We asked readers for their Wolves-related questions, and they had a whole bunch. Here are some of the best ones, with answers:
Ricky P — Will we see (Ricky) Rubio continue to play in "clutch" time or will his role taper off as the season progresses?
A: It's going to be one of the more fascinating questions as the season goes forward. It hasn't been the smoothest of starts for Rubio, but given his veteran stature, and given that the Wolves brought him here for leadership, it's going to be difficult — once he returns from the health and safety protocols list — to remove him from a clutch lineup even if another lineup combination might be ideal. The Wolves are already asking Rubio to make a sacrifice in coming off the bench. Before the season, Rubio said he wouldn't be thrilled if he had to come off the bench, but he would do it if he thought it'd be best for the team — and if the team was winning. They're not winning right now.
The Rubio-D'Angelo Russell combination hasn't exactly sparked fireworks offensively. The two have an offensive efficiency of just one point per possession when they play together. That's over 120 minutes of playing time. That number is only 1.02 in fourth quarters (which accounts for 30 minutes of that playing time). How long before you can say it's not working? How long do you give them to try and develop chemistry?
Russell likes to be methodical with the ball in his hands and that can sometimes pause a high-tempo offense. He also doesn't need Rubio to set screens for him, nor is Rubio like Malik Beasley, who can knock down the open looks those screen and rolls may penetrate. It has been hard to see how they fit together so far — and fit together specifically in crunch time.
@Justin_V_Allen — "Blasphemy alert... but is it time to think about trading KAT? I just don't really see their endgame with the current roster, even a year or two down the road (unless Edwards suddenly becomes mini-Giannis). I'm honestly ready to blow it up and start again."
A: I get the frustration, but a reset will only delay and thought of contending by even more years. Also, as all these trades for superstars have shown in the last two years, the Wolves will get a haul if they one day do decide to trade Towns or he asks out of town. Given he has three years left on his contract after this one, I think you can afford to wait and see how President Gersson Rosas adapts the team around him in the near future.
That said, I'm not sure how long of a timeframe Rosas is going to have before frustrations mounts internally and externally. Towns is staring down the barrel of only one short-lived playoff appearance in six seasons, if the Wolves don't make it this year. If that number becomes 1 in 7 next year or 1 in 8 two years from now, it's hard to imagine the rumor mill won't crank up again. But again, if that day comes, the Wolves should be able to command plenty in return for Towns, no matter when it may come. So for now, just try to see the roster for what it's worth and what it might become.
