RE: Wolves Ranked #1 in Preseason Poll

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RE: Wolves Ranked #1 in Preseason Poll - 9/22/2010 11:51:13 PM

Bruce Johnson

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I will be disappointed with a 30 win season. I want to be in the mix down the stretch to make the playoffs, or I will be disappointed. How many wins will that be? We need to win at least 40 games to do that.

< Message edited by Bruce Johnson -- 9/22/2010 11:54:40 PM >

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RE: Wolves Ranked #1 in Preseason Poll - 9/23/2010 2:38:48 AM

David Levine

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Bruce Johnson

I will be disappointed with a 30 win season. I want to be in the mix down the stretch to make the playoffs, or I will be disappointed. How many wins will that be? We need to win at least 40 games to do that.

Be prepared to be disappointed.

It took 50 wins to make the Playoffs in the West this year.

It would take the 3rd biggest turnaround in NBA history for the Wolves to get to 50 wins.

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RE: Wolves Ranked #1 in Preseason Poll - 9/23/2010 7:51:19 PM

Bruce Johnson

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40 wins was almost good enough to make the playoffs in the East. I'm not saying make the playoffs, though. I'm saying that deep into the season the team is still playing to make it to the playoffs. (as opposed to about 4 months of garbage time because there's no hope)

I'm sorry, but 30 wins doesn't do it for me. I hope that the team has higher ambitions.

_____________________________

We live in a world where we depend upon each other. In other words, we need each other just as God needs us and we need Him. How wonderful it would be if we could unite and live in harmony. Wouldn't it be better that way?

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RE: Wolves Ranked #1 in Preseason Poll - 9/23/2010 8:32:34 PM

David Levine

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Bruce Johnson

40 wins was almost good enough to make the playoffs in the East. I'm not saying make the playoffs, though. I'm saying that deep into the season the team is still playing to make it to the playoffs. (as opposed to about 4 months of garbage time because there's no hope)

I'm sorry, but 30 wins doesn't do it for me. I hope that the team has higher ambitions.

But we're not in the East. And most years it takes close to 50 to make it in the West.

Obviously the team has higher ambitions, but they aren't likely to happen - even if it isn't good enough for you.

We're going to be starting the season with a line-up of (essentially) 5 new starters (Love only started 22 games, Darko 18 last year).

5 of our top 8 rotational players weren't even on the team last year.

Those last 2 points are likely going to mean a slow start as guys establish roles and learn to play with each other.

A 25 win improvement is really massive in the NBA. If we do that and finish around .500, Rambis is going to get consideration for COY and we're going to be a major story.

You may not like it, but this was a complete tear down of a horribly broken roster. Its going to take time.

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RE: Wolves Ranked #1 in Preseason Poll - 9/24/2010 4:00:55 AM

Brad Norman

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Bruce Johnson

I will be disappointed with a 30 win season. I want to be in the mix down the stretch to make the playoffs, or I will be disappointed. How many wins will that be? We need to win at least 40 games to do that.

I will be disappointed if we can't make it to 30 wins, but I don't expect much more than that. The first half of the season isn't going to be very good. Flynn will be out, and the new players will be getting to know each other. But I expect the team to play .500 ball during the second half. Then the next season we should be able to make that jump to playoff contender that you're talking about. But this year is too soon, as much as we all want to see it happen.

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RE: Wolves Ranked #1 in Preseason Poll - 9/24/2010 9:14:32 AM

djskillz

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The team doesn't have nearly enough talent to be even "in the conversation" for the playoffs this year IMO.

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RE: Wolves Ranked #1 in Preseason Poll - 9/24/2010 11:46:23 AM

TJSweens

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I think if the only criteria was athleticism this would be one of the best Wolves teams ever. Unfortunately you have to be able to play basketball and play well together. I applaud the systematic approach of loading up on long uber-athletes. I'm also glad to hear Rambis say that all 5 positions are wide open and that nobody is coming into camp with a starting job this year. The starting spots will go to the 5 guys who step up and earn it.

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RE: Wolves Ranked #1 in Preseason Poll - 9/24/2010 12:39:30 PM

David Jerde

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I hear what you're saying, but think the current crop is greatly separated from the "Gerald Green" school of basketball. I have to agree with your concerns about playing well together, since there are so many new players on the squad. Last year was supposed to be a learning year for the rhombus (tm) - coach's version of the triangle. How quickly will the new players attain a working knowledge of the system and how well do the holdovers actually understand it?

30 wins, if they are to attain that mark, could either be en- or discouraging.

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RE: Wolves Ranked #1 in Preseason Poll - 9/24/2010 12:41:17 PM

David Levine

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If they win around 30, combined with looking better as the year goes on and appear to be on an upward curve, I'll consider it very encouraging.

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RE: Wolves Ranked #1 in Preseason Poll - 9/25/2010 10:25:37 AM

kgdabom

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quote:

ORIGINAL: David Levine

If they win around 30, combined with looking better as the year goes on and appear to be on an upward curve, I'll consider it very encouraging.

30 as of now would be encouraging. Doubling our wins from the prior season.

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RE: Wolves Ranked #1 in Preseason Poll - 9/26/2010 11:18:27 AM

David Levine

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I've been really surprised how likable and engaging Beasley is.

Interview from yesterday:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XcbSFB4OwX8

also:

From Ray Richardson/Pioneer Press:

Any traces of a tense battle between Love and Beasley might have disappeared during informal scrimmages the past two weeks at the Wolves' practice facility at Target Center. Several scrimmages showcased Love and Beasley playing together up front. Beasley quickly put to rest any notions that he and Love would have trouble coexisting on the floor. Similar concerns about Love and Al Jefferson ultimately led the Wolves to trade Jefferson to Utah.

"If you had been in the gym the past two weeks, you wouldn't be asking that question," Beasley said of his pairing with Love.

"Me and Kevin play together just fine."

From Kent Youngblood/Star Tribune:

Fans, expect Beasley to be entertaining, both on the court and in interviews. I already like this guy. He showed up Friday refusing to back down from earlier statements that the team can contend for a title. Call it brash, but I call it fun. Here is a short list of entertaining quotes from his short media session:
1. When asked if coming here was a fresh start: "I don’t want a fresh start. Everything that has happened in my life made me what I am."
2. On whether he has a chip on his shoulder (the short answer: yes): "Always. I feel some people have counted me out." Beasley noted his averages of 15 or so points and six rebounds from last year weren’t bad, but promised more. "We’re going to have fun this year. I have a lot of motivation built up. Not against a particular team or person, but I think a lot of people think I can’t play basketball." Beasley said he hopes to prove those folks wrong.

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RE: Wolves Ranked #1 in Preseason Poll - 9/26/2010 9:26:26 PM

Bruce Johnson

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Am I the only one that will not be satisfied with less than 40 wins? 40 wins is only average.

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RE: Wolves Ranked #1 in Preseason Poll - 9/26/2010 9:31:47 PM

David Levine

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Bruce Johnson

Am I the only one that will not be satisfied with less than 40 wins? 40 wins is only average.

Context.

- 40 wins is only average.

- A 25 game improvement is extraordinary.

15 wins isn't just bad. Its among the worst in NBA history, and only 6 wins better than the all-time low. To expect that much improvement (without adding a bonafide superstar or 2 serious STUDS) just isn't realistic.

< Message edited by David Levine -- 9/26/2010 9:45:09 PM >

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RE: Wolves Ranked #1 in Preseason Poll - 9/26/2010 9:51:04 PM

Bruce Johnson

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We've had five consecutive years of less than average basketball to watch. That's enough for me.

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We live in a world where we depend upon each other. In other words, we need each other just as God needs us and we need Him. How wonderful it would be if we could unite and live in harmony. Wouldn't it be better that way?

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RE: Wolves Ranked #1 in Preseason Poll - 9/26/2010 9:53:37 PM

David Levine

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Bruce Johnson

We've had five consecutive years of less than average basketball to watch. That's enough for me.

Then don't watch.

But its hard for me to blame the new guy (who just overhauled the entire roster) for the sins of the last guy.

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RE: Wolves Ranked #1 in Preseason Poll - 9/26/2010 10:27:38 PM

Bruce Johnson

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I'll watch in the beginning, for sure. I want to check out these new players. If they lose twice as many games as they win, then I won't be watching them long. I think that I'm in good company.

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We live in a world where we depend upon each other. In other words, we need each other just as God needs us and we need Him. How wonderful it would be if we could unite and live in harmony. Wouldn't it be better that way?

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RE: Wolves Ranked #1 in Preseason Poll - 9/26/2010 11:47:47 PM

pdiercks

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I agree with about 30 wins. Alot of yound kids that have never played together before. It will take some time into the season to jell. I just hope we have a bunch of productive players to make a nice move or two at the trade deadline. Thats the one key to the season that will get me excited for the future.

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RE: Wolves Ranked #1 in Preseason Poll - 9/27/2010 8:22:57 AM

Phil Riewer

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I think 15 wins more will be easier to attain:

1. Love healthy beginning of year
2. Milicic all year
3. no prior years knee injuries to deal with (Al and Corey)
4. the athletic Webster, Johnson, Tolliver, and Haywood being added
5. Better shooters
6. another year for Flynn

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RE: Wolves Ranked #1 in Preseason Poll - 9/27/2010 8:25:32 AM

Phil Riewer

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Stars?

Our stars will be Beasley, Love, Johson, Webster, and Flynn. Three of those five have to be our big three....

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RE: Wolves Ranked #1 in Preseason Poll - 9/29/2010 9:19:40 AM

TJSweens

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http://www.startribune.com/sports/wolves/103975628.html?elr=KArksi8cyaiUo8cyaiUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aULPQL7PQLanchO7DiUr

Good article on Beasley. I will say again; if this guy really has his act together the Wolves have a foundation player. This guy is an incredible pure talent.

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RE: Wolves Ranked #1 in Preseason Poll - 9/29/2010 10:18:00 AM

Jim Frenette

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quote:

ORIGINAL: TJSweens

http://www.startribune.com/sports/wolves/103975628.html?elr=KArksi8cyaiUo8cyaiUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aULPQL7PQLanchO7DiUr

Good article on Beasley. I will say again; if this guy really has his act together the Wolves have a foundation player. This guy is an incredible pure talent.

I liked the way he went up to Darko to say he wouldn't be running alone to calm him down. That is leadership

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RE: Wolves Ranked #1 in Preseason Poll - 9/29/2010 11:12:06 AM

Elliot

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Jim Frenette

quote:

ORIGINAL: TJSweens

http://www.startribune.com/sports/wolves/103975628.html?elr=KArksi8cyaiUo8cyaiUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aULPQL7PQLanchO7DiUr

Good article on Beasley. I will say again; if this guy really has his act together the Wolves have a foundation player. This guy is an incredible pure talent.

I liked the way he went up to Darko to say he wouldn't be running alone to calm him down. That is leadership

I may miss SpongeBob, but I'm runnin' wicha bro.

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RE: Wolves Ranked #1 in Preseason Poll - 9/29/2010 11:12:12 AM

David Levine

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quote:

ORIGINAL: TJSweens

http://www.startribune.com/sports/wolves/103975628.html?elr=KArksi8cyaiUo8cyaiUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aULPQL7PQLanchO7DiUr

Good article on Beasley. I will say again; if this guy really has his act together the Wolves have a foundation player. This guy is an incredible pure talent.

His "one-on-one" interview on this page is great:

http://www.nba.com/timberwolves/video/originals/

He's an easy kid to pull for. Very personable and engaging. And for someone that got shipped from a potential dynasty in South Beach to, well...us, he has a really good attitude.

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RE: Wolves Ranked #1 in Preseason Poll - 9/29/2010 1:24:37 PM

ruffenach

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Beasely got shipped to the pups for two bags of chips, because Miami wanted to bring in the National Basketball future hall of famer Mike Miller.

Its amazing that Kahn was able to parlay Miller and spare parts into the rights of Rubio and Beasley. For this he earns NBA executive of the year. Talk about pulling two rabbits out of a no rabbit hat.

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RE: Wolves Ranked #1 in Preseason Poll - 9/29/2010 4:36:08 PM

Karl Juhnke

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quote:

ORIGINAL: ruffenach

Beasely got shipped to the pups for two bags of chips, because Miami wanted to bring in the National Basketball future hall of famer Mike Miller. Its amazing that Kahn was able to parlay Miller and spare parts into the rights of Rubio and Beasley. For this he earns NBA executive of the year. Talk about pulling two rabbits out of a no rabbit hat.

That's really amazing when you think about it. You hear talk around the league like Kahn is some kind of joke, and I think it's just his manner and style more than anything. He's very odd, and sometime doesn't know when to shut the hell up.

But you look at what he's done with some of the moves and they really look one sided in our favor, the two you mentioned being the prime examples.

Lets face it this was a complete roster deconstruction. A blowup. And it's not over yet. The dust is still settling. but the overall accumulation of assets has really been pretty good so far in a short period of time, when you look at the whole picture.

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