Come back off the ledge

[kekgeek]

I'm still on the bandwagon. I was not happy about the losses but they happen.

In my opinion
1-1 in games we should lose (@SA, @OKC)

1-1 in toss ups ( Uta, @Det was an away game on a back to back)

0-1 in games we should win (Ind)

[Q12543 [enjin:6621299]]

I'm still on the bandwagon. I was not happy about the losses but they happen.

In my opinion
1-1 in games we should lose (@SA, @OKC)

1-1 in toss ups ( Uta, @Det was an away game on a back to back)

0-1 in games we should win (Ind)

Tim, Is this your other account?

[BloopOracle]

I know we can still write a lot of the stuff off to chemistry issues but the lack of getting back on defense in transition scares the hell out of me

[Q12543 [enjin:6621299]]

I know we can still write a lot of the stuff off to chemistry issues but the lack of getting back on defense in transition scares the hell out of me

It is scary and points to larger problems. It's different than cold shooting or lack of chemistry in PnR because guys are still trying to figure each other out.

[TAFKASP]

I know we can still write a lot of the stuff off to chemistry issues but the lack of getting back on defense in transition scares the hell out of me

It is scary and points to larger problems. It's different than cold shooting or lack of chemistry in PnR because guys are still trying to figure each other out.

Which is why people are on the ledge. Building chemistry will not fix a lack of effort. Butler may well mask some defensive deficiencies, but without effort and intelligence from all five guys on the floor the team will remain a defensive train wreck.

I'm not upset that this team hasn't gelled yet. I'm concerned that without a major change in key players it never will.

[Monster]

I think if someone told us that Butler would miss 2 of the first 6 games and we would go 3-3 to start the season I think a lot of us would would have been relatively fine with that outcome all things considered.

[TAFKASP]

I think if someone told us that Butler would miss 2 of the first 6 games and we would go 3-3 to start the season I think a lot of us would would have been relatively fine with that outcome all things considered.

Again, it's not the outcome of those two games that is largely at issue, but the lack of any progress from two specific players on the defensive end of the court.

[Lipoli390]

I think if someone told us that Butler would miss 2 of the first 6 games and we would go 3-3 to start the season I think a lot of us would would have been relatively fine with that outcome all things considered.

Again, it's not the outcome of those two games that is largely at issue, but the lack of any progress from two specific players on the defensive end of the court.

I think you're right, SP. It was troubling to see that KAT and Wiggins showed little if any discernable defensive progression those two games. But the whole team was lathargic in those two games. Teague looked lost and ineffectual in both games. But KAT looked much better on defense last night as did Wiggins who has also been rebounding better this season. I have a theory. I don't want to get in the habit of making excuses for this team, but here's my possible explanation for how poorly we played in both games in addition to the fact that Butler didn't play:

1. We have a new starting PG who has never played under Thibs or with any of his current teammates. That's a pretty big adjustment for both the PG and his teammates. When Butler wasn't in the lineup to share the ballhandling and playmaking duties it really exposed the impact of the developing adjustment to a new PG.

2. I suspect that the trip to China may have finally caught up with the team. That trip is a huge drain. I know since I've done it. And the Wolves had to play two tough games while there in addition to all the community work. Then they returned and picked right up with Thibs' tough practices and a highly competitive scrimmage at Target Center. Then they started the season with 3 games against really tough opponents, including two on the road. As we all know, sometimes things catch up with you. You can ride adrenaline for a while and then crash. The Pacer and Piston games may have been that crash -- which was exacerbated by the loss of Butler and the ongoing period of adjustment to a new PG.

My theory may sound like a stretch, but at this early stage in the season, I think it's fair to acknowledge that possibility. I would, however, like to see the Wolves win a game without Butler just to give me some confidence in the improvement of this team both organically and from the additions of Teague, Butler and Crawford.

[Q12543 [enjin:6621299]]

I think if someone told us that Butler would miss 2 of the first 6 games and we would go 3-3 to start the season I think a lot of us would would have been relatively fine with that outcome all things considered.

Again, it's not the outcome of those two games that is largely at issue, but the lack of any progress from two specific players on the defensive end of the court.

Also, those outcomes were 50/50 games. Heck, even the win last night was a little 50/50-ish. After all the close losses we've had, it's nice to be on the other side of the coin flip, but we could very easily be 1-5. This team has the same problem it's had since Adelman hung up the clipboard - we simply do not get enough stops.

[60WinTim]

I'm still on the bandwagon. I was not happy about the losses but they happen.

In my opinion
1-1 in games we should lose (@SA, @OKC)

1-1 in toss ups ( Uta, @Det was an away game on a back to back)

0-1 in games we should win (Ind)

Tim, Is this your other account?

I'll have to check -- I have so many of them... ;-)