The Minnesota Timberwolves have spent the offseason reshaping their roster around Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball after entering their biggest summer. The two guards are expected to carry much of the offensive responsibility next season, but one of their first moves together may have little to do with scoring.
According to Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic, Edwards and Ball are organizing a trip to France to work out with Rudy Gobert before training camp. The workout itself is notable. Krawczynski’s explanation of why it matters may be even more important.
Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Ball’s France Trip Could Mean More To Rudy Gobert
Anthony Edwards supports Rudy Gobert
Krawczynski reported that Edwards and Ball are already coordinating with teammates ahead of the new season.
“They’re organizing things with their teammates to try and figure out something,” Krawczynski said.
This detail is important because the players are leading the trip, not the coaches. Minnesota could have waited until training camp to build teamwork. Instead, its two starting guards are ready to start that process weeks early by traveling to Gobert’s offseason home.
For Krawczynski, however, the destination is not the biggest part of the story. The significance lies in who they are traveling to see.
Why Inclusion Matters
After covering Gobert throughout his four seasons in Minnesota, Krawczynski believes the veteran center values more than simply being part of the offense. He wants to be involved offensively.
“It does mean more to him when he’s completely included,” Krawczynski said. “When he feels like his teammates are trying to maximize him as best they can.”
Those comments provide useful background about more than just one workout. Gobert has spent three seasons building relationships with different point guards, offensive systems, and teammates. Now, Ball joins the team as Minnesota’s new floor leader. This makes every chance to build trust before the first game even more important.
The trip alone won’t decide if the partnership is successful. It shows that both guards understand that they need time to build chemistry before the regular season starts.
Why France Matters
Krawczynski also focused on the decision to travel rather than asking Gobert to come to Minnesota.
“I do think that the physical act of getting on the plane, heading across the water, and coming to his town to work with him will go a long way for Rudy,” Krawczynski said.
That observation gives the trip a different perspective.
NBA players often work out together during the offseason. Traveling across the Atlantic to join a teammate at his offseason home requires extra time and planning. Krawczynski thinks this effort could be important for Gobert because it shows a willingness to meet him where he is, rather than waiting for training camp to bring everyone together.
Building Chemistry Early
The basketball reasons for making the trip are just as clear. Ball joined Minnesota this offseason after spending his entire NBA career with the Charlotte Hornets. Developing timing with Gobert will be one of his priorities as the Timberwolves continue to try to improve an incomplete offense.
Gobert’s offensive game relies heavily on screening, rim runs and quick decisions in the pick-and-roll. Those actions become more effective as teammates learn each other’s tendencies through repetition.
Starting that process before training camp gives Ball additional opportunities to build familiarity with one of Minnesota’s most important veterans. Edwards also stands to benefit from the extra work as the Timberwolves continue searching for ways to maximize Gobert’s impact within the offense after last season exposed a bigger problem.
A Different Offseason Start
The Timberwolves have made important changes this summer, but their biggest challenge is getting the new players to work together quickly. Ball needs to adapt to the new team, while Minnesota hopes to improve on a roster that had a strong playoff run before injuries affected their chances.
Krawczynski’s report indicates that the trip to France is more than just another offseason workout. It shows that Edwards and Ball are trying to build relationships before the first day of training camp.
We won’t know if Minnesota’s new backcourt will lead to success on the court until the season starts. However, it is clear that they are spending time with Gobert before opening night, and Krawczynski believes that decision “will go a long way for Rudy.”
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