Michael Rand
Columnist / Reporter
RandBallMichael Rand is a North Dakota native, a graduate of the University of Minnesota and an enthusiastic consumer of tacos. He lives in Eagan with his wife, three children and one energetic pug.
Latest from Michael Rand
Who, when and where will the Timberwolves play next?
Plenty of variables are still in play for the Wolves, but Friday’s game between Golden State and Houston will tell a lot about what to expect.
May 2, 2025
Podcast: Wild at a crossroads, Wolves on a roll, Twins in a slide
Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the Wild, who were eliminated in six games (again) after having a 2-1 series lead (again). Star Tribune writer and Wolves fan Jeff Day checks in with Rand on the five-game series win over the Lakers.
May 2, 2025
RandBall: Five narratives the Wolves demolished along with the Lakers
Julius Randle, Rudy Gobert and closing out games are all on the list after the Wolves moved on in the NBA playoffs.
May 1, 2025
Podcast: Same old Wild? La Velle E. Neal III and Michael Rand debate
Host Michael Rand starts with five narratives the Wolves destroyed along with flattening the Lakers in five games. La Velle E. Neal III joins Rand for their weekly debate segment, focusing on the Wild, Lynx and Vikings.
May 1, 2025
Shedeur Sanders and the $350,000 prank call
The NFL hammered the Atlanta Falcons and defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich after a bad prank gone awry by Ulbrich's son Jax during the draft last week.
April 30, 2025
Podcast: Wild heartbreak, Wolves opportunity and an Iowa football fan checks in
Host Michael Rand starts with the Wild’s latest playoff heartbreak, another overtime loss to Vegas. Chip Scoggins joins Rand to mostly talk about the Wolves’ 3-1 series lead heading into Wednesday’s Game 5 in Los Angeles.
April 30, 2025
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RandBall: Wait, a Minnesota team benefited from a missed call in a big game?
The NBA said a foul should have been called on Jaden McDaniels near the end of the Wolves’ Game 4 victory. Minnesota fans are used to these things going the other way.
April 29, 2025
Podcast: Critical Game 5s offer different opportunities for Wolves, Wild
Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with three points on the Wolves, who have a commanding 3-1 series lead against the Lakers but must keep their foot on the gas.
And Sarah McLellan joins Rand to break down Wild vs. Vegas Game 5.
April 29, 2025
RandBall: Vikings received awful NFL draft grades from a lot of analysts
The pressure is on quarterback J.J. McCarthy and edge rusher Dallas Turner, the team's top draft choices of 2024, to make this year's small class a non-issue.
April 28, 2025
Podcast: Patrick Reusse on an unbelievable weekend at Target Center
Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports. They started, naturally, with the Wolves’ second consecutive thrilling home win over the Lakers, which gave Minnesota 3-1 series lead.
April 28, 2025
RandBall: The Vikings made a good pick, but did they make the right choice?
The Vikings had an opportunity to trade down and accumulate more picks. Did they do the right thing in staying put and taking Ohio State offensive lineman Donovan Jackson?
April 25, 2025
Podcast: Wild seize the night; Can the Timberwolves do the same?
Introduction: host Michael Rand starts with the Vikings’ decision Thursday to take Ohio State offensive lineman Donovan Jackson No. 24 overall. The Wild, meanwhile, left no doubt.
April 25, 2025
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