Former NBA star Paul Pierce believes the Minnesota Timberwolves are missing a key piece of leadership as they chase a championship. Despite Anthony Edwards' strong play, Pierce says the team could benefit from a veteran with title experience to guide the locker room and help the squad succeed in the playoffs.
The Minnesota Timberwolves fell 116-103 to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday despite holding All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to just 10 points through three and a half quarters.
Minnesota Timberwolves / Schedule
The defeat has sparked questions about what the Timberwolves might be missing, particularly in the leadership department.
Former NBA champion Paul Pierce suggested the Timberwolves could benefit from a player with championship experience to guide the team.
"I think they lack a little bit of leadership," he said on the No Fouls Given podcast. "Not to say that Anthony Edwards is not a leader or Julius Randle, but I also think when you're trying to win a championship, there has to be somebody in that locker room that everybody respects that's been to the promised land."
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Pierce referenced his own experience with veteran leadership during his time with the Boston Celtics.
"For us, we had veterans: Ray, KG, and myself. We didn't have a championship, but having James Posey in that locker room, who won a championship, was important for us. And I think that's the one piece that they're missing. A guy that's been around the block," he explained.
The Timberwolves will look to regroup when they host the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday. Edwards, who has been the team's offensive leader this season, is averaging 29.5 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game, shooting 49.2% from the field and 40.2% from three across 58 games.
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