The Minnesota Timberwolves are leaning into the moment in Paris, and the latest sign is a hype video soundtracked by Jay-Z.
The clip shows Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Ball, Rudy Gobert and others getting in work and scrimmaging while “The Ruler's Back” plays in the background. It’s a clean match of image and sound: the Wolves in one of the world’s most recognizable cities, trying to build something together before the 2026-27 season.
That trip comes after Edwards already made noise with a diss freestyle aimed at Nike, and J-Cole responded by backing Edwards and Ball while expecting both to make headway.
Jay-Z’s song choice brings its own weight. “The Ruler's Back” comes from The Blueprint, his landmark 2001 album that helped reshape hip-hop production with soulful R&B voice samples. The track was recorded in just two days and eventually sold 6 million units worldwide.
There’s also a basketball angle to all of it. Minnesota finished 49-33 last season and ended up sixth in the Western Conference before falling to the San Antonio Spurs in six games in the second round.
The front office then moved quickly. The Wolves traded Julius Randle, signed Ayo Dosunmu to a five-year extension and acquired Ball in a trade with the Charlotte Hornets.
That last move is the one that has the buzz building. Ball and Edwards are expected to form one of the NBA’s most explosive backcourts, and the Paris footage only adds to the anticipation.
Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Ball, Rudy Gobert and the rest of the Timberwolves building some team chemistry in Paris 🐺
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) August 20, 2026
(via ywr.matys/IG)pic.twitter.com/jyY9yz29BB
Minnesota opens preseason on the road against the Milwaukee Bucks on Oct. 5.
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