Our NBA insiders are debating the biggest topics in the league. Sports Illustrated senior writers Chris Mannix and Howard Beck weigh in on the rocky start in Minnesota and where the Timberwolves should go from here.
Chris Mannix: All right, Beck, we are fast approaching the midway point of the season, so it’s time to ask: What is going on with the Timberwolves? The Wolves were a trendy pick to finish in the top four in the Western Conference standings, but if the season ended today they would be outside the play-in looking in. Yes, Karl-Anthony Towns has been injured, but this team wasn’t winning before he went out. So what gives?
Howard Beck: If we’re ranking Most Disappointing Teams of the 2022–23 season, the Wolves have got to be a runaway No. 1, no? Sure, the Raptors and Bulls are underachieving, and the Lakers are an unmitigated disaster, but we had zero expectations for the Lakers, and the other two teams arguably overachieved last season. Plus, the Raptors are young and still searching for an identity.
