The Bright Stars of Minnesota

Andrew Wiggins and Zach LaVine celebrate their NBA All-Star
trophies. Photo credit: USA Today  

They may not be a playoff team, but this NBA All-Star Weekend has proved that the Minnesota Timberwolves have the best young team in the league.

by +Rodney Fisher


The NBA draft is hit-or-miss at best. The Minnesota Timberwolves draft picks were on full display this all-star weekend giving us all a glimpse into the future of the NBA.

Friday night during the BBVA Rising Stars Challenge, the Wolves had a record four players playing in the new USA vs World format. Andrew Wiggins, MVP of the game, and Gorgui Dieng led the World team to a 121-112 victory. Zach LaVine and Shabazz Muhammed combined for 32 points and nine rebounds for team USA.

Although Wiggins came by trade in the Kevin Love trade with Cleveland, he understands the depth of his young teammates.

"The future is bright for us...the most people in a rookie-sophomore game. It shows a lot for the team, it shows we are rising." - Andrew Wiggins

Wiggins has won the Western Conference Rookie of the Month three consecutive months leading up to All-Star Weekend.

The State Farm All-Star Saturday Night festivites was capped off by an amazing performance from 19-year old Zach LaVine. He earned back-to-back 50 scores in the first round, then continue to dazzle the judges and crowd at the Barclays center to beat Victor Oladipo.

"It means a lot. Even last night, you know, Wiggins getting MVP of the rookie game. Then me coming out here to get the Slam Dunk Contest. It shows we're on the rise. We all want to be great. Just be on the lookout for that. We have the right type of mindset. We're all good kids. We really just want to be the best we can." - Zach LaVine

With a 11-42 record, 15th in the Western Conference, the young team will the opportunity this season to just focus on playing with each other. The are 10th in the league for APG, something that veteran head coach Flip Saunders has been working on.

They say lights are bigger and brighter in New York City. Friday and Saturday night proved the Minnesota has a bright future ahead.

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