Former Dallas Mavericks head coach and 2006 Finalist Avery Johnson shared his unfiltered thoughts on the Minnesota Timberwolves ahead of the season, ripping apart their big three while expecting them to stay stagnant this season.
“I’m not sold on this and they’re not a big 3 by the way. That would be an insult to guys like Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade, and LeBron James when they were the true Big 3. Or the [Tim] Duncan, [Manu] Ginobili, [Tony] Parker combination in San Antonio. They have too many weaknesses, especially defensively.”
I’m not sold on it! Karl-Anthony Towns, Anthony Edwards, and Rudy Gobert aren’t a true Big Three. Comparing them to Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade, and LeBron James or to Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, and Tony Parker, the real Big 3, is an insult. Do you agree or disagree? #CoachAvery #NBA pic.twitter.com/dR0KU4POsJ
— Avery Johnson (@CoachAvery6) October 18, 2023
Johnson also delved deeper into the individual player personnel, citing Karl-Anthony Towns’ defensive limitations and Rudy Gobert’s offensive limitations as key factors.
“Karl-Anthony Towns, when he’s on the floor with Gobert, has to guard the four-man. Offensive, Gibert is very limited, especially outside of the paint. Anthony Edwards is a terrific player, but I don’t really see them taking that next step. The Western Conference is deep, I see them as a .500 team.”
The Wolves have looked incredibly solid in preseason, with coach Chris Finch building some strong habits within his team that have been playing with a lot of chemistry from the start of this season. It’ll be interesting to see how this plays out, but each of the star players on the Wolves has a lot to prove.
Karl-Anthony Towns Hoping To Emerge As The Wolves Leader
Despite the excitement around Anthony Edwards’ future, the Wolves are still KAR’s team. The center told Fadeaway World during the NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2023 about what he aims to do to have a great season.
“I think it’s just me being the best I can for my teammates. Especially for Mike, Rudy, and everybody, just being at the top of my game. Very blessed that I am actually healthy this time, God willing that stays true. What you can expect from me is to do what I have done every day since I came into the NBA. Be the best teammate I can be, utilize my talents to help us win, and have an amazing season.”
Towns averaged 20.8 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 4.8 assists last season while playing a paltry 29 games. He’s had various injury concerns in recent seasons slow his production down, but he will hope his prayers for an injury-free season are answered, which would be the true test of the Wolves’ quality with their big three together.
Chris Finch Has Big Hopes For Towns
During the NBA Abu Dhabi games 2023, Fadeaway World also spoke to Chris Finch to get an idea of what his expectations from Towns this season are.
“Before the injury, he was definitely the best partner in teaming up with Rudy. We sometimes unfairly judge the partnership, not realizing how much of a sacrifice KAT had to make and continues to make. Sometimes too much, a little bit of an overcorrection there. It’s important he focuses on himself now and returns to playing at the All-NBA level he played at the year prior.”
Chris Finch thinks Karl-Anthony Towns made too much of a sacrifice last season.
"We (don't) realize how much of a sacrifice KAT had to make and continues to make. Sometimes too much, a little bit of an overcorrection there. It's important he focuses on himself now."
📝:… pic.twitter.com/G0Aztl9Rel
— Fadeaway World (@FadeawayWorld) October 5, 2023
Given the unfortunate circumstances that have limited KAT’s play on the court, most would still agree he’s one of the best big men in the NBA.
Anthony Edwards’ rise has been great to watch, but he’s still putting the pieces together to be a leader on and off the court. He may have a higher ceiling than KAT’s, but he needs to work tirelessly to make the Wolves’ contention hopes reality.
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