Michael Rand
Columnist / Reporter
RandBallMichael Rand is a North Dakota native, a graduate of the University of Minnesota and an enthusiastic consumer of tacos. He lives in Eagan with his wife, three children and one energetic pug.
Latest from Michael Rand
RandBall: Timberwolves deftly navigated NBA’s complicated, goofy system
It took a lot of work for the Wolves to basically get back to where they started, but they’re here now.
February 6, 2026
![Minnesota Timberwolves President of Basketball Operations Tim Connelly speaks during a press conference to introduce the team's 2022 NBA draft selections Tuesday, June 28, 2022 at Target Center in Minneapolis. ]](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/5TJRTEW45B4MW7WV6N7UJSXBU4.jpg?&w=252&ar=3:2&fit=crop)
RandBall: With Rob Dillingham traded, J.J. McCarthy is on the clock
The two players have been living parallel lives on different Minnesota sports teams.
February 5, 2026
RandBall: The Vikings’ narrative has undergone a dramatic change
Think about what we thought about the Vikings just a year ago.
February 3, 2026
RandBall: We’ll find out how Kevin O’Connell really feels about J.J. McCarthy
We don’t know exactly how the 2024 draft discussions played out for the Vikings. We do know the GM who picked J.J. McCarthy is no longer here.
February 2, 2026
RandBall: Would Vikings redo 2024 draft and give four No. 1 picks to New England?
Two years ago, would you have sent four No. 1 picks to New England to draft at No. 3? What seemed like a laughable sum is not so laughable now.
January 29, 2026
RandBall: Sorry, folks, but the Timberwolves are who they are
The NBA trade deadline is next week. Wolves fans shouldn’t hold their breath for a big move.
January 28, 2026
RandBall: With Tom Pohlad in charge, are Twins finally done with mixed messages?
The Twins set themselves up to fail with unrealistic success.
January 27, 2026
RandBall: Sam Darnold in the Super Bowl is peak Vikings
What’s next? Sam Darnold shouting, “Anything is possible!” after a championship in two weeks?
January 26, 2026
RandBall: The Vikings are one step closer to keeping Brian Flores
The Ravens are hiring Jesse Minter as their new head coach, taking one head coaching destination off the board.
January 23, 2026
RandBall: On offensive line, Vikings open to second-guessing
Is it drafting, player development or patience that has kept the Vikings from getting better in the trenches?
January 22, 2026
RandBall: A Wolves ‘pricing reset,’ plus updates on TV deal and new arena
The Wolves sent out season ticket renewals on Wednesday, Jan. 21, and there is bound to be some sticker shock.
January 21, 2026
RandBall: What is the Vikings’ Plan C at defensive coordinator?
What if Brian Flores and Daronte Jones both leave for new teams this offseason?
January 20, 2026
