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: Draft grades for Timberwolves first round pick Joan Beringer show value is in eye of beholder
The 18-year-old center from France is a developing talent, but "NBA experts" didn't seem overly impressed.
June 26, 2025
RandBall: Add the Celtics’ Derrick White to my Timberwolves wish list
Boston has been wheeling and dealing. The Celtics are reportedly fielding more calls on key players. Michael Rand is intrigued, as he writes in Wednesday’s 10 things to know.
June 25, 2025
RandBall: Why P.J. Fleck landing another top in-state recruit is a huge deal
Roman Voss added to a growing list of top Minnesota football recruits picking the Gophers. Even in the transfer portal era that’s important, Michael Rand writes in today’s 10 things to know.
June 24, 2025
RandBall: In June, it’s been an embarrassment of embarrassments for Twins
The Twins are 3-13 since losing Pablo López to a long-term injury in early June. This weekend’s sweep by the Brewers might have been the lowest of the low, Michael Rand writes in today’s 10 things.
June 23, 2025
Podcast: Patrick Reusse on the Twins’ June swoon and the Kevin Durant trade
Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports, which did not include any wins for the Twins. They sit at 37-40 after being swept by the Brewers.
June 23, 2025
RandBall: Three things the Wolves should learn from the Pacers
Indiana has pushed Oklahoma City to a Game 7 after the Wolves lost to the Thunder in 5. Michael Rand looks at both series in today’s 10 things to know.
June 20, 2025
RandBall: Why are the Vikings projected to be mediocre in 2025?
The Vikings are coming off a 14-win season, but analytics suggest they are more like an eight- or nine-win team in 2025. Michael Rand explores that and more in today’s 10 things to know.
June 19, 2025
Podcast: La Velle E. Neal III on Twins, Chris Finch and the State of Hockey
Host Michael Rand starts with a curiosity about why analytics projections have the Vikings as a middle-of-the-pack team in the NFL this season. Plus another Twins loss has them below .500.
June 19, 2025
Podcast: Patrick Reusse on the Twins’ June swoon and the Kevin Durant trade
Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports, which did not include any wins for the Twins. They sit at 37-40 after being swept by the Brewers.
June 23, 2025
RandBall: Three things the Wolves should learn from the Pacers
Indiana has pushed Oklahoma City to a Game 7 after the Wolves lost to the Thunder in 5. Michael Rand looks at both series in today’s 10 things to know.
June 20, 2025
RandBall: Why are the Vikings projected to be mediocre in 2025?
The Vikings are coming off a 14-win season, but analytics suggest they are more like an eight- or nine-win team in 2025. Michael Rand explores that and more in today’s 10 things to know.
June 19, 2025
Podcast: La Velle E. Neal III on Twins, Chris Finch and the State of Hockey
Host Michael Rand starts with a curiosity about why analytics projections have the Vikings as a middle-of-the-pack team in the NFL this season. Plus another Twins loss has them below .500.
June 19, 2025