As reported by The Athletic’s Shams Charania, Karl-Anthony Cities has been dominated out for not less than a month as a result of a torn meniscus.
The veteran massive man has been important to the Timberwolves’ climb to the highest of the Western Convention. With out him within the rotation, Chris Finch’s staff will battle to compete for a championship.
Cities’ dimension has been a big a part of Minnesota’s defensive system. His presence subsequent to Rudy Gobert has primarily shut the door for opposing groups contained in the paint. Moreover, the Timberwolves have the perfect defensive ranking within the league.
With out Cities on the court docket, that defensive construction will undoubtedly weaken, as will Minnesota’s offense. When on the ground, Cities can function as a fringe scoring menace or as a playmaking hub by way of hand-off actions.
He’s an elite screener, and his inside recreation holds up in opposition to the perfect of them. In 60 video games, he’s averaging 22.1 factors, 8.4 rebounds and three.0 assists per recreation whereas taking pictures 50.6 p.c from the sphere and 42.3 p.c from the perimeter.
The Timberwolves have been a enjoyable story this 12 months. They’ve slowly rebuilt their roster via the draft after which swung for the fences by buying Gobert in 2022.
This season has been a fruits of their efforts. They have been speculated to be among the many contenders. Cities’ damage will price them that chance. There’s additionally no telling how lengthy the entrance workplace can maintain the present roster collectively, because it tasks to grow to be pricey within the coming seasons.
Minnesota’s championship window is slim. Posing one in every of its greatest gamers for the rest of the common season will additional shrink its alternatives for fulfillment.
Cities’ damage is a blow not solely to him but additionally to a complete fan base that is been ready for a season like this one since Kevin Garnett left for the Boston Celtics in 2007.
Now, all Minnesota can do is wait and see if its star massive shall be again in time within the postseason and whether or not he shall be ready to assist his staff win.
