Minnesota Sports Forum

I'm trying to be optimistic and the more I think about it it's kind of hard not to be. The only reason everything is stirred up is because of the National media writing a few Love wants out stories as we inevitably knew they would. Our record last season did not match up at all with metrics, I don't have the numbers but I believe we had one of the biggest point differentials that didn't make the playoffs in NBA history. Our close games terrible record is another factor, some bad luck and some playcalls as well, I love Adelman's system but I wasn't a fan of the plays he drew up at the end of the game, he feel in Love with the Screen to get Love open for 3 way too much after experiencing success with it in the beginning.

Coaching is another huge thing, even if we end up with Vinny or Mitchell I think they can make more of a positive influence in wins than Adelman could, just because of the fact that Rick's heart wasn't in it which was even further confirmed by Ricky in an interview where he flat out said as much. I do however appreciate the offensive culture Rick is leaving us as I think it is something that will stick even though he's leaving.

The development of Shabazz and Dieng, I feel like the rapid improvement (especially Dieng) has kind of been somewhat forgotten about with the Love rumors swirling around. Imagine both of those guys giving us legit minutes next year, and they both help us solve arguably our two biggest problem, rim protection and scoring off the bench. I also think having an NBA caliber NBA backup point guard drastically changes things as well.

We do have a lot of similar players cluttering up minutes especially at the SF spot and we will have to make some minor moves but it can be done. Even with one of our boards "worst case scenario" coaches I think we will improve enough to make the playoffs just because of the fact that our new coach will flat out give a shit.

I don't know if it will be enough to keep Love around but I expect us to make the playoffs next season and I really hope we don't trade Love this summer.

BloopOracle wrote:I'm trying to be optimistic and the more I think about it it's kind of hard not to be. The only reason everything is stirred up is because of the National media writing a few Love wants out stories as we inevitably knew they would. Our record last season did not match up at all with metrics, I don't have the numbers but I believe we had one of the biggest point differentials that didn't make the playoffs in NBA history. Our close games terrible record is another factor, some bad luck and some playcalls as well, I love Adelman's system but I wasn't a fan of the plays he drew up at the end of the game, he feel in Love with the Screen to get Love open for 3 way too much after experiencing success with it in the beginning.

Coaching is another huge thing, even if we end up with Vinny or Mitchell I think they can make more of a positive influence in wins than Adelman could, just because of the fact that Rick's heart wasn't in it which was even further confirmed by Ricky in an interview where he flat out said as much. I do however appreciate the offensive culture Rick is leaving us as I think it is something that will stick even though he's leaving.

The development of Shabazz and Dieng, I feel like the rapid improvement (especially Dieng) has kind of been somewhat forgotten about with the Love rumors swirling around. Imagine both of those guys giving us legit minutes next year, and they both help us solve arguably our two biggest problem, rim protection and scoring off the bench. I also think having an NBA caliber NBA backup point guard drastically changes things as well.

We do have a lot of similar players cluttering up minutes especially at the SF spot and we will have to make some minor moves but it can be done. Even with one of our boards "worst case scenario" coaches I think we will improve enough to make the playoffs just because of the fact that our new coach will flat out give a shit.

I don't know if it will be enough to keep Love around but I expect us to make the playoffs next season and I really hope we don't trade Love this summer.

Just clarifying who the 'we" is in your thread title...Cleveland or Golden State? :)

Okay, just kidding. Actually, I completely agree with your take. The ESPN insider article yesterday made me think the Wolves may roll the dice with Love, and try to win with him to convince him to stay. And I agree that there are lots of factors that can lead to a 10 win improvement...new coach, more Dieng and Shabazz, less JJ, and the contributions from our 13th pick.

What I don't know, though, is "What does Kevin really want". Does he want to make the playoffs, or does he want a shot at a championship? Unfortunately, I think it's the latter. My best guess is that the Wolves hold on to Love, improve and make the playoffs, get eliminated in the first round, and Kevin takes a pay cut to join a superstar- laden team that can challenge right away for the title.

Our points total was skewed by Adelman running up the score by over using our starters in games that should have seen bench guys for the majority of the 4th quarter. I do believe that a different coach would result in more wins in the close games (how could it not).

I don't think Adelman's offense was a good fit. I don't see the purpose of taking the ball out of Ricky's hands on a regular basis, when that is his strength offensively. Putting the ball in Pek's hands twenty feet from the basket makes it even worse. We need a defensive oriented coach that will preach team D. Rubio could probably free wheel and not do any worse on offense.

I do think this team can make the PO's with Love and a better coach like Hollins.