Minnesota Sports Forum

Let's try and predict how the Wolves wins totals will migrate over the next few years. Use these assumptions:

1) We draft either Towns or Okafor

2) We trade back into the first round between 12 - 19.

3) Ricky becomes relatively durable.

4) Don't count on Pek as more than a part time player

5) Flip coaches at least 2 more years

Here's mine:

2015 - 16 - 33 Wins

2016 - 17 - 48 Wins

2017 - 18 - 55 Wins

2018 - 19 - 60 WIN TIM

I agree with your trajectory path, provided health. We have to nail this pick, and I think we will. As far as us becoming champions we need to get some gritty role players. Dirty work guys, shooters off the bench, ect. I think picks 31 and 36 could prove huge too, although I think we use them to trade up.

2015-16: Goal should be to improve to 30 wins. See development from key young players such as Wiggins, LaVine, Muhammad, Dieng and of course the top pick.

2016-17: Goal will be to contend for the 8th seed. Nip at the heels of the Pelicans, Blazers and such. Likely come up short, but end the year around 40-45 wins.

2017-18: Wolves make the playoffs with 50+ wins. Wiggins makes the jump to an All-Star caliber player, the Robin to his Batman (whoever steps up) is an above average starter. Eventually, we're bumped in the first round.

After that, we should be annual playoff contenders and anything can happen, especially if a wildcard prospect (LaVine, Muhammad, someone we don't have yet) takes a huge leap forward.

Camden wrote:2015-16: Goal should be to improve to 30 wins. See development from key young players such as Wiggins, LaVine, Muhammad, Dieng and of course the top pick.

2016-17: Goal will be to contend for the 8th seed. Nip at the heels of the Pelicans, Blazers and such. Likely come up short, but end the year around 40-45 wins.

2017-18: Wolves make the playoffs with 50+ wins. Wiggins makes the jump to an All-Star caliber player, the Robin to his Batman (whoever steps up) is an above average starter. Eventually, we're bumped in the first round.

After that, we should be annual playoff contenders and anything can happen, especially if a wildcard prospect (LaVine, Muhammad, someone we don't have yet) takes a huge leap forward.

I generally agree with you here, but I think you're about one year off in your goals. I fully expect to be in the playoffs after the 16-17 season. If we're not, something has gone wrong.

CoolBreeze44 wrote:

Camden wrote:2015-16: Goal should be to improve to 30 wins. See development from key young players such as Wiggins, LaVine, Muhammad, Dieng and of course the top pick.

2016-17: Goal will be to contend for the 8th seed. Nip at the heels of the Pelicans, Blazers and such. Likely come up short, but end the year around 40-45 wins.

2017-18: Wolves make the playoffs with 50+ wins. Wiggins makes the jump to an All-Star caliber player, the Robin to his Batman (whoever steps up) is an above average starter. Eventually, we're bumped in the first round.

After that, we should be annual playoff contenders and anything can happen, especially if a wildcard prospect (LaVine, Muhammad, someone we don't have yet) takes a huge leap forward.

I generally agree with you here, but I think you're about one year off in your goals. I fully expect to be in the playoffs after the 16-17 season. If we're not, something has gone wrong.

I think the West is too good to jump from 30-something wins to the playoffs (without something like an OKC injury breakdown). Now the Pelicans are in the mix. I say we come close and then come back super hungry the year after.

Some of these teams are going to be hard pressed to stay relevant going forward. I think San Antonio, Dallas, Portland and maybe even Memphis have challenges ahead to stay in the top 8. The West probably won't be as strong in 2 years. On the other hand, Wiggins should be an all star, our core will have been together for 2-4 years. I think the playoffs are realistic for 16-17, and i'm not usually the board optimist.

A healthy team last year would have had 30+ wins so given that I'm going a little higher next year assuming Flip keeps or trades Martin for another vet to go with Pek, KG, Rubio and maybe a FA vet. Wiggins & Lavine's heavy minutes last year should pay off as well.

2015-16: 35 Wins

2016-17: 43 Wins

2017-18: 50 Wins

2018-19: 56 Wins

2015-16: 82 wins
2016-17: 82 wins and win WCF
2017-18: 82 wins and win NBA Championship
2018-19: 82 wins and 16-0 in the playoffs on the way to the first undefeated season

mrhockey89 wrote:2015-16: 82 wins
2016-17: 82 wins and win WCF
2017-18: 82 wins and win NBA Championship
2018-19: 82 wins and 16-0 in the playoffs on the way to the first undefeated season

I would be extremely disappointed if they wouldn't get to finals in 2015-16 after winning 82 games. :P

Mikkeman wrote:

mrhockey89 wrote:2015-16: 82 wins
2016-17: 82 wins and win WCF
2017-18: 82 wins and win NBA Championship
2018-19: 82 wins and 16-0 in the playoffs on the way to the first undefeated season

I would be extremely disappointed if they wouldn't get to finals in 2015-16 after winning 82 games. :P

I try to not be greedy