Minnesota Sports Forum

lipoli390 wrote:

TheSP wrote:

monsterpile wrote:I think if someone told us that Butler would miss 2 of the first 6 games and we would go 3-3 to start the season I think a lot of us would would have been relatively fine with that outcome all things considered.

Again, it's not the outcome of those two games that is largely at issue, but the lack of any progress from two specific players on the defensive end of the court.

I think you're right, SP. It was troubling to see that KAT and Wiggins showed little if any discernable defensive progression those two games. But the whole team was lathargic in those two games. Teague looked lost and ineffectual in both games. But KAT looked much better on defense last night as did Wiggins who has also been rebounding better this season. I have a theory. I don't want to get in the habit of making excuses for this team, but here's my possible explanation for how poorly we played in both games in addition to the fact that Butler didn't play:

1. We have a new starting PG who has never played under Thibs or with any of his current teammates. That's a pretty big adjustment for both the PG and his teammates. When Butler wasn't in the lineup to share the ballhandling and playmaking duties it really exposed the impact of the developing adjustment to a new PG.

2. I suspect that the trip to China may have finally caught up with the team. That trip is a huge drain. I know since I've done it. And the Wolves had to play two tough games while there in addition to all the community work. Then they returned and picked right up with Thibs' tough practices and a highly competitive scrimmage at Target Center. Then they started the season with 3 games against really tough opponents, including two on the road. As we all know, sometimes things catch up with you. You can ride adrenaline for a while and then crash. The Pacer and Piston games may have been that crash -- which was exacerbated by the loss of Butler and the ongoing period of adjustment to a new PG.

My theory may sound like a stretch, but at this early stage in the season, I think it's fair to acknowledge that possibility. I would, however, like to see the Wolves win a game without Butler just to give me some confidence in the improvement of this team both organically and from the additions of Teague, Butler and Crawford.

longstrangetrip wrote:

lipoli390 wrote:

TheSP wrote:

monsterpile wrote:I think if someone told us that Butler would miss 2 of the first 6 games and we would go 3-3 to start the season I think a lot of us would would have been relatively fine with that outcome all things considered.

Again, it's not the outcome of those two games that is largely at issue, but the lack of any progress from two specific players on the defensive end of the court.

I think you're right, SP. It was troubling to see that KAT and Wiggins showed little if any discernable defensive progression those two games. But the whole team was lathargic in those two games. Teague looked lost and ineffectual in both games. But KAT looked much better on defense last night as did Wiggins who has also been rebounding better this season. I have a theory. I don't want to get in the habit of making excuses for this team, but here's my possible explanation for how poorly we played in both games in addition to the fact that Butler didn't play:

1. We have a new starting PG who has never played under Thibs or with any of his current teammates. That's a pretty big adjustment for both the PG and his teammates. When Butler wasn't in the lineup to share the ballhandling and playmaking duties it really exposed the impact of the developing adjustment to a new PG.

2. I suspect that the trip to China may have finally caught up with the team. That trip is a huge drain. I know since I've done it. And the Wolves had to play two tough games while there in addition to all the community work. Then they returned and picked right up with Thibs' tough practices and a highly competitive scrimmage at Target Center. Then they started the season with 3 games against really tough opponents, including two on the road. As we all know, sometimes things catch up with you. You can ride adrenaline for a while and then crash. The Pacer and Piston games may have been that crash -- which was exacerbated by the loss of Butler and the ongoing period of adjustment to a new PG.

My theory may sound like a stretch, but at this early stage in the season, I think it's fair to acknowledge that possibility. I would, however, like to see the Wolves win a game without Butler just to give me some confidence in the improvement of this team both organically and from the additions of Teague, Butler and Crawford.

This is a very credible theory. I worked in Shanghai for three years and traveled back and forth to the states frequently, and I can also attest that is is exhausting...heck, just being in China is exhausting. The Wolves have looked tired when I have seen them, and the tough international travel along with a virus that perhaps might be effecting more than Butler may have them looking lethargic. I'm curious to see if they can maintain the momentum they showed Friday night in thier next two road games.

lipoli390 wrote:

longstrangetrip wrote:

lipoli390 wrote:

TheSP wrote:

monsterpile wrote:I think if someone told us that Butler would miss 2 of the first 6 games and we would go 3-3 to start the season I think a lot of us would would have been relatively fine with that outcome all things considered.

Again, it's not the outcome of those two games that is largely at issue, but the lack of any progress from two specific players on the defensive end of the court.

I think you're right, SP. It was troubling to see that KAT and Wiggins showed little if any discernable defensive progression those two games. But the whole team was lathargic in those two games. Teague looked lost and ineffectual in both games. But KAT looked much better on defense last night as did Wiggins who has also been rebounding better this season. I have a theory. I don't want to get in the habit of making excuses for this team, but here's my possible explanation for how poorly we played in both games in addition to the fact that Butler didn't play:

1. We have a new starting PG who has never played under Thibs or with any of his current teammates. That's a pretty big adjustment for both the PG and his teammates. When Butler wasn't in the lineup to share the ballhandling and playmaking duties it really exposed the impact of the developing adjustment to a new PG.

2. I suspect that the trip to China may have finally caught up with the team. That trip is a huge drain. I know since I've done it. And the Wolves had to play two tough games while there in addition to all the community work. Then they returned and picked right up with Thibs' tough practices and a highly competitive scrimmage at Target Center. Then they started the season with 3 games against really tough opponents, including two on the road. As we all know, sometimes things catch up with you. You can ride adrenaline for a while and then crash. The Pacer and Piston games may have been that crash -- which was exacerbated by the loss of Butler and the ongoing period of adjustment to a new PG.

My theory may sound like a stretch, but at this early stage in the season, I think it's fair to acknowledge that possibility. I would, however, like to see the Wolves win a game without Butler just to give me some confidence in the improvement of this team both organically and from the additions of Teague, Butler and Crawford.

This is a very credible theory. I worked in Shanghai for three years and traveled back and forth to the states frequently, and I can also attest that is is exhausting...heck, just being in China is exhausting. The Wolves have looked tired when I have seen them, and the tough international travel along with a virus that perhaps might be effecting more than Butler may have them looking lethargic. I'm curious to see if they can maintain the momentum they showed Friday night in thier next two road games.

Great point about how tiring it is just to be in Shanghai. It's New York City on steroids.

Tomorrow night's game in Miami is key. I'm hoping that Friday night's game was a sign that we've turned the corner. The guys have had the weekend to rest and, assuming none of our core players are out ill, Monday night's game is a game the Wolves should win even though the Heat are not a pushover. We have an even tougher road game Wednesday night against the surging Pelicans. I'd love to win that one against a Conference rival, but I'm not expecting it. Next weekend we have back-to-back home games against the Mavs and Hornets - two games we absolutely should win. I want to see the Wolves win 3 of these next 4. Even if we go 2-2, I don't want to see us get steamrolled like last week against the Pacers and Pistons. It's early, but this next week will tell us if my theory holds water and it will tell us a lot about our Wolves.