2020-21 Minnesota Timberwolves midseason awards
We’ve reached the All-Star break of the 2020-21 season. Here are FOX Sports North’s picks for the top Minnesota Timberwolves players from the NBA’s first half.
Most Valuable Player – Offense: Malik Beasley
The Beasley trade acquisition last season and his subsequent contract this offseason have worked out well for Minnesota. Beasley is second on the Timberwolves with 20.5 points per game (Karl-Anthony Towns averages 22.0 ppg, but has only played in 16 games), has connected on 40.6% of his 3-point attempts, and makes 3.5 shots from beyond the arc per game.
More Timberwolves coverage
Most Valuable Player – Defense: Jaden McDaniels
The rookie from Washington has filled in well on the defensive end. He has emerged as Minnesota’s best perimeter defender and averages 1.0 blocks despite playing 19.1 minutes per game. He saw more and more time on the court during the Ryan Saunders regime, so we’ll have to see what happens with his minutes during the Chris Finch era.
Sixth Man: Anthony Edwards
Since the Timberwolves don’t have a consistent starting five from game to game, Ant gets this designation because he came off the bench int 17 of Minnesota’s 36 games. He’s averaging 14.9 points on 37.1% shooting from the floor, but it is clear Edwards can get to the hoop even if his shooting percentage can improve.
Most Improved: Naz Reid
After averaging 9.0 points and 4.1 rebounds as a rookie in 2019-20, Reid is up to 11.9 points and 4.8 assists. He has been an unexpected bright spot for the Timberwolves and his 11.9 points per game are fifth-best on the team.
Best Moment: Minnesota’s 116-111 win over the Utah Jazz on Dec. 26
There have not been a ton of great moments for the Timberwolves this season but their win over the Jazz felt like the high point. Minnesota led for pretty much the entire game and had five players score in double figures with D’Angelo Russell leading the way with 25 points. Both teams went opposite directions after that game since Utah has the best record in the league and Minnesota has the worst.
