Timberwolves Talk

By Star Tribune

What's Timberwolves Talk about?

Timberwolves beat writer Jerry Zgoda joins Michael Rand every week to turn the marathon of an NBA season into a series of short sprints. The Wolves are worth talking about, and we hope you'll listen.

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Timberwolves Talk episodes:

03.05.2020
Podcast: A Wolves winning streak fueled by guard play
Michael Rand and Chris Hine discuss the improving Timberwolves, who have won their last two games and three of their last five. Malik Beasley has been a big part of their recent success, while D'Angelo Russell and James Johnson are...
02.21.2020
Podcast: KAT's wrist, Russell's style and much to learn in coming weeks
Michael Rand and Chris Hine delve into Karl-Anthony Towns' injury prognosis, D'Angelo Russell's style, Malik Beasley's value and more in dissecting all the things we need to learn about the Wolves down the stretch.
02.07.2020
Podcast: With Wolves trade, sometimes all your dreams come true at once
Chris Hine and Michael Rand break down an almost overwhelming trade deadline for the Wolves, who completely remade their roster and added longtime target D'Angelo Russell in a trade for Andrew Wiggins and draft picks.
01.30.2020
Podcast: With the Wolves and in life, some losses just hurt more
Chris Hine and Michael Rand discuss the tragic death of Kobe Bryant and the epic Kings comeback that somehow shared the spotlight on a night of Bryant tributes on Monday. ... The Wolves have another double-digit losing streak. KAT has...
01.14.2020
Podcast: What's up with KAT missing 14 straight games (and counting)?
Chris Hine and Michael Rand discuss Karl-Anthony Towns' long absence and "questionable" designation, the Wolves' recent defensive improvement and this question: Would it be better for the Wolves to sneak into the playoffs or be in the lottery again?
12.18.2019
Podcast: It's been a long December, maybe the Wolves will get a win?
Chris Hine and Michael Rand are doing their third consecutive episode since the Wolves last won a game on Nov. 27. They're 0-for-December, and they might be without Karl-Anthony Towns against the Pelicans on Wednesday. How do they stop the...
12.12.2019
Podcast: All the Wolves want for Christmas is a 'W'
Chris Hine and Michael Rand discuss the Wolves' sudden change in fortune as they head into Friday's game with six consecutive losses. Did a team meeting in Phoenix accomplish anything? Why has the defense been so bad? Is help on...
12.04.2019
Podcast: Can Wolves continue to prove there's no place like the road?
Chris Hine and Michael Rand discuss the Timberwolves' strange struggles at home (3-7) and success on the road (7-2) as they embark on a four-game trip out West. They also talk about the emergence of Keita Bates-Diop and answer your...
11.22.2019
Podcast: Will Wolves look to add pieces if they maintain early success?
Chris Hine and Michael Rand talk fact and fiction regarding Andrew Wiggins, discuss the Wolves' weird home/road splits, dissect how Ryan Saunders divvies up minutes and get to a bunch of your questions (including a big one about Lizzo).
11.14.2019
Podcast: Is this new version of Andrew Wiggins for real?
Chris Hine and Michael Rand discuss Andrew Wiggins' strong start, whether it's sustainable and what it means for his long-term future. And how about this: Are the Wolves a playoff team?
11.08.2019
Podcast: Fire up the D'Angelo Russell rumors again
Chris Hine and Michael Rand talk about the Timberwolves' defensive woes against Memphis, the encouraging start by Andrew Wiggins, the lack of makes on wide-open threes and how Golden State's awful start impacts the Timberwolves in multiple ways.
10.31.2019
Podcast: Will the Wolves top last year's win total? Will KAT average 30 points?
Chris Hine and Michael Rand preview the Timberwolves season, which starts Wednesday in Brooklyn, with an overview of the offseason and a series of educated guesses. The theme of the season seems to having patience while gathering information.
10.29.2019
Podcast: The 3-0 Wolves are quickly gaining believers
Chris Hine and Michael Rand detail the things they've liked so far during the Timberwolves' 3-0 start, including the dominance of Western Conference player of the week Karl-Anthony Towns and the overall cohesiveness of the overhauled roster.
06.26.2019
Listen: Do the Wolves really have a shot at D'Angelo Russell?
Chris Hine and Michael Rand recap the Wolves' draft night trade and selection of Jarrett Culver while also looking ahead to free agency -- and a path to get D'Angelo Russell.
05.23.2019
Listen: What can we expect from the Ryan Saunders coaching era?
Chris Hine and Michael Rand dissect the hiring of Ryan Saunders as permanent head coach of the Timberwolves. Can the Wolves really play the style he and Gersson Rosas favor? How important is it that players are already working out...
05.10.2019
Listen: Gersson Rosas and faith in the future
Chris Hine and Michael Rand dissect the hiring of new Wolves basketball president Gersson Rosas. How will it influence the roster? Was this an Ethan Casson hire or a Glen Taylor hire? And what happens if the Wolves win the...
03.26.2019
Listen: Stay or go -- which Wolves will still be here next year?
Chris Hine and Michael Rand run down the Wolves roster to figure out how things might look different next season. Bonus: Wolves players as Mariah Carey songs and your Andrew Wiggins questions.
03.08.2019
Listen: It's too late, Timberwolves. Now, it's too late
Chris Hine and Michael Rand dissect the end before the end, with the Wolves falling into a virtually hopeless playoff position. What's left to evaluate this year? How has KAT kept ascending? Will we ever see RoCo again?
02.12.2019
Listen: Without trades, Wolves left to improve from within
Chris Hine and Michael Rand discuss the Wolves' recent 0-3 road trip, their lack of activity at the trade deadline, Dario Saric's recent insertion into the starting lineup, the return to health of several point guards at once and the...
01.29.2019
Listen: Can the Wolves make trades and still evaluate Saunders?
Chris Hine and Michael Rand examine whether the Timberwolves will be buyers (unlikely) or sellers (possibly, but with caveats) with the trade deadline approaching. Also, how has Ryan Saunders fared in his first 10 games as interim head coach?
01.09.2019
Listen: The end of Thibodeau, the beginning of Saunders and what it means
Chris Hine and Michael Rand dissect Sunday's firing of head coach and president Tom Thibodeau plus the promotion and Tuesday debut of interim coach Ryan Saunders. What does Saunders need to do to keep the job full-time? And which players...
12.18.2018
Listen: For the up-and-down Wolves, when will it be too late?
Chris Hine and Michael Rand dissect the 0-4 road trip, the 180-degree return to Target Center against Sacramento, the Josh Okogie phenomenon, Andrew Wiggins' season ... and the catalog of singer-songwriter Carole King.
12.07.2018
Listen: Welcome to the Wolves party, Andrew Wiggins
Chris Hine and Michael Rand discuss the Wolves' 9-3 record since the Jimmy Butler trade, which included a 26-point game from Andrew Wiggins in their most recent win. Is it OK to get excited yet if you're a Wolves fan?...
12.07.2018
Listen: Welcome to the Wolves party, Andrew Wiggins
Chris Hine and Michael Rand discuss the Wolves' 9-3 record since the Jimmy Butler trade, which included a 26-point game from Andrew Wiggins in their most recent win. Is it OK to get excited yet if you're a Wolves fan?...
11.29.2018
Listen: As sample size gets bigger, are Covington and Wolves for real?
Chris Hine and Michael Rand dissect the Timberwolves' defense, which has been the best in the NBA since Robert Covington and Dario Saric arrived. Is this sustainable? And how much credit should Tom Thibodeau get for all this?
11.29.2018
Listen: As sample size gets bigger, are Covington and Wolves for real?
Chris Hine and Michael Rand dissect the Timberwolves' defense, which has been the best in the NBA since Robert Covington and Dario Saric arrived. Is this sustainable? And how much credit should Tom Thibodeau get for all this?
11.20.2018
Listen: Hallelujah! The post-Butler Wolves are watchable again
Chris Hine and Michael Rand discuss the new-look Timberwolves, who are in the top-5 in the NBA in defensive rating since trading Jimmy Butler. Can they keep it up, and how will the suddenly deep rotation shake itself out?
11.20.2018
Listen: Hallelujah! The post-Butler Wolves are watchable again
Chris Hine and Michael Rand discuss the new-look Timberwolves, who are in the top-5 in the NBA in defensive rating since trading Jimmy Butler. Can they keep it up, and how will the suddenly deep rotation shake itself out?
11.13.2018
Listen: In the post-Butler era, how will the Timberwolves fare?
Michael Rand and Chris Hine look at the factors that led the Wolves to finally trade Jimmy Butler, ending more than seven weeks of drama. They also look at the two key players the Wolves received in return and conclude...
10.30.2018
Listen: Will Houston offer lead to a Jimmy Butler trade soon?
Chris Hine and Michael Rand discuss Houston's reported offer of four first-round picks for Jimmy Butler, while also wondering if Miami will get back into the mix on a possible deal. They also broke down the good (Josh Okogie's energy)...
10.16.2018
Listen: Jimmy Butler drama casts shadow over Wolves season
On the latest Timberwolves Talk podcast, Chris Hine and Michael Rand attempt to preview the Wolves season -- only to find that the way the preseason has played out makes that virtually impossible. Where do the Wolves and Jimmy Butler...
09.26.2018
Listen: Everything you need to know about the Jimmy Butler situation
On the first Timberwolves Talk podcast episode since Chris Hine took over the beat and Michael Rand took over as Wolves editor, the focus was pretty simple: Breaking down from all angles the Jimmy Butler trade saga.
07.26.2018
Listen: Royce White on mental health and being 'blackballed from the NBA'
Former Minnesota high school basketball standout and 2012 NBA first-round pick Royce White joins Michael Rand for a discussion about mental health in society, mental health in sports and how he believes he has been blackballed from the NBA as...
06.29.2018
Listen: After the draft, what do the Timberwolves do in free agency?
Jerry Zgoda and Michael Rand assess the Timberwolves' offseason after last week's draft and heading into the start of free agency.
06.19.2018
Listen: Here's the Wolves' draft and free agency blueprint for success
Jerry Zgoda and Michael Rand preview Thursday's NBA Draft, in which the Timberwolves have the No. 20 pick, and debate what to do with the selection. They also delve into Andrew Wiggins trade speculation and potential free agent moves when...
04.27.2018
Listen: After season of improvement for Wolves, an offseason of questions
On the latest episode, Jerry Zgoda and Michael Rand wrap up the Wolves' 47-win season and five-game playoff loss to Houston, weigh in on Jerry's interview with owner Glen Taylor and mull over what sort of offseason moves -- including...
04.12.2018
Listen: It's the first playoff edition of Timberwolves Talk podcast
Jerry Zgoda and Michael Rand break down the Timberwolves' big victory over Denver that earned the franchise its first trip to the playoffs since 2003-04.
04.04.2018
Listen: With playoffs on the line, Jimmy Butler eyes return for Wolves
Jerry Zgoda and Michael Rand discuss Jimmy Butler's return to practice, his comments about the Wolves being too soft, the tight Western Conference playoff race and even the debut of rookie Justin Patton.
03.28.2018
Listen: After ugly loss to Memphis, will Wolves even make the playoffs?
In a jam-packed episode, Jerry Zgoda and Michael Rand talk about the ugly loss to Memphis, Tom Thibodeau's inflexibility with playing time, Jimmy Butler's possible return and the suddenly precarious playoff positioning of the Timberwolves.
03.16.2018
Listen: On the Timberwolves, the crowded West and Wiggins' role
Intro: The Timberwolves won a pair of important games against Golden State and Washington, but two more big ones loom against San Antonio and Houston; 10:00: Tiebreakers and schedule are in the Wolves' favor; 15:00: Is Andrew Wiggins OK with...
03.08.2018
Listen: Why did the Timberwolves sign Derrick Rose?
Intro: The Timberwolves signed Derrick Rose on Thursday. How does the point guard fit into a team that seemingly has greater needs and is embarking on a tough stretch of games? 17:00: What is the timetable for Jimmy Butler's return?...
02.23.2018
Listen: Post-break stretch could define Timberwolves' season
Intro: The Wolves have a tough stretch of games, starting Friday at Houston. 8:00: Jimmy Butler sat out the All-Star Game. What was up with that? 13:00: Will the Wolves make any moves before next week's postseason roster deadline? 20:00:...
02.08.2018
Listen: After quiet trade deadline, what should Timberwolves do?
Intro: The Cavaliers broke the Wolves' hearts, then they broke up their roster. 5:00: Jerry Zgoda is the one person aside from Tom Thibodeau who is open to the idea of Derrick Rose on the Wolves; 10:00: Some other buyout...
01.19.2018
Listen: Can the Timberwolves keep a losing slide from becoming a streak?
Intro: Two ugly losses after a huge home stand have put the Timberwolves in a vulnerable position. ... 10:00: The Wolves aren't built well to compete against Houston. Can they beef up their roster? 19:00: Four tough games in a...
01.09.2018
Listen: Tyus dunking on LeBron part of signature victory for Wolves
Intro: The Wolves blasted the Cavs. How did they do it? 10:00: Should Minnesota set its sights higher than just the No. 4 seed? 15:00: Jeff Teague should be back soon. How should the Wolves adjust accordingly? 23:00: Trading deadline...
01.05.2018
Listen: As Timberwolves enter critical stretch, how will they respond?
Intro: Columnist Chip Scoggins hops in to talk about the Wolves' recent improved play. 15:00: Tyus or Teague? This is an interesting month for that debate. 22:00: Minnesota is entering a critical stretch of games.
12.22.2017
Listen: As Jimmy Butler ascends, Andrew Wiggins continues to fade
Jimmy Butler and Jamal Crawford have been terrific lately in two important wins, but Andrew Wiggins' struggles have continued. What's going on? We also answer reader questions about Nemanja Bjelica, Justin Patton and the idea that Wolves fans still seem...
12.15.2017
Listen: Cracking the Timberwolves' rotation, KG the owner and more
Intro: Rejoice -- Marcus Georges-Hunt played 17 minutes Thursday. ... But now Jamal Crawford wants to play more, too? 12:00: A motivated KAT is a very good KAT. 20:00: KG opens old wounds, talks about owning the Wolves. 27:00: Is...
12.06.2017
Listen: 25 games into the season, the Timberwolves look tired
Jam-packed episode featuring talk about: Wolves' slow pace of play; Thibodeau doesn't need a bench, he just needs 3 chairs; Karl-Anthony Towns looks tired; this is becoming Jimmy Butler's team; Tyus vs. Teague; maybe try making a trade?; long home...
11.15.2017
Listen: The Wolves are on a 50-win pace, but is anyone happy?
Intro: The sky is falling, until it isn't. 7:00: Teague outplays Rubio (again).12:00: Karl-Anthony Towns has the highest defensive rating on the Wolves. He also is in favor of medical marijuana in the NBA. 20:00: Jimmy Butler has been awfully...

What's Timberwolves Talk about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Timberwolves Talk episodes:

Podcast: A Wolves winning streak fueled by guard play

Podcast: KAT's wrist, Russell's style and much to learn in coming weeks

Podcast: With Wolves trade, sometimes all your dreams come true at once

Podcast: With the Wolves and in life, some losses just hurt more

Podcast: What's up with KAT missing 14 straight games (and counting)?

Podcast: It's been a long December, maybe the Wolves will get a win?

Podcast: All the Wolves want for Christmas is a 'W'

Podcast: Can Wolves continue to prove there's no place like the road?

Podcast: Will Wolves look to add pieces if they maintain early success?

Podcast: Is this new version of Andrew Wiggins for real?

Podcast: Fire up the D'Angelo Russell rumors again

Podcast: Will the Wolves top last year's win total? Will KAT average 30 points?

Podcast: The 3-0 Wolves are quickly gaining believers

Listen: Do the Wolves really have a shot at D'Angelo Russell?

Listen: What can we expect from the Ryan Saunders coaching era?

Listen: Gersson Rosas and faith in the future

Listen: Stay or go -- which Wolves will still be here next year?

Listen: It's too late, Timberwolves. Now, it's too late

Listen: Without trades, Wolves left to improve from within

Listen: Can the Wolves make trades and still evaluate Saunders?

Listen: The end of Thibodeau, the beginning of Saunders and what it means

Listen: For the up-and-down Wolves, when will it be too late?

Listen: Welcome to the Wolves party, Andrew Wiggins

Listen: Welcome to the Wolves party, Andrew Wiggins

Listen: As sample size gets bigger, are Covington and Wolves for real?

Listen: As sample size gets bigger, are Covington and Wolves for real?

Listen: Hallelujah! The post-Butler Wolves are watchable again

Listen: Hallelujah! The post-Butler Wolves are watchable again

Listen: In the post-Butler era, how will the Timberwolves fare?

Listen: Will Houston offer lead to a Jimmy Butler trade soon?

Listen: Jimmy Butler drama casts shadow over Wolves season

Listen: Everything you need to know about the Jimmy Butler situation

Listen: Royce White on mental health and being 'blackballed from the NBA'

Listen: After the draft, what do the Timberwolves do in free agency?

Listen: Here's the Wolves' draft and free agency blueprint for success

Listen: After season of improvement for Wolves, an offseason of questions

Listen: It's the first playoff edition of Timberwolves Talk podcast

Listen: With playoffs on the line, Jimmy Butler eyes return for Wolves

Listen: After ugly loss to Memphis, will Wolves even make the playoffs?

Listen: On the Timberwolves, the crowded West and Wiggins' role

Listen: Why did the Timberwolves sign Derrick Rose?

Listen: Post-break stretch could define Timberwolves' season

Listen: After quiet trade deadline, what should Timberwolves do?

Listen: Can the Timberwolves keep a losing slide from becoming a streak?

Listen: Tyus dunking on LeBron part of signature victory for Wolves

Listen: As Timberwolves enter critical stretch, how will they respond?

Listen: As Jimmy Butler ascends, Andrew Wiggins continues to fade

Listen: Cracking the Timberwolves' rotation, KG the owner and more

Listen: 25 games into the season, the Timberwolves look tired

Listen: The Wolves are on a 50-win pace, but is anyone happy?