{
  "id": 12441504,
  "title": "Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Ball and the Timberwolves' plan to unleash their most polarizing pairing yet",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/anthony-edwards-lamelo-ball-and-the-timberwolves-plan-to-unleash",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-06T18:40:25.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/article/anthony-edwards-lamelo-ball-and-the-timberwolves-plan-to-unleash-their-most-polarizing-pairing-yet-184025534.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Amidst discussions about the Minnesota Timberwolves’ busy summer and their push to create a Western Conference powerhouse, head coach Chris Finch was compelled to change course. The 56-year-old coach, donning a plain black hoodie and gray shorts, shifted his demeanor from usual to enthusiastic. Rajon Rondo, a former point guard and NBA champion who was Finch's assistant coach in New Orleans, joined the conversation. Rondo, who spent one season with Finch in the past, was likened to LaMelo Ball in terms of their cerebral approach to the game, fiery on-court personality, and eccentricities. Finch, impressed by LaMelo's high IQ, shared that giving players freedom allows them to thrive in their strengths, and when faced with challenges, it becomes easier to guide them back on track. Finch sees potential in the pairing of Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball, a dynamic duo with a blend of old-school principles and modern half-court ideologies. This desire to revamp the backcourt emerged following a disappointing second-round playoff loss to the Spurs, which highlighted the team's insufficient talent to contend. The current roster, heavily reliant on physicality, lacked effective backcourt ball-handlers. Victor Wembanyama's presence had neutralized the team's frontcourt, leaving Julius Randle and Rudy Gobert with minimal impact. With no clear solution, Finch aimed to bring in a fresh guard, and Edwards and Ball were the obvious choices. Finch believed that their chemistry would be mutually beneficial, with Edwards' competitive spirit complementing LaMelo's natural leadership and ability to lighten the mood. The coach emphasized that Edwards should maintain his authentic self, allowing LaMelo to bring his unique personality to the team. With Edwards' close relationship with Finch, the duo has supported each other through highs and lows since Finch's arrival in 2021. Following the Timberwolves' recent playoff exit, their conversations shifted to the potential of the new roster, emphasizing the importance of preserving Edwards' individuality while embracing the excitement of a new challenge.",
  "summary": "In Minnesota, creating one of the league’s most dynamic duos in recent times was born out of necessity. Will it work?",
  "key_points": [
    "Minnesota Timberwolves aim to create a Western Conference powerhouse.",
    "Coach Chris Finch praises LaMelo Ball's high IQ and cerebral approach.",
    "Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball seen as potential dynamic backcourt duo."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}