Jonah Maves
@hunchojman.bsky.social
Covering the Minnesota Timberwolves + Lynx • Writing w/ Zone Coverage MN • NBA Draft Head
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The Timberwolves Are Being Hindered By A Lack Of Lineup Versatility - Zone Coverage
Entering the season, the Minnesota Timberwolves had uncertainty about their rotation. Minnesota elected to run it back this year with the same nucleus as
zonecoverage.com
The Timberwolves have plenty of talent, but they are hindered by their lack of lineup versatility.
Below, I detail how the Guard room has had a domino effect on lineup combos, and why Naz Reid and Jaden McDaniels are the Wolves' most versatile pieces.
zonecoverage.com/2026/timberw...
Below, I detail how the Guard room has had a domino effect on lineup combos, and why Naz Reid and Jaden McDaniels are the Wolves' most versatile pieces.
zonecoverage.com/2026/timberw...
I have never noticed it until now, but Anthony Edwards seemingly has a tongue routine within his free-throw routine?
this is what we call consistency folks
this is what we call consistency folks
February 2, 2026 at 6:16 AM
I have never noticed it until now, but Anthony Edwards seemingly has a tongue routine within his free-throw routine?
this is what we call consistency folks
this is what we call consistency folks
Usually, doubling Julius Randle mid-post touches is the right move defensively.
However Sarge was on one in this game.
However Sarge was on one in this game.
February 2, 2026 at 5:51 AM
Usually, doubling Julius Randle mid-post touches is the right move defensively.
However Sarge was on one in this game.
However Sarge was on one in this game.
More tactical mid-post mastery from Julius Randle.
Gets the baseline touch against Cam Spencer, Jock Landale comes cross-court to double. Randle spins between the pair and finds Naz Reid opposite for three.
Jaylen Clark cutting is also huge here as it allowed Reid to be free.
Gets the baseline touch against Cam Spencer, Jock Landale comes cross-court to double. Randle spins between the pair and finds Naz Reid opposite for three.
Jaylen Clark cutting is also huge here as it allowed Reid to be free.
February 2, 2026 at 5:45 AM
More tactical mid-post mastery from Julius Randle.
Gets the baseline touch against Cam Spencer, Jock Landale comes cross-court to double. Randle spins between the pair and finds Naz Reid opposite for three.
Jaylen Clark cutting is also huge here as it allowed Reid to be free.
Gets the baseline touch against Cam Spencer, Jock Landale comes cross-court to double. Randle spins between the pair and finds Naz Reid opposite for three.
Jaylen Clark cutting is also huge here as it allowed Reid to be free.
Beautiful mid-post work from Julius Randle.
There is aggressive nail help from Cam Spencer and shaded defense from O-max Prosper, so instead of going to his patented mid-paint fadeaway into the defense, Randle gets to a drop step away from it to bank it home.
There is aggressive nail help from Cam Spencer and shaded defense from O-max Prosper, so instead of going to his patented mid-paint fadeaway into the defense, Randle gets to a drop step away from it to bank it home.
February 2, 2026 at 5:29 AM
Beautiful mid-post work from Julius Randle.
There is aggressive nail help from Cam Spencer and shaded defense from O-max Prosper, so instead of going to his patented mid-paint fadeaway into the defense, Randle gets to a drop step away from it to bank it home.
There is aggressive nail help from Cam Spencer and shaded defense from O-max Prosper, so instead of going to his patented mid-paint fadeaway into the defense, Randle gets to a drop step away from it to bank it home.
Great read from Naz Reid.
Javon Small collapses from the corner onto Rudy Gobert as Jock Landale helps to Reid. Naz fires the pass while KCP is still fairly stationary, and makes the right read.
Jaden McDaniels cans the three.
Javon Small collapses from the corner onto Rudy Gobert as Jock Landale helps to Reid. Naz fires the pass while KCP is still fairly stationary, and makes the right read.
Jaden McDaniels cans the three.
February 2, 2026 at 5:23 AM
Great read from Naz Reid.
Javon Small collapses from the corner onto Rudy Gobert as Jock Landale helps to Reid. Naz fires the pass while KCP is still fairly stationary, and makes the right read.
Jaden McDaniels cans the three.
Javon Small collapses from the corner onto Rudy Gobert as Jock Landale helps to Reid. Naz fires the pass while KCP is still fairly stationary, and makes the right read.
Jaden McDaniels cans the three.
Sound on for this one, cool to hear the communication from Naz Reid on the under rim mic.
Calling out the rotation to get a clearer matchup. Still leads to a solid look for Cedric Coward, but a better look than some previous possessions.
Calling out the rotation to get a clearer matchup. Still leads to a solid look for Cedric Coward, but a better look than some previous possessions.
February 2, 2026 at 5:22 AM
Sound on for this one, cool to hear the communication from Naz Reid on the under rim mic.
Calling out the rotation to get a clearer matchup. Still leads to a solid look for Cedric Coward, but a better look than some previous possessions.
Calling out the rotation to get a clearer matchup. Still leads to a solid look for Cedric Coward, but a better look than some previous possessions.
The Wolves staff views Joan Beringer as more of a switchable piece than any other rostered Big, but I did not like the team defense on these two possessions.
- Miscommunication between Mike Conley and Jaylen Clark leads to an open three.
- Easy Jock Landale seal on Clark for the lay.
- Miscommunication between Mike Conley and Jaylen Clark leads to an open three.
- Easy Jock Landale seal on Clark for the lay.
February 2, 2026 at 5:17 AM
The Wolves staff views Joan Beringer as more of a switchable piece than any other rostered Big, but I did not like the team defense on these two possessions.
- Miscommunication between Mike Conley and Jaylen Clark leads to an open three.
- Easy Jock Landale seal on Clark for the lay.
- Miscommunication between Mike Conley and Jaylen Clark leads to an open three.
- Easy Jock Landale seal on Clark for the lay.
Look at the soft hands catch from Joan Beringer whew
February 2, 2026 at 5:11 AM
Look at the soft hands catch from Joan Beringer whew
Great flow on this Wolves possession vs Memphis Saturday.
Chicago action for Anthony Edwards, McDaniels sets the pindown into a Rudy Gobert handoff, all while Donte DiVincenzo wraps Julius Randle.
Beautiful connective pass from DDV to the rolling Rudy Gobert.
Chicago action for Anthony Edwards, McDaniels sets the pindown into a Rudy Gobert handoff, all while Donte DiVincenzo wraps Julius Randle.
Beautiful connective pass from DDV to the rolling Rudy Gobert.
February 2, 2026 at 4:49 AM
Great flow on this Wolves possession vs Memphis Saturday.
Chicago action for Anthony Edwards, McDaniels sets the pindown into a Rudy Gobert handoff, all while Donte DiVincenzo wraps Julius Randle.
Beautiful connective pass from DDV to the rolling Rudy Gobert.
Chicago action for Anthony Edwards, McDaniels sets the pindown into a Rudy Gobert handoff, all while Donte DiVincenzo wraps Julius Randle.
Beautiful connective pass from DDV to the rolling Rudy Gobert.
Blocks this season
Mike Conley - 11
Julius Randle - 11
BLK% this season
Mike Conley - 1.2%
Julius Randle - 0.6%
Mike Conley - 11
Julius Randle - 11
BLK% this season
Mike Conley - 1.2%
Julius Randle - 0.6%
February 1, 2026 at 6:49 PM
Blocks this season
Mike Conley - 11
Julius Randle - 11
BLK% this season
Mike Conley - 1.2%
Julius Randle - 0.6%
Mike Conley - 11
Julius Randle - 11
BLK% this season
Mike Conley - 1.2%
Julius Randle - 0.6%
Anthony Edwards + Jaden McDaniels + Julius Randle + Naz Reid tonight vs Memphis
100 PTS | 35/66 FG | 14/26 3P
100 PTS | 35/66 FG | 14/26 3P
February 1, 2026 at 3:23 AM
Anthony Edwards + Jaden McDaniels + Julius Randle + Naz Reid tonight vs Memphis
100 PTS | 35/66 FG | 14/26 3P
100 PTS | 35/66 FG | 14/26 3P
Truly special 1H from Kansas FR Darryn Peterson vs BYU in the most hyped prospect matchup of the season
18 PTS | 6/7 FG | 3/4 3P | 3 STL
18 PTS | 6/7 FG | 3/4 3P | 3 STL
January 31, 2026 at 10:35 PM
Truly special 1H from Kansas FR Darryn Peterson vs BYU in the most hyped prospect matchup of the season
18 PTS | 6/7 FG | 3/4 3P | 3 STL
18 PTS | 6/7 FG | 3/4 3P | 3 STL
Darryn Peterson I am at a loss for words
January 31, 2026 at 10:25 PM
Darryn Peterson I am at a loss for words
Cameron Boozer being labled as some box score/analytics darling when the eye test is just as insane is funny to me.
Say what you want about the defense, but polished offensive talents like this do not grow on trees.
What a player.
25/8/5 on 84.5% TS vs Virginia Tech.
Say what you want about the defense, but polished offensive talents like this do not grow on trees.
What a player.
25/8/5 on 84.5% TS vs Virginia Tech.
January 31, 2026 at 7:28 PM
Cameron Boozer being labled as some box score/analytics darling when the eye test is just as insane is funny to me.
Say what you want about the defense, but polished offensive talents like this do not grow on trees.
What a player.
25/8/5 on 84.5% TS vs Virginia Tech.
Say what you want about the defense, but polished offensive talents like this do not grow on trees.
What a player.
25/8/5 on 84.5% TS vs Virginia Tech.
- C&S% would eclipse his career-high of 38.6%.
- Corner% would eclipse his career-high of 41.3%.
- ATB% would eclipse his career-high of 37.8%.
All of those being set in 2022-23, when shot 39.8% from beyond the arc overall.
- Corner% would eclipse his career-high of 41.3%.
- ATB% would eclipse his career-high of 37.8%.
All of those being set in 2022-23, when shot 39.8% from beyond the arc overall.
Jaden McDaniels' 3P shooting this season
Catch and Shoot — 52/110 (47.3%)
Pull-Up — 15/44 (34.1%)
Above the Break — 37/92 (40.2%)
Corner — 33/67 (49.3%)
Total — 67/155 (43.2%)
Catch and Shoot — 52/110 (47.3%)
Pull-Up — 15/44 (34.1%)
Above the Break — 37/92 (40.2%)
Corner — 33/67 (49.3%)
Total — 67/155 (43.2%)
January 30, 2026 at 10:18 PM
- C&S% would eclipse his career-high of 38.6%.
- Corner% would eclipse his career-high of 41.3%.
- ATB% would eclipse his career-high of 37.8%.
All of those being set in 2022-23, when shot 39.8% from beyond the arc overall.
- Corner% would eclipse his career-high of 41.3%.
- ATB% would eclipse his career-high of 37.8%.
All of those being set in 2022-23, when shot 39.8% from beyond the arc overall.
Jaden McDaniels' 3P shooting this season
Catch and Shoot — 52/110 (47.3%)
Pull-Up — 15/44 (34.1%)
Above the Break — 37/92 (40.2%)
Corner — 33/67 (49.3%)
Total — 67/155 (43.2%)
Catch and Shoot — 52/110 (47.3%)
Pull-Up — 15/44 (34.1%)
Above the Break — 37/92 (40.2%)
Corner — 33/67 (49.3%)
Total — 67/155 (43.2%)
January 30, 2026 at 7:28 PM
Jaden McDaniels' 3P shooting this season
Catch and Shoot — 52/110 (47.3%)
Pull-Up — 15/44 (34.1%)
Above the Break — 37/92 (40.2%)
Corner — 33/67 (49.3%)
Total — 67/155 (43.2%)
Catch and Shoot — 52/110 (47.3%)
Pull-Up — 15/44 (34.1%)
Above the Break — 37/92 (40.2%)
Corner — 33/67 (49.3%)
Total — 67/155 (43.2%)
SGA is just such an insane rim finisher.
Everything feels like it has a chance to go in.
Everything feels like it has a chance to go in.
January 30, 2026 at 6:19 PM
SGA is just such an insane rim finisher.
Everything feels like it has a chance to go in.
Everything feels like it has a chance to go in.
Damn near perfect late clock defense from Jaden McDaniels on SGA, still doesn't matter.
January 30, 2026 at 5:45 PM
Damn near perfect late clock defense from Jaden McDaniels on SGA, still doesn't matter.
It was an end of clock grenade, but a nice slightly swaying catch and shoot three from Jaden McDaniels.
Clean mechanics and footwork. I much more prefer when he hops into his 3PA rather than the one-two step gallop.
Clean mechanics and footwork. I much more prefer when he hops into his 3PA rather than the one-two step gallop.
January 30, 2026 at 5:43 PM
It was an end of clock grenade, but a nice slightly swaying catch and shoot three from Jaden McDaniels.
Clean mechanics and footwork. I much more prefer when he hops into his 3PA rather than the one-two step gallop.
Clean mechanics and footwork. I much more prefer when he hops into his 3PA rather than the one-two step gallop.
I like the mid-court ball screen here, OKC is just slightly off with their recovery, and Naz Reid can walk into a straight on three.
January 30, 2026 at 5:17 PM
I like the mid-court ball screen here, OKC is just slightly off with their recovery, and Naz Reid can walk into a straight on three.
Rudy Gobert with the pump, dunk, and finger taste?
January 30, 2026 at 5:08 PM
Rudy Gobert with the pump, dunk, and finger taste?
Seems like a spot where Naz Reid needs to tag the roll.
My best guess is that he assumed it was coming from the weak side, but Jaden McDaniels was pinned to SGA, which is fair. Hard to force yourself into helping strong side.
My best guess is that he assumed it was coming from the weak side, but Jaden McDaniels was pinned to SGA, which is fair. Hard to force yourself into helping strong side.
January 30, 2026 at 4:54 PM
Seems like a spot where Naz Reid needs to tag the roll.
My best guess is that he assumed it was coming from the weak side, but Jaden McDaniels was pinned to SGA, which is fair. Hard to force yourself into helping strong side.
My best guess is that he assumed it was coming from the weak side, but Jaden McDaniels was pinned to SGA, which is fair. Hard to force yourself into helping strong side.
The mid-range craft from Anthony Edwards is developing at an exponential rate.
What a pass to find Rudy Gobert.
What a pass to find Rudy Gobert.
January 30, 2026 at 4:44 PM
The mid-range craft from Anthony Edwards is developing at an exponential rate.
What a pass to find Rudy Gobert.
What a pass to find Rudy Gobert.
Bones Hyland and Anthony Edwards both got caught up in screens on this OKC BLOB, however the effort here is lackluster.
You would like the defense to tilt a bit more with just a couple of seconds on the shot clock here. Far too easy.
You would like the defense to tilt a bit more with just a couple of seconds on the shot clock here. Far too easy.
January 30, 2026 at 4:37 PM
Bones Hyland and Anthony Edwards both got caught up in screens on this OKC BLOB, however the effort here is lackluster.
You would like the defense to tilt a bit more with just a couple of seconds on the shot clock here. Far too easy.
You would like the defense to tilt a bit more with just a couple of seconds on the shot clock here. Far too easy.