Jarrett Culver has averaged 12 and 8 over the first two games of this season. He's getting about 20 mpg and deserves more.
The "issue" is that the TWolves have six guys who are playing guard and wing spots-- and at least four of them are playing great ball right now. Minnesota's plan, then, has been to pull a San Antonio, moving a wing to power forward. Culver has thrived as a small ball PF. He's defending like he did in college and has shot incredibly well (especially at the corner). His athleticism allows him to guard four positions. He rebounds well in space and has shown a knack for corralling long caroms.
Anthony Edwards has also moved into that hybrid, small ball PF. About half his minutes have come at that spot, and he's been much better than I expected, especially as a shooter. (Remember, it's early in the season.) That's helped the Wolves defend at the PF spot better, as both guys have long arms and quick feet. It's also allowed Minnesota to get out on the break. Edwards will often streak to the other end, for example, looking for a KAT outlet pass. That allows Edwards (and Culver and Okogie and Beasley) to play one-on-one-- his strength-- attempting to score. KAT hit Edwards with multiple three-quarter length outlet passes against Utah last night, and the number one pick scored each time. (That's really good coaching, IMO.)
Malik Beasley hasn't been hitting on all cylinders yet. Nor have KAT and Russell. They've certainly been serviceable. Beasley gives them a third option and perimeter guy who's shown a (surprising) willingness to drive straight to the hoop. (I'm guessing Saunders has really focused on finding good shots from deep or the rim, as pretty much the entire team has focused on those two spots.) Beasley's shooting hasn't been elite, but it should improve.
Defensively, they switch on all pick and rolls not including KAT or Naz Reid. (Watch for opposing teams to pick and roll with centers to negate that advantage and get some clean looks moving forward. They've done it already, but have missed more than they ought to on the perimeter.) It helps that Russell and Rubio are taller PGs who've shown they're fine switching when they need to. Okogie's been picking up three-quarters court when he's in the game. And he's playing hard. If he could shoot, he'd be an All-Star.
If Culver's leap forward is real,