How does the Kevin Durant trade impact the Minnesota Timberwolves and how does it change the Western Conference landscape? Also, are the Wolves more likely to trade or keep the No. 17 and No. 31 picks in this week's NBA Draft? Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) breaks down both questions, as well as a preview of draft prospect Adou Thiero. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! OLIPOP Get a free can of OLIPOP! Just buy any two cans in store and they’ll reimburse you for one. Head to drinkolipop.com/LOCKEDO...
Jun 23, 2025•31 min•Ep. 2261
The Minnesota Timberwolves will likely look for plug-and-play rotation pieces in this year's draft, but might they instead choose a player who is more of a project? Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) breaks down foreign prospects Ben Saraf and Noa Essengue and Michigan big man Danny Wolf and ranks each of them as potential fits for the Wolves. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! OLIPOP Get a free can of OLIPOP! Just buy any two cans in store and they’ll reimburse you for one. Head to drinkolipop.com/LOC...
Jun 20, 2025•32 min•Ep. 2260
NBA mock draft madness! Who's the top pick and where will they land? Nick Angstadt and the Locked On NBA Squad dive into a thrilling mock draft, exploring potential picks and blockbuster trades. From the 76ers eyeing Ace Bailey to the Heat chasing Kevin Durant, every move is dissected. The hosts debate Bradley Beal's impact on the Phoenix Suns and analyze the Magic's bold trade for Desmond Bane. Will these roster shakeups redefine the NBA landscape? Tune in for heated debates on draft strategies...
Jun 19, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 2259
Could the Minnesota Timberwolves look to draft a plug-and-play, defense-first wing, a high-floor shooting forward, or a big, high-ceiling, creative-passing guard? Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) breaks down Liam McNeeley, Drake Powell, and Egor Demin as NBA Draft options for the Wolves, weighing what is most important to Tim Connelly and Chris Finch at the No. 17 and No. 31 draft slots. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! OLIPOP Get a free can of OLIPOP! Just buy any two cans in store and they’ll rei...
Jun 19, 2025•31 min•Ep. 2258
The Minnesota Timberwolves could end up with changes in their frontcourt this offseason, and there are several big men they could consider taking with the No. 17 pick in the NBA Draft. Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) ranks Asa Newell, Thomas Sorber, and Maxime Raynaud as options for the Wolves. Which one is the best immediate fit for the Wolves if they end up needing a young big to contribute this year? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! OLIPOP Get a free can of OLIPOP! Just buy any two cans in stor...
Jun 18, 2025•34 min•Ep. 2257
The Minnesota Timberwolves hold two valuable picks in the upcoming NBA Draft. What will the Wolves' philosophy be heading into the draft? Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) evaluates Nique Clifford and Jase Richardson as potential Wolves selections -- Clifford as a plug-and-play rotation wing and Richardson as a longer-term backcourt solution. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! OLIPOP Get a free can of OLIPOP! Just buy any two cans in store and they’ll reimburse you for one. Head to drinkolipop.com/LOC...
Jun 17, 2025•30 min•Ep. 2256
Locked On’s five episode NBA Mock Draft is here. For every episode of the 2025 Locked On NBA Mock Draft search Locked On NBA Draft wherever you get your podcasts. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! OLIPOP Get a free can of OLIPOP! Just buy any two cans in store and they’ll reimburse you for one. Head to drinkolipop.com/LOCKEDONNBA to claim your free can and find OLIPOP near you. CarGurus Buy or sell your next car today with CarGurus at CarGurus.com to make sure your big deal is the best deal...
Jun 16, 2025•39 min•Ep. 2255
The Minnesota Timberwolves are still a potential Kevin Durant trade destination. Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) breaks down the Durant trade landscape and what the decisions are for Tim Connelly as he evaluates landing KD in a trade. What do the WOlves have to offer compared to other suitors? Also, how do the Naz Reid and Julius Randle contract situations and the upcoming NBA Draft play into the calculus? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! OLIPOP Get a free can of OLIPOP! Just buy any two cans in s...
Jun 16, 2025•28 min•Ep. 2254
Anthony Edwards undoubtedly improved during the 2024-25 season. It's time to break down what areas of his game got better, and which areas still could use some improvement as he looks to take the Wolves to the next level. Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) breaks down Ant's evolving offensive game and what the shot mix looked like for the three-time All-Star. Also, how did Edwards do when it came to distributing the ball and involving teammates? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! OLIPOP Get a free can ...
Jun 13, 2025•30 min•Ep. 2253
Jaden McDaniels was the biggest bright spot for the Minnesota Timberwolves in another successful season and a second consecutive Conference Finals berth. Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) breaks down how McDaniels improved in almost every facet and is continuing to show real all-around growth. Plus, the Kevin Durant trade chatter is escalating... Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! OLIPOP Get a free can of OLIPOP! Just buy any two cans in store and they’ll reimburse you for one. Head to drinkolipop.com...
Jun 12, 2025•32 min•Ep. 2252
Was Rudy Gobert's third season with the Minnesota Timberwolves a success? Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) evaluates Rudy's impact and if it changed at all in his age-32 season. Also, a peek at an NBA mock draft and a debate over what the Wolves' approach should be to the draft: should they draft for plug-and-play contributors or plan for the down the line as a team with few future draft assets and no cap space? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! OLIPOP Get a free can of OLIPOP! Just buy any two cans...
Jun 11, 2025•31 min•Ep. 2251
Julius Randle's first season in a Minnesota Timberwolves uniform was absolutely a success. Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) breaks down what was most encouraging about Randle's performance, and areas in which he may have underdelivered. Also, will Randle be back with the Wolves next year, or will he be traded and cede his starting role to Naz Reid? Plus, a few Wolves notes on Chris Finch, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and Josh Minott. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! OLIPOP Get a free can of OLIPOP! Ju...
Jun 10, 2025•31 min•Ep. 2249
Both Naz Reid and Nickeil Alexander-Walker can be unrestricted free agents this offseason. Will one or both be back with the Minnesota Timberwolves? Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) dives into each player's individual performance this season, making the case that they both continued to improve as they enter their respective primes. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! OLIPOP Get a free can of OLIPOP! Just buy any two cans in store and they’ll reimburse you for one. Head to drinkolipop.com/LOCKEDONNBA t...
Jun 09, 2025•30 min•Ep. 2248
Donte DiVincenzo may have gotten off to a slow start in his first season in a Minnesota Timberwolves uniform, but he was ultimately a valuable contributor and key member of the Wolves' backcourt. Also, what does Mike Conley bring to the table and what will his role be next season? Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) breaks down the season of each guard in light of the blockbuster trade from last fall, future contracts, and more. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! OpenPhone Streamline and scale your cust...
Jun 06, 2025•30 min•Ep. 2247
What do we make of the seasons that Minnesota Timberwolves rookies Rob Dillingham and Terrence Shannon Jr. just completed? Was Dillingham's campaign disappointing for a lottery pick? What about Shannon's late-season surge? What are their potential roles for next season? Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) breaks it all down, and why only one of them may end up in Chris Finch's rotation this fall. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! OpenPhone Streamline and scale your customer communications with OpenPhon...
Jun 05, 2025•30 min•Ep. 2246
Will Jaylen Clark and Josh Minott be battling it out for a rotation spot with next year's Minnesota Timberwolves? Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) explains why both players present similar profiles, what was most impressive about Clark's first year, and why Minott still may have a future as an NBA rotation player. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! OpenPhone Streamline and scale your customer communications with OpenPhone. Get 20% off your first 6 months at www.openphone.com/lockedonnba Betterhelp Th...
Jun 04, 2025•30 min•Ep. 2245
Minnesota Timberwolves President of Operations Tim Connelly doubled down on the future of the current team, saying that he is hopeful to retain all potential free agents. Plus, Connelly also stated that Minnesota 'feels like home' and sounded unlikely to exercise his own opt-out this summer. Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) breaks down Connelly's press conference comments, ranging from pending free agents to Anthony Edwards and more. Plus, season player reviews, beginning with two-way players and the end...
Jun 03, 2025•34 min•Ep. 2244
The Minnesota Timberwolves finished the regular season as one of just five teams that were in the top 10 in both offense and defense -- and a big part of that success was growth from Anthony Edwards and Jaden McDaniels. Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) breaks down what both Ant and McDaniels did to improve this season and why it was so impressive. Plus, a look at some of the more disappointing aspects of the season, including overall defensive regression, and a lack of answers in some key roles. Support ...
Jun 02, 2025•30 min•Ep. 2243
What offseason questions and needs did the Minnesota Timberwolves' playoff run and exit underscore? Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) breaks down where the Wolves still need to add and what could be up next this summer, including diving into the type of player the Wolves need to help their offense, draft assets, and player and team options that will need to be solved over the course of the next month. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! WayFair Give your home the refresh it needs with Wayfair. Head to ...
May 30, 2025•28 min•Ep. 2242
The Minnesota Timberwolves were eliminated by the Oklahoma City Thunder in a Game 5 blowout. The Wolves fell behind early by missing open shots and turning the ball over far too often -- a recurrence of many of the same issues that have existed all series. Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) breaks down how the Wolves fell behind by so much so quickly and takes a look at some individual player that deserve blame, while making sure to not overreact to one game -- or even one playoff series. Support Us By Sup...
May 29, 2025•29 min•Ep. 2241
The Minnesota Timberwolves were outmatched again in game five ending their season in the western conference finals to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Join Luke Inman and Jack Borman for the instant reaction after game.
May 29, 2025•40 min•Ep. 2240
Can the Minnesota Timberwolves avoid elimination in Game 5 on Wednesday night? Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) breaks down why the Game 4 game plan against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was the right idea and if anything needs to be adjusted prior to Game 5. Plus, what could Anthony Edwards have done differently in Game 4, and Julius Randle needs to step up if the Wolves are going to extend their season. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! WayFair Give your home the refresh it needs with Wayfair. Head to W...
May 28, 2025•30 min•Ep. 2239
The Minnesota Timberwolves did many things well in a Game 4 thriller vs. the Oklahoma City Thunder, but OKC held on to take a 3-1 series lead as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 40 and Jalen Williams put up 34 while Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle combined for just 21 points. Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) breaks down what went right for the Wolves (3-point shooting, role player performances) and what went terribly wrong (defensive rebounding, turnovers, Randle...) as the Timberwolves lose a heartbreak...
May 27, 2025•33 min•Ep. 2238
The Minnesota Timberwolves fumbled the bag after 23 turnovers cost them game four versus Oklahoma City Thunder 128-126. They drop game four and fall behind in the series now 3-1. Join Luke Inman and Jack Borman for the instant reaction and recap.
May 27, 2025•37 min•Ep. 2237
The Minnesota Timberwolves obliterated the Oklahoma City Thunder by 42 points in their Game 3 win. What did the Wolves do differently that they should be able to carry into Monday night's Game 4 as they look to even the series? Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) breaks down Anthony Edwards's performance, TJ Shannon's contributions, and the Wolves' defensive adjustments against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! WayFair Give your home the refresh it needs with Wayfair. Head to W...
May 25, 2025•29 min•Ep. 2236
The Minnesota Timberwolves came out guns a-blazing in game three setting playoff records and building momentum back in their favor. Join Luke Inman and Jack Borman for the instant reaction and recap after the game.
May 25, 2025•37 min•Ep. 2235
In the Minnesota Timberwolves' Game 2 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Wolves faltered in many of the same ways they did in Game 1: missing open 3-point shots, fouling Shai Gilgeous-Alexander far too frequently, and not playing physical enough on both ends of the floor. Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) breaks down each of these issues in detail, including the Wolves' decent first-quarter showing and too-little, too-late push in the final frame as possible signs of encouragement as we look ahead to ...
May 23, 2025•28 min•Ep. 2234
The Minnesota Timberwolves have dug themselves in a massive two game hole after another tough loss in OKC to SGA and company. Join Luke Inman and Jack Borman for the instant reaction and recap.
May 23, 2025•34 min•Ep. 2234
The Minnesota Timberwolves had a terrible shooting night and turned the ball over too much in their Game 1 loss to the Thunder. What can easily be turned around in time for Game 2, and what will the Thunder continue to try and do defensively? Also, Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) breaks down the conversation surrounding Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's foul-baiting and asks if Chris Finch got tricked into playing too small in Game 1. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! CarGurus Buy or sell your next car tod...
May 22, 2025•30 min•Ep. 2233
The Minnesota Timberwolves led at halftime but ultimately fell to the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander dominated the second half and the Wolves' offense failed to score consistently against the NBA's best defense. Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) breaks down the Wolves' biggest issues, including what played out exactly as expected and what came as a surprise in Game 1. Also, what stands out as correctable for the Wolves heading into Game 2? Suppo...
May 21, 2025•30 min•Ep. 2232
