When former NBA champion and current ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins speaks, the basketball world listens — and this week, his bold proclamation about the Minnesota Timberwolves has set social media ablaze. “The Timberwolves are in trouble,” Perkins said during an appearance on NBA Today, raising eyebrows and igniting heated debates among fans, analysts, and players alike.
On the surface, it might seem like a hot take, considering how strong the Timberwolves have looked for much of the 2024–2025 NBA season. With a blend of youthful energy, defensive grit, and All-Star talent, Minnesota has been one of the most exciting teams in the Western Conference. But according to Perkins, the recent cracks in their armor suggest deeper problems — ones that could spell doom in the playoffs if not addressed immediately.
A Great Start, But Momentum Slipping
Let’s rewind a bit. The Timberwolves began the season with a bang, storming out to one of the best records in the league behind the elite play of Anthony Edwards, the defensive anchor Rudy Gobert, and the veteran leadership of Karl-Anthony Towns. Their suffocating defense, ranked top-3 for most of the year, combined with timely shooting and solid team chemistry, had analysts picking them as dark-horse contenders for the NBA Finals.
But Perkins isn’t buying the hype anymore — and he may have a point.
Over the last ten games, the Timberwolves have looked… vulnerable. Injuries have played a role, of course — Towns missed several key matchups due to a calf strain, and point guard Mike Conley’s aging legs are showing signs of fatigue in back-to-backs. But Perkins argues that the issues go beyond just health.
“This is more than injuries,” he said. “It’s about poise. It’s about leadership. And most importantly, it’s about trust when the lights are the brightest.”
Edwards Facing the Pressure
One of the main focuses of Perkins’ critique was Anthony Edwards. There’s no denying Edwards is the face of the franchise and one of the most electrifying young stars in the league. But with stardom comes pressure, and Perkins suggested that Edwards hasn’t fully stepped into the leadership role the team desperately needs him to embrace.
“Ant-Man is a beast, don’t get me wrong,” Perkins said. “But being ‘the guy’ in the playoffs is a different animal. It’s about making smart decisions when double-teamed, trusting your teammates, and knowing when to slow the game down. Right now, I’m not seeing that maturity.”
Edwards has put up solid numbers this season — averaging 25.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.9 assists — but has struggled with late-game decision-making in recent losses. Whether it’s a forced shot or a missed defensive rotation, the growing pains are evident. The question is: can he grow fast enough to lead the Timberwolves deep into the postseason?
Playoff Inexperience, Chemistry Questions
Another major concern Perkins raised is the Timberwolves’ relative lack of playoff experience as a unit. While Gobert and Conley have seen their share of deep postseason runs in Utah, much of the core — Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, and even Towns — have yet to prove themselves when the pressure cooker of the NBA playoffs turns up.
“Playoff basketball is about adjustments and mental toughness,” Perkins said. “When your shots aren’t falling, when the refs aren’t giving you calls, how do you respond? I’m not convinced this team has the mental edge.”
Chemistry is another issue lurking beneath the surface. Despite the team’s strong record, there have been visible signs of frustration on the court: Edwards waving off Towns, Gobert clapping for the ball and not getting it, Conley urging patience in transition while younger teammates rush shots. These subtle signs could become big problems in a seven-game series.
Defensive Concerns, Lack of Half-Court Execution
The Timberwolves have made their mark this season on defense, but even that identity is starting to show signs of slippage. Teams are figuring out how to space the floor against Gobert, dragging him out of the paint and exploiting Minnesota’s perimeter defenders. Against switch-heavy offenses, the Wolves have struggled to contain elite guards, especially when Gobert is forced to recover on pick-and-rolls.
And then there’s the half-court offense. Perkins criticized head coach Chris Finch for relying too heavily on isolation sets late in games — particularly involving Edwards and Towns — which often stall the ball movement that made Minnesota so effective earlier in the season.
“You can’t iso your way through the playoffs,” Perkins warned. “You need ball movement, off-ball screens, and trust in your role players. Right now, I see a lot of standing around.”
Still Time to Prove Him Wrong
Despite Perkins’ grim outlook, it’s not all doom and gloom. The Timberwolves still sit near the top of the West, and with the playoffs just around the corner, there’s time to get back on track. Edwards is still evolving, and Towns, when healthy, can be a matchup nightmare. The emergence of Naz Reid and consistent contributions from McDaniels and Nickeil Alexander-Walker give the Wolves depth they’ve lacked in previous years.
If Minnesota can tighten up their late-game execution, regain their defensive intensity, and stay healthy, they could very well silence their critics — including Kendrick Perkins.
But for now, the warning has been issued: “The Timberwolves are in trouble 😳,” and the pressure is on.
