Can D’Angelo Russell live up to star status?

Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards are both former No. 1 overall picks on this roster and they represent the future of this organization, but they cannot carry the load by themselves. D’Angelo Russell is going to have to step up big for this team and if he cannot, then this organization may have to hit the “reset” button once again and look for another high-level talent to bring in. 

There have been a lot of rumors this offseason connecting the Minnesota Timberwolves to Ben Simmons and while adding the 3x All-Star would surely be a strong move for them to make, it would likely result in Minnesota having to part ways with D’Angelo Russell.

Given the yellow flags presented from Russell’s knee issues, moving on from the All-Star point guard for Simmons may not be a terrible idea if the Philadelphia 76ers are interested in talking further, but at the same time, they should not be quick to give up on D’Angelo Russell just yet. 

Not only is Russell only 25-years-old, but when he is healthy, he is a difference-maker offensively for his team.

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While he only played in 42 games last year, D’Angelo Russell ranked second on the team in total assists and he really was not that bad as an on-ball defender either, something the former All-Star has not really been known for early on in his career. 

Russell averaged 1.1 steals per game last season and when he was not being thrown into pick-and-roll situations defensively, he could hold his own in the halfcourt. Pick-and-roll is really where D’Angelo Russell struggles defensively, especially when teams get him to switch onto taller and stronger players.