How the Timberwolves’ “Kids Table” took over: From empty arenas to $500 million stars

MINNEAPOLIS — In an empty arena during the long, cold, COVID-strangled 2020-21 NBA season, the Minnesota Timberwolves hurtled toward rock bottom.They were coming off a 19-win season and expected to take a big step forward. Less than a month into the season, things already looked bleak. Karl-Anthony Towns was out with COVID. D’Angelo Russell wasn’t becoming the star they initially envisioned. They were getting nothing from Jarrett Culver, the No. 6 pick in the 2019 draft.Advertisement