Joe Nelson

Joe Nelson

Joe Nelson has more than 20 years of experience in Minnesota sports journalism. Nelson began his career in sports radio, working at smaller stations in Marshall and St. Cloud before moving to the highly-rated KFAN-FM 100.3 in the Twin Cities. While there, he produced the popular mid-morning show hosted by Minnesota Vikings play-by-play announcer Paul Allen. His time in radio laid the groundwork for his transition to sports writing in 2011. He covers the Vikings, Timberwolves, Gophers and Twins for On SI.

Jan 15, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle (30) dribbles the ball against the Golden State Warriors at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
Minnesota Timberwolves News

Timberwolves insider on possible Julius Randle trade: 'I do think it's unlikely'

When it comes to inside information about the Minnesota Timberwolves, there's no one more reliable than longtime beat reporter Jon Krawczynski — and he doesn't think a Julius Randle trade is on the minds of Minnesota's decision-makers.

Joe Nelson
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Jan 13, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) leaps to pass the ball as Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma (33) defends in the third quarter at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Minnesota Timberwolves News

Predicting a 9-game gauntlet as the Timberwolves close out January

The Timberwolves are about to be tested in a big way and it should serve as an indicator for whether they've finally figured things out.

Joe Nelson
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May 19, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Detailed view of a TNT court broadcast camera before game seven between the Minnesota Timberwolves against the Denver Nuggets in the second round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Minnesota Timberwolves News

TNT boots Timberwolves from national TV schedule in favor of Rockets-Grizzlies

Despite the flex, four of the next six Wolves games are on national TV.

Joe Nelson
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Jan 13, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) celebrates after scoring while being fouled against the Washington Wizards in the fourth quarter at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Minnesota Timberwolves News

Where Anthony Edwards ranks since his hot streak began January 4

Edwards is third in the league in scoring and his free-throw attempts have skyrocketed amid the hot stretch.

Joe Nelson
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Jan 13, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle (30) dunks the ball as Washington Wizards guard Bilal Coulibaly (0) and Wizards center Jonas Valanciunas (17) defend in the fourth quarter at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Minnesota Timberwolves News

As the NBA trade deadline nears, Julius Randle is leveling up with the Wolves

Will Minnesota try to trade Randle before the Feb. 6 deadline? If they do, will the decision backfire. If they don't, will they regret it?

Joe Nelson
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Oct 17, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Terrence Shannon Jr. (00) prepares to play the Denver Nuggets before the game at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images
Minnesota Timberwolves News

Terrence Shannon Jr. could miss a month after suffering foot injury

According to the Timberwolves, Shannon suffered a foot injury late in the third quarter of Iowa's game against Rio Grande Valley.

Joe Nelson
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Jan 11, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) looks on in the second half against the Memphis Grizzlies at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
Minnesota Timberwolves News

NBA hits Anthony Edwards with $50k fine for flipping off refs

While the TV cameras didn't capture the obscene gestures, a fan in the stands behind Minnesota's bench did.

Joe Nelson
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Jan 4, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA;  Detroit Pistons center Isaiah Stewart (28) and Minnesota Timberwolves guard Donte DiVincenzo (0) go for the rebound in the first half at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Minnesota Timberwolves News

Timberwolves put egos aside as crunch-time lineups change

It's a fluid situation, but Finch and the Wolves appear to be figuring out the best lineups in crunch time — and egos appear to have been put to the side for the greater good of the team.

Joe Nelson
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Nov 6, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis (8) goes to the basket against Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (27) and forward Kyle Anderson (5) in overtime at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images
Minnesota Timberwolves News

What to make of the fake trade idea involving the Wolves, Celtics, Bulls

Julius Randle would wind up in Chicago and Kristaps Porzingis would come to Minnesota in this fake blockbuster.

Joe Nelson
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Jan 6, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) celebrates his three-point basket against the Los Angeles Clippers late in the fourth quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images
Minnesota Timberwolves News

'Don't worry about me': Was Anthony Edwards sending a message to Charles Barkley?

Edwards, who hasn't had to deal with a lot of negative criticism in his young career, might've been referring to Charley Barkley and the Inside the NBA crew on TNT when he stared at a sideline camera and made a remark Monday night.

Joe Nelson
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Nov 8, 2024; Orlando, Florida, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) looks on from the bench against the Orlando Magic in the third quarter at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Minnesota Timberwolves News

Zion Williamson expected to return from hamstring injury against Timberwolves

Zion Williamson has been cleared to play and is expected to make his return to the starting lineup when the New Orleans Pelicans host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday night.

Joe Nelson
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Jan 4, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA;  Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) drives to the basket against Atlanta Hawks forward De'Andre Hunter (12) during the second quarter at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
Minnesota Timberwolves News

Timberwolves have to beat fully loaded Clippers to snap losing streak

The last time the Timberwolves played the Clippers — a 108-80 victory — they went up against a starting five of Kris Dunn, Amir Coffey, James Harden, Derrick Jones Jr. and Ivica Zubac.

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