Jonathan Kuminga’s first message to the Timberwolves was simple: he knows exactly what Minnesota wants from him.
“Rebound and defend,” Kuminga said during his introductory press conference. “Those two will open up the rest of the stats.”
That assignment fits the shape of the roster Minnesota now has after trading Naz Reid and Julius Randle in the deal for LaMelo Ball. Kuminga brings size, athleticism and another switchable defender to a group that already features Ball and Anthony Edwards.
Ryan Eichten of Timberwolves On SI relayed that Edwards and Ball stayed in regular contact with Kuminga throughout free agency, and Edwards reportedly called almost every day. Kuminga also said Minnesota was “one of the best decisions” he has made.
Of course, introductory press conferences are built to make everything sound seamless. The real story will come once the minutes and shots get sorted out. But if Kuminga really leans into defending, rebounding and fitting in around the stars, this could be the role that finally sticks.
On Cleveland’s side, Zach Weiss of Cavaliers On SI pointed to Ernest Udeh Jr. as the two-way player with the most upside. Udeh, a former Miami center, averaged only five points last season, but Cleveland did not bring him in for scoring. His value is tied to rebounding, shot-blocking, finishing lobs and being a big body around the rim - all skills that still matter in the league.
Tristan Enaruna turned in 22 points and six rebounds per game for the Cleveland Charge last season, while Riley Minix posted 19 points, six rebounds, three assists and 1.5 steals per game. Weiss noted that Enaruna may have the clearest route to emergency minutes because Cleveland needs wing depth, while Udeh has the most intriguing physical tools.
A standard-contract addition in Khalifa Diop makes an immediate conversion less likely, though. For Udeh, the path is straightforward: overpower opponents with the Charge, make the most of preseason chances and keep reminding the Cavaliers why developmental big men still have a place.
In Oklahoma City, Grayson Buchanan of Thunder On SI argued the Thunder should start the season with a “chip on their shoulder” after losing to the Spurs in the Western Conference finals. Maybe so, but motivation isn’t the biggest issue here.
Jalen Williams missed much of last season because of injuries, and Chet Holmgren had trouble with Victor Wembanyama during that conference finals matchup. The Thunder will see San Antonio right away, with an opening-night rematch on the schedule.
The bigger question is whether the pieces are ready. Oklahoma City is still a talented team that won a championship two seasons ago and went to Game 7 of the conference finals last spring.
If Williams gets back to form and Holmgren handles Wembanyama better, the Thunder can get back to the Finals. If not, no amount of added edge will fix it.
In Other News...
Cavs Wing Depth Problem Opens A Real Opportunity For Mario Hezonja
The Cavaliers are looking a little thinner on the wing than they were not long ago, and that has given Mario Hezonja a legitimate opening as training camp approaches. Cleveland brought him in on a non-guaranteed minimum deal, with the idea that he can compete for a backup forward spot at a time when the roster has lost several depth pieces and needs someone who can help fill out the rotation.
Hezonja arrives with a resume that is more than just a flyer from overseas. He was one of the top scorers for Real Madrid in La Liga, where he also earned league MVP honors, and he has remained an important piece for Croatia in FIBA World Cup qualifying. For the Cavs, the appeal is obvious: if he translates that production to the NBA level, a thin position group could quickly turn into a real chance to stick. [Read more 🡒]
Bulls Miss Reshaped The Central Race Around The Cavs
Chicagos offseason chatter briefly suggested the Bulls might swing big in the middle of the Eastern Conference race, but the reality was always a little more restrained. Reports now indicate the clubs interest in Bennedict Mathurin was overstated, and the Bulls were never willing to put down the kind of multiyear guarantee that matched the two-year deal Mathurin ultimately took with the New Orleans Pelicans.
Jonathan Kuminga was the more serious target, but even there the limits were clear. Chicago was not prepared to promise him a regular starting role, and that left the door open for Kuminga to choose the Minnesota Timberwolves instead. It is the kind of near-miss that can reshape the pecking order around the Cavs, where every rivals hesitation matters almost as much as its aggression. [Read more 🡒]
Cavs Face An Early Roster Decision That Could Shape Flexibility
The Cavaliers are already staring at one of those quiet roster deadlines that can matter just as much as a splashy move. Mario Hezonja and Craig Porter Jr. each have upcoming guarantee dates on their deals, giving Cleveland a built-in window to decide whether to keep both players locked in for the season or use the opening to preserve flexibility as the year unfolds.
Hezonjas date arrives in mid-November, creating an early fork in the road for a front office that tends to keep an eye on every bit of roster and salary-cap maneuvering. Porters guarantee date comes later in January, which gives the Cavs a little more time to weigh the picture, but also means the decisions around both players could linger as Cleveland tries to balance present depth with future flexibility. [Read more 🡒]