Recent content from Michael Rand
RandBall: After leaving Vikings, Darnold is already under duress in Seattle
After a rough early June practice for former Vikings Sam Darnold, Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald was asked about the QB's job security. That kicks off RandBall's 10 things you need to know today.
Podcast: La Velle E. Neal III on Pablo Lopez's injury, Chris Finch's tenure
La Velle E. Neal III joins host Michael Rand for their Daily Delivery Debate segment, talking about Chris Finch, Pablo Lopez and the Lynx.
RandBall: Ex-Wolves coach Tom Thibodeau, fired by Knicks, takes the fall again
Tom Thibodeau was fired by the Knicks on Tuesday after taking them to their first conference finals appearance in a quarter-century. Was it fair? Michael Rand gets to that and the 10 things you need to know today.
RandBall: Is Darius Garland a player to watch for the Timberwolves this offseason?
In Tuesday's 10 things to know, Michael Rand looks at a player who might fit the Timberwolves' timeline and needs.
Podcast: J.J. McCarthy's big moment and the Timberwolves move to watch
Host Michael Rand starts with the Twins' best inning on Monday, when they escaped a bases loaded jam and followed with a big two-out hit in a win over the A's.
RandBall: If Chris Finch wants to 'lengthen the rotation,' he is free to do so
An amusing (but serious) quote from Timberwolves coach Chris Finch after the team's elimination last week tops the 10 things you need to know today.
Podcast: Patrick Reusse on Twins drama and the struggles of Royce Lewis
Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports, which included three dramatic Twins games (but only one win) in Seattle.
RandBall: The Twins have been waiting a year for Royce Lewis' slump to end
Twins third baseman Royce Lewis once said he "doesn't do that slump thing." He's been mired in one every since, as Michael Rand explains in his 10 things to know today.
RandBall: 10 things to know today in Minnesota sports
A second consecutive loss in the Western Conference finals hints at both progress and potential for the Timberwolves. Michael Rand digs into that and more from the Wolves' season-ending defeat.
RandBall: The 10 things you need to know today in Minnesota sports
Some Twins sale perspective, a massive Game 5 for the Timberwolves and the resumption of J.J. McCarthy mania are on the agenda.
Charles Barkley: 'Don't try to make Anthony Edwards the face of the NBA'
In a conference finals full of stars, Edwards is getting left behind. Can he regroup with a dominant Game 5 and keep the Timberwolves' season alive?
RandBall: 10 things to know about Minnesota sports today
The Wolves' exciting and dramatic Game 4 was reduced to a boring conclusion. Michael Rand gets to that and nine other things you should know, including a celebration of the Frost and an update on the Twins.
![Anthony Edwards, Julius Randle and the Wolves were always a step behind the Thunder on Monday.
] CARLOS GONZALEZ • carlos.gonzalez@startribun](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/CJVGEXG7INGRNHAEH5TAVZQ24U.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Podcast: Patrick Reusse on why he never thought the Wolves would win Game 4
Minnesota only lost by two points in Monday's critical playoff game. So why did it feel more like a blowout?
Five things to watch Monday in a critical Game 4 between the Wolves and Thunder
Minnesota played with precision and desperation in a blowout win in Game 3. The task in Game 4 against Oklahoma City figures to be much harder.
Five things to watch for ahead of a critical Wolves vs. Thunder Game 3
Minnesota is down 2-0 in the Western Conference finals after two lopsided losses at Oklahoma City. Can the Timberwolves get back in the series Saturday at Target Center?
RandBall: Game 2 criticism of Wolves coach is justified. For now.
Game 2 against the Thunder wasn't the best game for a lot of people associated with the Timberwolves, including head coach Chris Finch.
Podcast: Are the Thunder just too good for Wolves? + Soon, a look at J.J. McCarthy
Host Michael Rand starts with the Wolves' 118-103 loss to Oklahoma City in Game 2 Thursday, one which confirmed the Thunder are the better team. Vikings writer Emily Leiker joins Rand.
Five things to watch for when Timberwolves play Thunder in Game 2
Resilience, more production from the bench, and "Playoff Ant" showing up will be key to the Wolves coming home tied 1-1.
RandBall: Minnesota sports fan trust issues resurfaced after Wolves' Game 1 loss
The Timberwolves are trying to swim against the current of Minnesota men's pro sports history. And the "Why do I do this to myself?" sentiment came out again among fans on Tuesday night.
Five things to watch for ahead of Game 1 of Timberwolves vs. Thunder
Anthony Edwards, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, free throws and more will be critical as the Western Conference finals begin tonight.
RandBall: Mock draft says Wolves will select a Wolf in next month's NBA Draft
Danny Wolf, a power forward from Michigan, projects to go No. 17 overall to the Wolves with the pick they received via Detroit in the Karl-Anthony Towns trade.
Podcast: Patrick Reusse on Timberwolves vs. Thunder, Twins and Lynx
Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports. They start with Oklahoma City's decisive Game 7 win Sunday over Denver, which set up the Western Conference finals against the Wolves.
Wolves will play Thunder in Western Conference finals
Oklahoma City defeated Denver in seven games and will play host to Game 1 against the Wolves on Tuesday.
RandBall: Paige Bueckers has been destined for greatness since sixth grade
Paige Bueckers, the former Hopkins and UConn star, will make her WNBA debut Friday night for Dallas against the Lynx. Her potential for greatness has been on display for half a lifetime.
RandBall: Timberwolves to remain on FanDuel Sports North next season
The Wolves and four other NBA teams had options after their contracts expired, but all five are reportedly sticking with the regional sports network.
Podcast: Can the Timberwolves, Frost advance during 'Closeout Wednesday'?
Host Michael Rand starts with the Wolves' opportunity Wednesday to knock out Golden State in five games. Jerry Zgoda from the Star Tribune joins Rand to help break down the other closeout game. The Frost have a 2-1 lead on Toronto.
RandBall: The calming influence of Mike Conley, Rudy Gobert ... and Jaden McDaniels?
Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle combined to score more than half of the Timberwolves' points in a Game 4 win. But the rest of the starting lineup was just as important.
Podcast: The Anthony Edwards takeover, Vikings in Europe, Phil Miller on the Twins
Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the Timberwolves after their Game 4 win over Golden State. Star Tribune baseball writer Phil Miller joins Rand for a breakdown of the Twins' current eight-game winning streak.
RandBall: Three surprising heroes of the Twins' early-season turnaround
One position player, one starting pitcher and one reliever have been unexpected stalwarts for the Twins, who have won eight consecutive games.
Podcast: Patrick Reusse on the streaking Twins and a beautiful Wolves win
Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports, which included another sweep for the Twins. Plus the Wolves grinded out a 102-97 win over Golden State in Game 3 of their playoff series on Saturday.
Podcast: Wolves cruised in Game 2, but next three vs. Golden State are critical
Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the Wolves' 117-93 win over Golden State in Game 2 on Thursday. They could afford to cruise a little in that win because of Steph Curry's absence. They will need more gas in Games 3 and 4.
Podcast: Twins on a roll; La Velle E. Neal III tells Wolves not to panic
Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the Twins, who have put together a 10-5 stretch after their awful 7-15 start.
6:00: La Velle E. Neal III joins Rand for the Daily Delivery debate.
RandBall: U's Niko Medved says transfer portal recruiting 'a lot like NBA free agency'
In a wide-ranging interview on Wednesday's Daily Delivery podcast, the new Gophers men's basketball coach distilled the modern college recruiting experience.
Podcast: Gophers coach Niko Medved on his first six weeks, the transfer portal and more
Host Michael Rand does the show in reverse, starting with his interview with Gophers men's basketball coach Niko Medved. Rand breaks down Wolves vs. Warriors.
Randball: How to make the NBA playoffs fairer
Teams with higher seeds should be rewarded with at least five home games in a best-of-seven series.
Podcast: As NBA upsets mount, can favored Wolves take down the Warriors?
Host Michael Rand starts with the volatility of the NBA conference semifinals. Star Tribune columnist Chip Scoggins joins Rand to break down the matchup against Golden State.
RandBall: We're all still getting used to the Wolves being good
Four straight years in the playoffs and two straight years advancing in the postseason? A transcendent star and a smartly assembled supporting cast? These really are the Wolves
Podcast: Patrick Reusse on all the juicy storylines between the Wolves and Warriors
Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports, which included Golden State's win over Houston on Sunday that set up the Western Conference semifinals against the Wolves.
Who, when and where will the Timberwolves play next?
Plenty of variables are still in play for the Wolves, but Sunday's game between Golden State and Houston will tell a lot about what to expect.
![Matt Boldy (12) and Marco Rossi (23) of the Minnesota Wild miss a scoring opportunity in the third period Thursday.
] CARLOS GONZALEZ • carl](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/55HGE54ZD5GVDPMSVPCCVWKX64.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Podcast: Wild at a crossroads, Wolves on a roll, Twins in a slide
Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the Wild, who were eliminated in six games (again) after having a 2-1 series lead (again). Star Tribune writer and Wolves fan Jeff Day checks in with Rand on the five-game series win over the Lakers.
RandBall: Five narratives the Wolves demolished along with the Lakers
Julius Randle, Rudy Gobert and closing out games are all on the list after the Wolves moved on in the NBA playoffs.
Podcast: Same old Wild? La Velle E. Neal III and Michael Rand debate
Host Michael Rand starts with five narratives the Wolves destroyed along with flattening the Lakers in five games. La Velle E. Neal III joins Rand for their weekly debate segment, focusing on the Wild, Lynx and Vikings.
Shedeur Sanders and the $350,000 prank call
The NFL hammered the Atlanta Falcons and defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich after a bad prank gone awry by Ulbrich's son Jax during the draft last week.
Podcast: Wild heartbreak, Wolves opportunity and an Iowa football fan checks in
Host Michael Rand starts with the Wild's latest playoff heartbreak, another overtime loss to Vegas. Chip Scoggins joins Rand to mostly talk about the Wolves' 3-1 series lead heading into Wednesday's Game 5 in Los Angeles.
RandBall: Wait, a Minnesota team benefited from a missed call in a big game?
The NBA said a foul should have been called on Jaden McDaniels near the end of the Wolves' Game 4 victory. Minnesota fans are used to these things going the other way.
Podcast: Critical Game 5s offer different opportunities for Wolves, Wild
Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with three points on the Wolves, who have a commanding 3-1 series lead against the Lakers but must keep their foot on the gas.
And Sarah McLellan joins Rand to break down Wild vs. Vegas Game 5.
RandBall: Vikings received awful NFL draft grades from a lot of analysts
The pressure is on quarterback J.J. McCarthy and edge rusher Dallas Turner, the team's top draft choices of 2024, to make this year's small class a non-issue.
Podcast: Patrick Reusse on an unbelievable weekend at Target Center
Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports. They started, naturally, with the Wolves' second consecutive thrilling home win over the Lakers, which gave Minnesota 3-1 series lead.
RandBall: The Vikings made a good pick, but did they make the right choice?
The Vikings had an opportunity to trade down and accumulate more picks. Did they do the right thing in staying put and taking Ohio State offensive lineman Donovan Jackson?
Podcast: Wild seize the night; Can the Timberwolves do the same?
Introduction: host Michael Rand starts with the Vikings' decision Thursday to take Ohio State offensive lineman Donovan Jackson No. 24 overall. The Wild, meanwhile, left no doubt.
RandBall: Wild, Wolves have stolen the home advantage. Can they finally use it?
Both teams have been far better on the road than at home in recent postseasons. If they are going to advance in the playoffs this season, that trend needs to change.
Podcast: La Velle E. Neal III on confidence in Wolves, Wild
Host Michael Rand starts with the NFL Draft and the first round Thursday in Green Bay. Minnesota Star Tribune columnist La Velle E. Neal III joins Rand for their "Daily Delivery" debate.
RandBall: The Vikings are drafting this week for 2026 and beyond
The Vikings don't have a lot of immediate holes to fill after another strong year in free agency. But they can't just spend big on their roster indefinitely.
Podcast: Wild gets even, Wolves blow chance, Byron Buxton calls game
Host Michael Rand tackles big subjects on today's episode, including a 5-2 victory in Game 2 at Vegas helped the Wild even their series at 1-1 heading back to St. Paul. Should we be optimistic about the series overall?
Podcast: Make-or-break week for Twins + Very different vibes for Wolves, Wild
Host Michael Rand starts with two listener questions about the NFL Draft, then Star Tribune Twins writer Bobby Nightengale joins Rand for a breakdown of a 7-15 team that is facing a big week.
RandBall: Byron Buxton is the Twins' main (and perhaps only) attraction
Byron Buxton is healthy and playing like the version of himself everyone wants to see. But that's about all that has gone right for the 7-15 Twins.
Podcast: Patrick Reusse rants about Twins, has faith in Wolves and Wild
Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports, which included Game 1 for both the Wolves and Wild. Plus Reusse unloads on the Twins.
RandBall: Aaron Rodgers talked about the Vikings, but mostly he talked about himself
In his first public comments since being released by the Jets, quarterback Aaron Rodgers didn't exactly clarify his future.
Podcast: Wolves vs. Lakers preview; what will Vikings do in NFL draft?
Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts Part I of Friday's podcast with the Vikings. With less than a week to go before the draft, where are they at in their preparation?
RandBall: My long history of investing in bad baseball teams
The jury is still out on the 2025 Twins. It is not out on other teams that I have invested in over the years.
Podcast: A Timberwolves playoff preview from a Lakers perspective
Claire de Lune, a musician and writer who covers the Lakers for The Guardian, joins Daily Delivery host Michael Rand to help set up the playoff series between the Wolves and Lakers.
RandBall: After two dreadful decades, we are finally a proper winter sports market
The Timberwolves and Wild have been mediocre at best throughout their combined histories, so much so that their sudden surge of shared competence is worth noting.
![Minnesota Twins infielder Willi Castro (50) walks back to the bench after striking out Monday.
] CARLOS GONZALEZ • carlos.gonzalez@startribu](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/ZPAAM3FRKZBG7AYH6QC6XIQNKA.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
RandBall: Trying my best for some optimism with these Twins
By almost any measure, it has been a dreadful start to the season for the Twins. Here are some, um, attempts at making you feel more optimistic.
Podcast: Marcus Fuller on Niko Medved's work in the transfer portal
Host Michael Rand starts with the Twins, who lost again and now sit at 5-12. Marcus Fuller joins Rand to break down Niko Medved's work in the transfer portal.
RandBall: Did the Wolves cost themselves a better seed with missed chances?
The Timberwolves won 17 of their last 21 games and avoided the play-in tournament. But there is a sense among fans that they could have done more.
Podcast: Wolves matchup, Wild's chances, Twins woes and Rory's wild ride
Chip Scoggins pinch hits for Patrick Reusse on Monday's episode with host Michael Rand. They start with the Wolves' win over Utah on Sunday, which set up a playoff matchup against the Lakers.
RandBall: After enough slander, it's time to appreciate Mike Conley again
The Wolves point guard is aging like a fine wine this season, proving he still belongs on a team with considerable aspirations.
Podcast: Faith in Wolves restored; Vikings draft, QB situation still in flux
Host Michael Rand starts with the Timberwolves' big 141-125 win over Memphis on Thursday. Ben Goessling joins Rand to share Vikings insights on quarterbacks and the draft.
Randball: Jumping to conclusions on the Wild, Twins and Timberwolves
Are those quick opinions merited, or was it just a heat-of-the-moment reaction?
Podcast: The dazzling return of Kirill Kaprizov and Joel Eriksson Ek
Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the Wild, who really couldn't have asked for much more on Wednesday. Plus La Velle E. Neal III on the Twins, Wolves and Wild.
RandBall: Wolves should have been more embarrassed Tuesday than they seemed
The Minnesota Timberwolves and Twins melted down in their own ways Tuesday night, with both providing some clarity about who they are.
RandBall: The Twins have transformed their local TV broadcasts. Are the Wolves next?
A report said the Wolves are likely to renew their FanDuel Sports North contract for next season. Beyond that, the NBA is eyeing a larger and more lucrative streaming deal.
Podcast: Twins can't throw, hit or catch; Chris Hine on the Wolves
Host Michael Rand starts with the Twins, who fell to 3-7 with another sad loss to the Royals. Chris Hine joins Rand to break down the final four games of the Wolves season and the very crowded playoff race.
RandBall: Starting pitching and short outings are dooming the Twins again
The rotation looked to be a strength of the Twins. It's early but so far, it has been a major weakness.
Podcast: Patrick Reusse on a bad Twins loss, great Wild win and Paige Bueckers
Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse and host Michael Rand look at the weekend in sports, starting with the Twins' loss. On a happier note, the Wild got a huge two points over Dallas and local superstar Paige Bueckers won an NCAA title.
