Minnesota Timberwolves: how Robert Covington has become the T’Wolves’ glue

The Minnesota Timberwolves have found a gem of a player in Robert Covington.

Robert Covington has gone from being somewhat of an afterthought with the Philadelphia Sixers to becoming a core member of the Minnesota Timberwolves’ resurgence. All it took was nine games for that to become the case. The Timberwolves are an impressive 6-3 since he arrived in a trade sending Jimmy Butler to the Sixers.

Covington was immediately inserted in the starting lineup where he has helped the Timberwolves get back to doing what they do best — play stifling defense. If the Timberwolves can keep up what they are doing they will be pushing for a playoff spot as one of the middle seeds. Few expected Covington to have the impact he has thus far, however, he has done wonders for the Timberwolves on defense.

Nothing against Butler who did little to ingratiate himself with the Timberwolves since his not-so-subtle trade demand, but Covington has brought more to the table in far less time. Covington also comes with close to half of Butler’s salary.

Covington, listed at 6-foot-9, has a lot more length than Butler does. The length helps him as he gives the Timberwolves the most versatile wing they have had in years.

With the Timberwolves, Covington has been a better fit than his predecessor. He has provided strong man-to-man defense along with the shot-blocking ability that most wing players cannot provide. Covington has also allowed his Timberwolves teammates to work within more natural roles.

If you have watched a Timberwolves’ game lately think about how often that a broken play on defense has turned into a blocked shot or a steal. It is not always Robert Covington who has done the damage, however, his teammates have benefited hugely from his presence on the floor.

Another impressive notion is that Covington has already earned the respect of Tom Thibodeau.

Since joining the Timberwolves, Covington has averaged more minutes than any other Timberwolves’ player. He is not stuffing the stat sheet with his scoring as Butler did. Covington has shown an all-around game that does not conflict with his teammates. Without him, the Timberwolves are not where they are right now.