The Dane Moore NBA Podcast

Were you expecting a nice win? On today's pod, we talk about the Wolves' "ugly" win in Oklahoma City. DLo's game-winner, and why it wasn't hero ball this time. Time to take stock of the DLo-Rubio pairing with a numbers dive. Should Rubio be closing games? And is it just time to both start and close games with Jaden McDaniels? DLo speaks glowingly of the rookie (audio included), making the case for a new starting lineup: KAT, McDaniels, Edwards, Beasley, DLo. 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 episode, we get into how in the world the Timberwolves blew a 16-point lead with 10 minutes left against the Spurs. Where the Timberwolves 4th quarter offensive execution broke down. Why Saunders said he puts some of that on him (audio included). Where the execution of what they were running cracked. And how in the world Anthony Edwards couldn't get a touch the whole quarter. The game could have also been saved on the defensive end. But DeMar DeRozan had 16 4th quarter points, as the Wolves scrambled to find answers to no avail. Should have Ricky Rubio came in for Josh Okogie? Why did Saunders prioritize offense over defense? Was that the right move? 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 today's pod to discuss his most-recent column that graded Gersson Rosas' tenure as the President of Basketball Operations thus far. Rosas has now been at the helm for 82 games, so we discuss the good, bad and unlucky that has transpired. 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.

Twenty games into Anthony Edwards' rookie season seemed like a good time to do a film review of Edwards' play thus far this season. Will DeBerg (assistant Men's Coach at the University of St. Thomas) joins me on today's pod to not only review Edwards' film but also the film of Devin Vassell and Isaac Okoro -- two prospects Will and I were high on going into the draft. What have these three players shown in the first 20 games of their career and what role has the team they are playing for impacted their production and development. 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 ask the question: Who is the Timberwolves power forward of the future? Why Jaden McDaniels is the most likely answer to that question currently on the roster. Might Larry Nance Jr. be another answer? The Wolves pursued Nance Jr. in the offseason. Might they re-engage in trade talks with Cleveland at the deadline now that the Cavs' roster has significantly changed after acquiring Jarrett Allen and Taurean Prince? What would the Wolves being willing to put on the table? Who would be used to match salaries? Would the Wolves need to include a future first-round pick? And then we take stock of the Wolves' shot selection now 20 games into the season. What are the differences from last season's "analytically-sound" shot chart? Specifically, what role have the additions of D'Angelo Russell and Ricky Rubio had on the shots the Wolves are taking? 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.

Today's pod is about Anthony Edwards' best game of the season. His 23-point, 5-board, 4-assist, 1-block, 1-steal and 0-turnover game against Cleveland. We get into how Edwards moving to the starting lineup has not only shifted who he is playing with but how he is being used. And also what Edwards' fit next to KAT might look like once he returns from the COVID list. We also note (again) how Malik Beasley has been the most consistent Wolves player this season. Specifically how his off-ball usage as a shooter is fueling his game. Plus: some shoutouts for Jaden McDaniels and Jaylen Nowell, who are making the most of their time in the rotation. 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 Joel Embiid got to the free throw line 18 times against the KAT-less Timberwolves on Friday night, I felt today's pod was a good time to take stock of how Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokic have ascended over the past year while KAT has largely been sidelined. How Embiid and Jokic have optimized their games and how KAT's optimization still remains somewhat ambiguous. We also get into how the Wolves defense has a growing propensity to crater in second halves. D'Angelo Russell commented on the Wolves' lack of defense after Friday's (audio included), so we get into why Russell is right about the Wolves never really playing any good defense. Also some conversation on how Ricky Rubio has turned in three consecutive stinkers over the past week, and why he just isn't fitting in to the Wolves' offensive scheme. 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 following consecutive losses to Andrew Wiggins and the Golden State Warriors. We discuss the shine Wiggins has gathered this season -- both what is deserved and what still remains questionable. From there, we discuss the optics of the Wiggins-for-DLo trade, now ten days before it's one-year anniversary. The second half of the show moves on from Wiggins (so skip ahead if you can't stand another minute of him) and into Anthony Edwards. Why the Zach LaVine comparison does and does not work for Edwards. We also discuss how the Timberwolves ideological process is beginning to crumble both in roster construction and in terms of system in KAT's absence, noting Josh Okogie as a key example. We also do some Naz Reid praise and ask if he is this roster's best forward even without ever having played the position. And close with the question of if this is the worst team the Wolves have ever had from a watchability standpoint. 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 get right into where the Timberwolves broke down in the second half on national TV. There was a specific run in the third quarter that made Josh Okogie unplayable. And with Okogie out the defense became untenable. We dig into the Wolves conundrum with Okogie's shooting. On a brighter note, we highlight how Naz Reid has thrived since moving into the starting lineup for Karl-Anthony Towns. Why Naz is the physical embodiment of the Timberwolves' offensive game plan. Can Naz and KAT share the floor once Towns returns? 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.

Let's take stock of the Andrew Wiggins-D'Angelo Russell trade and regrade it one year after it came together. On today's pod, we go into the details of that deal, including: the draft pick compensation; Wiggins' fit in Golden State; DLo's fit in Minnesota; the Omari Spellman and Jacob Evans luxury tax wrinkle. What was the overall cost to swap out Wiggins for Russell. We also get into a few observations from the loss in Golden State, including: how both Anthony Edwards and James Wiseman are now both coming off of the bench; the impact on the Wolves' offense of not having Rubio being an at-rim scorer; why Jordan McLaughlin might not be the Timberwolves' best point guard but why he fits the Timberwolves system best. 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.

Without KAT, DLo and, I guess, Juancho, the Timberwolves defeat the Pelicans. Jack Borman (Canis Hoopus) joins me at Target Center to discuss how exactly the Wolves pulled off a win without their two best players. We get into why this felt like "The Rubio Game" and how Rubio's success on Saturday night almost complicates things going forward. 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.

Another blowout Timberwolves against the Hawks loss got me thinking about how crazy it is that Tom Thibodeau is having more success with the Knicks than the Wolves are having without him, despite New York having a far cheaper payroll. So on today's pod, we get into how the Wolves are just not living up to what there payroll suggests they should be. We also get into what it would look like if Ryan Saunders only played eight players. Who would be in the 8-man rotation? We discuss Anthony Edwards' continued cold streak. And we touch on Ricky Rubio and how his return to Minnesota has thus far been fraught. 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 (The Athletic) joins the pod to discuss a myriad of topics, including where blame falls on a Timberwolves team that just blew another fourth quarter lead to Orlando and currently sits at 3-10 -- with no real end in sight. Why it feels as if everything is coming to a head. And what decisions might need to be made. 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 Timberwolves and Hawks have gone all-in on building around young stars who are elite offensively and have serious question marks defensively. On today's pod, Glen Willis (SB Nation - PeachTreeHoops), who covers the Atlanta Hawks, joins to discuss the parallels and differences between how the two franchises are building their teams. 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 discuss if this is the end of the road for Ryan Saunders. Where Saunders could have called timeouts down the stretch to potentially shift the balance of the game. The similarities between this breakdown and the breakdown in the Jersey Tuck Game in Oklahoma City. Why that game against the Thunder might have impacted Saunders' decision to not call a timeout. We also discuss what I saw transpire at the end of the game in the stadium that was not on the television broadcast. I also get into why it's hard, as a journalist, to be objective when it comes to a coach potentially getting fired. And I share a Ryan Saunders story to explain. 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 get into another Timberwolves game without KAT. How they lost to an underwhelming Hawks team and where the breakdowns happened around DLo (who balled out again). It's also time for a Jarrett Culver Conversation, so we go through how Culver has compared to the other picks from the 2019 Draft Class. How many players would be selected over him if we re-drafted? We also talk about both first round picks, Anthony Edwards and Jaden McDaniels, getting real run in the same game. How the new JMac and the old JMac are both in the rotation now, replacing Juancho and Rubio. 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 unfortunately need to discuss how COVID has struck the Minnesota Timberwolves. Included is audio from Gersson Rosas' Friday evening press conference in which he describes the 36 hours leading up to Friday evening's game being postponed and how this is all the more troubling given Karl-Anthony Towns' involvement. After that, we get into how the roster is going to have to cope without their starting power forward and center for the foreseeable future. Some small-ball 4 for Anthony Edwards? Who starts? More DLo and Rubio together? Submit your Blue Wire Hustle application here: http://bwhustle.com/join 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 today's episode to discuss the current state of the Minnesota Timberwolves. Would a Gersson Rosas-led front office ever make the move Brooklyn did to acquire James Harden? We dig into the first real crossroads Rosas' Wolves have hit in the first season where cultivating a sustainable winner is actually about winning a little bit now. We talk lots about Karl-Anthony Towns -- and his defensive ascension, along with his leadership role on this roster. Submit your Blue Wire Hustle application here: http://bwhustle.com/join 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 Timberwolves loss to the Grizzlies highlighted the Wolves Big 3 and exposed the rest of the roster. On today's episode, we get into how and where the Wolves need support beyond Towns, Russell and Beasley. We listen to KAT's postgame ramblings about defense, and question if that's all they need. Do they just need to score more? What is going on with the second unit? What can their identity become? 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.

Ten games into the NBA careers of Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Ball and James Wiseman felt like a good time to dive into the film of the top-3 picks' early NBA impact. Will DeBerg (University of St. Thomas Men's Basketball Coach) joins the pod to review the film, and highlight what these former prospects have looked like at the NBA level. Submit your Blue Wire Hustle application here: http://bwhustle.com/join 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 start today's podcast with D'Angelo Russell's interesting way of addressing the attack on The Capitol in his postgame commentary. From there we get into the Timberwolves winning their first game of the season without KAT. How DLo was the answer to the Wolves' 4th quarter conundrum. What I think the rotation will be going forward. Why Malik Beasley's 4-year, $60M contract has looked like a good deal through the first 10 games. Submit your Blue Wire Hustle application here: http://bwhustle.com/join 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 (Canis Hoopus) joins me live from Target Center for an immediate reaction to the Timberwolves overtime loss to the Spurs. We discuss: The return of KAT; Late-game lack of execution; Having an idea of what this team will look like at full-strength; Discuss reasonable expectations. Submit your Blue Wire Hustle application here: http://bwhustle.com/join 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 Timberwolves loss in Portland felt like a regression -- similar to the losses in Los Angeles. On today's pod, we discuss why being a standard deviation below "bad team" could be costly, and why it's time to right the ship. Ricky Rubio says: "We gotta get better and we gotta get better now." How the Lillard-Nurkic pick and roll led to 47-point second quarter. Why the defensive scheme has changed. My assessment of Ryan Saunders' coaching thus far this season. Submit your Blue Wire Hustle application here: http://bwhustle.com/join 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 advance of Blazers-Timberwolves, Steve Dewald of Blazer's Edge joins the pod. Steve and I discuss the similarities between what the Wolves are building and what the Blazers have built. What is the ceiling of a "good offense, bad defense" team? How has Robert Covington fit in Portland thus far? Could Minnesota have outbid Portland for Derrick Jones Jr.? Do the Blazers miss David Vanterpool? And reflecting on Jake Layman's time in Portland. Submit your Blue Wire Hustle application here: http://bwhustle.com/join 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 (The Athletic) joins the pod to discuss a set of storylines from this season that were not anticipated at the year's onset. From Jarred Vanderbilt's boomlet to the machinations of the D'Angelo Russell and Ricky Rubio backcourt pairing, we hit on all things Timberwolves from the first seven game of the season. Submit your Blue Wire Hustle application here: http://bwhustle.com/join 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.

Jarred Vanderbilt finally got his shot -- and he DID NOT disappoint. On today's pod, we discuss the Timberwolves second loss to the Denver Nuggets -- another game that fell apart in the 4th quarter. We get into the obstacles in the way of Vanderbilt permanently fitting into the rotation, and why it feels like Ryan Saunders has to make it happen. Juancho Hernangomez talks about "lettin' it fly", and we discuss why this was the player Juancho was signed to be. Submit your Blue Wire Hustle application here: http://bwhustle.com/join 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.

D'Angelo Russell said after the Timberwolves fourth consecutive loss on Sunday to the Denver Nuggets that he doesn't think the Wolves are "ready to win yet" because they are "still figuring out how to lose". On today's pod, we playback Russell's postgame comments and talk about how this team does not look ready to win yet. We get into: How Ed Davis moving into the starting lineup helped to get Russell going in pick and roll game; Why Russell and Ricky Rubio did not share the floor; Malik Beasley's impressive performance against his former squad; and asked the question: Can this team be expected to win any games in KAT's absence? Submit your Blue Wire Hustle application here: http://bwhustle.com/join 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 (Canis Hoopus) joins me live from Target Center to pick apart the dismantling that was the Timberwolves 30-point loss to the Washington Wizards. We dig into why the D'Angelo Russell Experience has thus far been rough, and what needs to change. We also discuss what other adjustments need to be made for this Timberwolves team to remain somewhat competitive in Karl-Anthony Towns' absence. Submit your Blue Wire Hustle application here: http://bwhustle.com/join 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 (The Athletic) joins to discuss why what Karl-Anthony Towns showed in the first two games is more reason for optimism than the two blowout losses in Los Angeles are reason for pessimism. We unpack Britt's most recent column that acknowledges the devastating, albeit expected, losses but also praises KAT's best defense of his career and Ryan Saunders' ability to expand his coaching blueprint. From there, we get into what the complicated plan might be in this KAT-less interim. The trappings of the D'Angelo Russell and Malik Beasley pairing. Britt's assertion that Ricky Rubio needs to start. Dane's assertion that Josh Okogie is the path to defensive competence. And just what the heck is going on in the frontcourt -- between Naz Reid, Juancho Hernangomez, Jake Layman and Jarred Vanderbilt. 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.

Losing two games the way the Timberwolves lost to the Lakers and Clippers is a slippery slope. Today we discuss the Wolves needing to inject joy back into basketball, even without KAT. On the show: we react to Ricky Rubio's harsh postgame commentary (audio included); discuss the Rubio-DLo pairing; what is going on in the frontcourt next to Naz Reid; why righting the ship is big-picture important; and trying to find ways to survive on defense. Submit your Blue Wire Hustle application here: http://bwhustle.com/join 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 15-game stretch the Timberwolves played without Karl-Anthony Towns at the beginning of last season, they ranked third in the NBA over that stretch in defensive efficiency. They only won five of those 15 games, but they played with the identity of a team that executes on defense. On today's pod, I talk about this new Timberwolves roster finding their new KAT-less identity. Plus, we talk other observations from the loss: D'Angelo Russell not taking the lead in KAT's absence, and why that will need to change; Malik Beasley and Juancho Hernangomez needing to find their form from last season; Anthony Edwards, and why now feels like the time to shift him into the starting lineup. 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.

So who saw the Timberwolves beating the Jazz? Time for some observations from the Wolves win in Utah. Topics in today's pod: DLo and Beasley stepping up with KAT again in foul trouble; Okogie and Culver continuing to shine; Needing to start Naz over Layman against the Lakers; Saunders earning his keep; Why I think Anthony Edwards is the favorite to win Rookie of the Year. 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 Timberwolves enter the Christmas Break undefeated with a win over the Pistons. Good audio quotes from the players postgame, so I let that carry today's show -- beginning with KAT discussing where he's at mentally. From there we get into Anthony Edwards looking NBA ready. We talk Josh Okogie being the team's best power forward, shutting down Blake Griffin. Some commentary on the defense (zone!). And then I explain why D'Angelo Russell didn't start, and how that really impacted Ryan Saunders' rotations. 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 (The Athletic) joins the pod to discuss his column on points of interest for this Timberwolves season. Dane and Britt run through what can be gleaned from the preseason in an effort to begin to define this team. Topics include: Ryan Saunders' great challenge with the rotation. What can be expected from the D'Angelo Russell and Malik Beasley combination in the backcourt. Reason for optimism with the Anthony Edwards and Jarrett Culver wing duo. The burden Karl-Anthony Towns carries on both ends of the floor. And finally, where the Timberwolves might finish offensively and defensively this season -- and how that will translate to the win column. 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.

There had to be some reason the Timberwolves waived Rondae Hollis-Jefferson. Right? Jack Borman (Canis Hoopus) joins the pod to discuss the value of the financial flexibility gained by waiving RHJ and weigh it against the value that will be lost on the floor. What does this mean in terms of a potential PJ Tucker trade? Dane and Jack also watched the Detroit Pistons final preseason game in advance of the Wolves season opener against the Pistons. Where should the Wolves offense be able to cook against a weak Pistons defense? What type of offensive threats do Blake Griffin and Derrick Rose pose? 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.

Karl-Anthony Towns gave my favorite postgame interview of his career after the Timberwolves beat the Mavs in the preseason finale. For so long, KAT has noted how the Wolves as a team need to improve defensively, but this was the first time he spoke honestly about his defensive shortcomings. I thought those words were noteworthy, so I play the audio from that interview on the pod and share we I think those words carry weight. Then we get into observations from the game. Anthony Edwards starting to look like a top pick. Jarrett Culver and Josh Okogie becoming a formidable wing duo. Naz Reid cracking the bigs rotation being a sign of things to come. And Jordan McLaughlin signing a two-way contract to return to the Wolves. 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.

Jack Borman (Canis Hoopus) joins to discuss where the Timberwolves will rank this season in terms of offensive rating and defensive rating. Outside of last season, the Timberwolves have been in the top-half of the league in offensive rating every year of KAT's career. How high can the presences DLo, Rubio and Beasley elevate the offense this season. And defensively, the Timberwolves have been bottom-ten of the league in terms of defensive efficiency every season of KAT's career. Where does this team's combination of defensive talent and scheme project them to land in the league's defensive hierarchy 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.

After watching Ja Morant explode against the Timberwolves in these first two preseason games, it's worth asking how Morant ranks in the league's hierarchy compared to Karl-Anthony Towns. Dane makes the case for why KAT is more likely to have a better 2020-21 season but also why it's closer between the two when we consider the long-term. Additionally, Dane digs into four more observations from the Timberwolves second preseason game. Including: Rondae Hollis-Jefferson's case for cracking the rotation; the lack of offensive synergy thus far; Jarrett Culver's impressive start to the season on both ends; and the commonality between the players that have looked most comfortable in these first two preseason games. 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 episode, Dane digs into the Timberwolves preseason opener. What it was like to cover a fan-less game at Target Center, and how it reminded Dane of a specific preseason game from back in 2011. From there, we get into five observations from the opener. 1) Jake Layman starting and producing at power forward. 2) What we saw from the Rubio-DLo backcourt pairing. 3) Jarrett Culver looking great defensively. 4) Just getting the chance to see KAT play. 5) How Jaylen Nowell appears to be the third point guard in the absence of Jordan McLaughlin. 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 episode, Britt Robson (The Athletic) joins the show for Part 2 of our season preview. After discussing Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards in Part 1, we dive into the D'Angelo Russell and Ricky Rubio backcourt pairing, and where Malik Beasley fits into that calculus. We also talk about the importance of insulating Towns in the frontcourt -- and how Britt would handle the bigs rotation. Then we close with how the Timberwolves might stack up in a confusing Western Conference this season. Dane also shares why he is planting his flag on D'Angelo Russell exceeding expectations 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 episode, Britt Robson (The Athletic) joins the show to begin previewing the Timberwolves season. In Part 1, we discuss how this is the most mysterious Timberwolves team in franchise history due to the countless unknowns. Karl-Anthony Towns being the greatest mystery. Where is he mentally? And what does that mean for what actually shows up on the floor. We also dive into Anthony Edwards -- another one of the season's great unknowns. 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 episode, we dive into the Timberwolves big man position(s). For a team that needs to improve defensively in the frontcourt, Gersson Rosas has chosen a non-traditional path in two consecutive offseasons. The power forward position has been an interesting data point to track as Rosas has reshaped the roster -- and will remain fascinating this season. Who does Ryan Saunders decide to give those big man minutes to? Is 6'4" Josh Okogie in the mix? Who else is a power forward? Who is exclusively a KAT backup? And how might this all work out 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 episode, Chris Hine (The Star Tribune) joins the podcast to discuss the first week of Timberwolves training camp. Chris has been covering Malik Beasley's arrest, and discusses his previous experiences of covering professional athletes in the amidst of ongoing legal issues. On a brighter note, Chris and Dane run through reasons for optimism found in the D'Angelo Russell and Ricky Rubio pairing. Discussing Russell's past teammates, and how Rubio and Karl-Anthony Towns are perhaps the most-talented big man and point guard that Russell has ever played with. 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 episode, Jace Frederick (The Pioneer Press) joins to discuss our takeaways from the Ricky Rubio and Ed Davis introductory press conference today. What we can glean about Davis and Rubio's role on the 2020-21 Timberwolves. We also run through the Western Conference's over/under win totals, according to Vegas, in an effort to pin down where the Timberwolves fit in the West and how many games they might win 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 episode, Jon Krawczynski (The Athletic) joins to not only discuss the moves the Timberwolves did make this offseason but also the moves that were pursued and ultimately fell through. Ricky Rubio to play alongside D'Angelo Russell, and whether or not Rubio will start. The thought process behind the Anthony Edwards selection, and whether or not Edwards will start. Malik Beasley's contract negotiation process. Juancho Hernangomez and the other power forwards pursued this offseason. 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 episode, Britt Robson (The Athletic) joins to discuss the Timberwolves offseason. The Ricky Rubio acquisition. The power forward black box. Malik Beasley’s extension. What do these offseason moves portend for the season ahead and the future of the franchise? 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 episode, we instantly react to Anthony Edwards being the No. 1 pick, and to the news that the Timberwolves have traded for Ricky Rubio. First, Will DeBerg (University of St. Thomas Mens Basketball Coach) joins to discuss Edwards ultimately being the choice over LaMelo Ball & James Wiseman. Dane explains why he thinks it's unfair to compare Edwards to Andrew Wiggins. Then, Kyle Theige (CanisHoopus.com) joins to discuss Ricky Rubio's out of the blue return to Minnesota. How Rubio can help as a leader, and what he may bring as a player. 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 this episode, Darren Wolfson of KSTP and SKORNorth joins to discuss the latest Timberwolves-related buzz in advance of the 2020 NBA Draft. Plenty of discussion on what we are hearing the Wolves might do with the No. 1 pick — whether that be a selection or a trade. After talking Draft, Dane and Doogie get into the imminent sale of the franchise and how that may impact not only the draft but also how the offseason is pursued by the Timberwolves front office. 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 this week’s episode, it is time for a final 2020 Big Board. After spending the past six months in and out of the film, Dane and Will DeBerg (University of St. Thomas) discuss the 14 players that they believe deserve to be selected in the 2020 NBA Draft's lottery. This is not a Timberwolves-specific analysis, and instead is just a ranking based on the film watched. 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.

This week's episode is all Ben Simmons talk with Jack Borman of CanisHoopus. Dane and Jack dig into what the trade value for Simmons might be and what the Timberwolves have to offer. In this episode, you'll find rankings of the Timberwolves ten most valuable trade assets. From there, the process of considering multi-team trades are discussed. Why Oklahoma City feels like a necessary third-team to help satisfy Philadelphia's needs in parting with one of their stars. 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.