With the addition of LaMelo Ball to the Minnesota Timberwolves, it raises expectations for how far the team can go in the postseason. Minnesota was in need of a reliable second option alongside star player Anthony Edwards, and Ball may be the perfect fit. 

Ball is one of the most dynamic guards in today's game because of his scoring and playmaking ability, and that may lead to Anthony Edwards getting more opportunities. Another factor that could lead to the Timberwolves' success in 2026 is the off-court relationship Edwards has with LaMelo Ball. 

Former NBA guard Jamal Crawford recently spoke on the impact that kind of relationship can have on the team moving forward, and how both players' selfless attitude could make them successful moving forward. 

“You can tell their chemistry is something different… I can see either one going off and the other one be like ‘nah it’s all you, I’m gonna get you going’ like they have that respect for each other," Crawford said. 

For LaMelo, that selfless attitude seems to be a common theme up to this point in his career. Through his first six seasons in the NBA, Ball has averaged over 7 assists per game. He has helped players like Miles Bridges have successful careers because of his ability to set them up for success. 

With Minnesota, Ball has the chance to have a similar relationship with Anthony Edwards and other players on the roster. If he can continue to get his teammates involved, Minnesota can be a top team in the West. 

Crawford also touched on how age is a factor that plays into how close Edwards and Ball are. Both players are 25 years old and came through the 2020 draft class together. Now that they're on the same team, it feels like both players are rooting for one another's success. 

While Edwards and Ball have had successful careers individually, it's been Edwards who has seen most of the winning. LaMelo Ball made an appearance in the Play-In Tournament this past season and it was furthest he's gotten since being on the Hornets. 

Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves have been to the Western Conference Finals twice and have been a premier playoff team in recent seasons. The hope now is that LaMelo Ball can be the final piece that gets this team over the hump and into the NBA Finals in June. 

Both players have the chance to reach the milestone of winning an NBA championship together and if they can continue to support one another, that goal will be possible.