Wolves Future/Potential

This topic contains 22 replies, has 9 voices, and was last updated by Snowta 11 years, 5 months ago.

Author
Posts
Posted on: Sun, 01/18/2015 - 9:06am #58889

Snowta
Participant
As the season continues, I’m starting to think more and more that this season is playing out perfectly for the Wolves long-term future. People here in MN that don’t follow the Wolves closely laugh when I say this becasue people look at the record and assume the Wolves are going to suck forever. You can’t really blame them when it’s been 10 years since this team has made it to the postseason. However, I stick to my opinion and let me explain.
The injuries have been a blessing in disguise IMO. It sounds crazy, but if the Wolves had stayed completely healthy would they be a better team this year? Of course, but let’s be honest. Even at full strength chances are this team would be 10th or 11th in the West. That would put the Wolves somewhere towards the end of the lottery, which would allow them to still get a solid player, but probably not a franchise changing player like Okafor, Towns, or Mudiay would be if we end up with a top 3 pick. Looking at the Wolves roster beyond this year we definitely still need one more really legitimate post player and if we are lucky enough to land Okafor or Towns that would be best case scenario. If not one of those two, there’s a handful of other great talents still to be had in the top 5.
Regardless of the draft pick I think the injuries will benefit our young players in the long run. It definitely has been difficult and frustrating at times, but that’s how you learn. With all of the injuries Wiggins has been forced to be the guy. Without the injuries would we be seeing the confidence and progression in Wiggins game that we’re seeing now? It’s impossible to tell, but I think it would’ve been a lot easier for Wiggins to coast and be passive if he had Rubio, Pek, and Martin to lean on. The development of Andrew Wiggins has been a lot of fun to watch and the more I watch him the more I think that the sky is the limit for this kid. I’m excited to see how he plays when Rubio comes back as you would think it would be much easier for him with someone like Ricky setting the table.
After ten miserable years it’s hard for me to contain my excitement for this teams future. I just think with our young core of players and the addition of another top-5 pick the Wolves have one of the most promising young teams in the league that could legitamitely contend if we can keep them together. With the casual fanbase morale at an all-time low I get accused of being a little delusional when it comes to this teams future and maybe I am at times but I really do believe this could be special when it’s all said and done. I’m wondering what other people on here think the long-term potential of this team is and how long until we’re actually competing again? My opinion is that next year we will be in the playoff discussion, but still unlikely we make it in the brutal west. In Wiggins 3rd year (hopefully by then they start taking top 16 teams instead of top 8 from each conference) I think this team will make the playoffs.

0
Posted on: Sun, 01/18/2015 - 9:43am #963196

CameronCrazy11
Participant
I largely agree with you. This team is still a couple of seasons away from competing for a playoff spot, but the talent is there. I’m a big-time believer that Andrew Wiggins is destined to be the next superstar and think he will only get better as the season goes on. By his 3rd season, we could be looking at a top 10-15 player in the league. Shabazz looks like an excellent 6th man scorer. Ricky Rubio is still a young guy too and when he comes back, he will only help to make the offense flow even more smoothly. Gorgui Dieng looks at worst to be a solid big man that does all the little things needed to win. Zach LaVine has insane athleticism and just needs to develop efficiency before he starts to flourish as well. If they can get someone like Karl Towns or Jahlil Okafor in the draft this year, we could be looking at a powerhouse for years to come.
0
Posted on: Sun, 01/18/2015 - 9:43am #963055

CameronCrazy11
Participant
I largely agree with you. This team is still a couple of seasons away from competing for a playoff spot, but the talent is there. I’m a big-time believer that Andrew Wiggins is destined to be the next superstar and think he will only get better as the season goes on. By his 3rd season, we could be looking at a top 10-15 player in the league. Shabazz looks like an excellent 6th man scorer. Ricky Rubio is still a young guy too and when he comes back, he will only help to make the offense flow even more smoothly. Gorgui Dieng looks at worst to be a solid big man that does all the little things needed to win. Zach LaVine has insane athleticism and just needs to develop efficiency before he starts to flourish as well. If they can get someone like Karl Towns or Jahlil Okafor in the draft this year, we could be looking at a powerhouse for years to come.
0
Posted on: Sun, 01/18/2015 - 9:44am #963198

mcsfaced1
Participant
Dieng has been impressive with his passing skillz,Shabazz is a horrible passer but hes worked hard to improve his outside shot and if Wiggins is getting a rest and u need a bucket thats gonna be your go to guy,Lavine you can def see he has talent just can he put it all togeather in a couple years.Martin and Pek and even with how Mo is playing those are very tradeable peaces and if you can keep Thad and get one of the big guys in the draft you start thinking about OKC and how they were built through the draft.
0
Posted on: Sun, 01/18/2015 - 9:44am #963057

mcsfaced1
Participant
Dieng has been impressive with his passing skillz,Shabazz is a horrible passer but hes worked hard to improve his outside shot and if Wiggins is getting a rest and u need a bucket thats gonna be your go to guy,Lavine you can def see he has talent just can he put it all togeather in a couple years.Martin and Pek and even with how Mo is playing those are very tradeable peaces and if you can keep Thad and get one of the big guys in the draft you start thinking about OKC and how they were built through the draft.
0
Posted on: Sun, 01/18/2015 - 10:31am #963200

Bajeebz
Participant
I wish there were more commenters over at Canis Hoopus who had this sort of perspective. We’ve been smelling our own garbage for too long and it’s poisoning the collective fanbase mindset. Way to keep it positive.
0
Posted on: Sun, 01/18/2015 - 10:31am #963059

Bajeebz
Participant
I wish there were more commenters over at Canis Hoopus who had this sort of perspective. We’ve been smelling our own garbage for too long and it’s poisoning the collective fanbase mindset. Way to keep it positive.
0
Posted on: Sun, 01/18/2015 - 10:46am #963211

Lotto Stud
Participant
Will Zach LaVine turn into that Russell Westbrook type of player at this stage of Westbrook’s career?
0
Posted on: Sun, 01/18/2015 - 10:46am #963069

Lotto Stud
Participant
Will Zach LaVine turn into that Russell Westbrook type of player at this stage of Westbrook’s career?
0
- Posted on: Sun, 01/18/2015 - 11:18am #963077
  
  Lindsey
  Participant
  I certainly there is still a chance. DIfferent players for sure, Lavine being more jumper oriented, but I think his numbers compare pretty nicely with Westbrook so far in his developpement. Couple buckets a game off Westbrook’s rookie average, better jumpshot, looks a bit less reckless handling pg duties then russ did his first season – all while being a year younger as a rookie.
  When Zach fills out he could very well be a better shooting, just as explosive, not as intense, half the defender version of Russ.
  0
  - Posted on: Sun, 01/18/2015 - 12:01pm #963089
    
    Lotto Stud
    Participant
    "Couple buckets a game off Westbrook’s rookie average, better jumpshot, looks a bit less reckless handling pg duties then russ did his first season"
    I like that the most about LaVine’s game. He’s very attentive in not wanting to make a terrible decision with the ball, and it shows that he does not want to be a careless. Once he feels more secure with his personnel, I believe his game will open up more to have a fire with desire to be a Top 5 PG.
    
    0
  - Posted on: Sun, 01/18/2015 - 12:01pm #963231
    
    Lotto Stud
    Participant
    "Couple buckets a game off Westbrook’s rookie average, better jumpshot, looks a bit less reckless handling pg duties then russ did his first season"
    I like that the most about LaVine’s game. He’s very attentive in not wanting to make a terrible decision with the ball, and it shows that he does not want to be a careless. Once he feels more secure with his personnel, I believe his game will open up more to have a fire with desire to be a Top 5 PG.
    
    0
- Posted on: Sun, 01/18/2015 - 11:18am #963219
  
  Lindsey
  Participant
  I certainly there is still a chance. DIfferent players for sure, Lavine being more jumper oriented, but I think his numbers compare pretty nicely with Westbrook so far in his developpement. Couple buckets a game off Westbrook’s rookie average, better jumpshot, looks a bit less reckless handling pg duties then russ did his first season – all while being a year younger as a rookie.
  When Zach fills out he could very well be a better shooting, just as explosive, not as intense, half the defender version of Russ.
  0
- Posted on: Sun, 01/18/2015 - 6:21pm #963119
  
  Snowta
  Participant
  I’ve been really happy with how Lavine has played this year. I don’t think he will be a pg but this year the injuries have forced him to play there which has allowed him to develop an area of his game that needs work. People that say he played pg in HS and will be a pg in the NBA all I have to say is there’s lots of guys that play "pg" In HS but playing it in the NBA is a completely different animal. At this point in his career I think lavine is best suited playing alongside a true pg so he can get out and run and play off the ball more. He needs to continue to work on his handle (his left needs a lot of work) and although he’s a good passer his passing instincts still need to improve. I think he may get to a point in his career when he can play pg but I’m expecting a breakout year from him next year when he has a full offseason to get stronger and come in to next season with a scoring mindset and playing more 2. As he gets stronger I think he’ll become more aggressive and take the ball to the hoop more which we’ve seen great flashes of this year he just isn’t able to do it consistently yet. I think the sky’s the limit for lavine tho too.
  0
- Posted on: Sun, 01/18/2015 - 6:21pm #963261
  
  Snowta
  Participant
  I’ve been really happy with how Lavine has played this year. I don’t think he will be a pg but this year the injuries have forced him to play there which has allowed him to develop an area of his game that needs work. People that say he played pg in HS and will be a pg in the NBA all I have to say is there’s lots of guys that play "pg" In HS but playing it in the NBA is a completely different animal. At this point in his career I think lavine is best suited playing alongside a true pg so he can get out and run and play off the ball more. He needs to continue to work on his handle (his left needs a lot of work) and although he’s a good passer his passing instincts still need to improve. I think he may get to a point in his career when he can play pg but I’m expecting a breakout year from him next year when he has a full offseason to get stronger and come in to next season with a scoring mindset and playing more 2. As he gets stronger I think he’ll become more aggressive and take the ball to the hoop more which we’ve seen great flashes of this year he just isn’t able to do it consistently yet. I think the sky’s the limit for lavine tho too.
  0
Posted on: Sun, 01/18/2015 - 12:00pm #963087

DolanCare
Participant
I try to watch every Minnesota game just so I can see the in-game player development. As a Knick fan I’m extremely jealous of what this team has going for it.
It sucks that they have Pek inked for another 3.5 years though. Not only does he rarely play, but he doesn’t even fit in with their style of play. This team should be playing transition ball as much as possible where Pek needs 10 seconds just to get down to the other end.

0
Posted on: Sun, 01/18/2015 - 12:00pm #963229

DolanCare
Participant
I try to watch every Minnesota game just so I can see the in-game player development. As a Knick fan I’m extremely jealous of what this team has going for it.
It sucks that they have Pek inked for another 3.5 years though. Not only does he rarely play, but he doesn’t even fit in with their style of play. This team should be playing transition ball as much as possible where Pek needs 10 seconds just to get down to the other end.

0
Posted on: Sun, 01/18/2015 - 3:02pm #963099

OhCanada-
Participant
Minnesota should be haply there are a lot of post players they can grab whether you pick 1st or 13th. If you miss on Okafor you have Towns or Turner to choose from if you miss on WCS there’s Harrell waiting. Even Porzingis and Portis are good bigs yet Minnesota will likely get a very high pick.
Even if they don’t choose a big and want a replacement for Young, Kevon Looney would fit in great with this team as a hybrid forward that can hit the open shot, rebound at a high level and pass the ball well. Especially if Minnesota I tends on using a run-n-gun offense going forward.
My Top 5 Fits
1-Okafor
2-Towns
3-Looney
4-Turner
5-Johnson

5-Johnson

0
- Posted on: Sun, 01/18/2015 - 3:16pm #963103
  
  Lotto Stud
  Participant
  I believe they should stay away from targeting wings and build that frontcourt up. They have a track record of stockpiling wings without a return from investment with the depth. The frontcourt has to be addressed for the young guys they have in the backcourt now.
  0
- Posted on: Sun, 01/18/2015 - 3:16pm #963245
  
  Lotto Stud
  Participant
  I believe they should stay away from targeting wings and build that frontcourt up. They have a track record of stockpiling wings without a return from investment with the depth. The frontcourt has to be addressed for the young guys they have in the backcourt now.
  0
Posted on: Sun, 01/18/2015 - 3:02pm #963241

OhCanada-
Participant
Minnesota should be haply there are a lot of post players they can grab whether you pick 1st or 13th. If you miss on Okafor you have Towns or Turner to choose from if you miss on WCS there’s Harrell waiting. Even Porzingis and Portis are good bigs yet Minnesota will likely get a very high pick.
Even if they don’t choose a big and want a replacement for Young, Kevon Looney would fit in great with this team as a hybrid forward that can hit the open shot, rebound at a high level and pass the ball well. Especially if Minnesota I tends on using a run-n-gun offense going forward.
My Top 5 Fits
1-Okafor
2-Towns
3-Looney
4-Turner
5-Johnson

5-Johnson

0
Posted on: Sun, 01/18/2015 - 4:47pm #963113

phila9012
Participant
Yeah, I think Flipp saunders deserves some credit. He is doing this the right way. I am actually happy we lost love for wiggins. The west is really tough right now and even with him we weren’t really going to do much. Love is good as the second option but he can’t finish games, we were bad all year at that. I think this team they are building has the potential to win a championship and Flip is good coach to have for this, he has a good amount of experience coaching and understands player development, he is also the GM so he isn’t forced to focus on the short term, so he can see the big picture. I have to say the games are getting easier to watch, that Twolves sixers game in November was pretty ugly.
0
Posted on: Sun, 01/18/2015 - 4:47pm #963255

phila9012
Participant
Yeah, I think Flipp saunders deserves some credit. He is doing this the right way. I am actually happy we lost love for wiggins. The west is really tough right now and even with him we weren’t really going to do much. Love is good as the second option but he can’t finish games, we were bad all year at that. I think this team they are building has the potential to win a championship and Flip is good coach to have for this, he has a good amount of experience coaching and understands player development, he is also the GM so he isn’t forced to focus on the short term, so he can see the big picture. I have to say the games are getting easier to watch, that Twolves sixers game in November was pretty ugly.
0
Author
Posts

You must be logged in to reply to this topic.