The Minnesota Timberwolves are signing journeyman Chasson Randle to a training camp contract, giving them a bit more depth at the point guard spot. Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) breaks down what Randle brings to the Wolves and takes a look at the updated training camp roster. Plus, overall news on the NBA's upcoming rule changes coming out of Adam Silver's press conference following the Board of Governors meeting. For your next listen, check out the Locked On NBA podcast, where the season never ends p...
Sep 11, 2024•28 min•Ep. 1946
Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards is already one of the 15 or 20 best players in the league and made the All-NBA team for the first time this season. Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) discusses two areas in which he should continue to improve this year as he looks to become one of the league's top superstars: playmaking for others and overall shot selection and efficiency. For your next listen, check out the Locked On NBA podcast, where the season never ends providing national expertise with a l...
Sep 09, 2024•29 min•Ep. 1945
Charles Barkley thinks the Minnesota Timberwolves (and basically everyone else in the Western Conference) will regress this year, and Shaquille O'Neal is talking about Rudy Gobert -- again. Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) breaks down comments from each, exploring why they're both off-base. Plus, a look at an ESPN article suggesting the Wolves' primary weakness heading into the season. For your next listen, check out the Locked On NBA podcast, where the season never ends providing national expertise with...
Sep 06, 2024•32 min•Ep. 1944
Add Dallas Mavericks big man Dereck Lively and former All-Star center Dwight Howard to the list of guys who somehow can't comprehend Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert's impact on defense. Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) breaks down why they're wrong and the comments just sound ignorant. Plus, thoughts on Tim Connelly's interview with Darren Wolfson regarding the Wolves' roster and offseason, including the 15th roster spot and the backup point guard role. For your next listen, check out the Locke...
Sep 04, 2024•28 min•Ep. 1943
The Minnesota Timberwolves traded up to draft Rob Dillingham with the express purpose of lifting their bench efficiency. Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) explains why replacing Kyle Anderson, Shake Milton, and others with one of the best offensive players in the draft was a smart, calculated decision. Plus, what Joe Ingles and TJ Shannon Jr. will provide as the Wolves remade their bench and shored up their offensive attack on the fly this summer. For your next listen, check out the Locked On NBA podcast,...
Sep 02, 2024•28 min•Ep. 1942
The Minnesota Timberwolves had the NBA's best defense last season, and it wasn't close. Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) digs into why the defense was so dominant, including forcing opponents to take inefficient shots and contesting virtually everything. Plus, what areas could be improved upon in 2024-25 as the Wolves look to run it back with their dominant defense. For your next listen, check out the Locked On NBA podcast, where the season never ends providing national expertise with a local perspective...
Aug 30, 2024•29 min•Ep. 1941
Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards is still in hot water for his comments about the previous generation, and Kevin Garnett weighed in along with Paul Pierce. Plus, what is the path that could derail the Wolves this season? Finally, who is on the Mt. Rushmore of Timberwolves draft picks that didn't work out? For your next listen, check out the Locked On NBA podcast, where the season never ends providing national expertise with a local perspective. Click HERE to listen now. Part of the Lo...
Aug 28, 2024•53 min•Ep. 1940
The second part of the ESPN NBA offseason survey reveals that there was a scout who believe Anthony Edwards is already the league's best player and an executive who believes he will be this year. Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) breaks down the survey in its entirety, including thoughts on the Wolves' playoff finish this season. Plus, Ant's comments about the 'old guard' are still getting attention, with Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce the latest to comment. For your next listen, check out the Locked On NB...
Aug 28, 2024•30 min•Ep. 1939
The Minnesota Timberwolves had a disappointing, middle-of-the-pack offense last season. What tweaks can they make to become a top-tier unit? Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) breaks down the Wolves' shot selection, efficiency, and offseason roster changes to find a path to an improved offense in 2024-25. For your next listen, check out the Locked On NBA podcast, where the season never ends providing national expertise with a local perspective. Click HERE to listen now. Part of the Locked On Podcast Networ...
Aug 26, 2024•30 min•Ep. 1938
It's time for early Western Conference win total predictions. Plus, Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) has a conversation with Matt George of Locked On Kings surrounding how the Minnesota Timberwolves match up with Sacramento and a look at a stacked West. Why is the Wolves-Kings matchup so intriguing, and how might the West ultimately shake out? For your next listen, check out the Locked On NBA podcast, where the season never ends providing national expertise with a local perspective. Click HERE to listen ...
Aug 23, 2024•38 min•Ep. 1937
Minnesota Timberwolves stars Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards made some headlines after recent interviews. And the Timberwolves schedule got released last Thursday. Our panel of experts reacts to the latest offseason Wolves news. For your next listen, check out the Locked On NBA podcast, where the season never ends providing national expertise with a local perspective. Click HERE to listen now. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponso...
Aug 21, 2024•51 min•Ep. 1936
The Minnesota Timberwolves have a heavy presence in ESPN's preseason awards predictions, with Anthony Edwards, Rudy Gobert, Naz Reid, Rob Dillingham, and Chris Finch all being mentioned. Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) breaks down where the voters got it right and where they got it wrong. Which members of the Wolves are most likely to win awards and why? For your next listen, check out the Locked On NBA podcast, where the season never ends providing national expertise with a local perspective. Click HER...
Aug 21, 2024•31 min•Ep. 1935
With Kyle Anderson gone, which players will be impacted most in the Minnesota Timberwolves rotation, and how will head coach Chris Finch fill those minutes? Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) dives into how Joe Ingles may be able to fill Anderson's shoes, and what his time with Rudy Gobert and the Utah Jazz could give us a peak into what Finch has in mind. Also, what the numbers say about the Wolves' center rotation from last season, including the vaunted three-center lineup. For your next listen, check ou...
Aug 19, 2024•29 min•Ep. 1934
The NBA schedule release has the Minnesota Timberwolves featured on national television in nearly a third of their regular-season games this season. Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) breaks down the Wolves schedule and gives a rapid reaction win total prediction, going month-by-month and deciphering the potential best and worst stretches of the season. Also, the five best games of the start of the season and the national TV matchups that are most tantalizing. For your next listen, check out the Locked On ...
Aug 16, 2024•31 min•Ep. 1933
Team USA won gold and Team France took silver in a thrilling gold medal game. Plus, could this be the final year with Naz Reid? All that and more on the latest Minnesota Basketball Party. For your next listen, check out the Locked On NBA podcast, where the season never ends providing national expertise with a local perspective. Click HERE to listen now. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! eBay Motors From brakes to exhaust kits and ...
Aug 14, 2024•51 min•Ep. 1932
The Minnesota Timberwolves are firmly on the national stage, drawing an opening night game and a Christmas Day contest. Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) breaks down the big news, plus, NBA Cup groups have been released and the Wolves have a good draw. Also, there are some future Kevin Durant + Wolves-related trade rumors out there...what can we make of them? For your next listen, check out the Locked On NBA podcast, where the season never ends providing national expertise with a local perspective. Click ...
Aug 14, 2024•25 min•Ep. 1931
Anthony Edwards and Rudy Gobert each contributed to their respective team's efforts in the gold medal game between France and the United States as Team USA came away victorious. Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) breaks down each Minnesota Timberwolves player's strong first-half performance -- and what was less impactful about what they each did in the second half of the contest. Also, Steph Curry's greatness and overall studs and duds from the game. For your next listen, check out the Locked On NBA podcas...
Aug 12, 2024•27 min•Ep. 1930
Team USA trailed by as many as 17 points and 13 heading into the fourth quarter, but LeBron James, Steph Curry, and Joel Embiid led a huge comeback over Nikola Jokic and Serbia, sending the United States to the gold medal game. Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) breaks down the win, including Anthony Edwards's quiet performance and the heroics of Team USA's future Hall-of-Famers, as well as what to expect vs. Team France in the gold medal game. Also, a look at a few Minnesota Timberwolves staff changes and...
Aug 09, 2024•32 min•Ep. 1929
Anthony Edwards is two wins from bringing a gold medal back to the Minnesota Timberwolves, and Rudy Gobert suffers an injury for Team France. Plus, what's one stat the Wolves need to improve next year? For your next listen, check out the Locked On NBA podcast, where the season never ends providing national expertise with a local perspective. Click HERE to listen now. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! eBay Motors From brakes to exh...
Aug 07, 2024•45 min•Ep. 1928
Team USA easily defeated Team Brazil, advancing to the semifinals to take on Team Serbia for the right to compete in the gold medal game. Minnesota Timberwolves superstar Anthony Edwards again led USA's bench scoring in the win. Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) breaks down the win, as well as another strong Edwards performance, the resurgence of Joel Embiid, and the dominance of Team USA both inside and outside. Plus, what to expect against Serbia and a look at offseason Western Conference power rankings...
Aug 07, 2024•31 min•Ep. 1927
Minnesota Timberwolves superstar Anthony Edwards scored a game-high 26 points in Team USA's blowout win over Puerto Rico, earning a Group C sweep and a berth in the quarterfinals with a date against Team Brazil coming up on Tuesday. Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) breaks down Ant's impressive performance and his dominance on both ends of the floor, as well as Steve Kerr's evolving rotation and what to expect in bracket play this week. For your next listen, check out the Locked On NBA podcast, where the ...
Aug 05, 2024•29 min•Ep. 1926
Team USA took advantage of a huge size advantage in their pool play victory over South Sudan, moving to 2-0 at the Paris Olympics behind the strong play of Bam Adebayo, Anthony Edwards, and others. Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) breaks down the adjusted approach from Steve Kerr, as Joel Embiid didn't play and the offense strategy looked slightly different than it did last time out. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! eBay Motors From brakes to exhaust kits and beyond, eBay Motors has over 122 millio...
Aug 01, 2024•28 min•Ep. 1925
Anthony Edwards and Team USA are into Olympic competition. Tyus Jones signs for peanuts with the Phoenix Suns. And the Minnesota Timberwolves ownership squabble has a big hearing set in November. Our panel of Wolves experts reacts to it all. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! eBay Motors From brakes to exhaust kits and beyond, eBay Motors has over 122 million parts to keep your ride-or-die alive. With all the parts you need at the prices you want, it’s easy to bring home that big win. Keep y...
Jul 31, 2024•40 min•Ep. 1924
Anthony Edwards and Team USA will take on South Sudan in their second pool play game at the Paris Olympics. Plus, Minnesota Timberwolves players Rudy Gobert and Nickeil Alexander-Walker remain undefeated in the Olympics thus far. Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) talks about Gobert and Team France's narrow win over Japan, as well as updated gold medal odds. Finally, a look at Tyus Jones signing with the Phoenix Suns and the current Western Conference landscape. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! eBay ...
Jul 31, 2024•28 min•Ep. 1923
The Minnesota Timberwolves have four players representing their countries at the Olympics, and all four of them won their first games in Paris and carry 1-0 records into the week. Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) breaks down the Olympic landscape in the group stage. Plus, ESPN's best and worst moves of the offseason feature the Wolves' key move in a couple of places. Lastly, an update on the Wolves' ownership situation and what's next. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! eBay Motors From brakes to exh...
Jul 30, 2024•27 min•Ep. 1922
Minnesota Timberwolves superstar Anthony Edwards played a key role off the bench for Team USA in their opening Olympic contest as LeBron James and Kevin Durant led a takedown of Serbia and Nikola Jokic. Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) breaks down Ant's performance, and why his role on the squad is so vital. Also, Durant and LeBron's first-half perfection and the impact of Steph Curry. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! eBay Motors From brakes to exhaust kits and beyond, eBay Motors has over 122 mill...
Jul 29, 2024•29 min•Ep. 1921
The Minnesota Timberwolves are being graded too low in the various offseason grades being posted across the NBA blogosphere: their offseason has been much better than they've been given credit for, given their cap and roster limitations. Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) explains why, including the neutral Joe Ingles-for-Kyle Anderson move and the potential ceiling of the Rob Dillingham acquisition. Plus, discussing Kevin Garnett's rank in ESPN's top 25 of the 21st century list. Support Us By Supporting O...
Jul 26, 2024•33 min•Ep. 1920
The Minnesota Timberwolves offseason win total is out at FanDuel, and it's set perfectly. Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) breaks down why, and also why it's only fourth in the NBA. Plus, there are a couple of outlandish numbers for other title contenders...how did those numbers get set where they are? Also, thoughts on ESPN's offseason power rankings and Wolves players in the upcoming Paris Olympics. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! eBay Motors From brakes to exhaust kits and beyond, eBay Motors h...
Jul 25, 2024•29 min•Ep. 1919
The Minnesota Timberwolves Summer League came to a close with a 4-1 record and Rob Dillingham saved his best for last. Plus, what can Anthony Edwards glean from Team USA, and which Timberwolves player needs to take the biggest step this offseason? That's all on the latest Minnesota Basketball Party. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! eBay Motors From brakes to exhaust kits and beyond, eBay Motors has over 122 million parts to keep your ride-or-die alive. With all the parts you need at the pr...
Jul 24, 2024•48 min•Ep. 1918
Leonard Miller and Josh Minott headline the list of Minnesota Timberwolves players who helped themselves the most during Las Vegas Summer League as they each turned in encouraging performances, making a case to crack the rotation next season. Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) breaks down what was most impressive from each of them, and who might have the best shot at playing meaningful minutes next year. Also, other stats that stuck out from Rob Dillingham, Jesse Edwards, and more. Support Us By Supporting...
Jul 24, 2024•32 min•Ep. 1917
