Minnesota Timberwolves' Anthony Edwards and Roster Visit Rudy Gobert in France
The Minnesota Timberwolves' roster, led by Anthony Edwards, has been making headlines with their team-building trip to France. The team visited their teammate Rudy Gobert, who grew up in Saint-Quentin, a town approximately two hours from Paris.
Building Chemistry Ahead of the 2026-27 NBA Season
The Timberwolves are looking to get over the hump and make their first NBA Finals appearance in franchise history. With a new-look roster, including LaMelo Ball, the team is investing in building chemistry. A team trip to France, visiting a teammate, is an unusual but effective way to bond.
What Comes Next?
The Timberwolves will enter the 2026-27 NBA season with an extremely well-rounded roster. However, most eyes will be on the backcourt-duo of Edwards and Ball. Many opinions have been thrown around on the expectations of this formidable backcourt. But one basketball pundit seems to have higher hopes than most. Last week, NBA champion Kendrick Perkins made an appearance on ESPN's 'NBA Today.' He was asked what he believes the ceiling is for the new tandem of Edwards and Ball in Minnesota this season. 'I expect Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball to be the best backcourt in the NBA…They can reach the NBA Finals to be honest,' Perkins said of Edwards and Ball teaming up this season.
Recent Form and Expectations
The Timberwolves have made the playoffs in five consecutive seasons, including back-to-back trips to the Western Conference Finals in 2024 and 2025. Edwards and Ball will enter the 2026-27 NBA season with high expectations. Ball, 24, has averaged at least 7.0 assists per game in five straight seasons. The talented passer should allow Edwards to slide permanently into his more natural position of shooting guard. Even without a steady point guard by his side, Edwards still managed to finish third in the league in scoring last season (28.8 points per game), behind only Luka Doncic (33.5) and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (31.1). Playing in 72 games for the Charlotte Hornets last season, Ball averaged 7.1 assists per game. He 'set the table' for rookie sensation, Kon Kneuppel, helping him smash the record for most made 3-pointers in a season by a rookie (273).
Last Result and Recent Form
The Timberwolves' recent form has been a concern, with a 1-4 record in their last five games, including a 109-139 loss to the San Antonio Spurs on May 16, 2026. However, the team is looking to bounce back and make a strong push for the playoffs.
Conclusion
The Minnesota Timberwolves' team trip to France is a testament to the team's commitment to building chemistry. With a new-look roster and high expectations, the team is looking to make a deep run in the playoffs. The backcourt-duo of Edwards and Ball will be key to the team's success, and their performance will be closely watched by fans and pundits alike.
