Li Kaier Makes Official Debut: Grandma Suggested I Join the Timberwolves, Enjoy Being Teammates with the Fierce Edwards

On March 4th Beijing time, the Timberwolves held a training session. Li Kaier, returning to the team, officially appeared in a No. 12 training jersey and gave an interview to the media. The following are the main points of the interview—

Did the circumstances of your initial departure make this return smoother for you? Have the Timberwolves also been helping to facilitate this?

Li Kaier: Yes, absolutely. They made it to the Western Conference Finals, and then made it again last year. I've been following them all along. This feels very familiar to me; it was a similar situation in Memphis, so I understand the environment well. It feels great to be back here, everything is familiar.

What is Anthony Edwards's current standing in the league? Everyone knows the Timberwolves have him. What's it like to match up against him? At what level is he regarded in the league now?

Let me put it this way, he's a beast. What everyone sees—what you media folks see, what his teammates see, what other players across the league see—it's all the same: he's a fierce competitor. It's really great to be back on his side.

How important is it to play for a team that truly recognizes you, understands your game, and values what you bring?

Extremely important. I've been on a few teams before where they didn't really understand me, and that feeling was terrible. I've worked with many young players in Utah and Memphis, and that's when I learned: the grass isn't always greener elsewhere. So when you find a place that truly appreciates you, you have to seize it.

You mentioned having many conversations with Tim in recent weeks. If you were to enter the buyout market, what does that process typically look like?

It was mainly my agent and Tim communicating back and forth. On the day of the signing/the night before, I spoke with Tim. These matters are usually handled by the agent. I'm someone who focuses on the present; at the time I was still in Memphis, concentrating on playing well there. Later, my agent brought up the idea of returning to Minnesota, and I told him, "Let me think about it, give me a few hours." And then it was pretty much settled within about six or seven hours. I was fully focused on Memphis until this opportunity arose, and the Grizzlies were willing to cooperate, so I shifted my attention to joining the Timberwolves.

How has this return and the move been for you and your family?

I just sent my family back to New Jersey. I have a seven-month-old child; they settled there first. During those six or seven hours around the signing, I video-called my grandma and asked her what I should do. She immediately said Minnesota. So I knew then it was definitely the right choice. My family is also very excited about me re-signing here.

Why was your grandma so supportive of you coming back?

I'm not entirely sure. She really likes Reid and also likes McDaniels. She has her reasons. Plus, she watches a ton of basketball—it's not just talk. If you go to her living room, League Pass is always on. She genuinely knows the game well.

Among all the coaches who truly understand your style of play, where does Coach Finch rank?

I'd say number one, absolutely number one. I've been fortunate to play for several great coaches: Spo, Jenkins, Pop, and Finch. In terms of understanding my value and skill set, Finch is the best. It's really tough when you have a coach who doesn't get you.

Kyle, your three-point percentage was 41% your first year here, and 23% your second year. After two years, how is your shooting feeling now?

Well, that second year was definitely the worst, but I've improved a lot since. I shot well last year, and this year my corner three has been particularly solid. I'm ready to shoot corner threes—no hesitation, no overthinking, I'm very confident now.

Your opportunities have been somewhat limited in recent years. Do you still consider yourself the same caliber of player you were before?

I think so, man. When I was with other teams, some people would ask me, "Do you think you're getting old? Do you still have it?" A media person in Utah asked me that. I thought to myself, "I'm not old at all, I'm still in my prime, ready to play." Thirty-two is not old at all. When I first entered the league, there were plenty of veterans aged 37, 38 on many teams.

You were a vocal leader last year. Will you step into that role immediately upon returning, or will you take time to get familiar with everyone first?

It wouldn't be appropriate to come in and start directing right away. These guys have played a whole season together; they don't want someone coming in mid-stream telling them what to do. So I'll speak up when the time is right and focus on doing my job. The team vibe is definitely different.

Where have you seen the most growth in McDaniels over these past two years?

It's not just me who sees it; everyone sees it. I could tell from training and matchups long ago; I always knew he had this capability. I always believed he could average over 20 points per game in this league. So it's no surprise to me. I always knew he could do it and always hoped he would reach this level.

You were part of a championship-contending roster here before. Now, returning to be part of a championship push and help fulfill that mission—is that exciting?

Yes, absolutely. When I signed, I spoke with Conley, Gobert, and others about it. They called me right before the Clippers game, and we talked about this. It's really exciting.