With the regular season set to begin Wednesday, Minnesota Timberwolves coach Chris Finch believes his reshaped roster is prepared for an immediate test.
The Wolves open against a string of big, physical teams, including a Miami squad now featuring Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Finch said preparation for that challenge has been a major emphasis throughout training camp and the preseason.
“We’re aware of it as soon as the schedule came out,” Finch said. “We have a lot of physical front lines in particular, like big-bodied fours, super strong athletic. We’ve been preaching things we need to do all camp. So we’ll see if we’re ready.”
KSTP Sports spoke with Finch, guard LaMelo Ball, and forward Jonathan Kuminga after practice on Monday.
**_\*\*\*Click the video box above to watch Finch, Ball, and Kuminga preview Wednesday’s opener vs. Miami\*\*\*_**
After the opener in Miami, the Wolves play at Orlando Friday and take on Toronto Sunday at Target Center for their home opener.
Finch believes preseason play showed encouraging signs.
“I thought our aggressiveness was really good, our ability to cover for each other,” Finch said. “Technically, we did some things that have been different for us, so we’ve been able to accomplish those things in preparation for that.”
One of the biggest storylines entering the season is the arrival of All-Star guard LaMelo Ball, whose offensive talent is unquestioned. Finch said the next step in Ball’s evolution will be postseason success.
“The talent is undeniable,” Finch said. “The ability to make your teammates better in all different ways. He’s undeniable.”
While Ball’s offensive production has long drawn attention, Finch said he’s been impressed by another aspect of the 25-year-old’s game.
“He’s actually been way more physical than I anticipated,” Finch said. “I think he’s been really good on the ball and picking up our schemes. Having a bunch of guys around him with that fly-around defensive mentality has activated him, too.”
Ball believes the chemistry developing throughout the roster is a major reason for optimism.
“Everybody just being on the same page, running, obviously,” Ball said when asked about the key to playing fast. “Same page. That’s going to be the main thing.”
The veteran point guard said he’s already developed a strong bond with center Rudy Gobert.
“Rudy’s just a great guy for real,” Ball said. “Easy to talk to, easy to be around, always looking out.”
Ball also said his transition to Minnesota has been smooth.
“Everywhere I go, I feel loved,” Ball said. “I ain’t got no problem going nowhere.”
Forward Jonathan Kuminga, another major offseason addition, echoed Ball’s confidence in the group. Kuminga said the team’s chemistry has developed quickly thanks to a locker room full of players eager to improve and hold each other accountable.
“From day one I got here, I think we started building that,” Kuminga said. “I feel very comfortable on the court, off the court, and just anything I need, I could call anybody.”
Like Finch, Kuminga has noticed Ball’s commitment on the defensive end.
“So far I’ve seen he’s giving all he got,” Kuminga said. “He’s very active on the ball. We all helping each other. We all not perfect.”