The NBA All-Star starters voting process has begun on Christmas Day. As the NBA community debates on who to add to the team, many rosters around the league are hoping for multiple players in the final teams. One of those teams is the Minnesota Timberwolves, a franchise that has not had much success in the past. With one playoff appearance in the last 18 years, they are fighting for the postseason this year and have a realistic shot. Also, with only 19 All-Star selections in the past, and only four seasons with multiple All-Stars in one year, the Timberwolves will be hoping their solid play gets recognized. To help them get there, here are two players that need to be All-Stars.
Undisputedly the best Timberwolves player, Towns is a lock for the frontcourt from the Western Conference. He has been on another tear this year and is the leader of this playoff push Minnesota is attempting to make. His numbers, in some regard, fell off from the last couple of seasons, but his efficiency has increased. As he matures in the league, the former Kentucky big-man will be a force to be reckoned with going forward.
This season, as said above, he took a very slight step back in averages but has increased his efficiency. He is averaging 24.5 points, 9.1 rebounds, 1.1 blocks, on shooting splits of 51.0/42.6/82.8. The 42.6% clip from three-point land is especially relevant. Towns has always been a shooting big man, but his efficiency this year is uncanny. Among centers that shoot at least three triples per game, Towns has the fourth-best percentage, with only Mike Muscala, Kevin Love, and John Collins ahead. Muscala and Collins also shoot 3.8 and 3.2 three's per game, respectively, while Towns shoots 5.6, which makes the feat more impressive.
The key, as it is visible from the numbers, was for the Timberwolves star to decrease his overall shots and usage rate, ever so slightly. Minny got a bit better and started sharing the offensive responsibility a bit more, giving Towns the opportunity to still be the first option, but with more help. The major step forward taken by Anthony Edwards in his sophomore season has helped him a lot to become a more mature player. That is visible on the court, as Towns looks more lean and focused than ever in his career. Should the Timberwolves return to the playoffs, it will be due to Towns playing great.
One more thing that goes into his All-Star case is the relative openness of the Western Conference frontcourt spots. While LeBron James and Nikola Jokic will occupy the starting spots, the Timberwolves big man can definitely lock down either the third starting spot or one of the bench spots. His competition includes guys like Paul George and Kristaps Porzingis, among others, but he will definitely be there. The Wolves are in a solid spot with the potential to push for a playoff place, Towns is shooting the lights out, and the general opinion around the league is that he is up there with the best of them. This will be Towns' third All-Star appearance in his career.
Anthony Edwards
This is tougher to argue, as there are two important aspects to look over. Firstly, the Timberwolves, while in a solid spot for their standards, are nowhere near close to the top of the West. Secondly, and even more importantly, the guard position for the West is beyond stacked. With two slots going to Steph Curry and either of Donovan Mitchell or Luka Doncic, Edwards or any other guard cannot hope for a spot. On the bench, that leaves us with the likes of Ja Morant, Damian Lillard, Devin Booker, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and many others.
However, Edwards might sneak in if the Wolves can make some sort of run and Edwards increases his numbers ever so slightly. Right now, he made a leap forward from last year and he is the second scorer of this Timberwolves team, behind Towns. He is averaging 22.2 points, 5.7 assists, 1.5 steals, on shooting splits of 43.4/36.1/78.8. It is not the most impressive stat line ever, but he might be in the consideration due to this season being a major improvement from last. Absolutely every segment of his statistics improved and he looks poised to join Towns in bringing the Timberwolves to glory.
He might be an underdog, but should some injuries or COVID-19 related absences come, Edwards will be ready. In his sophomore season, the Wolves youngster would benefit a lot from an appearance in the All-Star game. He would have a chance to play with the best the NBA has to offer, and experience that at a very young age. If he is not selected, it will not be a surprise, but if he is, Edwards earned it and it might be the first of many future All-Star appearances.
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