quote:

ORIGINAL: kgdabom

quote:

ORIGINAL: kurt bilben

quote:

ORIGINAL: Sandman

I watched some of the Pacers Cavs series. Where was Paul George?

2017 Playoffs-

Jimmy Butler 22 pts 7 reb 4 assists

Paul George 28 pts 9 reb 7 assists

Neither one had great talent around them...

Rather shocking seeing those 7 assists per game in the playoffs. He only averaged 3.3 during the season. I think people misinterpret assists as a sign of unselfishness for a player. Sometimes it's just a sign of ball dominance. I am guessing George became even more ball dominant in the playoffs.

quote:

ORIGINAL: kgdabom

quote:

ORIGINAL: David Levine

quote:

ORIGINAL: Brad H

quote:

ORIGINAL: shakeywalton

I find it amusing that the the Lakers think every FA wants to play for them and that's their method to rebuilding or re-tooling.

Has someone said they think every free agent wants to play for the Lakers?

Yes. Every year. It doesn't pop up here that much because there isn't a ton of Lakers talk on a Timberwolves forum...But go outside our insular community and its rampant.

"Oh just wait until LeBron/Garnett/Durant/Love/Westbrook/whatever star is currently a FA signs with the Lakers"...

I lived in the middle of it for 10 years. I have tons of friends that still live there. There is a very prevailing thought that every star wants to end up in LA, will take less money to join the Lakers and if they have any affiliation with the city whatsoever has always dreamed of being a Laker. And honestly, over the past 2 decades it hasn't been true.

The Lakers have an absolutely amazing history. Probably Top 5 in all sports, but a lot of their fanbase is incredibly entitled.

Sorry to the Lakers fans on this board, but Lakers fans are the worst fans in sports IMO. They think they are entitled as DL says to every great player in the league. Every Laker fan I knew expected KG to join them. Then when Love was emerging they expected Love to Join them. It just got sickening.

quote:

ORIGINAL: Mark Anderson

quote:

ORIGINAL: kgdabom

quote:

ORIGINAL: kurt bilben

quote:

ORIGINAL: Sandman

I watched some of the Pacers Cavs series. Where was Paul George?

2017 Playoffs-

Jimmy Butler 22 pts 7 reb 4 assists

Paul George 28 pts 9 reb 7 assists

Neither one had great talent around them...

Rather shocking seeing those 7 assists per game in the playoffs. He only averaged 3.3 during the season. I think people misinterpret assists as a sign of unselfishness for a player. Sometimes it's just a sign of ball dominance. I am guessing George became even more ball dominant in the playoffs.

Would you say that LeBron dominates the ball and pads his stats?

quote:

ORIGINAL: Mark Anderson

quote:

ORIGINAL: kgdabom

quote:

ORIGINAL: David Levine

quote:

ORIGINAL: Brad H

quote:

ORIGINAL: shakeywalton

I find it amusing that the the Lakers think every FA wants to play for them and that's their method to rebuilding or re-tooling.

Has someone said they think every free agent wants to play for the Lakers?

Yes. Every year. It doesn't pop up here that much because there isn't a ton of Lakers talk on a Timberwolves forum...But go outside our insular community and its rampant.

"Oh just wait until LeBron/Garnett/Durant/Love/Westbrook/whatever star is currently a FA signs with the Lakers"...

I lived in the middle of it for 10 years. I have tons of friends that still live there. There is a very prevailing thought that every star wants to end up in LA, will take less money to join the Lakers and if they have any affiliation with the city whatsoever has always dreamed of being a Laker. And honestly, over the past 2 decades it hasn't been true.

The Lakers have an absolutely amazing history. Probably Top 5 in all sports, but a lot of their fanbase is incredibly entitled.

Sorry to the Lakers fans on this board, but Lakers fans are the worst fans in sports IMO. They think they are entitled as DL says to every great player in the league. Every Laker fan I knew expected KG to join them. Then when Love was emerging they expected Love to Join them. It just got sickening.

Plenty of bandwagon fans out there but I have been a fan ever since Kareem joined them in 1975.

And yes. I want good players to play for the Lakers.

quote:

ORIGINAL: kgdabom

quote:

ORIGINAL: Mark Anderson

quote:

ORIGINAL: kgdabom

quote:

ORIGINAL: David Levine

quote:

ORIGINAL: Brad H

quote:

ORIGINAL: shakeywalton

I find it amusing that the the Lakers think every FA wants to play for them and that's their method to rebuilding or re-tooling.

Has someone said they think every free agent wants to play for the Lakers?

Yes. Every year. It doesn't pop up here that much because there isn't a ton of Lakers talk on a Timberwolves forum...But go outside our insular community and its rampant.

"Oh just wait until LeBron/Garnett/Durant/Love/Westbrook/whatever star is currently a FA signs with the Lakers"...

I lived in the middle of it for 10 years. I have tons of friends that still live there. There is a very prevailing thought that every star wants to end up in LA, will take less money to join the Lakers and if they have any affiliation with the city whatsoever has always dreamed of being a Laker. And honestly, over the past 2 decades it hasn't been true.

The Lakers have an absolutely amazing history. Probably Top 5 in all sports, but a lot of their fanbase is incredibly entitled.

Sorry to the Lakers fans on this board, but Lakers fans are the worst fans in sports IMO. They think they are entitled as DL says to every great player in the league. Every Laker fan I knew expected KG to join them. Then when Love was emerging they expected Love to Join them. It just got sickening.

Plenty of bandwagon fans out there but I have been a fan ever since Kareem joined them in 1975.

And yes. I want good players to play for the Lakers.

I was a big Laker fan in the Magic days, because he plays the game right IMO. I was a fan of the Lakers in the Vlade Divac Nick van Exel and Ced Ceballos days because those guys were so fun to watch.
Wanting players to play for you is fine. Expecting every great player to come to you is just sickening to listen to and as DL pointed out it hardly ever happens anyway.

quote:

ORIGINAL: Mark Anderson

quote:

ORIGINAL: kgdabom

quote:

ORIGINAL: Mark Anderson

quote:

ORIGINAL: kgdabom

quote:

ORIGINAL: David Levine

quote:

ORIGINAL: Brad H

quote:

ORIGINAL: shakeywalton

I find it amusing that the the Lakers think every FA wants to play for them and that's their method to rebuilding or re-tooling.

Has someone said they think every free agent wants to play for the Lakers?

Yes. Every year. It doesn't pop up here that much because there isn't a ton of Lakers talk on a Timberwolves forum...But go outside our insular community and its rampant.

"Oh just wait until LeBron/Garnett/Durant/Love/Westbrook/whatever star is currently a FA signs with the Lakers"...

I lived in the middle of it for 10 years. I have tons of friends that still live there. There is a very prevailing thought that every star wants to end up in LA, will take less money to join the Lakers and if they have any affiliation with the city whatsoever has always dreamed of being a Laker. And honestly, over the past 2 decades it hasn't been true.

The Lakers have an absolutely amazing history. Probably Top 5 in all sports, but a lot of their fanbase is incredibly entitled.

Sorry to the Lakers fans on this board, but Lakers fans are the worst fans in sports IMO. They think they are entitled as DL says to every great player in the league. Every Laker fan I knew expected KG to join them. Then when Love was emerging they expected Love to Join them. It just got sickening.

Plenty of bandwagon fans out there but I have been a fan ever since Kareem joined them in 1975.

And yes. I want good players to play for the Lakers.

I was a big Laker fan in the Magic days, because he plays the game right IMO. I was a fan of the Lakers in the Vlade Divac Nick van Exel and Ced Ceballos days because those guys were so fun to watch.
Wanting players to play for you is fine. Expecting every great player to come to you is just sickening to listen to and as DL pointed out it hardly ever happens anyway.

I can see your point.

I'm not a big fan of people changing teams(unless contraction is involved) but to each his own. And many people think that is OK.

quote:

ORIGINAL: David Levine

quote:

ORIGINAL: shakeywalton

I find it amusing that the the Lakers think every FA wants to play for them and that's their method to rebuilding or re-tooling.

It used to be that way. A long, long time ago.

Have they attracted a top flight FA other than Dwight Howard since Shaq (over 20 years ago)?

quote:

ORIGINAL: Mark Anderson

quote:

ORIGINAL: David Levine

quote:

ORIGINAL: shakeywalton

I find it amusing that the the Lakers think every FA wants to play for them and that's their method to rebuilding or re-tooling.

It used to be that way. A long, long time ago.

Have they attracted a top flight FA other than Dwight Howard since Shaq (over 20 years ago)?

Maybe I've been too hard on Kupchak.

2 titles since end of Shaq era without any marquee FAs. Not bad.

quote:

ORIGINAL: Mark Anderson

quote:

ORIGINAL: kgdabom

quote:

ORIGINAL: David Levine

quote:

ORIGINAL: Brad H

quote:

ORIGINAL: shakeywalton

I find it amusing that the the Lakers think every FA wants to play for them and that's their method to rebuilding or re-tooling.

Has someone said they think every free agent wants to play for the Lakers?

Yes. Every year. It doesn't pop up here that much because there isn't a ton of Lakers talk on a Timberwolves forum...But go outside our insular community and its rampant.

"Oh just wait until LeBron/Garnett/Durant/Love/Westbrook/whatever star is currently a FA signs with the Lakers"...

I lived in the middle of it for 10 years. I have tons of friends that still live there. There is a very prevailing thought that every star wants to end up in LA, will take less money to join the Lakers and if they have any affiliation with the city whatsoever has always dreamed of being a Laker. And honestly, over the past 2 decades it hasn't been true.

The Lakers have an absolutely amazing history. Probably Top 5 in all sports, but a lot of their fanbase is incredibly entitled.

Sorry to the Lakers fans on this board, but Lakers fans are the worst fans in sports IMO. They think they are entitled as DL says to every great player in the league. Every Laker fan I knew expected KG to join them. Then when Love was emerging they expected Love to Join them. It just got sickening.

Plenty of bandwagon fans out there but I have been a fan ever since Kareem joined them in 1975.

And yes. I want good players to play for the Lakers.

quote:

ORIGINAL: ruffenach

quote:

ORIGINAL: kurt bilben

quote:

ORIGINAL: Sandman

I watched some of the Pacers Cavs series. Where was Paul George?

2017 Playoffs-

Jimmy Butler 22 pts 7 reb 4 assists

Paul George 28 pts 9 reb 7 assists

Neither one had great talent around them...

Butler will have two other potential all stars surrounding him and a point guard to get him the ball in the best position to shoot. George, if he signs with the Lakers will not have this. Other may sign there, but others may sign with the Wolves as well.

quote:

ORIGINAL: kgdabom

quote:

ORIGINAL: David Levine

quote:

ORIGINAL: Brad H

quote:

ORIGINAL: shakeywalton

I find it amusing that the the Lakers think every FA wants to play for them and that's their method to rebuilding or re-tooling.

Has someone said they think every free agent wants to play for the Lakers?

Yes. Every year. It doesn't pop up here that much because there isn't a ton of Lakers talk on a Timberwolves forum...But go outside our insular community and its rampant.

"Oh just wait until LeBron/Garnett/Durant/Love/Westbrook/whatever star is currently a FA signs with the Lakers"...

I lived in the middle of it for 10 years. I have tons of friends that still live there. There is a very prevailing thought that every star wants to end up in LA, will take less money to join the Lakers and if they have any affiliation with the city whatsoever has always dreamed of being a Laker. And honestly, over the past 2 decades it hasn't been true.

The Lakers have an absolutely amazing history. Probably Top 5 in all sports, but a lot of their fanbase is incredibly entitled.

Sorry to the Lakers fans on this board, but Lakers fans are the worst fans in sports IMO. They think they are entitled as DL says to every great player in the league. Every Laker fan I knew expected KG to join them. Then when Love was emerging they expected Love to Join them. It just got sickening.

quote:

ORIGINAL: kgdabom

quote:

ORIGINAL: Mark Anderson

quote:

ORIGINAL: David Levine

quote:

ORIGINAL: shakeywalton

I find it amusing that the the Lakers think every FA wants to play for them and that's their method to rebuilding or re-tooling.

It used to be that way. A long, long time ago.

Have they attracted a top flight FA other than Dwight Howard since Shaq (over 20 years ago)?

Maybe I've been too hard on Kupchak.

2 titles since end of Shaq era without any marquee FAs. Not bad.

It was the Gasol trade that did it. Marc ended up being real good, but at the time of the trade Pau was far superior.

quote:

ORIGINAL: Ian Joseph

quote:

ORIGINAL: kgdabom

quote:

ORIGINAL: Mark Anderson

quote:

ORIGINAL: David Levine

quote:

ORIGINAL: shakeywalton

I find it amusing that the the Lakers think every FA wants to play for them and that's their method to rebuilding or re-tooling.

It used to be that way. A long, long time ago.

Have they attracted a top flight FA other than Dwight Howard since Shaq (over 20 years ago)?

Maybe I've been too hard on Kupchak.

2 titles since end of Shaq era without any marquee FAs. Not bad.

It was the Gasol trade that did it. Marc ended up being real good, but at the time of the trade Pau was far superior.

That's the thing with the Lakers in the past 20 years, as David was sort of alluding to. The Lakers' championships were orchestrated through trades, not free agency. Becuz the salary cap was lower and managed different, the Lakers couldn't just sign marquee free agents; they had money tied up in existing players. The only time they had money to spend was when they re-upped Kobe Bryant, after he flirted with joining the Clippers.

The Lakers won their three Shaq and Kobe rings, in large part to the Glen Rice trades. The 2nd two with Kobe were the result of the Shaq trade, though I thought the Ariza trade was huge in 2009.

Kupchak was masterful at trades. And it seemed easy and inevitable he'd always land another star. It just never happened after Howard. Thus began the spiral that we are now at the end of.

quote:

ORIGINAL: Brad H

quote:

ORIGINAL: ruffenach

quote:

ORIGINAL: kurt bilben

quote:

ORIGINAL: Sandman

I watched some of the Pacers Cavs series. Where was Paul George?

2017 Playoffs-

Jimmy Butler 22 pts 7 reb 4 assists

Paul George 28 pts 9 reb 7 assists

Neither one had great talent around them...

Butler will have two other potential all stars surrounding him and a point guard to get him the ball in the best position to shoot. George, if he signs with the Lakers will not have this. Other may sign there, but others may sign with the Wolves as well.

Defenses will take away the weapons, leaving the career 37% shooter and 31% three-point shooter wide open.

quote:

ORIGINAL: Ian Joseph

quote:

ORIGINAL: kgdabom

quote:

ORIGINAL: Mark Anderson

quote:

ORIGINAL: David Levine

quote:

ORIGINAL: shakeywalton

I find it amusing that the the Lakers think every FA wants to play for them and that's their method to rebuilding or re-tooling.

It used to be that way. A long, long time ago.

Have they attracted a top flight FA other than Dwight Howard since Shaq (over 20 years ago)?

Maybe I've been too hard on Kupchak.

2 titles since end of Shaq era without any marquee FAs. Not bad.

It was the Gasol trade that did it. Marc ended up being real good, but at the time of the trade Pau was far superior.

That's the thing with the Lakers in the past 20 years, as David was sort of alluding to. The Lakers' championships were orchestrated through trades, not free agency. Becuz the salary cap was lower and managed different, the Lakers couldn't just sign marquee free agents; they had money tied up in existing players. The only time they had money to spend was when they re-upped Kobe Bryant, after he flirted with joining the Clippers.

The Lakers won their three Shaq and Kobe rings, in large part to the Glen Rice trades. The 2nd two with Kobe were the result of the Shaq trade, though I thought the Ariza trade was huge in 2009.

Kupchak was masterful at trades. And it seemed easy and inevitable he'd always land another star. It just never happened after Howard. Thus began the spiral that we are now at the end of.

quote:

ORIGINAL: David Levine

quote:

ORIGINAL: Brad H

quote:

ORIGINAL: ruffenach

quote:

ORIGINAL: kurt bilben

quote:

ORIGINAL: Sandman

I watched some of the Pacers Cavs series. Where was Paul George?

2017 Playoffs-

Jimmy Butler 22 pts 7 reb 4 assists

Paul George 28 pts 9 reb 7 assists

Neither one had great talent around them...

Butler will have two other potential all stars surrounding him and a point guard to get him the ball in the best position to shoot. George, if he signs with the Lakers will not have this. Other may sign there, but others may sign with the Wolves as well.

Defenses will take away the weapons, leaving the career 37% shooter and 31% three-point shooter wide open.

You're going to lose a lot of games leaving a 37% three-point shooter wide-open.

Butler, Wiggins, Towns, Dieng and Jones were all above league-average on catch-and-shoot 3s last year. Even Rubio hits them at ~35% (and was over 40% post ASG last year).

Commit that much defense to stopping Butler Wiggins or KAT and you'll get hurt.

quote:

ORIGINAL: kurt bilben

quote:

ORIGINAL: Ian Joseph

quote:

ORIGINAL: kgdabom

quote:

ORIGINAL: Mark Anderson

quote:

ORIGINAL: David Levine

quote:

ORIGINAL: shakeywalton

I find it amusing that the the Lakers think every FA wants to play for them and that's their method to rebuilding or re-tooling.

It used to be that way. A long, long time ago.

Have they attracted a top flight FA other than Dwight Howard since Shaq (over 20 years ago)?

Maybe I've been too hard on Kupchak.

2 titles since end of Shaq era without any marquee FAs. Not bad.

It was the Gasol trade that did it. Marc ended up being real good, but at the time of the trade Pau was far superior.

That's the thing with the Lakers in the past 20 years, as David was sort of alluding to. The Lakers' championships were orchestrated through trades, not free agency. Becuz the salary cap was lower and managed different, the Lakers couldn't just sign marquee free agents; they had money tied up in existing players. The only time they had money to spend was when they re-upped Kobe Bryant, after he flirted with joining the Clippers.

The Lakers won their three Shaq and Kobe rings, in large part to the Glen Rice trades. The 2nd two with Kobe were the result of the Shaq trade, though I thought the Ariza trade was huge in 2009.

Kupchak was masterful at trades. And it seemed easy and inevitable he'd always land another star. It just never happened after Howard. Thus began the spiral that we are now at the end of.

I guess that might all hold water if the biggest piece to the puzzle (Shaq) weren't acquired through free agency...

quote:

ORIGINAL: kurt bilben

quote:

ORIGINAL: Ian Joseph

quote:

ORIGINAL: kgdabom

quote:

ORIGINAL: Mark Anderson

quote:

ORIGINAL: David Levine

quote:

ORIGINAL: shakeywalton

I find it amusing that the the Lakers think every FA wants to play for them and that's their method to rebuilding or re-tooling.

It used to be that way. A long, long time ago.

Have they attracted a top flight FA other than Dwight Howard since Shaq (over 20 years ago)?

Maybe I've been too hard on Kupchak.

2 titles since end of Shaq era without any marquee FAs. Not bad.

It was the Gasol trade that did it. Marc ended up being real good, but at the time of the trade Pau was far superior.

That's the thing with the Lakers in the past 20 years, as David was sort of alluding to. The Lakers' championships were orchestrated through trades, not free agency. Becuz the salary cap was lower and managed different, the Lakers couldn't just sign marquee free agents; they had money tied up in existing players. The only time they had money to spend was when they re-upped Kobe Bryant, after he flirted with joining the Clippers.

The Lakers won their three Shaq and Kobe rings, in large part to the Glen Rice trades. The 2nd two with Kobe were the result of the Shaq trade, though I thought the Ariza trade was huge in 2009.

Kupchak was masterful at trades. And it seemed easy and inevitable he'd always land another star. It just never happened after Howard. Thus began the spiral that we are now at the end of.

I guess that might all hold water if the biggest piece to the puzzle (Shaq) weren't acquired through free agency...

quote:

ORIGINAL: kgdabom

quote:

ORIGINAL: kurt bilben

quote:

ORIGINAL: Ian Joseph

quote:

ORIGINAL: kgdabom

quote:

ORIGINAL: Mark Anderson

quote:

ORIGINAL: David Levine

quote:

ORIGINAL: shakeywalton

I find it amusing that the the Lakers think every FA wants to play for them and that's their method to rebuilding or re-tooling.

It used to be that way. A long, long time ago.

Have they attracted a top flight FA other than Dwight Howard since Shaq (over 20 years ago)?

Maybe I've been too hard on Kupchak.

2 titles since end of Shaq era without any marquee FAs. Not bad.

It was the Gasol trade that did it. Marc ended up being real good, but at the time of the trade Pau was far superior.

That's the thing with the Lakers in the past 20 years, as David was sort of alluding to. The Lakers' championships were orchestrated through trades, not free agency. Becuz the salary cap was lower and managed different, the Lakers couldn't just sign marquee free agents; they had money tied up in existing players. The only time they had money to spend was when they re-upped Kobe Bryant, after he flirted with joining the Clippers.

The Lakers won their three Shaq and Kobe rings, in large part to the Glen Rice trades. The 2nd two with Kobe were the result of the Shaq trade, though I thought the Ariza trade was huge in 2009.

Kupchak was masterful at trades. And it seemed easy and inevitable he'd always land another star. It just never happened after Howard. Thus began the spiral that we are now at the end of.

I guess that might all hold water if the biggest piece to the puzzle (Shaq) weren't acquired through free agency...

However, that was one instance 20 years ago.

quote:

ORIGINAL: Ian Joseph

I expect the Wolves to be better. They will be a playoff team for sure.

Can they win their division? Can they avoid a first round matchup against Golden State, Houston, or San Antonio? That's what most interests me with the Wolves in 2017-18.

quote:

ORIGINAL: Ian Joseph

quote:

ORIGINAL: kgdabom

quote:

ORIGINAL: kurt bilben

quote:

ORIGINAL: Ian Joseph

quote:

ORIGINAL: kgdabom

quote:

ORIGINAL: Mark Anderson

quote:

ORIGINAL: David Levine

quote:

ORIGINAL: shakeywalton

I find it amusing that the the Lakers think every FA wants to play for them and that's their method to rebuilding or re-tooling.

It used to be that way. A long, long time ago.

Have they attracted a top flight FA other than Dwight Howard since Shaq (over 20 years ago)?

Maybe I've been too hard on Kupchak.

2 titles since end of Shaq era without any marquee FAs. Not bad.

It was the Gasol trade that did it. Marc ended up being real good, but at the time of the trade Pau was far superior.

That's the thing with the Lakers in the past 20 years, as David was sort of alluding to. The Lakers' championships were orchestrated through trades, not free agency. Becuz the salary cap was lower and managed different, the Lakers couldn't just sign marquee free agents; they had money tied up in existing players. The only time they had money to spend was when they re-upped Kobe Bryant, after he flirted with joining the Clippers.

The Lakers won their three Shaq and Kobe rings, in large part to the Glen Rice trades. The 2nd two with Kobe were the result of the Shaq trade, though I thought the Ariza trade was huge in 2009.

Kupchak was masterful at trades. And it seemed easy and inevitable he'd always land another star. It just never happened after Howard. Thus began the spiral that we are now at the end of.

I guess that might all hold water if the biggest piece to the puzzle (Shaq) weren't acquired through free agency...

However, that was one instance 20 years ago.

Kobe is the most recent. There was a real nervousness he was leaving the Lakers.

quote:

ORIGINAL: Ian Joseph

quote:

ORIGINAL: kurt bilben

quote:

ORIGINAL: Ian Joseph

quote:

ORIGINAL: kgdabom

quote:

ORIGINAL: Mark Anderson

quote:

ORIGINAL: David Levine

quote:

ORIGINAL: shakeywalton

I find it amusing that the the Lakers think every FA wants to play for them and that's their method to rebuilding or re-tooling.

It used to be that way. A long, long time ago.

Have they attracted a top flight FA other than Dwight Howard since Shaq (over 20 years ago)?

Maybe I've been too hard on Kupchak.

2 titles since end of Shaq era without any marquee FAs. Not bad.

It was the Gasol trade that did it. Marc ended up being real good, but at the time of the trade Pau was far superior.

That's the thing with the Lakers in the past 20 years, as David was sort of alluding to. The Lakers' championships were orchestrated through trades, not free agency. Becuz the salary cap was lower and managed different, the Lakers couldn't just sign marquee free agents; they had money tied up in existing players. The only time they had money to spend was when they re-upped Kobe Bryant, after he flirted with joining the Clippers.

The Lakers won their three Shaq and Kobe rings, in large part to the Glen Rice trades. The 2nd two with Kobe were the result of the Shaq trade, though I thought the Ariza trade was huge in 2009.

Kupchak was masterful at trades. And it seemed easy and inevitable he'd always land another star. It just never happened after Howard. Thus began the spiral that we are now at the end of.

I guess that might all hold water if the biggest piece to the puzzle (Shaq) weren't acquired through free agency...

I suppose, except Shaq was there 4 years before they won a ring. If anything, the biggest free agent acquisition was Phil Jackson.

quote:

ORIGINAL: Ian Joseph

I expect the Wolves to be better. They will be a playoff team for sure.

Can they win their division? Can they avoid a first round matchup against Golden State, Houston, or San Antonio? That's what most interests me with the Wolves in 2017-18.

quote:

ORIGINAL: David Levine

quote:

ORIGINAL: Ian Joseph

I expect the Wolves to be better. They will be a playoff team for sure.

Can they win their division? Can they avoid a first round matchup against Golden State, Houston, or San Antonio? That's what most interests me with the Wolves in 2017-18.

I just care about making the playoffs this year. Butler and Cole (all of 102 minutes) are the only players we have on the roster that have playoff experience. We need to get the kids a taste of (and get used to) winning at the NBA level. Anything beyond that is grave for 2017-18.

Butler gives us a likely 7 year window with him, the kids extend that.

Now depending on what we do in free agency, I may modify my season goals.