Chris Finch Addresses How LaMelo Ball Will Change Timberwolves’ Identity

The Minnesota Timberwolves are expected to take on a new identity this upcoming season as they've revamped their starting lineup to better suit how Anthony Edwards plays.

Gone are Julius Randle and Naz Reid, who had their respective strengths on the offensive end, with Randle playing bully ball while showing his playmaking skills, and Reid acting as a stretch four while being able to put the ball on the floor a bit.

In are LaMelo Ball and Jonathan Kuminga , who bring a different set of skills to the table. LaMelo plays fast and loose with the ball, finding creative ways to get his shot off and get the ball to his teammates. Kuminga plays a straightforward game, and he drives to the basket.

Speaking to the Minnesota Post , Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch addressed how the team might play with its new-look roster.

"To be determined. As I sit here now, I want to see how it plays out. Your identity is driven by your best players, for sure, and we still have them. I can see a lot of our offensive identity still flowing through Ant. It is just that I think we have a chance to play faster, be a better passing team, maybe people benefit from off-ball movement more. With Rudy, a lot of different things (can happen), so I can see everything kind of get a little polished, if you will. But ultimately a lot of our identity is still going to flow through Anthony a lot," he said.

Anthony Edwards remains the best player on the team and one of the best scorers in the league, finishing third in scoring last season.

Minnesota finished 13th in the league in offense last season, and they've consistently been a top ten defense under Finch.

If they don't, something has gone wrong.

Between LaMelo, Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, and Kuminga, this is a team with great athleticism and ability to get to the rim. They should be pushing the ball upcourt, taking advantage of transition opportunities with their speed and strength.

Gobert is the weak link offensively, but his screen setting should continue to open things up, and his rebounding will end a lot of defensive possessions, which should allow them to immediately push the pace and capitalize on defenses that are not set.

The ball has a chance to move a lot more with LaMelo being the first true top-tier point guard that Edwards has ever played with and McDaniels making a leap. The offense can still flow through Edwards, but buckets should come much easier for him in the new starting lineup.