The Athletic NBA Daily — "Can the Wolves Win the Title?"

Date: February 19, 2026
Hosts: Dave DeFore, Zena Keita
Guest: John Krasinski (The Athletic's Timberwolves reporter)

Episode Overview

This episode centers on the Minnesota Timberwolves' potential championship run, the maturation of Anthony Edwards into a bona fide NBA superstar, and the team’s challenges and strengths entering the playoff stretch. The hosts and Timberwolves insider John Krasinski dig into All-Star MVP Edwards, veteran leadership, midseason roster tweaks, and Minnesota’s ability—or possible inability—to “flip the switch” come playoff time.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Anthony Edwards’ All-Star Weekend and Leadership Leap

[02:17–07:26]

• Opening Discussion:
  • The episode opens with praise for Anthony Edwards' competitive fire at the All-Star Game, earning him MVP honors.
• Change in Edwards’ Approach:
  • John Krasinski notes, “I was surprised to see him play that hard… [in previous All-Star appearances] he wasn’t really wrapped up in the whole competitive juices part of that event… That performance… was not something that we had seen from Anthony Edwards before.” (03:53)
• Wemby Rivalry as a Spark:
  • Dave DeFore describes how Edwards responded to Victor Wembanyama’s competitive call-out before tip: “That one-on-one personal challenge really kind of appealed to Ant’s base nature.” (04:45)
• Edwards’ Charisma and Importance for NBA:
  • Krasinski: “He is so genuinely charismatic. All you have to do is get him feeling good and put a microphone in his face and he will entertain you…” (06:53)
• Notable Quote:
  • “When he is engaged, it’s quite a show. And he put one on in there that weekend.” — John Krasinski (05:07)
• Challenge for the Regular Season:
  • Zena Keita wonders, “What is it going to take to light a fire under Anthony Edwards and the crew for how they're playing during the regular season?” (07:42)

2. Timberwolves’ Mid-Season Complacency and Urgency

[09:02–13:26]

• Consistency as a Superstar’s Burden:
  • Krasinski draws parallels with other dominant players: “One of the things that Ant has had to… learn about being a true face of the franchise is how much is demanded on a night-in and night-out basis.” (09:02)
• Defensive Intensity:
  • Anthony Edwards’ “waxing and waning” defensive impact is discussed as the biggest area for improvement.
• Signature Clutch Performances:
  • DeFore highlights a recent win: “I think often about the end of that win against the Oklahoma City Thunder where Ant seals the deal… This is what we want every single night.” (10:14)
• Team Fatigue and Regular Season Boredom:
  • Krasinski admits, “There is a level of boredom with this regular season…outside of Rudy Gobert, who will say, ‘This is a long season, we’re going to win some, we’re going to lose some.’” (11:00)
• Seeding, Playoff Focus, and Push for Home Court:
  • “They have to really kind of pick it up… this is a team historically that right around this time of year is when they start to go. Chris Finch kind of figures out the rotations…” (12:21)
• Notable Quote:
  • “They have one of the best playoff players in the league. They have a team that’s deep and ready to go. And I think they might be leaning on that a little too much.” — John Krasinski (12:57)

3. The Importance of Mike Conley and Bench Play

[15:35–21:07]

• Mike Conley’s Leadership and Locker Room Role:
  • DeFore on Conley’s returns: “It didn’t surprise me that Rudy Gobert’s comments were timed for when Mike Conley wasn’t there. How much does this team really need Mike Conley as a Vibes guy?” (15:35)
  • Krasinski responds: “He’s essential… there’s a calming presence that he has on this group. This is a moody group, Dave.” (16:01)
  • Conley's ability to “pull me aside, tell me the right things to get my head on straight” is seen as invaluable.
• Backcourt Solutions Post-Trade:
  • Zena Keita points out weaknesses at point guard and asks about Ayo Dosunmu’s fit: “Is this a potential fix for their second unit?” (17:30)
  • Krasinski: “I think he’s the perfect fit… He’s an incredible energy guy, and on a team that sometimes doesn’t have all the greatest energy, he’s going to bring that… Can he really do it in the playoffs? That’s the question. But in the initial impressions… it looks like a really seamless fit.” (17:58–19:27)
  • Dosunmu’s “real hunger and excitement” are seen as vital for energizing the roster.

4. Playoff Expectations and the Wolves’ Ceiling

[20:04–23:54]

• Championship Predictions and Confidence:
  • Krasinski doubles down: “I said, I think this is the year that they can win the championship. I do… they put on the heavyweight gloves and say let’s go.” (21:26)
  • Not the favorites in the West, but "I wouldn’t bet against them… They’re going to go in there believing they can beat them. And that’s because Anthony Edwards makes that possible." (22:29)
• Depth, Versatility, and Defensive Profile:
  • Wolves are noted as “one of four teams in the top eight in both offense and defensive efficiency.” (21:51)
• Key Matchups and Turning Points:
  • Team has “beaten Oklahoma City, they’ve beaten San Antonio, Cleveland, Boston… when they play the heavyweights, they put on the heavyweight gloves.” (21:31)

5. The Keys to Winning the Title

[23:54–25:53]

• What Makes the Wolves Believers:
  • Krasinski outlines two primary reasons:
    1. Anthony Edwards’ clutch-time growth:
       • “Progression of Anthony Edwards’ game in clutch situations… taking a huge leap forward… scoring at all three levels.”
       • “He’s also shooting a career high 41 [percent] from three… clutch-time true shooting is off the charts.” (23:56)
    2. Jaden McDaniels’ Two-Way Leap:
       • “Jaden McDaniels has made a huge, huge leap as a two-way player this season… He’s become a real threat offensively… Him being a 6'10" dude that can put the ball on the floor and rise up… gives them another cheat code.” (24:21)
    3. Supporting pieces: Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo, Nas Reid contribute to team versatility and depth.
• Comparisons to Championship Duos:
  • DeFore: “If Ant is your Jordan, Jaden looks much more like a Pippen this season than he has.” (25:43)
  • Both Edwards and McDaniels are shooting over 40% from three (25:51)

6. Anthony Edwards’ MVP Watch

[25:53–26:48]

• If Wolves surge into the top three:
  • “If the Wolves get into the top three, you’re going to be hearing Anthony Edwards MVP talk, and rightfully.” (25:53)
  • Regular season wins will be a decisive factor due to the 65-game rule.

Notable Quotes

• On Anthony Edwards’ Charisma and Growth:
  • “When he is engaged, it’s quite a show.” — John Krasinski (05:07)
• On the Wolves’ Mental State:
  • “This is a moody group, Dave.” — John Krasinski (16:04)
• On Playoff Predicament:
  • “They are clearly waiting and biding their time for the real fight to come. And when that bell rings, they're ready.” — John Krasinski (22:11)
• On the Wolves’ Duo:
  • “If Ant is your Jordan, Jaden looks much more like a Pippen this season than he has.” — Dave DeFore (25:43)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Edwards’ All-Star MVP and New Competitive Edge: 02:17–07:26
• Wolves’ Regular Season Complacency: 09:02–13:26
• Mike Conley’s Return and Locker Room Value: 15:35–17:58
• Ayo Dosunmu and Bench Evaluation: 17:58–21:07
• Championship Predictions and Playoff Readiness: 21:07–23:54
• “Why the Wolves Can Win the Title”: 23:54–25:53
• Edwards’ MVP Candidacy: 25:53–26:48

Conclusion

This episode provides a comprehensive look at the Timberwolves’ journey from regular season boredom to potential title contention, driven by Anthony Edwards’ leap into superstardom, smart roster management, and a two-way identity built around rising talents like Edwards and McDaniels. The mood is optimistic but not naïve, as all hosts agree: the Wolves have both the tools and the temperament to contend for a championship—provided they summon the urgency the West demands.

Recommended for:

• Wolves fans hoping for hope or validation
• NBA observers interested in player development and team identity
• Listeners curious about what makes a contender tick