Oct 7, 2026; Ames, Iowa, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch watches his team play the Indiana Pacers during the second half at James H. Hilton Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-Imagn Images
Oct 7, 2026; Ames, Iowa, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch watches his team play the Indiana Pacers during the second half at James H. Hilton Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-Imagn Images
The Minnesota Timberwolves have consistently been one of the most competitive teams in the Western Conference over the last few years. With a superstar like Anthony Edwards leading the team, the Wolves have always been a playoff threat. However, Minnesota underwent some massive changes this summer.
In one of the first big trades of the offseason, the Timberwolves moved star forward Julius Randle (Nets) along with big man Naz Reid (Hornets). To fill the void of a co-star, Minnesota acquired LaMelo Ball from Charlotte, and according to head coach Chris Finch, this has made all the difference.
LaMelo Ball has certainly brought a different energy to the Timberwolves’ roster, one that has been viewed favorably by the organization. However, Chris Finch only recently captured how his influence has truly impacted the team’s environment. While speaking with the media before Minnesota’s preseason matchup against the Knicks, Finch stated:
“He’s always in a great mood. Always comes in smiling. He and Anthony have a shared quality: they’re really hard to stay mad at. And they do some things that you want to get mad at. They have a reflective joy… We referred to ourselves as a moody team in the last couple of years, at times, and it’s probably gotten in our way. We’ve traded moodiness for giddiness. So, we’ve got to get to some sort of happy medium.”
LaMelo Ball is known for his laid-back and happy-go-lucky personality. Although he was criticized for this during his time in Charlotte, with many perceiving it as unserious, it has clearly resonated with the Timberwolves’ personnel. However, Finch’s comment about the Wolves’ “moodiness” deserves some attention.
Earlier in the year, during the playoffs, former Timberwolves big man Naz Reid had referred to his team as “moody,” capturing their propensity for complacency and inconsistency at inappropriate periods in the game. While Finch’s remark echoes this sentiment, some believe that it may have been a shot at former Wolves forward Julius Randle.
In many ways, Finch’s comments are justified. Despite having the potential to be among the top teams in the league, the Timberwolves were routinely let down by poor execution. For obvious reasons, this can be frustrating for a head coach. To that end, however, acquiring a player like LaMelo Ball, who brings a completely different vibe to the group, is a refreshing change of pace.
Chris Finch and the Wolves’ organization have held a great opinion of Ball ever since his arrival, possibly because of the commitment he has shown to his teammates and building those relationships. In this regard, his performances during preseason have only served to strengthen these opinions.
Following their 122-104 victory over the New York Knicks, the Minnesota Timberwolves have improved to 3-1 in the preseason. While Anthony Edwards’ 26-point performance paved the way for the Wolves’ victory, LaMelo Ball’s contributions of 10 points, three rebounds, and seven assists were also vital.
Although he’s appeared in three preseason games for the Wolves, averaging only 11.6 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game, LaMelo Ball has quickly shown why he is the ideal running mate next to Anthony Edwards.
Last season, Ball averaged 20.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 7.1 assists per game, showcasing his ability to score and distribute. While his production in Minnesota may be marginally different, the 25-year-old will certainly be in a position to be more impactful. Thus, with many expecting the young guard to revitalize the Timberwolves’ offense, it will be intriguing to see whether he can build on his slow preseason performances and become a significant contributor during the regular season.