Story by
"LaMelo Ball will get you in trouble" - Michael Wilbon issues a warning to Minnesota Timberwolves
- Story by
- "LaMelo Ball will get you in trouble" - Michael Wilbon issues a warning to Minnesota Timberwolves
Not long after the basketball world was shaken by the trade that sent two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Miami Heat , another deal rocked the NBA as the Charlotte Hornets sent their All-Star point guard LaMelo Ball to the Minnesota Timberwolves , essentially creating the most exciting backcourt in the league.
While many fans are excited to see the type of damage the Edwards-Ball combination can deal to defenses, Michael Wilbon expressed reservations about the move, saying the Timberwolves took several steps back instead of moving forward.
Advertisement
The T-Wolves didn't need a roster overhaul
When it comes to pulling off plays that give fans sheer basketball delight, there are only a few in the league that can do it quite like Ball can. A 6'7" point guard with shifty handles and a flair that reminds many of the late, great "Pistol" Pete Maravich, fans who catch games that LaMelo is in won't dare turn their attention away from the action for fear of missing out on something mindblowing, be it a no-look pass or a long-range, stepback 3-pointer.
However, Wilbon argued that after making two straight Western Conference finals appearances and the semis this year, it was obvious the Timberwolves were on the right path and only needed to make a few roster tweaks, not an overhaul, which is what they did, trading away Julius Randle and former Sixth Man of the Year winner Naz Reid over the last few days.
Advertisement
In return, all they got were Ball and a host of draft picks and draft considerations.
"It's a dynamic backcourt. I get it. But Minnesota has already been to two Conference finals. They're not trying to be dynamic. They're trying to win," Wilbon told Stephen A. Smith.
"And listen to me. LaMelo Ball is great. I've got an 18-year-old who plays a little point guard in high school. He shoots a lot of threes. He loves LaMelo Ball. In this house, LaMelo Ball is like a god," he continued. "But as far as I'm concerned, LaMelo Ball isn't as valuable as Naz Reid."
Advertisement
More style than substance
Ball's arrival in Minnesota will immediately make their games must-see. However, style points don't actually count in a game's final tally. And according to Wilbon, that is all the six-year pro has been good for most of his career.
"LaMelo Ball is eye candy. LaMelo Ball will get you in trouble," he said. "First of all, LaMelo Ball misses about 30 games a year. The last three years, injuries have been a problem. I need somebody with the same mentality as Ant-Man. Ant-Man is playing through everything… LaMelo Ball hasn't demonstrated that."
Advertisement
In the West, size is king. The San Antonio Spurs have 7'4" phenom Victor Wembanyama , while the Oklahoma City Thunder have Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein , and recently drafted 7'3 Aday Mara from Michigan. Meanwhile, Minnesota has undoubtedly downsized, leaving them with only Rudy Gobert to face off against other giants in the league.
"How are you going to look San Antonio in the eye? How are you going to look OKC in the eye? How are you going to look Utah in the eye?" Wilbon concluded.
Related: LaVar Ball urges Minnesota to sign LaMelo Ball's brothers: "Together, you can't beat 'em"
This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Jun 26, 2026, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
