Anthony Edwards went off and Donte DiVincenzo continued his strong preseason in the Minnesota Timberwolves game at the New York Knicks. Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) breaks down a fun preseason matchup, including key notes on Chris Finch's rotation: what is Rob Dillingham's role? What about Joe Ingles? What will the end of the rotation look like once we get into the regular season? For your next listen, check out the Locked On NBA podcast, where the season never ends providing national expertise with ...
Oct 14, 2024•32 min•Ep. 1970
The Minnesota Timberwolves have a fairly clear top eight or nine players in their rotation. How can rookie Terrence Shannon Jr. or 21-year-old Josh Minott crack into the rotation? Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) breaks down potential roles for Shannon and Minott and what they can bring to the table for the Wolves this season -- namely, energy and defense. Plus, what Luka Garza's new role is for the Timberwolves now that he's on a guaranteed deal. For your next listen, check out the Locked On NBA podcast...
Oct 11, 2024•29 min•Ep. 1969
Believe it or not, a pair of ESPN projections (Kevin Pelton's and Basketball Power Index) agree that the Minnesota Timberwolves are in line for a better season following the Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo trade. Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) breaks down why that's the case, and why the Wolves' defense shouldn't decline in the same way that Kevin Pelton's projections seem to think they will. Plus, previewing the end of the roster, including Keita Bates-Diop, Leonard Miller, and PJ Dozier. For your ...
Oct 10, 2024•30 min•Ep. 1968
The annual GM Survey on NBA.com painted a rosy picture for the Minnesota Timberwolves, including a projected second-place finish in the Western Conference and several positive mentions of Anthony Edwards, Rudy Gobert, and head coach Chris Finch. Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) breaks down why it's good to be wary of the GM's predictions. Plus, analysis surrounding all of the Ant, Rudy, and Finch mentions -- not to mention some of the newcomers. For your next listen, check out the Locked On NBA podcast, ...
Oct 09, 2024•31 min•Ep. 1967
In the wake of last week's big trade, the Minnesota Timberwolves will have to make a roster decision. Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) discusses the Wolves' options, as well as which player is most likely to be cut. Plus, previewing camp contract signees and two-way players: Eugene Omoruyi, Skylar Mays, Daishen Nix, Jesse Edwards, and Jaylen Clark. 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 li...
Oct 08, 2024•32 min•Ep. 1966
The Minnesota Timberwolves impressed with their depth in an easy preseason win over the Los Angeles Lakers behind efficient scoring from Josh Minott and an impressive debut by rookie Rob Dillingham. Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) breaks down why the Wolves' depth was so impactful, as well as what was best about the performances from both Minott and Dillingham, as well as Luka Garza. Also, what was noticeable about Chris Finch's rotation. For your next listen, check out the Locked On NBA podcast, where ...
Oct 07, 2024•29 min•Ep. 1965
The Minnesota Timberwolves offense lagged behind their defense last year, but there are some areas in which they could find some quick improvement. Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) explores each of those places, plus how newcomer Julius Randle will help the Wolves' offense overall. Also, a preview of the Wolves' preseason opener against the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night. For your next listen, check out the Locked On NBA podcast, where the season never ends providing national expertise with a local p...
Oct 04, 2024•27 min•Ep. 1964
Despite trading away Karl-Anthony Towns, ESPN's Kevin Pelton's trade grade for the Minnesota Timberwolves after the blockbuster with the New York Knicks was surprisingly positive. Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) breaks down Pelton's analysis, including the Wolves' improved depth with Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo. Plus, DiVincenzo's impact on the Wolves' defensive options, as well as Chris FInch's media day comments regarding areas for improvement within the Timberwolves offense. For your next list...
Oct 03, 2024•30 min•Ep. 1963
Julius Randle comes to the Minnesota Timberwolves after having played alongside several centers in his time with the New York Knicks that were of a similar archetype as Rudy Gobert. How did Randle fair in those pairings and how does it compare with the Wolves' old Karl-Anthony Towns lineups? Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) breaks down last year's Knicks and Wolves lineups and what it may look like this year with Randle on this year's Timberwolves, plus how the overall rotation could look given Randle's ...
Oct 02, 2024•29 min•Ep. 1962
Evaluating three positives that should come from the Minnesota Timberwolves trade for Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo, from what each player can bring to the Wolves offense and what DiVincenzo could add to the defense. Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) breaks down Randle's potential contributions on the offensive end and how each player will impact the depth and rotation. For your next listen, check out the Locked On NBA podcast, where the season never ends providing national expertise with a local per...
Oct 01, 2024•31 min•Ep. 1961
In a crossover episode of Locked On Wolves and Locked On Knicks, Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) and Alex Wolfe (@alexwolfe) break down the Karl-Anthony Towns trade, focusing on what KAT brings to the New York Knicks and what Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo bring to the Minnesota Timberwolves. How will the Knicks deploy Towns defensively? How will Randle fit on that end of the floor for the Wolves, and will the spacing work with Randle in the frontcourt with Rudy Gobert? For your next listen, check o...
Sep 30, 2024•54 min•Ep. 1960
REACTION to the Minnesota Timberwolves trading Karl-Anthony Towns to the New York Knicks in exchange for Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo, and a protected first-round pick. Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) discusses why the Wolves' roster is worse for this season, but the trade opens up future options for the Wolves. Plus, why DiVincenzo was the key to the trade and what Randle will provide (both good and bad) in KAT's spot in the Wolves offense. For your next listen, check out the Locked On NBA podcast, ...
Sep 28, 2024•29 min•Ep. 1959
In a shocking twist, Kevin Pelton's win total projections at ESPN have the Minnesota Timberwolves projected to finish in the Play-In. Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) breaks down the several reasons why a 42-win projection is completely off-base, from Anthony Edwards's continued rise, the relative inconsequence of replacing end-of-rotation players with rookies, and what a reasonable win total looks like for the Wolves. For your next listen, check out the Locked On NBA podcast, where the season never ends...
Sep 27, 2024•33 min•Ep. 1958
The Minnesota Timberwolves tied for the league lead with six players in the top 100 at the CBS Sports top-100 player rankings -- but Karl-Anthony Towns is ranked much too low. Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) attempts to explain why KAT is again disrespected, and why Anthony Edwards has vaulted into the top 10 in the ranking. Also, where Rudy Gobert, Jaden McDaniels, Naz Reid, and Mike Conley rank. Plus, the Wolves officially signed four players to training camp deals. For your next listen, check out the...
Sep 26, 2024•32 min•Ep. 1957
Are Minnesota Timberwolves stars Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns a top-5 NBA duo? Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) ranks the league's best duos and decides where Ant and KAT should land, including who's definitely ahead of them -- and who they've left in their dust. Also, the Wolves' most recent training camp signing. 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...
Sep 25, 2024•28 min•Ep. 1956
The Minnesota Timberwolves won 56 games last season, but their win total over/under at FanDuel is 52.5. Are they more likely to hit the over or the under? Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) makes the case for both sides of the coin, from considering injury luck to the strength of the Western Conference to variance in 3-point defense, as well as the overall improvement in the roster's ceiling heading into the 2024-25 season. For your next listen, check out the Locked On NBA podcast, where the season never e...
Sep 24, 2024•29 min•Ep. 1955
It's time to focus in on the biggest question facing the Minnesota Timberwolves this season related to their roster and their rotation as we draw closer to training camp. Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) breaks down the roster and what we should be looking out for beginning in the preseason. Plus, a word to describe the Wolves' offseason and the status of the organization as we head into the 2024-25 campaign is... For your next listen, check out the Locked On NBA podcast, where the season never ends prov...
Sep 23, 2024•29 min•Ep. 1954
The Minnesota Timberwolves were dominant defensively last season but the offense remained in the middle of the pack. Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) breaks down how the Wolves can ascend into the league's top tier of offensive attacks in 2024-25, including why being opportunistic with fastbreak opportunities will be key for several reasons. Plus, another update in the ownership battle. For your next listen, check out the Locked On NBA podcast, where the season never ends providing national expertise wit...
Sep 20, 2024•30 min•Ep. 1953
What if Jaden McDaniels makes an offensive leap this year for the Minnesota Timberwolves? Ben Beecken (@bbecken) breaks down what that could look like and why he might be able to do it. Plus, the Wolves signed Jaedon LeDee to a training camp deal. A scouting report on LeDee and the type of skill set that the All-American and NCAA power forward of the year possesses. For your next listen, check out the Locked On NBA podcast, where the season never ends providing national expertise with a local pe...
Sep 19, 2024•31 min•Ep. 1952
What if Anthony Edwards makes another leap this season? What would that look like for Ant, and what impact would that have on the Minnesota Timberwolves as a team? Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) explores what could get Edwards to First Team All-NBA and potential MVP-level and why it's a perfectly reasonable possibility. Also, as NBA expansion enters the conversation once again, what impact might that have on the Wolves? Could they move to the Eastern Conference? Finally, notes on Sachin Gupta, the Wolv...
Sep 18, 2024•29 min•Ep. 1951
The Minnesota Timberwolves continue to fill their training camp roster, reportedly signing combo guard Skylar Mays and forward Eugene Omoruyi. Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) discusses what each player brings to the team and why they were both brought into the fold, as well as wondering if either could have a shot at making the Wolves roster for the start of the regular season. Plus, more legal developments surrounding the Timberwolves organization. For your next listen, check out the Locked On NBA podc...
Sep 17, 2024•30 min•Ep. 1950
What If Week kicks off with some ominous questions: what if the Minnesota Timberwolves get off to a bad start? What if Glen Taylor wins the ownership fight? On the flip side, what if the Wolves win the NBA Finals?? Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) breaks down all angles of possible team outcomes for the season and how the Timberwolves' cap situation and the ownership battle may influence the direction of the franchise. For your next listen, check out the Locked On NBA podcast, where the season never ends...
Sep 16, 2024•32 min•Ep. 1949
Karl-Anthony Towns has worked with several coaches and front offices in his nine years with the Minnesota Timberwolves, but through it all, he's been remarkably consistent and adaptable. How has his role on offense changed and what might it look like in 2024-25? Ben Beecken (@bbeecken) dives into all of the above, as well as some subtle tweaks he could make to be even more efficient and effective this season. For your next listen, check out the Locked On NBA podcast, where the season never ends ...
Sep 13, 2024•31 min•Ep. 1948
Minnesota Timberwolves big man Rudy Gobert has continued to face criticism this year despite his Defensive Player of the Year award. Our crew discusses Rudy and also gets into Timberwolves players who will be missed the most. And of course, the latest on the Minnesota Lynx. 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 D...
Sep 11, 2024•48 min•Ep. 1947
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
