The Minnesota Timberwolves are already working on team chemistry before the new NBA season begins.
Rudy Gobert shared a look at an offseason workout in France. Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball joined the veteran center for the sessions.
The workout gives Minnesota an early chance to build chemistry between three important players. Ball is expected to bring more playmaking. Edwards remains the team’s main scoring threat. Gobert will continue to anchor the defense and work as a screen setter.
The Timberwolves changed their roster this summer. The addition of Ball gives the team a new type of ball handler next to Edwards.
The France sessions are not official team practices. Still, they can help players learn each other’s habits before training camp starts.
Edwards has already spoken about the value of spending time with teammates before the season. He compared the idea to AAU basketball, where players often build strong bonds away from formal team settings.
That bond could be important for Minnesota.
Ball, Edwards and Gobert will need to develop quick timing on the court. Ball may have the ball in his hands often. Gobert will set screens and roll toward the basket. Edwards will need to decide when to attack, pass or wait for another chance.
Gobert remains one of the NBA’s best interior players. He averaged 11.5 rebounds per game last season while shooting 68.2% from the field.
His role also depends heavily on guard play.
A good pass can give Gobert an easy scoring chance near the basket. A well-timed screen can also create space for Edwards or Ball.
Ball brings a different passing style to Minnesota. He averaged 20.1 points and 7.1 assists last season.
His ability to pass early could help the Timberwolves play faster. It could also give Gobert more chances to receive the ball before the defense gets set.
Edwards could benefit from the change as well.
The Timberwolves have often relied on Edwards to create offense. Adding another player who can control the ball may reduce some of that pressure.
Ball can create shots for himself and others. That could give Edwards more chances to attack against a moving defense.
But the new partnership will not be simple.
Ball is known for his creativity and quick decisions. Edwards also likes to attack when he sees an opening. Gobert, meanwhile, needs guards to read his screens and understand where he wants the ball.
Those habits take time to build.
The France workout can help remove some of that early hesitation.
Ball can learn how quickly Gobert rolls to the basket. Edwards can learn when Ball wants to push the pace. Gobert can also learn how his new guard prefers to use screens.
Defense will be another major part of the adjustment.
Gobert often directs the defense from the paint. His communication helps teammates understand where help is coming from.
Ball will need to trust those calls. If he knows Gobert is behind him, he can defend the ball more aggressively and take more chances.
Edwards already has years of experience playing beside Gobert. That experience could help him guide Ball through the team’s defensive system.
The workout also gives Edwards another chance to take a leadership role.
Minnesota expects its star guard to carry more responsibility as he grows. Helping new teammates understand the system is part of that role.
The France trip will not decide Minnesota’s rotations or playoff chances. It also cannot replace formal training camp work.
But early workouts can still matter.
The Timberwolves have a new offensive mix to build. Ball brings passing and creativity. Edwards brings scoring and speed. Gobert brings size, defense and finishing around the rim.
If the three players develop strong timing, Minnesota could have a more balanced attack next season.
For now, the France workout is an early step. The real test will come when training camp begins and the new Timberwolves group faces NBA competition.
