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Timberwolves Facing Backlash After Lackluster NBA Draft
Timberwolves Facing Backlash After Lackluster NBA Draft originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The new Minnesota Timberwolves regime isn't off to the best start in cultivating optimism in the fan base.
Once filled with unbridled optimism about the future, Wolves fans found themselves entrenched in NBA trade rumors with the prospect that they could land Kevin Durant.
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But after the Durant deal did not materialize, all eyes turned to the draft.
And the Timberwolves did not seem to take any significant steps forward to improving their 2025-26 roster, instead drafting a pair of 18-year-old developmental centers in Joan Beringer (first round, 17th overall) and Rocco Zikarsky (second round, 45th overall).
Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
That led to some vitriol on X. Wolves Lead, reacting to the discourse on the app, called out the fan base that shared its grievances with the lack of improvement to the roster so far.
"Wolves fans continue to be extremely down bad man," the account wrote in a post. "Insufferable fanbase sometimes."
Several fans took to the comments to justify their frustration with the franchise.
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"They really screwed the draft, especially the second round," one fan wrote.
"Because the team is down really bad. 2 years back to back at the playoffs lost at the same spot," a second fan added. "These new picks ain't gonna help that much."
Some fans admitted that they also got lost in the knee-jerk reactions, but took some time for some needed perspective.
"First round was amazing. Second round was a bit of a downer. If you are getting mad about the second round, you don't really follow the NBA," one fan wrote.
"Agree...I got negative for a second and then had to tell myself 'in TC (Tim Connelly) I trust!'," another fan added.
The Timberwolves have a roster that has made back-to-back Western Conference Finals with the help of veteran additions like Rudy Gobert, Mike Conley and Julius Randle -- all players who are 30 or more years old and in the twilight of their careers.
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"[Fans] are impatient., we have talent. We have young players on good contracts which helps when Gobert, Conley and Randle are gone. We have Ant, Jaden, Naz, Tsj, Dillingham, Clark, miller and this draft class+future picks. All we need to do is wait," one fan wrote.
Backloading the roster with young talent is imperative to opening up the franchise's window when Anthony Edwards, 24, reaches his prime.
"Back to back conference finals! Really no move we could make except trade back needed a 2 way contract to stay under the apron," another fan wrote. We will make another run at this thing folks!"
However, the lack of big moves after two disappointing finishes in the conference finals has led fans to want more.
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"I know, right? Free agency has not even started yet," one fan added.
Related: Anthony Edwards Reacts to Major Timberwolves News With 2-Word Message
Related: Timberwolves Get Major Joan Beringer News After NBA Draft
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 27, 2025, where it first appeared.
