ESPN’s Kendrick Perkins sees title potential as Timberwolves enter high anticipated season

ESPN’s Kendrick Perkins sees title potential as Timberwolves enter high anticipated season By KSTP Sports ESPN analyst and former NBA player Kendrick Perkins interview on Wolves, Oct. 2026 The expectations around the Minnesota Timberwolves have never been higher.Coming off another deep playoff run and armed with an overhauled roster headlined by the additions of LaMelo Ball and Jonathan Kuminga, the Wolves are entering the 2026-27 season with legitimate championship aspirations. Few national analysts are as bullish on Minnesota’s chances as ESPN’s Kendrick Perkins, a 14-year NBA veteran.“I believe they can do it,” Perkins said. “The expectations should be NBA Finals for the Minnesota Timberwolves.”Our Darren ‘Doogie’ Wolfson spoke with Perkins, via Zoom.***Click the video box above to watch our conversation with Perkins***Minnesota opens the season Oct. 21 in Miami, and Perkins expects the Wolves to immediately establish themselves among the elite teams in the Western Conference.While sportsbooks have set Minnesota’s win total at 48.5 victories, Perkins is confidently taking the over.“I’m really high on the Minnesota Timberwolves,” he said. “They’re going to be a team that’s at the top of the Western Conference along with the (San Antonio) Spurs and OKC (Thunder).”At the center of that optimism is Anthony Edwards, whom Perkins predicts will elevate his game yet again.The former NBA champion said Edwards should benefit tremendously from sharing the backcourt with Ball, allowing him to spend less time initiating offense and more time attacking defenses as a scorer and defender.“It starts with Anthony Edwards and it ends with Anthony Edwards,” Perkins said. “I believe he’s going to have his best year. Going back to his natural position is going to be hell for the rest of the NBA.”Perkins has already gone on record predicting Edwards will win the league’s MVP award. He believes the Wolves star enters the season motivated after watching peers like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Jalen Brunson and former teammate Karl-Anthony Towns reach championship heights.“If I’m Anthony Edwards, I’m coming into this season and I’m kicking ass and taking names,” Perkins said.The arrival of Ball is another major reason Perkins believes Minnesota can contend.Despite concerns about Ball’s injury history and lack of playoff experience, Perkins sees the former All-Star thriving in Chris Finch’s system. He believes Ball’s playmaking will unlock opportunities throughout the roster while allowing Edwards to conserve energy for defensive assignments.“Anthony Edwards gives you a certain type of swag,” Perkins said. “That culture is just different.”Perkins went even further, calling Edwards and Ball the league’s best backcourt.“I believe they have the best backcourt in basketball.”The roster changes extend beyond Ball. Minnesota also added Kuminga, whose athleticism and championship experience with Golden State intrigue Perkins.He envisions Kuminga flourishing in a winning environment while benefiting from Edwards’ leadership and Finch’s player-friendly approach.“Jonathan Kuminga feeling love is going to fit well with this offense and this team,” Perkins said.