Since he made it to the NBA, Karl-Anthony Towns has been criticized for his bad defense.
He’s never been physically strong enough to compete with other big men and has sometimes appeared unable or uninterested in helping.
Nevertheless, his offensive versatility and skill have always made him a valuable player, and the Minnesota Timberwolves have clearly missed him this season.
Without him, Anthony Edwards has had to rely on the three-point shot way more often, and while he’s made big strides in that regard, that’s never been his game.
He’s less dangerous when he pulls up from a distance rather than driving and keeping everybody involved.
However, their defensive regression may be the biggest issue with this team.
At least, that’s how former NBA player Greg Anthony feels.
“They’ve lost their defensive identity” 😳@GregAnthony50 on the Timberwolves after they fall to .500 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/mkoI0udjbj
— NBA TV (@NBATV) January 5, 2025
After losing to the Detroit Pistons, Anthony argued that the Timberwolves had lost their defensive identity.
Chris Finch’s team has the reigning Defensive Player of the Year in Rudy Gobert.
Once again, however, he’s proven to be unplayable during stretches.
Gobert has been pushed around and moved into the restricted area, and the team’s overall defensive effort has been lacking.
Looking back, perhaps trading their second-best player months after making the Western Conference Finals wasn’t the wisest idea.
Not so long ago, they looked like a team on the rise, poised to be a championship contender for years to come.
Now, they’re struggling to hang around .500, and it doesn’t feel like a coincidence.
NEXT: Bill Simmons Says 1 NBA Team’s Situation Is A ‘Code Red’
