Following Minnesota’s playoff exclusion, the restructuring of conversation has intensified, with a franchise-centric approach to the conversation. Most discussions focus on how the Timberwolves complement Anthony Edwards’ fundamentals.
Edwards received help from Julius Randle after Minnesota swapped the town of Karl Anthony for New York this season. However, the results remained unchanged, with another Western Conference final.
Former Minnesota player Austin Rivers joined the debate with a controversial take. He believes that two specific players will have to be cut to maximize Edwards’ potential.
The first player on the Riverslist is Randle. Rivers claims that Edwards needs a guard partnership rather than a star forward like Randle.
“I’m Julius next to Ali. That’s always this. They started playing really well as a team and no one can stop him. And they’re really defending, and it was just annoying,” Rivers explained.
“I’m not about Julius, I’m about position, rather than the second star coming forward. For me, he wants to be paired with another security guard,” he continued.
“I want to have ants on his team with seven guards, but then I’ll just lower the threat of some lobs that can run and jump.”
The second target is Rudy Gobert, where his production doesn’t match his large contract. Against Oklahoma City, Gobert managed just 29 points and 33 rebounds in five games.
Despite earning $36.5 million a year, Goat averaged only 7.9 points, 8.6 rebounds and 0.7 assists throughout the postseason. Rivers believes that pay could be used better elsewhere.
“I like Rudy. Rudy gets paid a lot, and with that, you’ll be like a decent big guy who can run and jump, like a security guard and a pick.
His vision includes the construction of a radical roster around Edwards. “I rather have six or seven guards and ants, then some wings and couples. All you have to do is rebound blocks, and you don’t need the center of the star. You don’t need to face star power.”
“I already got a Naz Reid anyway. If I need scoring, I’m going to take a guy with me who can run, jump and block. Remember how Clint Capella was with Houston.