Forecast: 2016-17 West standings

[bleedspeed]

10. Minnesota Timberwolves
Proj. record: 39-43
Last season: 29-53

One of the biggest projected win increases next season belongs to the Timberwolves, and it's not hard to see why. Look at the young talent new coach Tom Thibodeau has on hand. Karl-Anthony Towns averaged 18 points and 10 rebounds per game in his rookie season -- the last five rookies to do that before him were Blake Griffin, Elton Brand, Tim Duncan, Alonzo Mourning and Shaquille O'Neal. The 2014 No. 1 overall pick, Andrew Wiggins, averaged 20 points per game last season, and Kris Dunn, whom the Wolves took fifth overall in June's draft, looks like the next young star in line.



http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/17131591/2016-summer-forecast-west-standings

[bleedspeed]

I think that looks fair. We are growing from within. Still very young team.

[thedoper]

I think we got 3 or 4 more wins just due to Thibs. Go Wolves.

[Mr. Brightside [enjin:16464947]]

I'll be honest, I'd be a little disappointed with a sub-.500 record.

[longstrangetrip [enjin:6600564]]

I'll be honest, I'd be a little disappointed with a sub-.500 record.

So would I. If we are middle of the pack with respect to injuries again next year and we only win 39 games, I'll be calling for Thibs to return half of his salary. 39 wins would be no improvement whatsoever over the final quarter of last season.