The Minnesota Timberwolves had plenty to like about LaMelo Ball’s first preseason appearance. He made two 3-pointers, handed out three assists and helped Minnesota cruise to a 116-97 win over the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday night.
But Anthony Edwards came away most impressed by something that does not show up in the box score: Ball was loud.
“He was great tonight,” Edwards said after the game. “Y’all know. He plays like his hair is on fire. He gets everybody involved. He talked more than I expected throughout the game. That’s another big one for me, especially because I love people who talk. Let us know what you see.”
Ant on LaMelo: “He was great tonight. Y’all know. He plays like his hair is on fire. He gets everybody involved. He talked more than I expected throughout the game. That’s another big one for me, especially because I love people who talk. Let us know what you see.”
— Jon Krawczynski (@JonKrawczynski) October 6, 2026
The Wolves did not acquire Ball simply to give Edwards another gifted scorer alongside him.
They needed someone to run the show, a full-time offensive organizer — willing to push the pace, see passing windows others cannot and, just as importantly, communicate what he sees in real time. If Ball can bring that kind of command to the floor, it could ease some of the decision-making burden Edwards has carried during his rise into one of the NBA’s premier perimeter stars.
Apr 14, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (1) moves the ball during the second half during the play-in rounds between the Charlotte Hornets and the Miami Heat of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn ImagesCredit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Ball logged 11 points, four rebounds, three assists and a steal in just under 17 minutes against Milwaukee, per the official NBA box score. It was a small sample, and preseason results should always come with that qualifier. Furthermore, the result or the numbers don’t particularly matter. Still, Minnesota’s new starting group looked comfortable quickly, and that certainly does matter.
Edwards scored 14 points in 18 minutes, while Jaden McDaniels, Jonathan Kuminga and Rudy Gobert each made positive contributions in limited run. The Wolves’ starters carried a 60-48 halftime advantage before Chris Finch spread the minutes around in the second half.
The most encouraging part was that Ball did not appear content to simply blend in during his first game in a new uniform. He hunted his own shot when opportunities arose, including his first Timberwolves 3-pointer, but also kept the offense moving and stayed engaged vocally.
That is relevant for a team undergoing a major identity change.
Apr 23, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Jonathan Kuminga (0) reacts after a basket against the New York Knicks in the fourth quarter during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn ImagesCredit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Minnesota spent the offseason reshaping its roster around Edwards. Ball’s arrival gives the Wolves a true point guard with the creativity to unlock easier looks for Edwards, Gobert and the team’s collection of athletic wings. Kuminga’s addition gives Ball another transition target and cutter, while Gobert should benefit from having a high-level passer who can consistently find him near the rim.
The chemistry will take time. Ball acknowledged as much after the game.
“I think the more we play, the easier and easier it’s going to get and the more and more chemistry we’re going to get,” Ball said. “But that being the first game, and the little practices we got under our belt, I think it was solid.”
That is the appropriate read on one exhibition game. Nobody should crown the Wolves because they beat Milwaukee in early October.
Yet Edwards’ reaction is meaningful because it addresses one of the biggest questions surrounding this new-look group: How quickly will its new guards develop a shared rhythm and leadership structure?
Edwards is clearly still the franchise’s centerpiece. But he does not need to be the only player setting the tone, directing traffic and creating every difficult look. Ball’s passing has always attracted attention. His willingness to talk, challenge teammates and lead in the moment may prove just as valuable.
One preseason game did not answer every question about Minnesota’s retooled roster. It did show Edwards something he did not fully anticipate — and something the Timberwolves could need when the games begin to count.