Thad Young is a Class Act

[Coolbreeze44]

One thing I'm certain of is how much fun this team is going to follow going forward. But on top of that, I'm starting to think they may be a lot better than the consensus. I think they should make .500 their goal this year and see what happens. And yes this is Cool, not Tim.

[whatdtcom [enjin:6685945]]

Honestly....why shoot for .500?!?!

Phoenix came out from nowhere and posted a 48 win season (.585 %). And Flip makes a great point----the Wolves are bringing back 6 of the 7 top players from last year. I assume that 6 and 7 was probably Dieng and Ronny.

http://espn.go.com/nba/team/stats/_/name/min/cat/gamesStarted/minnesota-timberwolves

Based on games started.

There's were games that Ricky took on the scoring. Many others when Dieng took on the rebounding role (when Love was out). Honestly, I think the 4 new guys can fill Love's departure but the one thing I'm optimistic about this years' team is the coaching. We all knew Adelmen checked out----yet we still managed a 40 win season DESPITE wasting so many close winnable games!!!!

[Camden [enjin:6601484]]

I'm realizing something on this board. When I make a claim, I just need to let it sink in for about a month before a bunch of people come around to it. Said 40-something wins was very possible three or four weeks ago. Doesn't mean it'll happen, but instead of it being a super 'optimistic' statement, it's gaining momentum a little bit. What's changed, though?

[Coolbreeze44]

For me it's the realization that we are going to be a much better defensive team going forward. I'm also thinking we will get a boost from greater team chemistry. Now none of that will matter if we can't put the ball in the basket. But the better defense should help in close games. I'm going to miss the 37 point first quarters though. Don't think we will be seeing many of those this year.

[Hicks123 [enjin:6700838]]

I think 40 wins is realistic If a few things happen:
1) Wiggins is in the running for ROY. Doesn't have to win, but needs to be good enough for us that he is considered.
2) Thad needs to improve on his overall play. He is a solid defender, and can score when needed, but he needs to rebound the ball a lot better. He will be playing a ton on minutes, and we need him to get on the glass more than he has thus far in his career.
3) Get meaningful minutes from Bennett and Lavine. I know there were a lot of excuses out there for Bennett's performance a year ago, but no getting around it, he was one of the worst rookies of all time.....not even just #1 guys. And I know Lavine is getting serious pub based on his dunks, but this is the same guy I saw look LOST in many games last season. Of the two, I expect Bennett to improve enough to be an asset off the bench this season, but I think Lavine will need to be brought along slowly. Don't expect much from him until 2015/2016 season.

I still see a 25 win team as of now, but if the above things all come together, I could see 35-40 wins.

[The Rage Monster [enjin:8010341]]

I'm realizing something on this board. When I make a claim, I just need to let it sink in for about a month before a bunch of people come around to it. Said 40-something wins was very possible three or four weeks ago. Doesn't mean it'll happen, but instead of it being a super 'optimistic' statement, it's gaining momentum a little bit. What's changed, though?

I said a long time ago there's a very real chance we could be a better team after trading Love. For being as good as he is, he only plays half the game, the offensive half. He also plays what I would consider one of the two most important positions in a good team defense. Assuming the team stays healthy, we should have enough offense with the established guys, Martin, Williams, Young, and Pek so I'm not as worried about losing Love's offense. It's a big if since young guys don't often have an impact right away but if we can get something out of Wiggins, Bennett, Shabazz, and/or LaVine this will be a playoff team.

[Coolbreeze44]

If we're not better next year, we will be soon thereafter.

[longstrangetrip [enjin:6600564]]

I have no idea how many games we will win this year...it could be 25 or it could be 45. But as long as the team plays hard and loose, shows some interest in the defensive side of the court, and shows the kind of improvement I expect to see out of so many young, high potential guys, I'm going to be a content fan...and it's been a long time since I have been content.

Cool mentioned a couple reasons why we could be better this year: better team chemistry and better defense, and neither of those can be understated. I would also add better coach, better leadership, more athleticism, better depth and less JJ to the list of positives.

On the other hand we are losing 26 and 13, and trying to replace it with a lot of untested talent. Conventional wisdom says you don't win with rookies, and that makes me think 25 wins. But the factors in my second paragraph makes me think 45 wins. I'm fairly certain the answer will lie somewhere in between :). And I'm also certain I'm excited to see this unfold.