Recent content from Michael Rand
Will Sunday's Game 7 give Anthony Edwards his Kevin Garnett moment?
The series-deciding game against the Nuggets will be exactly 20 years after the Timberwolves' Game 7 win over Sacramento that did as much as anything to boost Kevin Garnett's status in the basketball world.
How massive was the Wolves' run that's forcing Game 7?
Host Michael Rand notes the Wolves took the concept of a "game of runs" to extremes in a rout of the Nuggets that's forcing Game 7. Plus, Kent Youngblood on the Lynx home opener and Caitlin Clark's impact.
It should be McCarthy vs. Cousins at U.S. Bank in December
The Vikings will let J.J. McCarthy's development — not pressure or history — be their guide as to how soon the No. 10 overall pick plays. But will he be starting by the time Kirk Cousins comes to town on Dec. 8?
How the Timberwolves can change momentum and win Game 6
On Thursday's Daily Delivery podcast, Star Tribune Wolves reporter Chris Hine joined host Michael Rand ahead of a huge playoff game at Target Center. What can the Wolves do to avoid elimination after three straight losses to the Nuggets?
MLB on Bally Sports plan; Scoggins on the Timberwolves plight
Host Michael Rand has the latest on how Comcast dropping Bally Sports channels could impact the future of TV. And Chip Scoggins joins the show to talk about the Wolves' Game 5 loss to the Nuggets.
Baseball officials cast doubt on Bally Sports bankruptcy plan
MLB wrote that Diamond Sports' plan to emerge from bankruptcy is hanging by the "thinnest of threads" in light of Comcast's decision to drop Bally Sports channels two weeks ago.
Cousins talks for first time about Falcons drafting another QB
Kirk Cousins said, "I'm gonna control what I can control," among other things, in the wake of the Falcons picking QB Michael Penix Jr. No. 8 overall just weeks after signing the former Viking to a lucrative multi-year deal.
A tale of two franchises: PWHL Minnesota and the Arena League's Myth
Two local teams gave a perfect illustration this week of what it takes to make it (or not make it) in sports these days.
Gophers transforming at QB; A big night for Wolves, Lynx, Twins
On Tuesday's Daily Delivery podcast, Star Tribune Gophers football writer Randy Johnson gave insights into new quarterback Max Brosmer, while host Michael Rand set up what's at stake for the Wolves, Lynx and Twins.
Wolves problem isn't Minnesota curse. They were outclassed.
Failure can be a self-fulfilling prophecy with Minnesota sports fans. But the Wolves weren't cursed in their Games 3 and 4 losses to Denver.
Patrick Reusse on Wolves backslide, Twins surge and John Anderson
Our columnist reaches a conclusion about the Timberwolves' Game 4 loss to the Nuggets, marvels at the Twins' turnaround and talks about the state of Gophers baseball.
Trade Ant!? Five things I was terribly wrong about with the Wolves.
Patience is a virtue that current Wolves boss Tim Connelly possesses. Some of us (me) have less of it, and it's a good thing we weren't running the team over the past few years.
The impact of NIL on U men's basketball in a wild transfer portal window
Marcus Fuller joins the Daily Delivery podcast to discuss how NIL money is radically changing player movement in men's college basketball — and how that's impacting the U.
Chris Hine on the Timberwolves' playoff run — and all the national attention
On Part II of Thursday's Daily Delivery podcast, host Michael Rand and Star Tribune Timberwolves writer Chris Hine set up Friday's Game 3 between the Wolves and Denver and broke down just how dominant Minnesota has been in the postseason.
Five takeaways from a conversation with Bally Sports North executive
Comcast dropped Bally Sports channels last week, leaving Twins fans who are Comcast subscribers without access to games on that platform. Bally Sports North General Manager Randy Stephens discussed the situation from BSN's perspective.
Bally Sports North general manager on the dispute with Comcast
Bally Sports North General Manager Randy Stephens joined host Michael Rand on Thursday's Daily Delivery podcast to share BSN's perspective on Comcast removing all Bally Sports channels — a move last week that left many Twins fans frustrated.
When will McCarthy make his first start at quarterback for the Vikings?
With an eye toward the past 10 years of NFL draft history but also with perspective on how the Vikings want to develop rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy, let's look at when he might get on the field in 2024.
McCarthy's timeline to take over at QB; Gobert changes the narrative
Michael Rand and Vikings writer Ben Goessling revisit the Vikings' draft and discuss expectations for rookie QB J.J. McCarthy. Rand also gets into the turnaround for Rudy Gobert.
Pure joy of Minnesota fans during Game 2 was beautiful to behold
The Timberwolves thumping of the Nuggets in Game 2 countered all the doomsday talk and memes about how Minnesota sports fans can't have nice things.
The most fun Minnesota sports fans have had in a long time
The rout of Denver was a lot of things, including a couple hours of pure joy for long-suffering Minnesota sports (particularly Timberwolves) fans. Also, host Michael Rand talks Minnesota United soccer with Jon Marthaler.
Comcast axed Bally Sports North. How are Twins fans adjusting?
We asked Twins fans who used to have Comcast how they are handling the cable carrier's decision to drop Bally Sports channels last week. The answers varied from creative solutions to apathy to anger.
Reusse on the Timberwolves and the Twins television mess
Columnist Patrick Reusse broke down the Wolves' Game 1 victory and set up Game 2 with host Michael Rand. They also talked plenty about the Twins and some obscure teams from Minnesota's past.
Wolves are getting serious for the first time in two decades
The Timberwolves this year provided ample evidence of their seriousness. If there were any lingering doubts, they were dispatched as quickly as the Suns were in a four-game first-round sweep
BSN blues, streaking Twins, Buxton with baseball writer Phil Miller
Star Tribune Twins beat writer Phil Miller joined host Michael Rand for a look at three big Twins story lines. Rand also broke down the Wolves vs. Nuggets playoff series.
Ten-game winning streak for Twins, but big questions loom
Host Michael Rand gave kudos to the Twins for turning a 7-13 start into a 17-13 record. But questions about opponent quality, Byron Buxton's health and the team's TV situation are lurking.
Five Nuggets thoughts, plus some tough words by Wolves' Edwards
A Denver podcaster shares his keys to the season, including the importance of a Nuggets player who isn't Nikola Jokic. Also, Anthony Edwards' succinct view of Minnesota's second-round opponent.
Five things to know about Comcast dropping Bally Sports North
The latest twist in a long and frustrating road for local sports fans came Tuesday night when Comcast, a huge cable operator in Minnesota, dropped Bally Sports North. What happens now?
Comcast vs. Bally Sports. What's going on here?
After the sides were unable to reach a contract agreement. BSN disappeared from customers' TVs late Tuesday. If this impasse is permanent it will have a massive impact on Minnesota sports fans. Also, NIL and Wolves fan talk.
Ant's evolution. Here are five statistics that show it.
Anthony Edwards is still just 22. The Wolves star has taken his game to different levels, with the latest example being his performance against the Suns in a first-round playoff sweep.
La Velle E. Neal III on the draft, streaks, sweeps and women's hockey
That it's a busy and interesting time of year is front and center on the podcast, with La Velle and host Michael Rand bouncing from topic to topic in Minnesota sports.
Can Minnesota sports fans handle all of this sudden optimism?
A little over a week ago, the Wolves were about to face an unbeatable team, the Vikings were in a land of 10,000 uncertainties and the Twins were floundering. You might have noticed a difference since then.
Patrick Reusse on the dominance of the Timberwolves
Columnist Patrick Reusse joined host Michael Rand to marvel at the Wolves' sweep of the Suns. They also gave credit to the streaking Twins and broke down the Vikings' draft.
Yes, it was a great night for the Vikings at the draft
Host Michael Rand dissected big wins for the Vikings in the first round of the NFL draft. Also, baseball writer Bobby Nightengale on the Twins sweep and thoughts about Game 3 of the Wolves-Suns series.
Is this the most important draft pick in Vikings history?
The Vikings have never chosen a quarterback with a top-10 pick. It feels like they will do so tonight, which gives strength to the argument.
Final thoughts on Vikings draft; rename a street after Naz Reid?
Host Michael Rand makes the case this is the most important draft pick in Vikings history. He also talked to columnist Chip Scoggins about the Timberwolves and Naz Reid.
The three most absurd Vikings rumblings in their draft lead-up
A lot of things could happen Thursday night when the NFL draft begins. But a few things that were floated during the buildup to the draft almost certainly will not.
Looking back at giant Wolves win and ahead to crucial Vikings draft
On Wednesday's Daily Delivery podcast, host Michael Rand dissected the Timberwolves' 105-93 victory over the Suns and chatter with Star Tribune Vikings writer Andrew Krammer about Thursday's NFL draft.
Can the Wolves do it again? Will a Twins fan prove us wrong?
Timberwolves writer Chris Hine joined host Michael Rand for a look at tonight's Game 2. Plus an annoyed emailer takes issue with Rand and Patrick Reusse's negative comments about the Twins.
Who (or what) is to blame for the Twins' horrible start?
Twins fans are mad. Twins players are frustrated. The manager has been noticeably edgy with postgame comments lately. It's not hard to figure out why.
Reusse on Wolves excellence, Vikings optimism, Twins pessimism
Columnist Patrick Reusse joined host Michael Rand to talk about the Game 1 Timberwolves win, Reusse's optimism about the Vikings and another bad weekend for the Twins.
A playoff opener is always important. It's even bigger for the Wolves.
The team that wins the opener in an NBA playoff wins the series more than 75% of the time. And after the Wolves went 0-3 vs. the Suns in the regular season, Saturday's game is an even bigger deal.
Inside the Naz Reid story with Chris Hine; a Jefferson trade idea
Timberwolves writer Chris Hine joined host Michael Rand to talk about the upcoming playoff series against Phoenix and his excellent profile of center Naz Reid. Plus, Vikings and Wild talk.
Columnist's behavior marred Caitlin Clark's news conference
Caitlin Clark was introduced to the Indianapolis media Wednesday. But the inappropriate behavior of a local columnist, who should have known better, ended up being the story of the day.
Can things get better for the Wild after a disappointing season?
A team with playoff aspirations stumbled at the start and couldn't fully regroup. Hockey writer Sarah McLellan and host Michael Rand discuss why. Also, Twins talk and an awkward Caitlin Clark moment.
A Vikings-New England trade? Three thoughts on the No. 3 overall pick
The Vikings need a quarterback and every signal they have suggests they intend to choose one very high in next week's draft. The Patriots are in a similar situation, but there are reasons why a deal could be a good fit.
Vikings-New England trade? Patriots insider on that possibility.
Tom Curran of NBC Sports Boston joined host Michael Rand for a look at next week's draft. The Patriots, like the Vikings, need a quarterback. But would New England trade the No. 3 pick?
Twins not getting nearly enough from second-year players
Last year's Twins surge was fueled in large part by rookies making a huge impact. The lack of production from many of those players is a significant part of their problem so far this season.
How Chris Finch went from Division III basketball to top NBA coach
The co-author of the new book, "Pipeline to the Pros: How D3, Small-College Nobodies Rose to Rule the NBA," joined Michael Rand on the podcast to talk about Finch's route to the Timberwolves.
Worrying about Wolves-Suns matchup not just usual Minnesota pessimism
Even in the midst of a wonderful regular season, the Wolves have been staring at the likelihood of a tough first-round playoff series. Fans have been worrying about it for months — and they weren't wrong.
Patrick Reusse on Wolves playoffs, Twins injuries, WNBA draft
Will a stellar Timberwolves season end with a first-round playoff exit? Will Twins players ever stop getting hurt? Will the Lynx get the player they want in the draft? So many questions for Reusse and host Michael Rand.
'Walkaway prices?' Translating what Adofo-Mensah told the press.
The biggest takeaway: The Vikings are trying to create whatever advantages they can in a draft where they need a quarterback and could be vulnerable to teams forcing them to overpay.
What can the Vikings do to create some draft leverage?
Host Michael Rand examines the biggest takeaways from Kwesi Adofo-Mensah's pre-draft news conference. Also, Jon Marthaler on a Loons problem and Jim Souhan from The Masters.
Wolves playoff run: Four things that will make a major impact
There's plenty of chatter about Minnesota's potential first-round opponent, and rightfully so. But here are some factors that will shape the Wolves' future regardless of who they play.
Frozen Four and Gophers hockey transfer portal; Wolves playoff scenarios
On Thursday's Daily Delivery podcast, Randy Johnson joined host Michael Rand to talk about the Frozen Four at Xcel Energy Center and the changing college hockey landscape. Plus Rand broke down the Wolves' loss to the Nuggets.
What are the three worst-case scenarios for Vikings in the NFL draft?
What could possibly go wrong? A day after presenting the best-case scenarios for the quarterback-needy Vikings, let's take a look at the other side of that equation.
Jim Souhan from The Masters -- and on the Twins' struggles
Columnist Jim Souhan joins host Michael Rand from The Masters for a preview. They also talk about the struggling Twins and what their 3-6 start means.
What are the three best-case scenarios for Vikings in NFL draft?
The Vikings have more options by already adding the No. 23 overall pick in a trade to go with their own No. 11 pick. But they are dependent on the moves of other teams.
Why has the Twins offense sputtered this season?
Host Michael Rand goes into a list of reasons the Twins are averaging fewer than three runs per game. He also talked about Vikings draft options with football writer Andrew Krammer.
Ending of Iowa vs. UConn game was the perfect basketball controversy
The fact that nobody wants the game decided by a foul doesn't trump the fact that the play was called correctly, even it may not have appeared that way at first.
Patrick Reusse on Twins struggles, that foul call and the Wolves
Host Michael Rand and Reusse hit the highs and lows of an interesting sports weekend, including a look at the controversial foul at the end of the Iowa-UConn game.
Angel Reese is in the WNBA draft. Could she end up with the Lynx?
The consensus among WNBA experts is that controversial LSU star Angel Reese is a mid-first round pick in this month's draft. Minnesota has the seventh pick in the 12-team league. Is this a good match?
A huge night for women's basketball; Phil Miller on the Twins
The NCAA women's basketball semifinals are Friday night, and a TV record could be set for Iowa's game against UConn. Also on Friday's Daily Delivery podcast, Phil Miller talks about the Twins' home opener and 3-3 start.
Daily Delivery podcast: Twins, Wolves ease concerns — and a very unique 'Big Ten power ranking'
Victories by the Twins and Timberwolves on Wednesday eased some concerns about those teams. Also, Michael Rand and outdoors writer Tony Kennedy some novel outdoors coverage.
Diggs trade: Vikings fans have been there, watched that once before
Stefon Diggs has been traded from a successful team for the second time in his career. The ending in Buffalo is very similar to how it ended in Minnesota.
What should Vikings do if price to move up in the draft is too steep?
A recent mock draft suggested the Vikings would trade No. 11, No. 23 and next year's first round pick to move up to No. 5 and select Michigan's J.J. McCarthy. Is that too much to get 'the quarterback of the future?'
Chip Scoggins on the U and its transfer portal predicament
The columnist joins Michael Rand to look at what's going on with the impact of the portal and NIL on the Gophers men's basketball team. Plus a look at Friday's Paige Bueckers vs. Caitlin Clark women's Final Four semifinal.
Women's basketball shining while men's game has never been worse
One could easily make the argument that by this stage of both NCAA tournaments, the women's version qualifies as appointment viewing over the men's.
Reusse on Bueckers, Clark and the Timberwolves nasty ownership fight
Columnist Patrick Reusse and host Michael Rand went all-in on the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament — but left time for the Timberwolves big story, too.
As Wolves sale collapses, a reminder that Vegas move was possible
Among the many twists and turns in a day of Timberwolves ownership drama was a quote revealed from Glen Taylor to Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse.
Unpacking the Wolves ownership drama + Gophers rally, costly Twins win
On Friday's Daily Delivery, Michael Rand take stock of a wild day in Minnesota sports from the Timberwolves sale falling through to a NCAA win for the Gophers and a newsy Opening Day for the Twins.
Five things to know from a bonkers Thursday in Minnesota sports
The Timberwolves sale fell through. The Gophers are being hit by the transfer portal. It's Opening Day for the Twins, the Gophers men's hockey team plays in the NCAA tournament and Drake Maye has his Pro Day. Is that enough for you?
Inside the Vikings' pre-draft process; Wolves reach important milestone
On Thursday's Daily Delivery podcast, host Michael Rand and Vikings beat writer Ben Goessling talked about the long hours Kevin O'Connell will be logging in the next month. Plus the Wolves reached 50 victories.
Podcast: Can the Twins build on their 2023 success this season?
Daily Delivery podcast host Michael Rand is joined by Star Tribune Twins beat writer Bobby Nightengale Jr. as they preview the 2024 Twins season
Once again, Vikings searching for quality and stability in a new kicker
After three functional but overall below average years with the Vikings, Greg Joseph signed with the Packers. The Vikings have proved they can do worse than Joseph, but they certainly can do better.
Big change for Vikings; Wolves learning to play without Towns
On Wednesday's Part I of the Daily Delivery podcast, host Michael Rand talks about kicker Greg Joseph signing with the Packers and chats with Star Tribune Timberwolves beat writer Chris Hine.
