While it is true that the Minnesota Timberwolves aren’t having an amazing season so far, there are some impressive statistics below the line when you dig into the team.
The T-Wolves are currently 11-11 and 10th in the West.
Those aren’t the numbers that fans expected following their promising previous season and the acquisition of Rudy Gobert from the Utah Jazz.
Minnesota isn’t the team it should be, at least not yet.
D’Angelo Russell is holding his opponents to 38.9% FG on defended shots
That is the LOWEST mark in the NBA among players who have defended at least 170 shots (150 players qualified)
He is also 1 of 3 guards to rank in the top 10 in total blocks AND steals among all guards
— Jordan Miranda (@TJmiranda) December 1, 2022
But one star on the team is doing some great things even as his team suffers an identity crisis.
D’Angelo Russell is keeping his opponents to a 38.9% field goal percentage on defense shots.
As Jordan Miranda notes, that is the lowest mark in the league among players who have defended at least 170 shots.
Russell is also just one of three guards to rank in the top 10 in total blocks and steals among guards.
He doesn’t always get the praise that he deserves but Russell is becoming a well-rounded and impressive star.
D’Angelo Doing Defense
Like many other guards, Russell isn’t always looked to for his defensive skills.
That is doubly true for Russell, who is playing for one of the biggest teams in the league.
But that doesn’t mean Russell isn’t going to stop working on his game and attempt to bring more to the table.
Timberwolves fans have had mixed reactions to Russell over the last few years, with some paying more attention to Karl-Anthony Towns, Anthony Edwards, and now Gobert.
This has led to some speculation that Russell could be on the trading block at some point.
But if he continues to improve his skills, Minnesota should keep him around for a long time.
