Q-was-here wrote:I threw in the towel about a week or so ago. The roster/coaching staff isn't good enough to make noise in the West. I realize things could turn around, but it would be very surprising, as most nights we are just out-executed and out-smarted. Our talent is good enough to go ~ .500, but hard to see us going beyond that due to team chemistry issues, coaching, and just poor IQ by some of our guys.
By the way, I'd probably come to the same conclusion if we had the same roster as last season without the Gobert trade. Ant, Jaden, and Nowell haven't made the strides we'd need in either scenario to compete amongst the big boys in the West. That's not to say I give up on them or they'll never get better, but it just hasn't happened to the degree we needed it to happen this season.
Because last year was a joy ride and Connelly pushed the throttle full 2 years early. Ant and Jaden are 21. KAT and Dlo are what 26/27? The Wolves had all the pieces in place and threw them away at the smallest possible dartboard.
That coach proved to get alot out of the team. A team that was buying in. Then you go throw the biggest wrench into the system. It isn't the players, it isn't the coach, it is Connelly. Watch what move he makes next in an attempt to save his own face.
Hell, there were actually players that wanted to be here. Finally. Connelly comes in and says, well I made my decision on Beasley and Vanderbilt before, you can have them. Leader of the team, Beverley, ya salaries - have him too. Stash guy, take him. We do need a defensive big - college DPoY ya you can have him in replacement. 4 first rounders as well, sure. I'll figure out what to do with Dlo, Reid, and Nowell later this season. Coach Finch will figure it out.. I got my guaranteed salary and stock options.
I have a clunky big, let's pair him with another clunky big. Fucking genius.
We all just witnessed a homegrown Wolves team fight for the playoffs, and win! With a team who enjoyed every aspect of the fight.. Then watched a guy blow it up immediately. The guy could have sat on his hands for a year with no backlash, but he jumped the gun the moment his finger was on the trigger and Ainge bullied him to hell and back.. Are some of you that stupid/Minnesota Nice?