This offseason, we at Gino's Jungle would like to think we have covered everything from A to Z when it comes to the Boston Celtics. With the regular season tip-off quickly approaching we decided it was time to take a look at the enemies. For the next five weeks we will be giving you the down low on all thirty teams in the NBA. We'll be doing this somewhat in conjunction with Celtics Blog's NBA team previews.
Team Name: Minnesota Timberwolves
Last Year's Record: 15-67
What did they do this off-season?
David Kahn was back to work this offseason wheeling and dealing in hopes of improving on the Timber Wolves 15-win mark last season. The first step in accomplishing that (according to Kahn) was getting rid of their most talented player, Al Jefferson. Second step, get rid of the other solid piece (Ryan Gomes) that the team received in the Kevin Garnett trade.
After getting rid of two key pieces from last year's team, the T'Wolves brought in Michael Beasley. Beasley was one of the guys that got the boot in order for the Heat to bring the three amigos together, and the T'Wolves just happened to be the team to take a chance with him. Probably one of the better moves for David Kahn upto this day.
Kahn also added a few other pieces this season in hopes of hitting the jackpot. Luke Ridnour, Martell Webster, Wesley Johnson, and Anthony Tolliver will all be proud to call Minnesota home this season.
Players headed out of Minnesota on a one-way flight this offseason include Ramon Sessions and Brian Cardinal.
What will help them succeed? What could make them fail?
I'm not sure if the word "succeed" is currently included in the dictionary located in David Kahn's office. After watching a few of the Timber Wolves preseason games, if there is a strength it lies within the talents of Michael Beasley and Kevin Love. This combination of front court players could help the T'Wolves win a few games this season, and if they keep them together those two could have a succesful future playing next to each other.
Everything besides the talent levels of Beasley and Love could end up being weaknesses for this team. One thing that sticks out to me is their perimeter game. They have a lot of guys that CAN shoot the three but not a lot of guys that can hit them at a high percentage. Beasley, Love, and Johnny Flynn have all been known to throw up tre's; however, I'm not sure Kurt Rambis wants to rely on these guys doing so. If he does the T'Wolves are going to really struggle putting up points and without a solid perimeter threat they will be one-dimensional, thus defenses will find it easier to defend them.
Another thing that could hold the Timberwolves back is the lack of cohesion on this squad. Not a lot of these guys have shown they can play well with others, and at the same time the addition of a few new players will not make it easier for the team to come together.
What should we expect from the Timber Wolves this season?
To expect anything more than improvement would be asking for too much. The goal for this T'Wolves team is to come together and get better over the course of the season. One of the things to keep an eye on is the development of Michael Beasley. Many people forget that Beasley was a #1 pick in the NBA Draft and had huge potential coming into the league. Expect the Timber Wolves to try to bring out Beasley's talents and establish him as one of their first offensive options.
As a team, the T'Wolves should be happy if they finish anywhere but last in the Western Conference. With the conference solid one through twelve, the T'Wolves will find it difficult to win a lot of games this season. Expect just slight improvement from last year's squad.
The Experts Take (Canis Hoopus on goals for this year's team):
I want competitive and entertaining action on a night-in/night-out basis. This probably means that we'll need to see some solid coaching and player development. For better or worse (most likely for the sake of addiction), I appear to be the type of fan that is in this thing for the long haul. My goal this year is to not feel like a dupe for following this team. Again, congratulations Timberwolves--low expectations have garnered you another victory.
Prediction: 20-62 (Last in Western Conference)
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