Why does everyone think we are going to be terrible this year?

[Hicks123 [enjin:6700838]]

Cam, the only place we are improved defensively is on paper for now. Defense is flat out one of the trickier things to learn in the NBA, and Wiggins, Lavine, Mo Wiliams, etc don't improve this teams defense in 2014/2015 season. Long term....probably...but not this year.

And as Alex states, Love's impact to the success of this team offensively is being understated. Not only did he score a ton, but did so at an elite level from an efficiency rate. And much like Rubio impacts the offense by getting others open looks, Love's scoring did that in spades as well. Who is that go-to scorer this year? In close games? Martin is this teams best offensive weapon (Pek being close second), but his history as a closer is well documented, and it is not pretty. Also, injuries will certainly bite this team (Pek and Martin specifically)...and then what? We are forced to start Wiggins, Lavine, etc. Who handles scoring duty then?

And I also don't believe in the comments being thrown around in regards to Rubio being a better player because he now has guys to "run the court with". Talent trumps speed and jumping virtually 100% of the time, and Love had that over whatever comes back via trade. Rubio needs talent around him to be effective due exclussively to the fact that he is a tablesetter and not a dynamic scorer. While Wiggins and Bennett may be extreme talents in a few years, this year is going to be tough.

[alexftbl8181 [enjin:6648741]]

If that happens, and it's clear by then that Rubio is hopeless as a shooter and Wiggins, LaVine, and maybe Bennett are all busts, I will agree with you...I would probably give up on the team. But I think that by January we will see the huge potential this young team has, even if the record doesn't show it.

Doesn't mean they'll be busts. They both are still pretty raw. It's just how it works for rookies

[12218085 bestfour [enjin:6592537]]

I'd like to remind everyone that, contrary to general belief, Love actually is a very average end of game contributor. If he was really that talented, why did we go WINLESS in the first half of the season in games decided by 4 points or less? I specifically remember a game against Philly where we were down (2 points I believe) with only several seconds left. Love had been fouled behind the 3-point line, and went to the line to attempt all three free throws. He. missed. every. single. damn. one. Doesn't sound like closer material to me...

[Hicks123 [enjin:6700838]]

122,

You are correct that Love isn't much of a finisher. In fact, I would argue that "bigs" in general very rarely hold the distinction as a finisher. End of games are most often decided by the guys that have the ball in their hands...PG...SG...SF types. This is why players like LBJ, Westbrook, Durant, Paul, etc are so devestating. They impact every second of the game, including the final seconds. Thus the reason we desperately need a guy like Wiggins to become this type of player.

[alexftbl8181 [enjin:6648741]]

I'd like to remind everyone that, contrary to general belief, Love actually is a very average end of game contributor. If he was really that talented, why did we go WINLESS in the first half of the season in games decided by 4 points or less? I specifically remember a game against Philly where we were down (2 points I believe) with only several seconds left. Love had been fouled behind the 3-point line, and went to the line to attempt all three free throws. He. missed. every. single. damn. one. Doesn't sound like closer material to me...

Is Kobe closer material?

[khans2k5 [enjin:6608728]]

Wiggins' step back jumper is probably and unfortunately our best last shot attempt with the current roster.

[longstrangetrip [enjin:6600564]]

If that happens, and it's clear by then that Rubio is hopeless as a shooter and Wiggins, LaVine, and maybe Bennett are all busts, I will agree with you...I would probably give up on the team. But I think that by January we will see the huge potential this young team has, even if the record doesn't show it.

Doesn't mean they'll be busts. They both are still pretty raw. It's just how it works for rookies

I expect there to be rough patches this year with all three, but if we get to that 8-game losing streak in January, and all three are looking like they will eventually be players in this league, I will still be fired up about this team. Even if we end up dealing Bennett for Young, if Wiggins and LaVine look in January like they have superstar potential, I'll be able to get through any losing streak.

[longstrangetrip [enjin:6600564]]

I'd like to remind everyone that, contrary to general belief, Love actually is a very average end of game contributor. If he was really that talented, why did we go WINLESS in the first half of the season in games decided by 4 points or less? I specifically remember a game against Philly where we were down (2 points I believe) with only several seconds left. Love had been fouled behind the 3-point line, and went to the line to attempt all three free throws. He. missed. every. single. damn. one. Doesn't sound like closer material to me...

I have never seen Kevin as a closer either, and think he may thrive in Cleveland not having to be "the man", assuming his ego can handle it. In all fairness to Kevin, though, we have discussed the Wolves' ineptness in general at crunch time, and several on this board think Adelman's end of game system deserves some of the blame. Trying to run the offense through Barea, Love and Martin, rather than letting Ricky be Ricky, was a prescription for end-of-game disaster.

[longstrangetrip [enjin:6600564]]

I'd like to remind everyone that, contrary to general belief, Love actually is a very average end of game contributor. If he was really that talented, why did we go WINLESS in the first half of the season in games decided by 4 points or less? I specifically remember a game against Philly where we were down (2 points I believe) with only several seconds left. Love had been fouled behind the 3-point line, and went to the line to attempt all three free throws. He. missed. every. single. damn. one. Doesn't sound like closer material to me...

Is Kobe closer material?

I would say yes, without a question. Unlike a guy like Kevin Martin, Kobe has always wanted the ball in the closing seconds. And I have seen him make more big shots in the past five years than the entire Wolves team. How about Kobe limping out to the free throw line with a torn Achilles to calmly sink two free throws two seasons ago? I don't always like him, but I have always admired his grit on the court.

[TeamRicky [enjin:6648771]]

This is a total throw away year and it will be very fun to watch. Zero expectations and it will be fun and exciting to watch. Its Win/Win/Win. I think this team will be contending for a playoff sooner than many expect, but it won't be next year as we are too young and it will take time for the team to gel.