In order to pair LaMelo Ball with Anthony Edwards, the Minnesota Timberwolves made one of the largest summer acquisitions. In the hopes that his style and scoring power would complement Edwards and provide the squad with another offensive leader, the organization paid a hefty price to acquire the All-Star guard. However, Stan Van Gundy, a former NBA coach, is still skeptical that the Wolves will greatly benefit from the deal. Additionally, he thinks they will find it difficult to cope with more formidable opponents like Denver and Houston.
Stan Van Gundy Explains Why LaMelo Ball May Not Elevate the Timberwolves to Contender Status
Before the 2026-2027 NBA season, Stan Van Gundy publicly questioned the Minnesota Timberwolves and questioned whether acquiring LaMelo Ball truly improves the club. In an interview with The Zach Lowe Show, Van Gundy questioned the general excitement around the Timberwolves’ redesigned lineup. He also argued that while they are undoubtedly still among the best teams in the West, they are still lagging behind the top contenders.
“You know, everything I read, most people are saying, ‘Oh, Minnesota’s better.’ I just don’t see that at all. I think they’re going to be fun to watch with that backcourt.”
He stated that although he believed the team would score some points, he was not persuaded. He went on to say that he saw a lot of variation in the Lakers’ performance and that they could catch them. He further claimed that no team could match San Antonio or Oklahoma City, and he did not think they were as good as Denver or Houston.
The former NBA coach also provided an explanation for his evaluation. The Timberwolves advanced to the Western Conference Finals in 2024 and 2025. However, they were defeated by the San Antonio Spurs in the second round of the previous season.
LaMelo Ball’s Preseason Form and Improved Ball Security Offer Fresh Hope for Minnesota Timberwolves
LaMelo Ball has started his Minnesota Timberwolves career with an incredible preseason. Ball’s presence has drastically altered the atmosphere in the Timberwolves locker room, and the offense appears to be just as potent as it was under Anthony Edwards. The Timberwolves signed Jonathan Kuminga and acquired Ball from the Hornets in an effort to strengthen the supporting cast surrounding Edwards.
Ball has demonstrated that he can reduce his turnovers. He reduced his turnovers by 18% last season, from 3.3 to 2.7 per game, during the Charlotte Hornets’ finest season to date. He shot 40.7% from the field last season while averaging 20.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 7.0 assists. The Timberwolves now have a natural playmaker who can open doors for Edwards and the team thanks to his arrival.