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Just a few years ago, the Minnesota Timberwolves made a deal for an enigmatic, polarizing point guard using a first-round pick and a franchise legend (do not disrespect Andrew Wiggins, that’s my guy), just as they did in this offseason. The Wolves were universally lambasted for this move, with their trade partner being praised for selling high.
D’Angelo Russell is one of the most reviled Wolves of recent history. Despite a few decent years (or months), his turnovers, early shot-clock off-the-dribble threes, and miserable defense led to a benching in the playoffs against the Memphis Grizzlies for Jordan McLaughlin, and his reputation with the fanbase never really recovered. Maybe it’s partly that Russell was the outgoing piece on one of the best trades the Wolves franchise have ever pulled off that made him so infinitely laugh-at-able for fans.
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Still, Russell’s first few months in a Wolves jersey ahead of the COVID lockdown were like lightning in a bottle. Those same fans who now laugh at him were celebrating what he brought to the team in a season that began with Treveon Graham in the starting lineup.
That feels a lot like Wolves fans clamoring for LaMelo Ball as a second star who brings joy instead of moodiness and moroseness.
But the question then becomes a sad one of whether caution is necessary at a time that is so full of joy. Despite the absence of Anthony Edwards, the Timberwolves are on a five-game win streak on the shoulders of Ball. After multiple years of joyless, winning basketball, the Wolves have their heart back. So is that question even worth asking? Is this piece worth writing?
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The obvious answer is no. The big difference in LaMelo Ball and D’Angelo Russell’s first 12 games for the Wolves is that Minnesota has gone 9-3 with Ball at the helm, an equal reflection of Russell’s 3-9.
And yes, the team around these players was far worse in the 2019-20 season than it is now, but still, Minnesota is winning with one young star point guard leading the charge, when his apparent predecessor couldn’t do so.
To add to it, the view of the trade is so vastly different already this season….
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/d-angelo-russell-lamelo-ball-173132297.html
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Publish date : 2026-11-14 17:31:00
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