Minnesota Sports Forum

Haven't seen this posted yet... the way too early ESPN Power Rankings were posted for next season, and the Wolves are at #12, just behind the Nets and the 76ers, and just ahead of the Bulls and Jazz. The Warriors, Grizzlies, Mavs, Suns, Clippers, Nuggets are ranked higher than our Wolves.

Sundog60 wrote:Haven't seen this posted yet... the way too early ESPN Power Rankings were posted for next season, and the Wolves are at #12, just behind the Nets and the 76ers, and just ahead of the Bulls and Jazz. The Warriors, Grizzlies, Mavs, Suns, Clippers, Nuggets are ranked higher than our Wolves.

Interesting. Makes sense to have the Nuggets ahead of the Wolves if Murray comes back fully healthy. Same for the Clippers if Kawhi comes back 100%. Hard to argue with having the world champion Warriors ahead of the Wolves. Same for this past season's 2nd-seed in the West, the Grizzlies. The Mavs were only slightly better than the Wolves last season, but Luka was hurt for some significant stretches and now they've added Christian Wood. So makes sense to have them ahead of the Wolves as well. The Suns are a more interesting subject. Yes, they had the best record in the West. But they struggled in the playoffs. Chris Paul is such a key to their team's success and he's approaching 40 years of age. Meanwhile, their organization is some disarray with accusations of a hostile work environment, a suspect cheap owner and the likely loss of their starting center, Ayton. I could see the Suns falling back substantially next season.

But bottom line is that #12 seems reasonable to me. We'll have to see where teams are ranked after the dust settles on this offseason - draft, trades and free agency.

Sundog60 wrote:Haven't seen this posted yet... the way too early ESPN Power Rankings were posted for next season, and the Wolves are at #12, just behind the Nets and the 76ers, and just ahead of the Bulls and Jazz. The Warriors, Grizzlies, Mavs, Suns, Clippers, Nuggets are ranked higher than our Wolves.

In other words, about where we ended up at this past season. Utah and the Pelicans are the two teams others could argue could be ahead of us if we don't make any other moves. I guess ESPN is keeping Utah down a bit to reflect the uncertainty of their roster, but who's to say they can't get better with the right trade? And the Pelicans look pretty damn good on paper if Zion is healthy and ready to go.

Q-was-here wrote:

Sundog60 wrote:Haven't seen this posted yet... the way too early ESPN Power Rankings were posted for next season, and the Wolves are at #12, just behind the Nets and the 76ers, and just ahead of the Bulls and Jazz. The Warriors, Grizzlies, Mavs, Suns, Clippers, Nuggets are ranked higher than our Wolves.

In other words, about where we ended up at this past season. Utah and the Pelicans are the two teams others could argue could be ahead of us if we don't make any other moves. I guess ESPN is keeping Utah down a bit to reflect the uncertainty of their roster, but who's to say they can't get better with the right trade? And the Pelicans look pretty damn good on paper if Zion is healthy and ready to go.

Yes, I fear the Pelicans will pass the Wolves if Zion is healthy and possibly even if he isn't. I see the Jazz sinking. They could certainly pull off a trade that keeps them ahead of the Wolves. But I don't see that happening.

I think this is fair at this point. I think Edwards seeing the edge it takes to be successful night in and night out through this playoff experience is huge for him. Barring injuries, I except us to have a great season next year.

thedoper wrote:I think this is fair at this point. I think Edwards seeing the edge it takes to be successful night in and night out through this playoff experience is huge for him. Barring injuries, I except us to have a great season next year.

It was only a 6-game sample size, but basically Ant and McDaniels were our two most consistent and effective players in the Memphis series. I can't imagine a better outcome short of winning the series of course.

Not bad for a 38-win team.

Q-was-here wrote:

thedoper wrote:I think this is fair at this point. I think Edwards seeing the edge it takes to be successful night in and night out through this playoff experience is huge for him. Barring injuries, I except us to have a great season next year.

It was only a 6-game sample size, but basically Ant and McDaniels were our two most consistent and effective players in the Memphis series. I can't imagine a better outcome short of winning the series of course.

Great point, Q. If those guys pick up where they left off in the Memphis series, KAT is KAT next season and the Wolves add a quality big via free agency, then the Wolves will be right competing for playoff position.