Wplves/Nets GDT

[longstrangetrip [enjin:6600564]]

The Wolves begin their Garth Brooks 6-game road trip tonight in Brooklyn, a trip that should tell us a lot about this team.

Tonight is a classic example of the old vs. the new. There's no question the Wolves will be the more athletic team. They are 5 point underdogs, but they have a chance if they can run the aging Nets off the court. Joe Johnson has been hot, and it will be interesting to see if Flip puts Wiggins or Martin on him. I'd like it to be Wiggins, but Flip has been complimentary of Martin's early season defense, so he likely starts out guarding JJ. Lopez was hot in his first game, but apparently also was gasping for air a lot. Pek can wear him out if Rubio can get him the ball...let's hope Pek is making his 2-footers tonight.

I tend to think the more seasoned Nets win tonight, but maybe Flip finds a way to exploit their lack of athleticism.

[Volans19]

It would be a waste to put Wiggins on Bogdanivic (watch now that I said this he'll go off) and leave Martin out there on JJ. If the Wolves can get steals like we've seen them in the preseason they should be able to dominate in transition and get the win.

[Volans19]

I'm not sure if I posted this before or if anyone else did but this video is just great

[youtube]Adc45sg5v5E[/youtube]

[longstrangetrip [enjin:6600564]]

Yeah, I agree Volans.

By the way, the Wolves are undefeated in games where I misspell "Wolves" in the GDT heading.

[Volans19]

Ronny's inactive again tonight along with GR3. :(

[60WinTim]

I don't agree with "we'll know more about this team after the road trip". They may win more than expected, they may lose more than expected, but right now they are just trying to figure out how to play with each other within Flip's system. These first 12 games are a pretty good tool for the team to jump start that process. I think we'll have a good idea what this team looks like as they start playing the 13th game and beyond.

[longstrangetrip [enjin:6600564]]

I don't know, Tim...I think 12 days together on the road...away from families and friends, eating together, hanging out together, maybe practicing more as a team since there will be so much down time...could be very revealing. This will be the toughest road trip of the year, so we will learn more about their resilience. It's likely that the team will bond more spending so much time together, and it will be interesting to see if that translates into better chemistry on the court. Will the young guys on the team benefit from spending a lot of time with veterans like Ronny, Thad, Kevin and Brew?

And I think we could learn a lot more about Flip's intentions with respect to rotations. Can Bud pick up his game enough to earn a spot in the rotation? Is Muhammad part of the top ten? Will LaVine and GR3 see much playing time, if any?

And finally, we will get a chance to see how Ricky responds to his new contract. We saw some things we liked in the Bulls game...especially assists and vocal leadership. But many of us still want more. 12 days on the road may be Ricky's chance to show that this really is his team, both on and off the court.

Anyway, let's get it started with an upset in Brooklyn. I want to see our young guys running circles around their old guys!

[mjs34]

They won't actually stay out of town for the whole time will they? With that much time between games, I would expect them to return home for practice after Saturdays game.

[worldK]

Wiggins is balling tonight! wolves hot start. Hope they sustain it all game

[longstrangetrip [enjin:6600564]]

They won't actually stay out of town for the whole time will they? With that much time between games, I would expect them to return home for practice after Saturdays game.

You would think so, sjm, but I've read several times that they will be gone the entire time. Lots of quotes from the rookies about not knowing how to pack for such a long trip, and lots of veteran wardrobe advice from Mo!

It seems odd that they aren't coming home, but maybe it's intentional by Flip...build more camaraderie.