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Finch Taps Edwards to Coach Ball on Defense
1 Oct
Summary
- Coach Finch tasks Anthony Edwards with holding LaMelo Ball accountable defensively.
- Edwards will save offensive energy to focus on defensive coverages.
- Ball's defensive rating has been a concern for the Timberwolves' strong defense.
Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch has assigned Anthony Edwards a key role in improving the team's defense, specifically focusing on new point guard LaMelo Ball. Finch has instructed Edwards to hold Ball accountable for his defensive performance, a critical task given Ball's career defensive rating of 114. The Timberwolves, currently ranked eighth in the NBA for defensive rating, cannot afford significant lapses, especially with Ball often needing defensive schemes to be accommodated.
To address these defensive needs, Edwards intends to manage his energy more effectively, conserving it during offensive plays to be more active and execute defensive coverages better. Ball is expected to take on a greater load as the primary ball-handler, freeing up Edwards. This collaborative approach is designed to strengthen the Timberwolves' defense for the upcoming postseason, a goal that could be realized if Finch successfully enhances Edwards' defensive capabilities through Ball's playmaking.
The team also faces challenges in finding adequate defensive backups for players like Jonathan Kuminga and Rudy Gobert, particularly after the departures of Naz Reid and Julius Randle. While a slight dip in overall defensive efficiency might be anticipated, the commitment from Finch and Edwards to hold their stars accountable is seen as a significant step towards maintaining their high defensive standards.
