sjm34 wrote:AbeVigodaLive wrote:WolvesFan21 wrote:KAT can't do anything now. What's he going to do refuse to play for the next 4 years and what? He's signed way too long to ask for a trade yet. 2 years after this one then it can maybe be time to make noise.
The Wolves are absolutely the dregs of the NBA. And that's while playing mostly nice to superstars (or more accurately, star players) calling the shots.
In a league where disgruntled NBA players get moved... do you think the Wolves have the foundational pieces in place to withstand a disgruntled star wanting out... whether in a free agent year... or 4 years away from it? It's not like Towns is bringing in fans to the arena. Do you think those paltry crowds are gonna demand that they get to see an angry, whiny Towns lose 50+ games while he rips the team and possibly the fanbase?
Like I wrote... Towns will be ripped if he did NOT demand to be traded... if the Wolves suck next season. Holding a player "hostage" because of a contract played well for the first 60 years of the NBA. It's simply not happening right now.
As scary as it sounds, an angry, disgruntled Towns could do even more damage to this organization in a year or two...
I think you laid out the argument for ignoring any trade demands in the future. If our FO doesn't respect our organization, who will. We need to stop playing patty cake, and start putting some demands on these players. We don't have to make nice with any agents, because the top FAs aren't coming any way. Hell, DLO wouldn't' even come to play with his buddy (not that I wanted him).
I know I am growing tired of the same old approach. What did you call it Abe? Hope and Promise? Wish in one hand, and shit in the other? How about Ryan stop talking about how positive and rosey the lockerroom is, and figure out how to get the most of the players you have. Why are we teaching a system to players that won't be here next year?
Well, we agree that free agents aren't coming to MN any time soon... if ever.
I guess I'm torn on the "hold them accountable" angle. I think it's harder to do that when the people holding players accountable include a first year exec in charge and a first year coach who's super young and possibly only got the job because of nepotism.
As a common sense professional adult... I know that my employer expects certain things from me... even basic things like effort or attendance.
As a frustrated fan of an inept franchise, I'm ready for a new approach.
But as an NBA fan, I realize that the dynamic between player/fans/ownership/execs/et al exists in a vacuum. It's entirely different than the "real world." Ryan Saunders is expendable. Rosas is expendable. Neither one will ever put a non-family member in the seats. Even the fans are expendable in many ways. Towns or Wiggins, however, at least in theory... put butts in seats. That's why they're paid $300M+ over the next 5 years. Guaranteed.
The players hold the proverbial cards. And they're clinging to them like never before in the history of pro sports. Hang on... the ride is just beginning.
