Minnesota Sports Forum

FNG wrote:I'm not happy with a .500 record at this stage with such a soft schedule, but kekgeek has put together a good list of what this team has done well and how it might lead to a very good season. I want to mention one thing I have noticed during the first 10 games of the season...a fairly dramatic change in KAT's and Ant's demeanor, which I believe is due to a change in leadership in the locker room.

I was with most of the board in the past in being frustrated with KAT's constant whining...sometimes not getting back on defense while complaining about a no call. I respected his enormous talent, while also not liking the way he presented himself on the court. But I see a different guy this season. Much less whining, much more hustle. And obviously much more interest in getting his teammates involved. He's much more fun to watch this season, and I think it's going to lead to his becoming an even better player.

As for Ant, while I have always enjoyed his enthusiastic, joyful demeanor, I have questioned whether he had the gravitas to become an elite player. I have been to several games this season where I have been able to focus on him, and I see a very young guy who has grown up a lot. He looks much more serious on the court, much more locked in on defense. He still has lapses in focus, but I'm more convinced than ever that he will be a star in this league.

I don't know why I see a change in both of these players, but I'm going to credit it to a change in leadership on the team. Last year the team leader was clearly PatBev...from media day on, he was clearly the guy everyone looked up to. While I loved the defensive intensity he generally showed, I also thought he displayed a certain annoying immaturity, and I think it rubbed off on the young players on the team. This year I see our leaders as two newcomers (Rudy and SloMo) and one player who we hear has taken much more of a leadership role this season (Prince). I don't think anyone would deny that these three are far more mature leaders than PatBev was, and I see it rubbing off on KAT and Ant. I really like what all three of them bring in terms of production on the court, but I think their strong leadership is an understated aspect they bring.