The 2020-21 season has been a tumultuous one for the Minnesota Timberwolves. They are in last place not only in the Western Conference but the whole NBA with a 7-21 record. It is tough to imagine things getting much worse in Minnesota, but they might over the next few weeks.
It was announced that starting point guard D’Angelo Russell will be sidelined for the next 4-6 weeks after undergoing arthroscopic surgery. He underwent the surgery on his left knee to remove a loose body. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski was first with the details.
This is a big blow for a Timberwolves team that has been unable to build any chemistry and cohesion on the court this season. Star center Karl-Anthony Towns has played in only eight games this season. He missed time with a hand injury earlier in the season and recently returned after testing positive for COVID-19. Now, D’Angelo Russell will miss at least the next month because of the procedure he underwent on his knee.
Russell is averaging 19.3 points per game to go along with 5.1 assists, 2.6 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game. He isn’t having the greatest season, but for a team already struggling to win games, losing a former NBA All-Star won’t help.
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Without D’Angelo Russell in the lineup, Ricky Rubio will most likely take over the starting point guard spot. He has also struggled to find his footing this season yo-yo-ing between the starting five and second unit. With his role now looking more defined, he might start producing at a better clip. With him most likely stepping into the starting five, Jordan McLaughlin should be a permanent part of the rotation going forward with the second unit.
Jarrett Culver sounds like he is close to a return and will also help fill the void at the point guard spot. Malik Beasley, who is averaging 20.6 points per game, could also take on some more playmaking responsibilities. Rookie Anthony Edwards could be asked to do more of the same, as well.
The Minnesota Timberwolves had some hopes of being a playoff contender this season, but things have not panned out. Without D’Angelo Russell, it is hard to imagine things turning around.
