As the Minnesota Timberwolves stand on the precipice of the 2026-27 NBA season, the atmosphere surrounding the franchise is one of transition, anticipation, and a bold shift in identity. With the arrival of star point guard LaMelo Ball, the team is looking to unlock a new offensive ceiling, hoping to propel their franchise cornerstone, Anthony Edwards, back to his most effective role.
In the second part of an extensive annual interview with MinnPost, head coach Chris Finch pulled back the curtain on the team’s strategic evolution. From the "usage puzzle" created by his high-octane roster to the critical task of integrating a new veteran presence into the locker room, Finch provided a roadmap for how the Timberwolves intend to navigate the upcoming campaign.
The Strategic Shift: Unleashing Anthony Edwards
For the past several seasons, the Timberwolves’ offensive identity has been synonymous with the explosive ascent of Anthony Edwards. However, Finch acknowledges that the burden of ball-handling—while necessary—has inadvertently hindered Edwards’ efficiency.
"We don’t want to make Ant just be a catch-and-shoot guy," Finch explained. "He needs to get back to increasing his shot volume, and we weren’t able to do that last year with Ant handling the ball as much as he did. The reason Ant’s three-point volume fell is because he handled so much more. It wasn’t that guys weren’t able to create for him; it’s just the natural way things play out: You don’t get the ball back as much when you are handling so often."
By bringing in LaMelo Ball, the coaching staff intends to shift the primary playmaking responsibilities, allowing Edwards to thrive as a natural shooting guard. Finch is emphatic that Edwards is at his best when he is an explosive two-guard operating alongside playmakers who can feed him in rhythm. The goal is to move away from high-usage pull-up shooting and toward a more efficient mix of catch-and-shoot opportunities and single-coverage dominance.
The LaMelo Ball Factor: Polishing the Potential
The acquisition of LaMelo Ball represents the biggest gamble—and the greatest potential reward—for the Timberwolves this offseason. While Ball’s talent is undeniable, his career has been marked by occasional inefficiency and a high-risk, high-reward approach.
Finch addressed the criticism regarding Ball’s shot selection and turnover rate with a blend of candor and optimism. "Some of his individual inefficiencies on offense are related to shot selection and decision-making," Finch noted. "He can make all those shots he takes, but making a living off of those shots is different and very hard to do. We want him to focus on having a finishing plan and embracing the contact that comes with finishing at the rim."
Finch also challenged the narrative that Ball is merely a "happy-go-lucky" player who values fun over substance. He pointed to the performance metrics of Ball’s teammates last year as evidence that his presence elevates those around him. "That’s not by accident," Finch insisted. "It was the first complete set of teammates that accentuated his skill set. I’m sure that impact is repeatable."
Jaden McDaniels: The Unsung Pillar
While the backcourt changes dominate headlines, Jaden McDaniels remains the team’s defensive backbone and an evolving offensive threat. Finch views McDaniels not just as a wing stopper, but as a critical piece of the team’s offensive "usage puzzle."
The coach noted that McDaniels has moved past the stage of uncertainty, where he was once unsure if he would take six shots or sixteen on any given night. As the offense becomes more dynamic under Ball, Finch expects McDaniels to benefit from more transition opportunities and "throw-ahead" passes. Perhaps most importantly, Finch highlighted McDaniels’ interior passing ability—specifically his connection with Rudy Gobert.
"He’s one of our best interior passers," Finch said. "When Rudy first got here, they really had a connection. I feel like the more we are going to put the ball in his hands, the more he has to make the right decision. And sometimes, often, it is passing."
Leadership in a Post-Veteran Locker Room
The departure of seasoned veterans like Mike Conley, Kyle Anderson, and Joe Ingles has left a leadership void that the Timberwolves must fill internally. Finch is acutely aware of the "wisdom" that has left the building, yet he views this as a necessary step in the maturity of his young stars.
"If we’re going to take the diapers off, let’s take the diapers off," Finch said, reflecting on the responsibility now resting on the shoulders of Edwards and McDaniels. "It’s your team now. What you say and the way you say it, and setting the tone from the first days of practice; that stuff matters. And it’s time."
However, Finch is cautious not to force these players to become "imitation veterans." He does not expect Edwards to mimic the leadership style of Mike Conley. Instead, he encourages them to lead authentically. "Ant needs to lead according to his personality," Finch stated.
The ‘Rudy’ Dilemma: Bridging the Gap
One of the most profound insights from the interview was Finch’s concern regarding Rudy Gobert’s role in this new-look roster. With the departure of his most trusted teammates, the "stepfather" of the locker room—as he has been described—faces a period of adjustment.
"My biggest concern is that Rudy lost a lot of allies," Finch admitted. "Guys who understood him, knew how to talk to him, and could help him help us. As I go into the season, I am just conscious to make sure that there are people on the team that can still ‘speak Rudy.’"
Despite the concerns, the outlook is bright. Finch pointed to a summer gathering in Paris, organized by Anthony Edwards and supported by LaMelo Ball, as a pivotal moment for team chemistry. The fact that the younger players initiated this bonding trip is a sign that the group is beginning to "adopt" Gobert, ensuring he remains a central, valued piece of the championship hunt.
Implications for the Upcoming Season
As the Timberwolves prepare for training camp, the core message from Chris Finch is one of evolution. The team will likely be less reliant on traditional, slow-paced tactical management and more focused on organic, high-speed execution.
- Offensive Philosophy: Expect a faster pace and a greater emphasis on off-ball movement, with LaMelo Ball acting as the conductor and Anthony Edwards serving as the primary finisher.
- Usage Distribution: The coaching staff is working to ensure that stars like Edwards and McDaniels receive more high-quality touches, potentially at the expense of difficult pull-up shots.
- Internal Leadership: The burden of accountability has shifted to the players. The team will be looking to its "young veterans" to set the tone and maintain the defensive intensity that has been a hallmark of the Finch era.
- The Gobert Integration: The success of the season may hinge on how effectively the team can integrate Gobert into a faster, more perimeter-oriented offensive scheme.
The Timberwolves are banking on the idea that the "diapers are off." With a roster brimming with talent and a coaching staff willing to embrace the volatility of a new offensive system, the stage is set for a high-stakes season. Whether they can replicate the success of previous years while integrating new pieces remains the primary question, but for Chris Finch, the path forward is clear: it’s time for the team to grow into the championship contender they believe they can be.
Stay tuned for Part 3 of the MinnPost series, where Coach Finch discusses the acquisition of Jonathan Kuminga and the depth of the Timberwolves’ bench.
