- Oct 16, 2026
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SportsMafia Wire graphic. Team logos and player headshots via ESPN.
The Minnesota Wolves have opened the 2026-27 NBA season with a revamped rotation built around star guards Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball sharing the backcourt. Head coach Chris Finch oversees a squad that lost significant size in the offseason, parting with Naz Reid, Julius Randle, Mike Conley, Kyle Anderson and Joe Ingles while adding Ball, Jonathan Kuminga, Trey Lyles, Cody Williams and Isaiah Evans.
Ball enters his sixth year having appeared in 61 percent of possible games throughout his career, topping 50 contests just three times. His 28 minutes per game last season marked a career low, though he played the second-most games of any campaign. If Ball exceeds 70 appearances, Minnesota projects as a top-four playoff seed contender.
The bench features Terrance Shannon Jr. directing the reserve unit after a strong 2026 playoff showing, while second-year wing Joan Beringer anchors the defense despite leading the league in fouls. Finch indicated he is holding Beringer to a similar standard. Jonathan Kuminga, Ayo Dosunmu, Beringer and Shannon represent potential breakout candidates, with Kuminga encouraged to pattern his play after Josh Hart.
Rudy Gobert and Jaden McDaniels return with established accolades. Minnesota fouled at the third-highest rate last season while ranking 12th in forced turnovers.
Written by the SportsMafia Wire desk in our own words from the original reporting (AI-assisted, checked against the source).