The Minnesota Timberwolves have been a somewhat disappointing team for the past few seasons. They are loaded with talent including two former first-overall picks, Anthony Edwards and Karl Anthony-Towns, and former second-overall pick D'Angelo Russell. The amount of talent on the TWolves roster has not been the question with this franchise. Yet, they have failed to convert this into the level of on-court success that was expected in recent years.

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While the scoring ability and other on-court skills from these high-caliber players will be needed, there is another player on the roster who may have a bigger imprint on the team's success. When searching for the X-factor on the Minnesota Timberwolves, look no further than Patrick Beverley.

Timberwolves’ X-Factor in first round vs Grizzlies, and it’s not Karl Anthony-Towns

After initially being traded from the LA Clippers to the Memphis Grizzlies, Pat Beverley was once again shipped off to the Timberwolves in the offseason. The TWolves brought Beverley in to help change the mindset of the team. The veteran guard has made a home in Minnesota where his tenacity and edginess have been embraced by the fans.  It may not always be shown in the box scores, but few players compete on an every-play basis in the way Beverley does. Despite standing 6'1”, the veteran guard has never been afraid of a defensive assignment. This will be put to the test against the athletic Grizzlies roster.

It was a fairly productive season on the court for Beverley. He averaged 9.2 points, 4.6 assists, and 4.1 rebounds. This scoring total is the largest he has tallied since his time in Houston. But it's been the mentality he has brought to the franchise that has made the most notable impact. The guy nicknamed “Mr. 94” has proven why he has a reputation for being a nightmare to play against. Beverly also tallied 1.2 steals per game and was 15th in the NBA in technical fouls this season.

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Clapping in opponents' faces and slapping the floor may be comical to watch, but also has a positive impact. The Arkansas product has scrapped for everything throughout his entire career and refuses to become complacent. He may be over the top at times, but Patrick Beverley is the heart and soul that this Timberwolves team has been missing. If Minnesota has any sort of postseason success against the Grizzlies, they must not take their foot off the gas for any extended period of time. This is something you never have to worry about with Pat Beverley on the court. His infectious energy will need to rub off on his TWolves teammates.

It may be annoying to watch the scrappy guard celebrate coming up with a loose ball as if he won the title, but do not downplay his importance. Patrick Beverley is the X-Factor on the Minnesota Timberwolves. It is up to him to dictate the winning habits that the youthful roster has been missing.