Anthony Edwards clears knee concerns as Timberwolves roll out full starting five

Anthony Edwards expressed confidence in his health on Saturday, telling reporters that the knee problems that hampered him at the end of last season and in the first round of the playoffs have subsided. The Minnesota Timberwolves guard said it took roughly two months away from game action for his right knee irritation and bone bruise in his left knee to fully calm down.

In the postseason, Edwards hyperextended his left knee, leading to that bone bruise on top of the existing issue in his right knee. He described a lengthy stretch of rest and treatment before he was cleared to ramp back up, noting that he gained weight during the layoff but has since returned to proper conditioning. Edwards summed up his status by saying he now feels great physically.

Cody Williams impresses, Isaiah Evans learning the ropes

At training camp, Edwards singled out trade acquisition Cody Williams as one of the standouts so far. He praised Williams’ defensive feel in particular and suggested the young wing has a chance to be very effective at the NBA level if he continues to build on that foundation. Edwards also highlighted the energy Williams brings on a daily basis and the way his defence already impacts practice sessions.

Second-round pick Isaiah Evans finds himself at an earlier stage of the process. Head coach Chris Finch said Evans is clearly trying to make an impact, but like many rookies, some of his mistakes stem from trying to do too much right now. Finch indicated that Evans’ defence needs to reach the standard the Timberwolves expect before he can count on earning regular rotation minutes, adding that such growing pains are normal just four days into an NBA camp.

Full starting unit to feature in preseason opener

Finch also revealed that Minnesota’s complete starting five will play in Monday’s preseason opener, and he expects to lean on that group frequently throughout the exhibition schedule. The Wolves overhauled their core lineup this offseason by trading for LaMelo Ball and signing Jonathan Kuminga in free agency to join incumbent starters Edwards, Jaden McDaniels and Rudy Gobert.

The preseason slate will give Ball and Kuminga valuable reps alongside the established trio, helping the group build chemistry on both ends of the floor before opening night. It will also provide another check on Edwards’ knee as he resumes extended minutes and allow the coaching staff to assess whether younger players like Evans can carve out roles behind the entrenched starters.

Tom Thibodeau stops by Timberwolves camp

Saturday’s practice brought a familiar face back to Minnesota, as former Timberwolves head coach and head of basketball operations Tom Thibodeau attended camp. Thibodeau, who has been out of coaching since being dismissed by the New York Knicks in 2025, recently visited Houston as well. His appearance offered a brief reunion with his former team while the current version of the Wolves focuses on building toward the upcoming season under Finch.