Edwards team, too. Friday’s night’s loss to Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat was the latest installment of the Edwards ascension story — not only as a player but as a leader of the team. On today’s pod, we dig into the KAT and Butler spat, and how Edwards was there for his teammate. He’s becoming a leader, too. Edwards sticking up for KAT postgame after the exchange with Butler How Ant feels like the Timberwolves Randy Moss and KAT feels like Adrian Peterson — and the ways that might impact the way fans latch onto the team A technical fest that led to D’Angelo Russell getting ejected and Edwards receiving superstar defensive attention Giving Jarred Vanderbilt his flowers — and how he has become one of the Wolves most impactful defenders Sign up for Dane's Patreon ($5 a month) at: Patreon.com/DaneMooreNBA 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.

Anthony Edwards might have played the best game of his young career on Wednesday night. On tonight’s pod we dig into Edwards’ very-full (not empty) 42-point performance against the Grizzlies — that was completely absent of the rookie mistakes that have plagued much of the rookie’s first year in the league. Putting the 30-game run Edwards is on since the All-Star break into perspective. It’s time to remove the “inefficient scorer” label from Edwards game. The stats back it up. Looking at Edwards’ shooting efficiency compared to other high-volume shooters in the league Is the Donovan Mitchell player comp for Edwards beginning to come into focus? All KAT-DLo 2-man game down the stretch of the 4th quarter. Who gets the ball in late-game situations? D’Angelo Russell moves back into the starting lineup. Has Finch given up on DLo minutes next to Ricky Rubio? Sign up for Dane's Patreon ($5 a month) at: Patreon.com/DaneMooreNBA 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.

With a loss to the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday night, the Timberwolves are no longer on a winning streak. But they have won five of their last seven and are beginning show signs of an identity. Britt Robson of The Athletic joins the show to discuss the Wolves hot streak and the bumps that have come along the way. We discuss: What went wrong down the stretch against the Pelicans The late-game pecking order — our individual preferences between KAT, DLo and Ant, and what we are gleaning Chris Finch’s preference might be The stylistic defensive identity under Finch and how Gersson Rosas can choose to empower that style with future roster moves The increasingly likely possibility that the Wolves fall down to the 6th slot in the tanking standings — and the impact of the odds of keeping the pick falling from 40.1% to 27.6% Sign up for Dane's Patreon ($5 a month) at: Patreon.com/DaneMooreNBA 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.

With what is now a four-game winning streak, the comparison between the momentum this Timberwolves team is generating and the momentum the Phoenix Suns generated in last season’s Bubble is becoming less outlandish. On today’s podcast, we start digging through where this Wolves team’s momentum is coming from — and how it all seems to tie back to Anthony Edwards, who had 18 fourth quarter points against the Golden State Warriors on Thursday night. Ricky Rubio draws similarities and differences between what he is experiencing on this Wolves team and what he experienced as a member of the Bubble Suns (audio included) Anthony Edwards’ late-game mentality, and going off in the 4th quarter again Finch’s new favorite lineup: Naz-Vando-Juancho-DLo-JMac — and what the future of the sixth man role on the Wolves might look like Looking at Jarrett Culver’s future on the team after being shut down for the season on Thursday Sign up for Dane's Patreon ($5 a month) at: Patreon.com/DaneMooreNBA 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.

I’ve been toying with an idea: Is Karl-Anthony Towns playing the best basketball of his career? Better than his post-All Star break run during the 2018-19 season? Better than the first 18 games of the 2019-20 season when he led the Timberwolves to a 10-8 start? On today’s pod, we dig into that question. Also: Jarred Vanderbilt’s impact in tonight’s win over the Houston and how he might fit into the Wolves’ big picture. And then we check in on the Flab Five tanking standings. (Yes, I’m calling it that.) Is KAT in the midst of the best 25-game stretch of his career thus far? Vanderbilt’s case for fitting into the Wolves’ big picture plans as a restricted free agent this summer Chris Finch stating he won’t be resting players down the stretch of the season — and how that might impact the Flab Five tanking standings Sign up for Dane's Patreon ($5 a month) at: Patreon.com/DaneMooreNBA 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.

If the Timberwolves ever won consecutive games again this season, I promised Kyle Theige (CanisHoopus) that he could come on the pod to celebrate the winning “streak”. Is it a streak if you win two in a row? Sure. The Wolves hadn’t won consecutive games since Christmas. In Wolves World, that’s worth celebrating. We discuss: How both wins over the Jazz were a carbon copies of one another, and how the Wolves no longer feel dead in the water when they fall down by 15 points early in the game Is winning a good thing for this Wolves team right now? We (again) run through the lottery odds — and estimate the likelihood of rest of season wins for the other teams in the tank Jaden McDaniels showing real signs of a Robert Covington/Jonathan Isaac upside Sign up for Dane's Patreon ($5 a month) at: Patreon.com/DaneMooreNBA 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.

If the Timberwolves ever won consecutive games again this season, I promised Kyle Theige (CanisHoopus) that he could come on the pod to celebrate the winning “streak”. Is it a streak if you win two in a row? Sure. The Wolves hadn’t won consecutive games since Christmas. In Wolves World, that’s worth celebrating. We discuss: How both wins over the Jazz were a carbon copies of one another, and how the Wolves no longer feel dead in the water when they fall down by 15 points early in the game Is winning a good thing for this Wolves team right now? We (again) run through the lottery odds — and estimate the likelihood of rest of season wins for the other teams in the tank Jaden McDaniels showing real signs of a Robert Covington/Jonathan Isaac upside Sign up for Dane's Patreon ($5 a month) at: Patreon.com/DaneMooreNBA 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 pod, I am joined by Britt Robson of The Athletic to, amongst other things, discuss his column on the first 30 games of the Chris Finch Era. Ryan Saunders coach 31 games before he was let go, and now Finch has mirrored that number. Britt and I dig into how the results have largely been similar but how many of the coaching dynamics feel like they have changed. The identity Finch is attempting to install in terms of Xs and Os, but also in terms of power dynamics How Finch appears to have far more leverage with the front office than Saunders ever had Finch’s handling of player dynamics — from D’Angelo Russell off the bench to instilling defensive principles in Anthony Edwards How Britt and I see the Utah Jazz in the Western Conference’s power rankings. Plus some around the NBA talk. Sign up for Dane's Patreon ($5 a month) at: Patreon.com/DaneMooreNBA 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.

Somehow the Utah Jazz have only lost 16 games this season and two of them have come at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves. On today’s pod, we discuss Saturday night’s well-rounded win in Utah — and the parts that feel like meaningful signals for what could be coming. Legitimately good defense from everyone, including Anthony Edwards, whose defense — when it’s there — tends to inspire his offense Why the right types of wins can be more valuable than simply pursuing lottery balls Cutting around Karl-Anthony Towns versus spacing around Karl-Anthony Towns. And how Rudy Gobert and the Jazz handled the KAT chess match in Game 1 Reminding ourselves how meaningful the development of Jaden McDaniels has been this season. And how McDaniels and Josh Okogie suggest they can help balance the Wolves offensively-tilted roster Sign up for Dane's Patreon ($5 a month) at: Patreon.com/DaneMooreNBA 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.

After an absolute crumble in Sacramento on Wednesday night, I am joined by Brenden Nunes of The Kings Herald to break down what in the world went wrong down the stretch for the Timberwolves against the Kings. Looking beyond last night’s game, Brenden and I draw parallels between the Wolves and the Kings. Including: The case for Anthony Edwards versus Tyrese Haliburton for Rookie of the Year With the Wolves and Kings the league’s two worst defenses, what can they do to their rosters via trade or signing to boost themselves to league average defensively? Would the Kings trade Haliburton and their 2021 lottery pick for the Wolves top-3 pick if they are able to retain the pick? Are either of the Wolves or Kings on a path out of the dysfunction they have lived on for the past decade? Sign up for Dane's Patreon ($5 a month) at: Patreon.com/DaneMooreNBA 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.

It’s normally after a Timberwolves loss where questions about the big picture enter the frame. But Tuesday’s win over the Kings left me wondering about the long-term prospects of the Timberwolves defense. Asking the question: How concerned should we be about the Wolves defense? We also saw the upside of the Wolves “outscore you” strategy, and dig into the intrigue there. Anthony Edwards and D’Angelo Russell going off on the offensive end but leaving much to be desired on the defensive end How much will a training camp and learning the schemes help the Wolves defense next season? Debunking conspiracy theories as to why DLo isn’t starting, but still asking the question: Why is DLo still not starting? What impact is DLo coming off the bench having on being able to better understand the KAT and DLo pairing? Sign up for Dane's Patreon ($5 a month) at: Patreon.com/DaneMooreNBA 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.

All good things come to an end. On Sunday night, the Timberwolves one-game winning streak was snapped by the Los Angeles Clippers, and Naz Reid’s 695-shot streak of having never taken a midrange jumper also came to sad end. In remembrance, on today’s pod, we take a look at the shots being taken under Chris Finch. Yet another blowout loss against one of the league’s premier teams * Including explanation for why the Wolves haven’t been able to hang (audio included) A look into the shots the Timberwolves are both taking and allowing under Chris Finch * And how those numbers compare to what the Wolves were doing under Ryan Saunders Celebrating Naz Reid taking his first ever midrange jumper * And a look into how Reid has fit in next to KAT in the post and DLo on the perimeter Sign up for Dane's Patreon ($5 a month) at: Patreon.com/DaneMooreNBA 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, Britt Robson of The Athletic joins to discuss: a Timberwolves win over Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat (0:00); the competence of the Wolves when all three of KAT, DLo and Ant play (10:00); and what Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore purchasing the team might mean for the future of the franchise (37:00). 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.

The Minnesota Timberwolves have actually looked like a functional, perhaps even good, team when both D’Angelo Russell and Karl-Anthony Towns play. After a win over Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat on Friday night, we dig into why the Wolves have won five of the nine games that the team’s two highest paid players have both played in. Topics include: How good and how bad the defense has been this season with KAT and DLo both on the floor + What is likely to sustain from those minutes big picture How the Timberwolves got a defensive lift Friday, particularly from Jarred Vanderbilt + Why Vanderbilt’s best position is seeming like power forward next to KAT or Naz Reid Chris Finch’s coaching style + His willingness to forego rotations to play the players who are playing well that night 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.

If the Minnesota Timberwolves core players are Karl-Anthony Towns, D’Angelo Russell, Anthony Edwards, Malik Beasley and Jaden McDaniels, who of the other 10 players on the roster make sense to be on the team next season? Rather than digging into another Timberwolves blowout at the hands of the Milwaukee Bucks, we go through each of the ten role players case to have roles next season. Will Ricky Rubio get pinched off the roster financially this summer? Has Rubio made a case to stick around with his play next to Edwards and/or Russell? Could the Wolves attach a 2nd pick to Jarrett Culver and get a veteran bench piece? The Juancho Conundrum Why Josh Okogie is starting to look like he could be a real bench piece on a playoff team someday Is there any chance Ed Davis or Jarred Vanderbilt return? Sign up for Dane's Patreon ($5 a month) at: Patreon.com/DaneMooreNBA 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.

The value of Karl-Anthony Towns to the Minnesota Timberwolves might shine brightest thios season when he is off the floor. With KAT not playing on the one-year anniversary of his mother’s passing, the Timberwolves failed to compete in his absence. On today’s pod, amongst other things, we dive into the Timberwolves staggeringly poor numbers with KAT off the floor this season. Looking at the numbers of the Wolves other best players with KAT on the floor compared to their numbers with KAT off the floor — and why they find success next to KAT The emergence of the KAT and Naz Reid pairing under Chris Finch after the two rarely shared the floor under Ryan Saunders Josh Okogie speaks on the weight he is feeling after another death to a black man in the greater Minneapolis community (audio from Okogie included) Sign up for Dane's Patreon ($5 a month) at: Patreon.com/DaneMooreNBA 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.

What does the sale of the Minnesota Timberwolves from Glen Taylor to Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore mean for the future of the organization? On today’s show, we dig into how the news of the Timberwolves being sold will have a profound impact on whatever the Timberwolves will become — and where they will become it. We discuss: How new ownership hints at the possibility of more organizational competence while removing the guarantee that the Timberwolves will forever be in Minnesota The significant hurdles that would need to be overcome to move the Wolves The similarities and differences between the ownership change that happened in Seattle before the Sonics were moved to Oklahoma City The excitement around the organization about change — including Karl-Anthony Towns’ love for A-Rod What impact might an ownership change have on the future of the Gersson Rosas regime? How the two-year mentorship window between Taylor and Rodriguez/Lore lines up with KAT’s future and his next contract Sign up for Dane's Patreon ($5 a month) at: Patreon.com/DaneMooreNBA 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.

After the Minnesota Timberwolves’ overtime loss to the Boston Celtics, Britt Robson of The Athletic joins the pod to unravel the latest Wolves mysteries. We discuss everything around the Wolves this week, including: The early returns of the Karl-Anthony Towns and D’Angelo Russell pairing, now that Russell has returned + how Anthony Edwards is fitting in as a third head in that dynamic Chris Finch’s searching for pieces to compliment the DLo, KAT and Ant trio Reflecting on Britt’s piece on Jaden McDaniels’ rookie season + how he is proving to be a seemingly perfect fit in Minnesota Has McDaniels’ play and fit removed him from being an outgoing piece in a big trade this summer? The passing of DMX — and how his music was something that Britt and Kevin Garnett connected over back in the day Sign up for Dane's Patreon ($5 a month) at: Patreon.com/DaneMooreNBA 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.

Since Chris Finch took over as the head coach, Karl-Anthony Towns has frequently been defending on the perimeter, guarding big wings — and is playing some of his best individual defense of his career. What if this became a full-time thing? What if the Timberwolves traded for Myles Turner? On today’s pod, after surrendering 141 points to the short-handed Indiana Pacers, we discuss what needs to change for the Wolves defensively, and ask if trading for Turner is a path worth considering. Anthony Edwards postgame comments about the Timberwolves defense How Chris Finch has been using KAT on the perimeter defensively more often The impact of elite rim defenders in today’s NBA What Myles Turner would bring to the Wolves Using what Denver traded for Aaron Gordon as a guideline for what it would theoretically cost the Wolves to acquire Turner this offseason Sign up for Dane's Patreon ($5 a month) at: Patreon.com/DaneMooreNBA 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.

Monday night was the return of D’Angelo Russell after a two-month knee injury. The news came out of nowhere, and just before we found out that Malik Beasley will be out for the next 4-6 weeks with a hamstring injury. On today’s pod, we focus on how the new-look Wolves look and fared with DLo back in the rotation and then dug into Anthony Edwards’ case for Rookie of the Year over Tyrese Haliburton. Russell playing almost exclusively alongside another point guard (Ricky Rubio or Jordan McLaughlin) and the importance of finding “Off-Ball DLo” The impact of how Russell is used on Edwards What does Edwards need to do the rest of the season to win Rookie of the Year over Haliburton? How many GMs would take Haliburton over Edwards if we re-drafted the 2020 class today? Sign up for Dane's Patreon ($5 a month) at: Patreon.com/DaneMooreNBA 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.

Britt Robson of The Athletic joins the pod on Saturday night after the Timberwolves' loss to the Philadelphia 76ers. We discuss how Karl-Anthony Towns has again found his groove — even if he has to do it all by himself. Enjoying KAT improving in his prior areas of weakness The lack of shooting KAT has been surrounded by over the two seasons of the Gersson Rosas regime How KAT has shown under Chris Finch that he can play power forward — and how this opens up a new potential for team building: acquiring a center to start next to KAT Would the Timberwolves benefit from having a former player in their currently player-less front office? Believing in the Rosas front office without reflexively giving all of their moves credit for being the right move Around the NBA Submit your Blue Wire Hustle application here: http://bwhustle.com/join Sign up for Dane's Patreon ($5 a month) at: Patreon.com/DaneMooreNBA 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.

After Friday night’s loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, Karl-Anthony Towns reflected on how he is done “chasing stats” and is only interested in building his legacy through winning. So on today’s pod, we get into how KAT has adjusted his game accordingly and how the Wolves roster has not yet made the same adjustments. KAT needing to be both the glue guy and the top performer Has KAT limited his ceiling by adjusting his game every year to fit the cast of misfit toys that are currently surrounding him? When will it be time to have KAT stop adjusting and instead adjust the roster to him? Why the Timberwolves expensive core requires the rest of the roster to be built on the cheap Can Naz Reid, Jordan McLaughlin and Jaylen Nowell be impactful role players on minimum salaries going forward? Submit your Blue Wire Hustle application here: http://bwhustle.com/join Sign up for Dane's Patreon ($5 a month) at: Patreon.com/DaneMooreNBA 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.

Everything makes more sense after a win. At least for a moment. The Minnesota Timberwolves’ 4th quarter comeback against the New York Knicks on Wednesday highlighted what the Wolves are hopefully evolving into. On today’s pod we discuss: Chris Finch’s heaping of praise on the “special” defense Jaden McDaniels has been playing lately McDaniels’ mean streak propelling him to confront matchups against Luka Doncic, James Harden and Julius Randle How the Wolves came back from 11 down in the 4th quarter to squeeze out a cluster of a late-game win in a battle of Anthony Edwards versus Julius Randle The budding friendship and on-court synergy of Edwards and Malik Beasley Edwards explains how the presence of himself, Beasley and D’Angelo Russell can free Karl-Anthony Towns from the endless cycle of double teams he receives in the post Submit your Blue Wire Hustle application here: http://bwhustle.com/join Sign up for Dane's Patreon ($5 a month) at: Patreon.com/DaneMooreNBA 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 podcast, we mine for silver linings from the Minnesota Timberwolves Monday evening loss to the Brooklyn Nets. After a stinker of home and home series against the Houston Rockets over the weekend, the Wolves showed life in Brooklyn. We discuss: Does Anthony Edwards have another gear? Can it be activated more consistently? What happened down the stretch run of the 4th quarter? Why did the final shot again end up being an off-balance leaner by Malik Beasley? How will D’Angelo Russell’s presence be felt in late-game situations once he returns to the lineup? Jaden McDaniels glow-up since becoming a starter, and his growing profile as a wing-stopper with his performance against James Harden on Monday Jaylen Nowell making the most of his role this season and the potency of his midrange jump shot Submit your Blue Wire Hustle application here: http://bwhustle.com/join Sign up for Dane's Patreon ($5 a month) at: Patreon.com/DaneMooreNBA 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 podcast, Britt Robson of The Athletic joins the show to discuss the Minnesota Timberwolves’ downward spiral that has followed their explosion in Phoenix. A week that began with a loss to the Thunder at home, a blowout against the Mavericks, a standing pat trade deadline, a win that felt like a loss against the Rockets, and a blowout against the Rockets in the rematch. We discuss: Deflating losses that point back to questions about leadership How the Wolves could pivot off of their core of Towns, Russell, Edwards and Beasley if that is deemed necessary Jaden McDaniels and the future of the power forward position A bottom of the league rampant with tanking and the Wolves mired in the mix of it Monday’s opponent, the Brooklyn Nets, and their championship odds Britt’s three MVP candidates versus Dane’s three MVP candidates Submit your Blue Wire Hustle application here: http://bwhustle.com/join Sign up for Dane's Patreon ($5 a month) at: Patreon.com/DaneMooreNBA 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 pod, I'm joined at Target Center postgame by Kyle Theige (Canis Hoopus) to discuss one of the -- if not the -- worst loss of the Timberwolves season thus far. A 22-point drubbing at the hands of the Houston Rockets. Kyle and I discuss: -- Where does the leadership from this team come? What is the pecking order? -- The return of Malik Beasley -- The dangers of instilling a culture of losing -- Kyle's love for Jaden McDaniels, and how McDaniels has progressively developed over the course of the year Sign up for Dane's Patreon ($5 a month) at: Patreon.com/DaneMooreNBA 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 pod, we breakdown the Minnesota Timberwolves victory — if you can call it that — over the Houston Rockets on Friday night and look forward to the return of Malik Beasley on Saturday. We discuss: The Wolves closing the game on a 22-0 run. Running through the Rockets 15 pathetic, scoreless possessions to close the fame. Anthony Edwards getting subbed out before the run began, not closing a game for the second time in four games Beasley’s return and what that will mean for the Wolves offense. Going through his elite offensive numbers prior to his suspension. Tanking standings check! Does this win signal the Wolves will certainly pass the Rockets in the bottom of the standings? What other teams could threaten the Wolves for having a worse record at season’s end? How will that impact the odds of keeping the pick? Sign up for Dane's Patreon ($5 a month) at: Patreon.com/DaneMooreNBA 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.