Attention (and memory) spans are so short these days.
I didn't watch much of the Wolves broadcast last night--took in the Black Eyed Snakes at the Cedar Cultural Center --but I got back just in time to hear a brief discussion about Brandon Roy vs. Randy Foye. To paraphrase the announcers (on court and in the studio); they mentioned how unfair it was to compare the two players right now. Mr. Petersen attempted to put the situation "in context", saying that at the time of the draft, the Wolves needed a point guard, and that when healthy, Randy Foye will exist on the same level as Roy. Another catch phrase--"Fourth Quarter Foye"--was thrown out.
Hmm...I smell a whopper.
A quick journey in the Wayback Machine reveals that the Roy/Foye transaction indeed happened on draft night, June 28, 2006. A few weeks later, on July 13, the club made their big free agent acquisition....Mike James, a point guard. "We are pleased to sign a veteran player like Mike who brings the ability to score, shoot from the perimeter and run our offense", the Iron Ranger said at the time. Boy, it sounds like the team wanted Mike James to be the point guard, not Foye. What was the role for dear Randy? Here's where I'll stray from the facts to insert my opinion: the Wolves wanted the next D-Wade...a Mini-D, if you will. What does a Mini-D do? He slashes, passes, cuts, and scores at crucial times of the ball game. Other than Wade himself, what young, emerging player actually available to the Wolves is currently displaying those qualities? Why, none other than Brandon Roy, traded away on draft night. Since our resident superstar KG was at times a tad deferential, we needed to find a dynamo who could grow in that role.
That's context for you.
I'll go even further and present a "Big Picture": when a team displays the level of ineptitude both in the front-office and on the court that the Wolves have in the last few years (bad trades, disastrous free-agent signings, questionable draft picks), folks are going to second guess. Fair or unfair, that's human nature. Fans only hear the "buck-stops-here" mea culpas at coach firings and end of season press conferences. I guess that's the arrogant way of acknowledging that mistakes were/are being made.
So, returning to the original Foye/Roy issue, if one takes it out of that larger context and looks at the issue individually, is the criticism unfair? Yeah, at least until Randy is healthy, it is. However, put the thread back into the larger tapestry of failure the Wolves continue to weave, and it makes perfect sense why a fan or fans would bring it up. Them's the breaks fellas. Rewrite history all you want, but given the Wolves track record, losing breeds that sort of behavior. It makes folks skeptical.
When you give us some actual success to celebrate, you can puff out your chest, slap backs, and proclaim vindication for the Iron Ranger. I'll personally be happy to be one of those ordinary fans "who just didn't get it", cancel my NBA League Pass, and be excited to watch professional basketball in these parts again, as opposed to the JV stuff you're trying to sell now. Until then, suck it up, smile, and don't insult the fans you have left. Rebuilding is hard on everybody.
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Monday, December 24, 2007
Miracle on 1st Avenue
I come bearing gifts today to the Wolves organization. It's been a tough year for the club, and I would guess the frustration level must be rising within the Target Center - 600 1st Avenue North. Thus, in my best Edmund Gwenn/Sebastian Cabot/Richard Attenborough mode, I offer presents that should bring cheer if not emotional relief to the team:
Al Jefferson - A gift of interior defense. You sir, are an offensive wunderkind. Match it on the defensive end and you will be a max contract player.
Sebastian Telfair - A gift of an consistent outside shot. You sir, have shown both growth and grit in the last few months. The ability to knock down a pull up 18 foot jumper consistently--especially in the fourth quarter--will separate you from players such as Jacque Vaughn and bring you the success your high school days promised.
Ryan Gomes - A gift of a handle. You sir, are the classic tweener. You possess shooting ability from three point range, as well as decent post-up skills. What you are NOT is a dribble penetrator. I haven't charted it out, but I would guess the majority of your turnovers come from trying to put the ball on the floor. My gift alleviates that problem, and allows you to progress into the upper echelon of NBA playerdom.
Rashad McCants - A gift of recognition. You sir, have told the press your intention to be a leader on this club. To date, I think that definition equates to jacking up as many shots as one can, and stunting any offensive ball movement. This has gotten you mostly a seat on the bench. To display true leadership you must understand you are NOT the offensive rhythm--and that making your teammates better will increase your opportunities to score, and to win. Since I had imagined you received this gift while winning an NCAA championship at North Carolina, consider this a licensed upgrade: Recognition 2.0.
Randy Foye - A gift of healing. This one's easy. I can't give you anything else until you can get on the court and show what you've learned from last year. Get better dude.
Craig Smith - A gift of a referee's love. You sir, have been a favorite of mine since your days at BC. I was considering giving the gift of a few inches of height, but that present would probably get you a league suspension. Since your domain is the painted area of the court, you absolutely need to get more calls from the refs.
Corey Brewer - A gift of increased muscle and bulk. You sir, also need a consistent outside shot, but unlike Mr. Telfair, you still have years and a option. This gift will not only help make you an upper echelon NBA player, but also differentiate you from Stacy Augmon and/or Keon Clark.
Antoine Walker - A gift of stability. You sir, have stability issues both organizationally and on the court. Watching you shoot from the arc without your feet set resembles watching mortar shots from the beach sequences of Saving Private Ryan and Flags of our Fathers. Organizationally, you have been handed off to different teams like the proverbial hot potato. From what I can see, your contribution here has been nothing short of a class act. Thank you. Hopefully, my gift will ensure your NBA employment into your mid-30's, if not longer.
Marko Jaric - A gift of discipline. You sir, have a reputation for the nightlife and are reportedly dating a super model. Thus I offer this gift on the basis of hearsay. This year, you have shown flashes of brilliance, but mostly your career here has been inconsistent and underwhelming, given your contract. Reject this gift at your own risk, but you do have some serious, needed skills to offer. I believe a little more discipline toward your craft might help smooth out those consistency issues. It certainly couldn't hurt.
Micheal Doleac - A gift of quickness. You sir, because of your size and ability to bang in the paint, probably will have a roster spot on an NBA club until your mid to late 30's. This gift will help your chances of consistently staying in a regular rotation.
Gerald Green - A gift of basketball IQ. You sir, have undeniable athletic ability. Your understanding of the small details of the professional game needs work, and threatens your continued employment. This club needs your offensive game, but not at the expense of everything else. This gift, taken seriously, might make you more than just the slam dunk champ. It might make you relevant.
Chris Richard - A gift of patience. You sir, have the talent and dedication to last in this league for at least a decade. Your time will come. Be patient, and learn well.
Mark Madsen - A gift of finishing. You sir, have the heart of a lion. Hands like one too. That's the problem.
Theo Ratliff - A gift of health. You sir, have only a couple of years left in your career. Either here or somewhere else where a playoff opportunity exists, this gift will help you exit on the court, and not on the inactive list.
Greg Buckner - A gift of leadership. You sir, I don't know well, but have shown the ability to play hard on defense and contribute on offense. This team needs your continued veteran leadership.
And for the front office and broadcasters:
Randy Wittman - A gift of professional luck. You sir, need better luck if you're going to have continued employment as an NBA head coach. Others might say you need skill, but that would be uncharitable this time of year, and given the two teams that have employed you, arguably unfair. Life unfortunately is not fair however, and your win-loss record is not impressive. Everyone can use a little luck now and then.
Wolves Assistant Coaches - A gift of a full year of employment. Sirs, let's hope your club has a better second half than the first. Ouch!!! I'm sure you'll land on your feet if the worst happens, but continued employment is always the gift that keeps on giving.
Jim Petersen - A gift of humility. You sir, have undeniable basketball analytical ability. However, I would not let you near a basketball personnel job, and your inability to admit error puts you in the same league with the Bush administration. Furthermore, as I have repeatedly said in the past, you have a penchant for prefacing your analysis with--and I'm paraphrasing here--statements like "what fans doesn't realize". Given the recent failures of this club to do anything meaningful and your whoppers, you need to cut the more critical of the Wolves fans some slack, and admit now and then when you've been mistaken. This gift will help you on the road to recovery.
Tom Hanneman - A gift of excitement. You sir, were the best sideline reporter and half-time host in the business. Now, along with your broadcast partner, you're mere shills for a poor product. Your idea of calling a game is coming up with corny catch phrases in a monotone which neither generates excitement or tension. You'll never be Kevin Harlan, but this gift might help you with your broadcasting dynamics.
Alan Horton & Billy McKinney - A gift of the Wolves television broadcasting assignment. You sirs deserve a chance to "see what they can do".
Fred Hoiberg - A gift of options. You sir, seem to be a stand-up fellow, and could get employment with many different basketball organizations. Why this one?
Rob Babcock - A gift of personnel evaluation ability. You sir, after your Raptor stint, seem to have the professional luck Coach Wittman lacks. Can anyone say Rafael Araujo?
Kevin McHale - A gift of absence. You sir, need to leave. Other NBA legends (Isiah Thomas, Willis Reed, Wes Unseld, Elgin Baylor, etc.) have failed to transfer their on-court basketball acumen to the front office. In this case, stubbornness is NOT a virtue. Your status as a Minnesota icon is secure; within a few years you'll be able to freely slap backs and call folks numb nuts in any venue of your choosing.
Glen Taylor - A gift of common sense. You sir, have admirable loyalty qualities, and have built wealth the majority of us can only dream about. I understand you have been able to combine those those two qualities successfully in your Mankato operations. The NBA seems to have a different ethos; and your competition is leaving you in the dust, or snow in this case. Can't you see that? If not, this gift will assist you in developing that vision.
I'm off to give real gifts to my family and friends. Given the bad weather and the resulting loss of life in the last few days, it's good to stop and remember what's truly important in life, because sometime it's all too fleeting. Happy holidays to everyone!!!
Al Jefferson - A gift of interior defense. You sir, are an offensive wunderkind. Match it on the defensive end and you will be a max contract player.
Sebastian Telfair - A gift of an consistent outside shot. You sir, have shown both growth and grit in the last few months. The ability to knock down a pull up 18 foot jumper consistently--especially in the fourth quarter--will separate you from players such as Jacque Vaughn and bring you the success your high school days promised.
Ryan Gomes - A gift of a handle. You sir, are the classic tweener. You possess shooting ability from three point range, as well as decent post-up skills. What you are NOT is a dribble penetrator. I haven't charted it out, but I would guess the majority of your turnovers come from trying to put the ball on the floor. My gift alleviates that problem, and allows you to progress into the upper echelon of NBA playerdom.
Rashad McCants - A gift of recognition. You sir, have told the press your intention to be a leader on this club. To date, I think that definition equates to jacking up as many shots as one can, and stunting any offensive ball movement. This has gotten you mostly a seat on the bench. To display true leadership you must understand you are NOT the offensive rhythm--and that making your teammates better will increase your opportunities to score, and to win. Since I had imagined you received this gift while winning an NCAA championship at North Carolina, consider this a licensed upgrade: Recognition 2.0.
Randy Foye - A gift of healing. This one's easy. I can't give you anything else until you can get on the court and show what you've learned from last year. Get better dude.
Craig Smith - A gift of a referee's love. You sir, have been a favorite of mine since your days at BC. I was considering giving the gift of a few inches of height, but that present would probably get you a league suspension. Since your domain is the painted area of the court, you absolutely need to get more calls from the refs.
Corey Brewer - A gift of increased muscle and bulk. You sir, also need a consistent outside shot, but unlike Mr. Telfair, you still have years and a option. This gift will not only help make you an upper echelon NBA player, but also differentiate you from Stacy Augmon and/or Keon Clark.
Antoine Walker - A gift of stability. You sir, have stability issues both organizationally and on the court. Watching you shoot from the arc without your feet set resembles watching mortar shots from the beach sequences of Saving Private Ryan and Flags of our Fathers. Organizationally, you have been handed off to different teams like the proverbial hot potato. From what I can see, your contribution here has been nothing short of a class act. Thank you. Hopefully, my gift will ensure your NBA employment into your mid-30's, if not longer.
Marko Jaric - A gift of discipline. You sir, have a reputation for the nightlife and are reportedly dating a super model. Thus I offer this gift on the basis of hearsay. This year, you have shown flashes of brilliance, but mostly your career here has been inconsistent and underwhelming, given your contract. Reject this gift at your own risk, but you do have some serious, needed skills to offer. I believe a little more discipline toward your craft might help smooth out those consistency issues. It certainly couldn't hurt.
Micheal Doleac - A gift of quickness. You sir, because of your size and ability to bang in the paint, probably will have a roster spot on an NBA club until your mid to late 30's. This gift will help your chances of consistently staying in a regular rotation.
Gerald Green - A gift of basketball IQ. You sir, have undeniable athletic ability. Your understanding of the small details of the professional game needs work, and threatens your continued employment. This club needs your offensive game, but not at the expense of everything else. This gift, taken seriously, might make you more than just the slam dunk champ. It might make you relevant.
Chris Richard - A gift of patience. You sir, have the talent and dedication to last in this league for at least a decade. Your time will come. Be patient, and learn well.
Mark Madsen - A gift of finishing. You sir, have the heart of a lion. Hands like one too. That's the problem.
Theo Ratliff - A gift of health. You sir, have only a couple of years left in your career. Either here or somewhere else where a playoff opportunity exists, this gift will help you exit on the court, and not on the inactive list.
Greg Buckner - A gift of leadership. You sir, I don't know well, but have shown the ability to play hard on defense and contribute on offense. This team needs your continued veteran leadership.
And for the front office and broadcasters:
Randy Wittman - A gift of professional luck. You sir, need better luck if you're going to have continued employment as an NBA head coach. Others might say you need skill, but that would be uncharitable this time of year, and given the two teams that have employed you, arguably unfair. Life unfortunately is not fair however, and your win-loss record is not impressive. Everyone can use a little luck now and then.
Wolves Assistant Coaches - A gift of a full year of employment. Sirs, let's hope your club has a better second half than the first. Ouch!!! I'm sure you'll land on your feet if the worst happens, but continued employment is always the gift that keeps on giving.
Jim Petersen - A gift of humility. You sir, have undeniable basketball analytical ability. However, I would not let you near a basketball personnel job, and your inability to admit error puts you in the same league with the Bush administration. Furthermore, as I have repeatedly said in the past, you have a penchant for prefacing your analysis with--and I'm paraphrasing here--statements like "what fans doesn't realize". Given the recent failures of this club to do anything meaningful and your whoppers, you need to cut the more critical of the Wolves fans some slack, and admit now and then when you've been mistaken. This gift will help you on the road to recovery.
Tom Hanneman - A gift of excitement. You sir, were the best sideline reporter and half-time host in the business. Now, along with your broadcast partner, you're mere shills for a poor product. Your idea of calling a game is coming up with corny catch phrases in a monotone which neither generates excitement or tension. You'll never be Kevin Harlan, but this gift might help you with your broadcasting dynamics.
Alan Horton & Billy McKinney - A gift of the Wolves television broadcasting assignment. You sirs deserve a chance to "see what they can do".
Fred Hoiberg - A gift of options. You sir, seem to be a stand-up fellow, and could get employment with many different basketball organizations. Why this one?
Rob Babcock - A gift of personnel evaluation ability. You sir, after your Raptor stint, seem to have the professional luck Coach Wittman lacks. Can anyone say Rafael Araujo?
Kevin McHale - A gift of absence. You sir, need to leave. Other NBA legends (Isiah Thomas, Willis Reed, Wes Unseld, Elgin Baylor, etc.) have failed to transfer their on-court basketball acumen to the front office. In this case, stubbornness is NOT a virtue. Your status as a Minnesota icon is secure; within a few years you'll be able to freely slap backs and call folks numb nuts in any venue of your choosing.
Glen Taylor - A gift of common sense. You sir, have admirable loyalty qualities, and have built wealth the majority of us can only dream about. I understand you have been able to combine those those two qualities successfully in your Mankato operations. The NBA seems to have a different ethos; and your competition is leaving you in the dust, or snow in this case. Can't you see that? If not, this gift will assist you in developing that vision.
I'm off to give real gifts to my family and friends. Given the bad weather and the resulting loss of life in the last few days, it's good to stop and remember what's truly important in life, because sometime it's all too fleeting. Happy holidays to everyone!!!
Sunday, December 23, 2007
A Tale of Two Teams
Love to use Dickens...
"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way--in short, the period was so far like the present period, that some of its noisiest authorities insisted on its being received, for good or for evil, in the superlative degree of comparison only." - Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities - 1859
Life, or in this case, Sport, imitates Art. We're witnessing two teams--the Gopher men's basketball team and our Timberwolves--trying to rebound from previous performances judged to be anywhere between mediocre to rock-bottom awful. In both cases, there is controversy; with the Gophers, a team who's coach walked out on them last year (Dan Monson) hires another coach (Tubby Smith) from a basketball program increasingly dissatisfied with his performance. With the Wolves, after trading KG, they are in rebuilding mode, and presently at 4-22, they are increasingly sensitive to criticism about said performance. Once again last night, they open their broadcast with Friday's Star Tribune front page article about potentially being the worst professional team ever. It was--using the overused metaphor used by the club this season--a punch in the mouth.
The verdict so far: for the Gophers, it well may be the best of times. For the Wolves, the worst.
Truth be told, as I've mentioned before, it's an apples to oranges comparison. In the college game, a coach can have much more of an immediate impact on a team. Witness the Gophs now 8-1, with predominately the same personnel as last year's 9 win squad. A lot of cupcake teams to be sure, but last year mid-major Marist put a whuppin' on our club. I don't think that would happen this year. Looking past the wins and losses however you see a team with an entirely different philosophy, and I might add intensity, from previous years. On defense: constant pressure, often times full court. On offense: sharing the basketball, using ball movement to exploit the weak points in the defense. Truly, it is the game being played the right way, regardless of talent or league level. Recruiting has been promising; it seems with an icon at the helm, players may actually want to come to the frozen tundra. Playing out the actual Big Ten schedule may temper fans' enthusiasm, but given where the Gophers were at this time last year, hope is alive and well on the U of M campus.
The Wolves? The most charitable thing that can be offered is no one said rebuilding was going to be easy. All along, it's been advertised that smash mouth ball is in, but this group is still primarily a jump shooting team that plays poor defense and doesn't share the ball much. Thus the point differential, foul shot disparity, fourth quarter shooting percentage, assist totals and resulting final scores are all generally NOT in the Wolves favor. The biggest gap in logic here is the "youth" angle. Yeah, the majority of core players on this team are chronologically young, but they're not rookies. In fact, many of them are in their make or break third or fourth year, where you find out whether or not they are interchangeable parts on an NBA team's bench, or important parts of a winning rotation. These aren't the new Baby Bulls; a lot of players come directly from a squad that lost 18 straight last year.
The fact Randy Foye hasn't played yet has mitigated some of the cynicism, but again, watching Brandon Roy as current lead stud on the Blazers offers room for doubt about the front office acumen. And, while Randy Wittman has proven himself to be a loyal member of Taylor.org's golfing buddy challenge, his overall record has to date suggests his value as an assistant coach.
In the end, folks will be true to their own nature. Those who see a glass half full will preach patience; they are the Wolves best friends. Others who have seen a load of BS and missed opportunities come from the club will--with each resulting loss--have fodder for increasing derision. The important results --regardless of any spin you might hear--will be on the court. Where do they show improvement? Are they more consistent? Can you see an identity emerge?
Right now, it's easy to see that in the Gophers, harder to see in the Wolves.
And that is our tale so far.
"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way--in short, the period was so far like the present period, that some of its noisiest authorities insisted on its being received, for good or for evil, in the superlative degree of comparison only." - Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities - 1859
Life, or in this case, Sport, imitates Art. We're witnessing two teams--the Gopher men's basketball team and our Timberwolves--trying to rebound from previous performances judged to be anywhere between mediocre to rock-bottom awful. In both cases, there is controversy; with the Gophers, a team who's coach walked out on them last year (Dan Monson) hires another coach (Tubby Smith) from a basketball program increasingly dissatisfied with his performance. With the Wolves, after trading KG, they are in rebuilding mode, and presently at 4-22, they are increasingly sensitive to criticism about said performance. Once again last night, they open their broadcast with Friday's Star Tribune front page article about potentially being the worst professional team ever. It was--using the overused metaphor used by the club this season--a punch in the mouth.
The verdict so far: for the Gophers, it well may be the best of times. For the Wolves, the worst.
Truth be told, as I've mentioned before, it's an apples to oranges comparison. In the college game, a coach can have much more of an immediate impact on a team. Witness the Gophs now 8-1, with predominately the same personnel as last year's 9 win squad. A lot of cupcake teams to be sure, but last year mid-major Marist put a whuppin' on our club. I don't think that would happen this year. Looking past the wins and losses however you see a team with an entirely different philosophy, and I might add intensity, from previous years. On defense: constant pressure, often times full court. On offense: sharing the basketball, using ball movement to exploit the weak points in the defense. Truly, it is the game being played the right way, regardless of talent or league level. Recruiting has been promising; it seems with an icon at the helm, players may actually want to come to the frozen tundra. Playing out the actual Big Ten schedule may temper fans' enthusiasm, but given where the Gophers were at this time last year, hope is alive and well on the U of M campus.
The Wolves? The most charitable thing that can be offered is no one said rebuilding was going to be easy. All along, it's been advertised that smash mouth ball is in, but this group is still primarily a jump shooting team that plays poor defense and doesn't share the ball much. Thus the point differential, foul shot disparity, fourth quarter shooting percentage, assist totals and resulting final scores are all generally NOT in the Wolves favor. The biggest gap in logic here is the "youth" angle. Yeah, the majority of core players on this team are chronologically young, but they're not rookies. In fact, many of them are in their make or break third or fourth year, where you find out whether or not they are interchangeable parts on an NBA team's bench, or important parts of a winning rotation. These aren't the new Baby Bulls; a lot of players come directly from a squad that lost 18 straight last year.
The fact Randy Foye hasn't played yet has mitigated some of the cynicism, but again, watching Brandon Roy as current lead stud on the Blazers offers room for doubt about the front office acumen. And, while Randy Wittman has proven himself to be a loyal member of Taylor.org's golfing buddy challenge, his overall record has to date suggests his value as an assistant coach.
In the end, folks will be true to their own nature. Those who see a glass half full will preach patience; they are the Wolves best friends. Others who have seen a load of BS and missed opportunities come from the club will--with each resulting loss--have fodder for increasing derision. The important results --regardless of any spin you might hear--will be on the court. Where do they show improvement? Are they more consistent? Can you see an identity emerge?
Right now, it's easy to see that in the Gophers, harder to see in the Wolves.
And that is our tale so far.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Stripped Gears
It's apples and oranges, but...
this team is reaching depths of Brewster proportions. I know the guy has to watch his repaired back, but I can see Wittman at the end of the game, laying flat and prone on the hardwood, trying to will a free throw or a last minute shot into the hoop. It's that bad, and getting worse, especially on defense.
After reading this morning's boards and MSM, one would conclude that:
1) Wittman would like to challenge someone to a parking lot brawl
2) Jefferson has grown tired of being told they're young.
3) Mr. Robson enjoys beginning his blog with an accolade about himself. Of course, he does share a tip of the kudo to his readers, which is a credit to him.
4) Stephen Litel wants to be like Britt Robson.
5) The Iron Ranger is giving everyone the silent treatment, at least until mid-season, victory 10, or the end of the season, whichever comes absolutely last.
People can once again blame illness, injury, incompetence, or basketball IQ for another loss, but the key to winning is forcing the other team outside their comfort level. After having a halftime lead, the Wolves knew the Warriors were going to step it up, especially on offense. At that point, the team needed to play rock steady defense, and not turn the ball over. They could do neither, and when you combine the fact that seemingly everyone on the Wolves club--offensively speaking--wants to demonstrate leadership by jacking up shots, you have the perfect equation of a loss. The Wolves needed to force the Warriors inside the three point arc, not give them easy buckets via transition, and force them to make baskets under duress. However, a little of what Wittman said post-game was correct; they hung their heads and folded. Defense is all about intensity; you can't be be feeling sorry for yourself and expect to play good D. Baron Davis showed the club how much he respects them by draining a three at the very end of the game. If that doesn't make someone angry...
At the core, the Wolves have no extra gear to kick into, no mental toughness. It's been that way for a long time, but with this cast of characters, it's all too evident. No toughness, no strategy, no execution. Just losing games in embarrassing fashion. Like Tim Brewster.
this team is reaching depths of Brewster proportions. I know the guy has to watch his repaired back, but I can see Wittman at the end of the game, laying flat and prone on the hardwood, trying to will a free throw or a last minute shot into the hoop. It's that bad, and getting worse, especially on defense.
After reading this morning's boards and MSM, one would conclude that:
1) Wittman would like to challenge someone to a parking lot brawl
2) Jefferson has grown tired of being told they're young.
3) Mr. Robson enjoys beginning his blog with an accolade about himself. Of course, he does share a tip of the kudo to his readers, which is a credit to him.
4) Stephen Litel wants to be like Britt Robson.
5) The Iron Ranger is giving everyone the silent treatment, at least until mid-season, victory 10, or the end of the season, whichever comes absolutely last.
People can once again blame illness, injury, incompetence, or basketball IQ for another loss, but the key to winning is forcing the other team outside their comfort level. After having a halftime lead, the Wolves knew the Warriors were going to step it up, especially on offense. At that point, the team needed to play rock steady defense, and not turn the ball over. They could do neither, and when you combine the fact that seemingly everyone on the Wolves club--offensively speaking--wants to demonstrate leadership by jacking up shots, you have the perfect equation of a loss. The Wolves needed to force the Warriors inside the three point arc, not give them easy buckets via transition, and force them to make baskets under duress. However, a little of what Wittman said post-game was correct; they hung their heads and folded. Defense is all about intensity; you can't be be feeling sorry for yourself and expect to play good D. Baron Davis showed the club how much he respects them by draining a three at the very end of the game. If that doesn't make someone angry...
At the core, the Wolves have no extra gear to kick into, no mental toughness. It's been that way for a long time, but with this cast of characters, it's all too evident. No toughness, no strategy, no execution. Just losing games in embarrassing fashion. Like Tim Brewster.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Bottom Feeding
At what point does promised development become mere futility?
Say what you want to about our club, but if you compare the Wolves to another rebuilding club--the Sonics--who would you judge is farther along, especially after Friday's loss? After trying to sell the notion in the preseason that all those players we got from Boston equaled the number of lost # 1 draft choices in the Joe Smith debacle, the Wolves are running out of outrageous lies. You can blame injuries, or roster turnover but the farther the season progresses the more obvious it becomes: this organization is the worst in the league. We are true bottom feeders.
One could claim the Knicks are truly the most dysfunctional, and if you include all the off-the-court incidents that well may be true, but how can any one say that personnel wise Isiah Thomas has been worse for his team than Kevin McHale? Only putting the "rebuilding" tag on our efforts gives any rebuttal reasonable cover. Once again, compare us to Seattle, Charlotte, Memphis, even Philadelphia. We have even surpassed our own ineptitude, in losing to the Bucks last night. As incredible as it may seem, we have begun to make the Wolfenson-Ratner-Stein era look good in comparison.
In watching the game and reading the recaps this morning, it seems we are more than halfway to a shrug of our shoulders. Instead of being more determined and challenging each other to play better, there seems to be a general resignation to the situation and praise for the close defeats. I'll put it to you another way: if you want to see an under-talented team play hard and develop, Williams Arena is your venue. Tubby Smith is taking roughly the same team from last year and renewing optimism. How? By hard work, discipline, and an actual strategy on both offense and defense. That man can coach. I would estimate that by the time the actual Big Ten season is over, the Gophers will not have won many games in the regular season. You can tell however, that they headed toward success, just in the approach Smith is taking to the game. He can legitimately sell hope for the future. Right now the Wolves can't.
It is a waste of time trying to analyze this club. All the plus-minus, popcorn machine statistics are worthless. Even the most casual fan can watch a game and see the lackluster defense, the poor chemistry, and the resulting hard sell from the broadcasters. Folks know ugly when they see it. Right now, you couldn't even put lipstick on this pig, it would melt right off.
Based on their progress, it's going to get a whole lot worse, but will it ever get better?
Say what you want to about our club, but if you compare the Wolves to another rebuilding club--the Sonics--who would you judge is farther along, especially after Friday's loss? After trying to sell the notion in the preseason that all those players we got from Boston equaled the number of lost # 1 draft choices in the Joe Smith debacle, the Wolves are running out of outrageous lies. You can blame injuries, or roster turnover but the farther the season progresses the more obvious it becomes: this organization is the worst in the league. We are true bottom feeders.
One could claim the Knicks are truly the most dysfunctional, and if you include all the off-the-court incidents that well may be true, but how can any one say that personnel wise Isiah Thomas has been worse for his team than Kevin McHale? Only putting the "rebuilding" tag on our efforts gives any rebuttal reasonable cover. Once again, compare us to Seattle, Charlotte, Memphis, even Philadelphia. We have even surpassed our own ineptitude, in losing to the Bucks last night. As incredible as it may seem, we have begun to make the Wolfenson-Ratner-Stein era look good in comparison.
In watching the game and reading the recaps this morning, it seems we are more than halfway to a shrug of our shoulders. Instead of being more determined and challenging each other to play better, there seems to be a general resignation to the situation and praise for the close defeats. I'll put it to you another way: if you want to see an under-talented team play hard and develop, Williams Arena is your venue. Tubby Smith is taking roughly the same team from last year and renewing optimism. How? By hard work, discipline, and an actual strategy on both offense and defense. That man can coach. I would estimate that by the time the actual Big Ten season is over, the Gophers will not have won many games in the regular season. You can tell however, that they headed toward success, just in the approach Smith is taking to the game. He can legitimately sell hope for the future. Right now the Wolves can't.
It is a waste of time trying to analyze this club. All the plus-minus, popcorn machine statistics are worthless. Even the most casual fan can watch a game and see the lackluster defense, the poor chemistry, and the resulting hard sell from the broadcasters. Folks know ugly when they see it. Right now, you couldn't even put lipstick on this pig, it would melt right off.
Based on their progress, it's going to get a whole lot worse, but will it ever get better?
Sunday, December 2, 2007
My Fair Losers
What can you say about our club this week? The die-hards ARE trying to be patient. Britt Robson spoke of an "honorable" loss at Dallas, while again defending KG in a mini-rant rebutting Jim Souhan's remarks regarding the Ticket in giving Torii Hunter a fond farewell. Ever the Ticket's defender, even in absentia. Other boards have remarked how good of a teammate Antoine Walker is turning out to be. I guess you can defend all those points, but the losses still pile up, with huge fourth quarter collapses and errors in performance and judgment.
Last week, I suggested the tale of the Wolves' exploits would be well suited for a Heroes sequel--with the writers strike and all. This week, given our continuing fourth quarter foibles, I'm suggesting a different theme: an adaptation of My Fair Lady, called My Fair Losers. Imagine Randy Wittman as Professor Henry Higgins, with the entire Wolves roster playing the part of Eliza Do-Little (my take on the name. Kinda fits, doesn't it?):
Scenario:
The Wolves coach--believing he can make a youthful, unsophisticated bunch of individuals into a upper echelon team--addresses the group in a coaching session:
Wittman/Higgins: "Team, repeat what I just told you...
Team/Do-Little (in unison): "A pass 'cross lane will cause us to lose the game"
Wittman/Higgins: " I think they've got it!...Mr. Telfair...have YOU been paying attention?"
Telfair/Do-Little: "Yes, 'guvenor, I rightly believe so!"
Of course, on Friday with about 4:30 left in the fourth quarter against San Antonio, Telfair attempts a cross court pass, which is promptly intercepted and a resulting three is made by the Spurs. I switched channels at that point.
He didn't have it.
To paraphrase Trent Tucker (who was very good in Gopher color commentary yesterday), this game is very simple. When you swing the ball from strong side to weak side and play good defense, good things happen. The Wolves share the ball well in the win against NO, with over 20 assists, but revert back to form in losses to Dallas, SA, and last night in Memphis. So coming back in the second half from playing crappy defense and not sharing the ball in Dallas is honorable? I think not. In fact, it's a regression, an indication that the Wolves aren't learning from their many mistakes and few successes. If you're going to sell development, then develop; the first rule being trying to establish some consistency in your approach to the game. If the Wolves are trying to convince people they're coming together as team--especially in the fourth quarter--then ball (and player) movement is key. As opposed to all the tortured fighting analogies Sleepy Tom and Arrogant Jim are offering during the broadcast, intelligent fans will sit up and take notice. And, be patient.
Last week, I suggested the tale of the Wolves' exploits would be well suited for a Heroes sequel--with the writers strike and all. This week, given our continuing fourth quarter foibles, I'm suggesting a different theme: an adaptation of My Fair Lady, called My Fair Losers. Imagine Randy Wittman as Professor Henry Higgins, with the entire Wolves roster playing the part of Eliza Do-Little (my take on the name. Kinda fits, doesn't it?):
Scenario:
The Wolves coach--believing he can make a youthful, unsophisticated bunch of individuals into a upper echelon team--addresses the group in a coaching session:
Wittman/Higgins: "Team, repeat what I just told you...
Team/Do-Little (in unison): "A pass 'cross lane will cause us to lose the game"
Wittman/Higgins: " I think they've got it!...Mr. Telfair...have YOU been paying attention?"
Telfair/Do-Little: "Yes, 'guvenor, I rightly believe so!"
Of course, on Friday with about 4:30 left in the fourth quarter against San Antonio, Telfair attempts a cross court pass, which is promptly intercepted and a resulting three is made by the Spurs. I switched channels at that point.
He didn't have it.
To paraphrase Trent Tucker (who was very good in Gopher color commentary yesterday), this game is very simple. When you swing the ball from strong side to weak side and play good defense, good things happen. The Wolves share the ball well in the win against NO, with over 20 assists, but revert back to form in losses to Dallas, SA, and last night in Memphis. So coming back in the second half from playing crappy defense and not sharing the ball in Dallas is honorable? I think not. In fact, it's a regression, an indication that the Wolves aren't learning from their many mistakes and few successes. If you're going to sell development, then develop; the first rule being trying to establish some consistency in your approach to the game. If the Wolves are trying to convince people they're coming together as team--especially in the fourth quarter--then ball (and player) movement is key. As opposed to all the tortured fighting analogies Sleepy Tom and Arrogant Jim are offering during the broadcast, intelligent fans will sit up and take notice. And, be patient.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Alternative Programming
My daughter--home for Thanksgiving, now on her way back to NY--is trying to get me hooked on Heroes, the NBC Monday night comic book drama. Since the writers strike is as of this date not settled, reports are that shows are running out of first run episodes, and will either broadcast reruns, or find other reality based programming to show.
Civic minded pop culturist that I am, I'd like to propose an alternative. A spin-off of Heroes, based on the exploits of our own Minnesota Timberwolves, I present to you...Zeros.
Our storyline so far...
Local billionaire saves franchise from relocation, and along with a hall-of-fame sports icon turned vice-president (VP) and his youthful sidekick Flip, seeks to re-energize team by an infusion of fresh DNA and changed uniforms. A club is formed--Taylor.org--with the belief that parochial front office networking with former Gopher, Big Ten and Celtic greats will be the key to greatness. For a brief time, hope is high, as a threesome emerges to compete for the hearts and minds of the Minnesota sporting public. Success is fleeting, however, as front-office foibles and foul-ups cause two of the three to journey both west and east, leaving only one super-human alone to languish without help for years on end. The billionaire--seemingly under some sort of mind-meld emanating from our hall of famer--does the VP's bidding, signing mercenaries of reported disrepute to assist our one withering asset. For a single glorious year, order is restored and national fame is achieved. However the mercenaries--when not paid their excessive booty--rebel against our valiant club, causing the franchise to implode, nearly taking out loyal sidekick Flip, who after months of healing, wanders to Detroit to find his coaching "chi" again.
Meanwhile, our lone super hero begins to show signs of CLD--Chronic Losing Disease. Symptoms include looking wasted and hopeless in the 4th quarter along with paradoxical thinking, like using available Taylor.org resources to re-sign associates with limited talent, and demanding salary extensions that would extinguish any hope of acquiring the help needed to once again bring happiness to a restless and suspicious public. Tension between the VP and our lone hero grows, as the CLD only gets worse and the affliction threatens to spread throughout the entire organization, the irony being however that the VP is the carrier of the CLD--NOT the superstar. Increasingly besieged and isolated, the VP increases the intensity of the mind-meld on the local billionare, and begins to develop a plan. He must rid himself of the lone superstar before it's too late!
In the summer of 2007...the deed is done. Our one hero is dispatched to Boston, before the disease is irreversible. Within months, he is back to near peak health--with salary extensions intact. The Boston sporting public, having previously received gifts from other Minnesota sporting franchises, is thankful and energized. Having nearly rid themselves of all signs of their own CLD, they are looking forward AND upward to the rafters, where signs of previous glory hang from the ceiling.
News is not so good for the Midwestern homeland though. Trading the superstar did not halt the spread of CLD. In fact, much like an earlier transaction with the East Coast franchise, the CLD has only intensified and again threatens the entire organization. Our billionaire begins to show early signs of his own, giving bizarre interviews to local media, in hoping to convince the cynical public that time and the continuing expertise of our VP will be all that's needed to rid ourselves of this horrible affliction. The television color analyst takes the role of Chief Vindicator and attempts to misdirect the public. He often begins statements with "What people don't realize", or "what the ordinary fan doesn't know", in hopes of convincing the public that this affliction is not CLD, but merely a three to six year rash. Some of "the cultures" they received this time from Boston--along with local strains already developed, will prove themselves, he claims.
On the court, however, the results get only worse. "The cultures" sent from Boston sometimes show promise, only to fail by the 4th quarter. Turnovers, poor defense and shooting, and lack of execution all are taking it's toll on our team. To date mostly zeros exist.
Who will save us? Who will save them?
Civic minded pop culturist that I am, I'd like to propose an alternative. A spin-off of Heroes, based on the exploits of our own Minnesota Timberwolves, I present to you...Zeros.
Our storyline so far...
Local billionaire saves franchise from relocation, and along with a hall-of-fame sports icon turned vice-president (VP) and his youthful sidekick Flip, seeks to re-energize team by an infusion of fresh DNA and changed uniforms. A club is formed--Taylor.org--with the belief that parochial front office networking with former Gopher, Big Ten and Celtic greats will be the key to greatness. For a brief time, hope is high, as a threesome emerges to compete for the hearts and minds of the Minnesota sporting public. Success is fleeting, however, as front-office foibles and foul-ups cause two of the three to journey both west and east, leaving only one super-human alone to languish without help for years on end. The billionaire--seemingly under some sort of mind-meld emanating from our hall of famer--does the VP's bidding, signing mercenaries of reported disrepute to assist our one withering asset. For a single glorious year, order is restored and national fame is achieved. However the mercenaries--when not paid their excessive booty--rebel against our valiant club, causing the franchise to implode, nearly taking out loyal sidekick Flip, who after months of healing, wanders to Detroit to find his coaching "chi" again.
Meanwhile, our lone super hero begins to show signs of CLD--Chronic Losing Disease. Symptoms include looking wasted and hopeless in the 4th quarter along with paradoxical thinking, like using available Taylor.org resources to re-sign associates with limited talent, and demanding salary extensions that would extinguish any hope of acquiring the help needed to once again bring happiness to a restless and suspicious public. Tension between the VP and our lone hero grows, as the CLD only gets worse and the affliction threatens to spread throughout the entire organization, the irony being however that the VP is the carrier of the CLD--NOT the superstar. Increasingly besieged and isolated, the VP increases the intensity of the mind-meld on the local billionare, and begins to develop a plan. He must rid himself of the lone superstar before it's too late!
In the summer of 2007...the deed is done. Our one hero is dispatched to Boston, before the disease is irreversible. Within months, he is back to near peak health--with salary extensions intact. The Boston sporting public, having previously received gifts from other Minnesota sporting franchises, is thankful and energized. Having nearly rid themselves of all signs of their own CLD, they are looking forward AND upward to the rafters, where signs of previous glory hang from the ceiling.
News is not so good for the Midwestern homeland though. Trading the superstar did not halt the spread of CLD. In fact, much like an earlier transaction with the East Coast franchise, the CLD has only intensified and again threatens the entire organization. Our billionaire begins to show early signs of his own, giving bizarre interviews to local media, in hoping to convince the cynical public that time and the continuing expertise of our VP will be all that's needed to rid ourselves of this horrible affliction. The television color analyst takes the role of Chief Vindicator and attempts to misdirect the public. He often begins statements with "What people don't realize", or "what the ordinary fan doesn't know", in hopes of convincing the public that this affliction is not CLD, but merely a three to six year rash. Some of "the cultures" they received this time from Boston--along with local strains already developed, will prove themselves, he claims.
On the court, however, the results get only worse. "The cultures" sent from Boston sometimes show promise, only to fail by the 4th quarter. Turnovers, poor defense and shooting, and lack of execution all are taking it's toll on our team. To date mostly zeros exist.
Who will save us? Who will save them?
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Just like Coach drew it up...
Happy Thanksgiving!
Just before the actual game telecast on Channel 45, JB Bickerstaff was showing exactly how the Wolves were going to defend LeBron James that night. He spoke of how King James liked to work the left side, how the Cavs were going to clear space to exploit the defense, and how the Wolves were going to converge and make him give up the ball.
Wow. Who won that battle of strategy?
Yeah, they forced him to shoot jump shots in the second half, but the reality is he's a great closer, and he toasted the Wolves with clutch shot after clutch shot. James was a +14 for the night when only a few others on his injury riddled team decided to show up. The Wolves--by contrast--also have a few nicks, but again showed why this year is going to be rocky at best. They played harder than they did the last two games, and also notched 20 assists for the first time this season. However, the Cavs shot 20 more free throws than the Wolves, out rebounded the Pups, and had a slightly better field goal percentage than our club, in addition to having a player who's not afraid to take over the game when necessary.
In fact, I find LeBron is the perfect reply to those KG fans who ramble on about how Ticket didn't get the help he needed in Minnesota. Here's a guy that truly has taken lesser talent and at the right time, takes over games to lead his team to victory. Contrast that to KG, who plays maestro for three quarters, and now hands off the game to Ray Allen or Paul Pierce. KG may be an all around better player than James, but where he can't match the King is in those singular moments where the star has to shine brightly for the team to win. Five years into his career, James has done it many more times than KG has done it in 13. A primer for smaller market franchises: if you're going to pay one third of your cap to a single baller, then make sure he can do what James is doing for the Cavs. Seemingly, KG never quite understood the need to take significantly less money (not just the "discount" he took to get Sprewell and Cassell here) because, despite his greatness, he couldn't deliver in that one category--clutch 4th quarter shooting.
As for the Wolves, no one save Corey Brewer had a plus rating last night; technically Corey was at zero, but at least it wasn't negative. Jefferson had a good-to-great game, but also had five turnovers. Gerald Green probably will get some burn over the next few games off his performance as well. From a team viewpoint however, the Wolves are a collection of parts who are still trying to do too much individually on offense, and who don't defend well on defense. As time wears on, anyone paying attention to the players can see that, for example, Ryan Gomes should not be putting the ball on the floor--he's a spot up shooter. McCants is a talent, but not as talented as he thinks he is. No one on the club save Jefferson is a clutch finisher, which truly hurt the club last night.
Taking all these aspects into consideration, what improvements should we be looking for this year, since we will probably set the NBA single season record for losses ? The key will revolve around their identity. We hear a ton of talk from the Iron Ranger and Wittman about smash mouth basketball and throwing punches--real manly type of talk. The reality is right now the Wolves are still primarily a soft, jump shooting team. They have one true post player, and their offensive rebounding is better, but no team that gets to the line so infrequently, and plays as soft of defense as this club does can be labeled smash mouth or tough. At the end of the year if we have a core of players who have committed to that identity and know how to realize it, that should be one critical indicator of success.
If the fans can see progress in a core of players who show real commitment to developing and improving in all the "mental toughness" areas: defense, sharing the ball, 4th quarter play, etc, then hope can be legitimately sold. If what we've seen of the last three games is going to play out for the entire season, then I'm not sure a high draft choice will be enough to give any fans a sense that the current regime has any more clue than it did when KG was here to rebuild the team. It'll be like the Bickerstaff "chalk-talk" last night: great on paper, a failure on the court.
Just before the actual game telecast on Channel 45, JB Bickerstaff was showing exactly how the Wolves were going to defend LeBron James that night. He spoke of how King James liked to work the left side, how the Cavs were going to clear space to exploit the defense, and how the Wolves were going to converge and make him give up the ball.
Wow. Who won that battle of strategy?
Yeah, they forced him to shoot jump shots in the second half, but the reality is he's a great closer, and he toasted the Wolves with clutch shot after clutch shot. James was a +14 for the night when only a few others on his injury riddled team decided to show up. The Wolves--by contrast--also have a few nicks, but again showed why this year is going to be rocky at best. They played harder than they did the last two games, and also notched 20 assists for the first time this season. However, the Cavs shot 20 more free throws than the Wolves, out rebounded the Pups, and had a slightly better field goal percentage than our club, in addition to having a player who's not afraid to take over the game when necessary.
In fact, I find LeBron is the perfect reply to those KG fans who ramble on about how Ticket didn't get the help he needed in Minnesota. Here's a guy that truly has taken lesser talent and at the right time, takes over games to lead his team to victory. Contrast that to KG, who plays maestro for three quarters, and now hands off the game to Ray Allen or Paul Pierce. KG may be an all around better player than James, but where he can't match the King is in those singular moments where the star has to shine brightly for the team to win. Five years into his career, James has done it many more times than KG has done it in 13. A primer for smaller market franchises: if you're going to pay one third of your cap to a single baller, then make sure he can do what James is doing for the Cavs. Seemingly, KG never quite understood the need to take significantly less money (not just the "discount" he took to get Sprewell and Cassell here) because, despite his greatness, he couldn't deliver in that one category--clutch 4th quarter shooting.
As for the Wolves, no one save Corey Brewer had a plus rating last night; technically Corey was at zero, but at least it wasn't negative. Jefferson had a good-to-great game, but also had five turnovers. Gerald Green probably will get some burn over the next few games off his performance as well. From a team viewpoint however, the Wolves are a collection of parts who are still trying to do too much individually on offense, and who don't defend well on defense. As time wears on, anyone paying attention to the players can see that, for example, Ryan Gomes should not be putting the ball on the floor--he's a spot up shooter. McCants is a talent, but not as talented as he thinks he is. No one on the club save Jefferson is a clutch finisher, which truly hurt the club last night.
Taking all these aspects into consideration, what improvements should we be looking for this year, since we will probably set the NBA single season record for losses ? The key will revolve around their identity. We hear a ton of talk from the Iron Ranger and Wittman about smash mouth basketball and throwing punches--real manly type of talk. The reality is right now the Wolves are still primarily a soft, jump shooting team. They have one true post player, and their offensive rebounding is better, but no team that gets to the line so infrequently, and plays as soft of defense as this club does can be labeled smash mouth or tough. At the end of the year if we have a core of players who have committed to that identity and know how to realize it, that should be one critical indicator of success.
If the fans can see progress in a core of players who show real commitment to developing and improving in all the "mental toughness" areas: defense, sharing the ball, 4th quarter play, etc, then hope can be legitimately sold. If what we've seen of the last three games is going to play out for the entire season, then I'm not sure a high draft choice will be enough to give any fans a sense that the current regime has any more clue than it did when KG was here to rebuild the team. It'll be like the Bickerstaff "chalk-talk" last night: great on paper, a failure on the court.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
The "Weak" in Review
It's gonna be a l-o-o-o-n-n-g season.
After winning their first game last Wednesday, and watching the first three quarters of the Washington game on NBA League Pass, I thought I was witnessing growth on the part of this club. Whoops. This was the "take one step forward, two back" type of effort from the Wolves. One thing the Iron Ranger said after the KG trade has come true: players are jockeying for positions of leadership and dominance on this team, and it ain't working.
Case in point: Rashad McCants. He was number one all night against Sac-town, but played like number two against Washington and New Orleans. If he can stay healthy and keep his head on straight, he can be a second or third option on this club, and maybe a designated dagger on some nights. But his shot troubles me, to the point where if adjustments aren't made, I'm wondering about his long term future in this league. If you look closely at his shot, his arc toward the basket is not the classic rainbow, nor is it as flat as KG's when he first came into the league. I've noticed him starting to front rim more shots, which is indicative of what happens when people start to lose their leg strength, especially long-in-the-tooth veterans. He seems to have his quickness back, but if another micro-fracture incident occurs, I think his shot drops off dramatically. I would start working on putting more arc (and touch) on his shot.
Then there are the turnovers. Currently he's 8th in the league with 3.7 turnovers, and a turnover to assist ratio of .46. For a team that wants to transition to a more smashmouth type of game, clearly this gent can't be the main option. It's sexy to fall in love with his shot when it's falling, but the rest of his game hasn't developed. I think his game flourishes when AJ learns how to pass out of the double team better, and draws folks in. It's great that he wants to be a leader, but leadership doesn't necessarily mean BMOT--Big Man on Team.
Other issues: Defense.
The Wolves have actually gotten worse the last five games in their point differential; they've allowed their opposition 10 more points than they have scored. True, the last two games have skewed that average, but for a team struggling to win, this almost seemed like they took a night off Saturday. Already. Their defense--particularly around the perimeter--is awful. They can't stop dribble penetration or prevent teams from getting a great look from downtown. Their zone is very soft, not good when you're trying to establish some sort of identity or chemistry. This can be possibly be explained by more playing time together, but as has been pointed out before, the Wolves have never been particularly good at team defense.
Issue #2: Sharing the ball.
I've harped on this from the beginning, but the club is still under 20 assists a game. Not that I'm a big Hoosiers fan or anything, but that whole three passes things before shooting generally isn't a bad idea. And, there are simply too many times where AJ doesn't touch the ball. Rashad--and the rest of the club--need to defer to him, and he needs to respond in kind with passes out of the double or triple team.
Issue #3: Coaching. For a supposed young team in search of identity or chemistry, early on it's the coach who makes the difference. How? By setting goals, establishing boundaries and being consistent in his or her message. Wittman hasn't been bad, but he hasn't been that great either. The reality is that he himself doesn't have that much head coaching experience. You see this in being unable to establish a true rotation or enforce a pecking order, and not being able to make adjustments, especially in the fourth quarter, where good teams always step up and make a run. It's early yet, but Coach Wittman needs reinforce his vision by clear decisive moves. He's made a lot of moves, but they're very random, like he's searching for something--anything--to work.
Finally, Issue# 4: Veteran leadership. Here's where I think Buckner, Ratliff and Antoine Walker have been pretty good, Walker in particular. Antoine has played hard, not settled for just the three, and seems like--at least so far--a pretty good teammate. Contrast that to the train wreck in Miami, where Ricky Davis has continued his quick shooting ways, and the player formerly known as the second best center in the Western Conference is causing heads to scratch everywhere, except in Minnesota and Boston. That trade doesn't look so lopsided now!
One last comment: Another subject I harp on way too often, but I can't help but notice the arrogance Jim Pete has for the common fan. Often, you will hear him preface many remarks with "what people don't realize", or "what the average fan doesn't understand". Mr. Petersen, actually I think a lot of us do understand more than you give us credit for. Let's be clear once and for all; you were absolutely mistaken about the first Boston trade, and about Mike James and Mark Blount. I'll give you your due because you played the game at the pro level, but you were a journeyman at best, and have been wrong enough in your player evaluations and insights into the game to make you no better than a garden variety knowledgeable person who's kept up via stats, occasional arena appearances, and blogs. You're fortunate to be at the broadcast table, so treat the dwindling Wolves fan base with some amount of respect. The way the club is playing, you're going to need every last one of us.
After winning their first game last Wednesday, and watching the first three quarters of the Washington game on NBA League Pass, I thought I was witnessing growth on the part of this club. Whoops. This was the "take one step forward, two back" type of effort from the Wolves. One thing the Iron Ranger said after the KG trade has come true: players are jockeying for positions of leadership and dominance on this team, and it ain't working.
Case in point: Rashad McCants. He was number one all night against Sac-town, but played like number two against Washington and New Orleans. If he can stay healthy and keep his head on straight, he can be a second or third option on this club, and maybe a designated dagger on some nights. But his shot troubles me, to the point where if adjustments aren't made, I'm wondering about his long term future in this league. If you look closely at his shot, his arc toward the basket is not the classic rainbow, nor is it as flat as KG's when he first came into the league. I've noticed him starting to front rim more shots, which is indicative of what happens when people start to lose their leg strength, especially long-in-the-tooth veterans. He seems to have his quickness back, but if another micro-fracture incident occurs, I think his shot drops off dramatically. I would start working on putting more arc (and touch) on his shot.
Then there are the turnovers. Currently he's 8th in the league with 3.7 turnovers, and a turnover to assist ratio of .46. For a team that wants to transition to a more smashmouth type of game, clearly this gent can't be the main option. It's sexy to fall in love with his shot when it's falling, but the rest of his game hasn't developed. I think his game flourishes when AJ learns how to pass out of the double team better, and draws folks in. It's great that he wants to be a leader, but leadership doesn't necessarily mean BMOT--Big Man on Team.
Other issues: Defense.
The Wolves have actually gotten worse the last five games in their point differential; they've allowed their opposition 10 more points than they have scored. True, the last two games have skewed that average, but for a team struggling to win, this almost seemed like they took a night off Saturday. Already. Their defense--particularly around the perimeter--is awful. They can't stop dribble penetration or prevent teams from getting a great look from downtown. Their zone is very soft, not good when you're trying to establish some sort of identity or chemistry. This can be possibly be explained by more playing time together, but as has been pointed out before, the Wolves have never been particularly good at team defense.
Issue #2: Sharing the ball.
I've harped on this from the beginning, but the club is still under 20 assists a game. Not that I'm a big Hoosiers fan or anything, but that whole three passes things before shooting generally isn't a bad idea. And, there are simply too many times where AJ doesn't touch the ball. Rashad--and the rest of the club--need to defer to him, and he needs to respond in kind with passes out of the double or triple team.
Issue #3: Coaching. For a supposed young team in search of identity or chemistry, early on it's the coach who makes the difference. How? By setting goals, establishing boundaries and being consistent in his or her message. Wittman hasn't been bad, but he hasn't been that great either. The reality is that he himself doesn't have that much head coaching experience. You see this in being unable to establish a true rotation or enforce a pecking order, and not being able to make adjustments, especially in the fourth quarter, where good teams always step up and make a run. It's early yet, but Coach Wittman needs reinforce his vision by clear decisive moves. He's made a lot of moves, but they're very random, like he's searching for something--anything--to work.
Finally, Issue# 4: Veteran leadership. Here's where I think Buckner, Ratliff and Antoine Walker have been pretty good, Walker in particular. Antoine has played hard, not settled for just the three, and seems like--at least so far--a pretty good teammate. Contrast that to the train wreck in Miami, where Ricky Davis has continued his quick shooting ways, and the player formerly known as the second best center in the Western Conference is causing heads to scratch everywhere, except in Minnesota and Boston. That trade doesn't look so lopsided now!
One last comment: Another subject I harp on way too often, but I can't help but notice the arrogance Jim Pete has for the common fan. Often, you will hear him preface many remarks with "what people don't realize", or "what the average fan doesn't understand". Mr. Petersen, actually I think a lot of us do understand more than you give us credit for. Let's be clear once and for all; you were absolutely mistaken about the first Boston trade, and about Mike James and Mark Blount. I'll give you your due because you played the game at the pro level, but you were a journeyman at best, and have been wrong enough in your player evaluations and insights into the game to make you no better than a garden variety knowledgeable person who's kept up via stats, occasional arena appearances, and blogs. You're fortunate to be at the broadcast table, so treat the dwindling Wolves fan base with some amount of respect. The way the club is playing, you're going to need every last one of us.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
The Lost Weekend
Doug Collins is right.
We are the worst team in the league.
Seattle may still give us a run for the money, but after watching the club this weekend, we "win" by a sprained ankle. Randy Wittman, mouth agape like someone just killed his dog in the front yard, must be checking the karma scope for what he did in his past lives to deserve two "set-up to fail" NBA head coaching opportunities. Membership in Taylor.org does come with some responsibilities though; he's been around here long enough to understand that. Every group needs the Fall Guy...Randy's time is now; his tenure may run for at least this year and the next.
The optimists in the room might offer that there are plenty of 0-fer teams still in the standings. Taking a look at the statistics, teams like Washington are solidly ahead of us in giving up points per game. I ask anyone, who would you pick to win in a Wizards-Wolves match up? How about the Heat or Warriors? Only Seattle makes you stop and think about it for a second.
The fallacy of the whole youth argument is that the players we received in the KG trade weren't rookies, each of them have enough years in the league for evaluators to know whether or not they have an upside. Their chronological age may be young, but most of the folks are in their make or break 3 or 4th year. In the case of Jefferson and Telfair, this is their 4th year in the league. Green and Gomes in their 3rd. Given that any team--except Boston, it seems--generally needs time to mesh in cases of extreme roster upheaval, these first five or so games provide a ready made excuse for those who bought into the starting over argument. But players should be figuring it out by this time in their professional career. It's the amount of games--not chronological age. This is where the hype of Taylor.org does deserve credit for lowering the bar. Youth and roster upheaval--what can we possibly expect? Keep those dollars flowing folks...after a couple of years, we'll maybe get back to playoff contention. It's up to us as fans to expect--and demand--more, namely:
1) Defense. It's sexy to have a shot blocker for those 4 or 5 plays a game where the ball gets swatted away. Theo's fighting the good fight, but what about the other 40 or so other plays that get run? Jim Pete correctly pointed out last night that the perimeter defense of the Wolves has been traditionally bad. This is not a particular coaching problem, it permeates the entire organization. How about a little smash-mouth at the defensive end of the court fellas? It's also clear that if anyone was planning to have AJ play the 5 for more than 10 minutes a game, they should have their head examined--since firings seem to be few and far between at Taylor.org. I enjoy watching Jefferson on the low block and rebound, but his defense is suspect, especially at center.
2) Sharing the ball. If it's true--as Britt Robson offers--that we lack talent, then finding the way to share the ball is paramount. We're averaging just under 20 assists a game; teams such as the Jazz and Celtics are around 28 and 26 respectively. We need to move the ball and establish the pecking order, to find match ups we actually can exploit. Inside out with AJ as first option. Like his defense, he will have to be better at passing the ball out of double teams, but there's the All-Star challenge for the young man. And, not much pick and roll so far. Sharing the ball is an aspect of chemistry and BBall IQ, so one would expect if they really do want to win, instead of reverting to "me-first on the playground" ball this should be hammered home for the entire season. Anyone who wants to stay here should make that commitment.
Those two dynamics are indications of effort--not talent. If you want to threaten people with watching what could be a historical amount of losses for one season (Doug Collins was on that team, BTW), then instead of merely selling chemistry and loyalty in your marketing campaign, how about actually displaying it?
We are the worst team in the league.
Seattle may still give us a run for the money, but after watching the club this weekend, we "win" by a sprained ankle. Randy Wittman, mouth agape like someone just killed his dog in the front yard, must be checking the karma scope for what he did in his past lives to deserve two "set-up to fail" NBA head coaching opportunities. Membership in Taylor.org does come with some responsibilities though; he's been around here long enough to understand that. Every group needs the Fall Guy...Randy's time is now; his tenure may run for at least this year and the next.
The optimists in the room might offer that there are plenty of 0-fer teams still in the standings. Taking a look at the statistics, teams like Washington are solidly ahead of us in giving up points per game. I ask anyone, who would you pick to win in a Wizards-Wolves match up? How about the Heat or Warriors? Only Seattle makes you stop and think about it for a second.
The fallacy of the whole youth argument is that the players we received in the KG trade weren't rookies, each of them have enough years in the league for evaluators to know whether or not they have an upside. Their chronological age may be young, but most of the folks are in their make or break 3 or 4th year. In the case of Jefferson and Telfair, this is their 4th year in the league. Green and Gomes in their 3rd. Given that any team--except Boston, it seems--generally needs time to mesh in cases of extreme roster upheaval, these first five or so games provide a ready made excuse for those who bought into the starting over argument. But players should be figuring it out by this time in their professional career. It's the amount of games--not chronological age. This is where the hype of Taylor.org does deserve credit for lowering the bar. Youth and roster upheaval--what can we possibly expect? Keep those dollars flowing folks...after a couple of years, we'll maybe get back to playoff contention. It's up to us as fans to expect--and demand--more, namely:
1) Defense. It's sexy to have a shot blocker for those 4 or 5 plays a game where the ball gets swatted away. Theo's fighting the good fight, but what about the other 40 or so other plays that get run? Jim Pete correctly pointed out last night that the perimeter defense of the Wolves has been traditionally bad. This is not a particular coaching problem, it permeates the entire organization. How about a little smash-mouth at the defensive end of the court fellas? It's also clear that if anyone was planning to have AJ play the 5 for more than 10 minutes a game, they should have their head examined--since firings seem to be few and far between at Taylor.org. I enjoy watching Jefferson on the low block and rebound, but his defense is suspect, especially at center.
2) Sharing the ball. If it's true--as Britt Robson offers--that we lack talent, then finding the way to share the ball is paramount. We're averaging just under 20 assists a game; teams such as the Jazz and Celtics are around 28 and 26 respectively. We need to move the ball and establish the pecking order, to find match ups we actually can exploit. Inside out with AJ as first option. Like his defense, he will have to be better at passing the ball out of double teams, but there's the All-Star challenge for the young man. And, not much pick and roll so far. Sharing the ball is an aspect of chemistry and BBall IQ, so one would expect if they really do want to win, instead of reverting to "me-first on the playground" ball this should be hammered home for the entire season. Anyone who wants to stay here should make that commitment.
Those two dynamics are indications of effort--not talent. If you want to threaten people with watching what could be a historical amount of losses for one season (Doug Collins was on that team, BTW), then instead of merely selling chemistry and loyalty in your marketing campaign, how about actually displaying it?
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Early Results Just In...
I was flipping the channels last night, courtesy of NBA League Pass and ESPN...
Boston is on an early season mission, their latest conquest being the Nuggets. Even though they pummeled Denver, it was more of the Nugs not showing up than anything the Celtics were doing. Hall of Famer Bob Cousy joined the Celtics broadcast, and both he and Homer Heinsohn were remarking how bad Denver's defense was by the middle of the second quarter.
What is remarkable about this version of the C's is that these guys are really sharing the ball. Last night they had 32 assists. True they had 21 turnovers, but when you shoot over 60% for the game and out rebound your opponent, you can afford those turnovers, at least against regular season, indifferent competition. One sign of concern for the Celtics--James Posey went down with an injury. It didn't seem serious, but injuries will be the test of this club, because their bench is still suspect. They are going to have to keep the Big Three and their major role players healthy come playoff time, to have any chance of making a deep playoff run. One bright spot off the bench has been Eddie House. Traditionally not much of point guard, he's come in and given them decent play, and also has been able to hit his usual long ball in the early games. At the post-game press conference, you can tell KG is enjoying being in the limelight again.
As for the Nuggets, not to show up for a game against major competition--even on a back-to-back--this early in the season is pretty troubling. Are they overrated? They've got a lot of talent on their team, but also plenty of attitude. I think Karl has a lot on his hands right now.
My new nickname for Shaq is the Big Drop Off. Yeah, he doesn't get his motor running until the playoffs, but he looks really OLD and disinterested out there right now. I think the Miami folks are figuring out maybe Davis and Blount weren't that good of additions to their squad.
Robert Swift of Seattle resembles a 2K version of Bill Walton, when he was with the TrailBlazers, a mountain man with major tattoos. He has had major injuries, but he looks like he's coming around. Kevin Durant on the other hand, looks lost. Against Memphis he was shooting out of rhythm, and jacking up shots left and right. As bad as the Wolves are, the Sonics may be worse. Wally is doing a pretty good job for them coming off the bench, but he looks a step slow. He's still clapping his hands for the ball out on the perimeter, however. Some things will never change.
Boston is on an early season mission, their latest conquest being the Nuggets. Even though they pummeled Denver, it was more of the Nugs not showing up than anything the Celtics were doing. Hall of Famer Bob Cousy joined the Celtics broadcast, and both he and Homer Heinsohn were remarking how bad Denver's defense was by the middle of the second quarter.
What is remarkable about this version of the C's is that these guys are really sharing the ball. Last night they had 32 assists. True they had 21 turnovers, but when you shoot over 60% for the game and out rebound your opponent, you can afford those turnovers, at least against regular season, indifferent competition. One sign of concern for the Celtics--James Posey went down with an injury. It didn't seem serious, but injuries will be the test of this club, because their bench is still suspect. They are going to have to keep the Big Three and their major role players healthy come playoff time, to have any chance of making a deep playoff run. One bright spot off the bench has been Eddie House. Traditionally not much of point guard, he's come in and given them decent play, and also has been able to hit his usual long ball in the early games. At the post-game press conference, you can tell KG is enjoying being in the limelight again.
As for the Nuggets, not to show up for a game against major competition--even on a back-to-back--this early in the season is pretty troubling. Are they overrated? They've got a lot of talent on their team, but also plenty of attitude. I think Karl has a lot on his hands right now.
My new nickname for Shaq is the Big Drop Off. Yeah, he doesn't get his motor running until the playoffs, but he looks really OLD and disinterested out there right now. I think the Miami folks are figuring out maybe Davis and Blount weren't that good of additions to their squad.
Robert Swift of Seattle resembles a 2K version of Bill Walton, when he was with the TrailBlazers, a mountain man with major tattoos. He has had major injuries, but he looks like he's coming around. Kevin Durant on the other hand, looks lost. Against Memphis he was shooting out of rhythm, and jacking up shots left and right. As bad as the Wolves are, the Sonics may be worse. Wally is doing a pretty good job for them coming off the bench, but he looks a step slow. He's still clapping his hands for the ball out on the perimeter, however. Some things will never change.
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
See How They Can Lose
Both the MSM and alternative media are going pretty soft on the Wolves right now. The StarTrib's Souhan literally gushes about Big Al and takes another shot at KG. Britt Robson is more detailed and substantiated, offering that Randy Wittman is doing a good job of getting the Wolves ready to start the game, not mentioning the job he did the last three quarters. Okay, they're looking for positives, evaluating rationally...it's a long season after all.
Whatever.
In last night's loss, it wasn't anything that Wittman did, it was Orlando who let up and allowed the Wolves back into the game, as opposed to the coach "wanting the game". The Wolves announcers were throwing their hands up in resignation when Lewis was draining clutch threes, but how about a defensive adjustment, maybe even attempting to deny him the ball, or run the gent through a couple of hard picks at the other end? How about picking up Arroyo closer to half court and applying some on ball pressure? That's smash mouth, intense basketball, not the sort of namby-pamby stuff we've seen so far.
I'll agree with Wittman's take on playing better straight up defense and being more aggressive, but when the only bitching you hear from the Wolves section is the VP a few rows up, it's Casey's disease all over again. How about the coach getting a little intense and leading by example? Please, at least a technical or two...throw in a good cheap shot at Dan Crawford, telling him all bets are off now, he can go back to calling the game. Respect comes not only from aggressiveness, but letting the refs know YOU know what's going on here--the same old crap entry level teams get in this league.
Losing is contagious; you have to fight with every weapon you have in your arsenal to make sure you're not irrelevant by December, developing team or not. Until that little spurt in the fourth, why should the fans who attended the game come back?
Maybe Sweetwater Jones should have been activated for the game. He's got a little fight in him.
Whatever.
In last night's loss, it wasn't anything that Wittman did, it was Orlando who let up and allowed the Wolves back into the game, as opposed to the coach "wanting the game". The Wolves announcers were throwing their hands up in resignation when Lewis was draining clutch threes, but how about a defensive adjustment, maybe even attempting to deny him the ball, or run the gent through a couple of hard picks at the other end? How about picking up Arroyo closer to half court and applying some on ball pressure? That's smash mouth, intense basketball, not the sort of namby-pamby stuff we've seen so far.
I'll agree with Wittman's take on playing better straight up defense and being more aggressive, but when the only bitching you hear from the Wolves section is the VP a few rows up, it's Casey's disease all over again. How about the coach getting a little intense and leading by example? Please, at least a technical or two...throw in a good cheap shot at Dan Crawford, telling him all bets are off now, he can go back to calling the game. Respect comes not only from aggressiveness, but letting the refs know YOU know what's going on here--the same old crap entry level teams get in this league.
Losing is contagious; you have to fight with every weapon you have in your arsenal to make sure you're not irrelevant by December, developing team or not. Until that little spurt in the fourth, why should the fans who attended the game come back?
Maybe Sweetwater Jones should have been activated for the game. He's got a little fight in him.
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Channel Surfing
My day was spent flipping between Adrian Peterson, Boston's big three, the Wolves, and Colts/Pats. The Celtics had a playoff type game with the Raptors in Toronto and won in overtime on Ray Allen's last second shot. Our Wolves lost another in NY, mostly due to another huge disparity in free throws--only 6 out of 10 for our club, 30-39 for the Knicks. As I mentioned earlier today, if the first two games are any indication, it's going to be a long year, especially with the referees in this league.
The positives: no turnovers for Sebastian Telfair, and a decent performance from Greg Buckner. Once Randy Foye returns, this duo has the potential to be a good second unit backcourt. It seemed as if Big Al and Sebastian were woofing at each other from time to time, so all this chemistry talk may be just that...talk. Since we are told at the opening of every year how well the guys are getting along with each other, I would not believe a word coming from any Taylor.org employee. It's like someone has developed the Midwestern sports marketing template: whatever you do, make sure loyalty and chemistry are always two key talking points. Very Republican.
The negatives: Is this truly McHale's idea of smashmouth basketball? Way too many jump shots, players trying to do too much, (see Theo Ratliff), and Coach Wittman. His substitutions, especially bringing Antoine Walker to jack up a three at the end of the game, was suspect. Our second unit needs work, especially when Marko is on the court. Whatever veteran leadership we do have may need to show up to prevent the drop off in scoring and intensity. Wittman needs to work the refs more, and get a few technicals to get their attention.
As for Boston, it was the big three and a half, as James Posey was a key player for the Celtics. One huge issue for that club around playoff time will be Rondo's ability to guard super quick PG's (see Tony Parker). TJ Ford ripped him a new one. One interesting KG note was the Raptors choice of not double teaming him in the fourth quarter. Chris Bosh could not play him straight up, which lead KG to hit some big shots in overtime. The effect of being able to spread the floor with three All-Stars and KG isolating on a single defender may improve his reputation of not being a scorer in the clutch.
Finally, even though I've been hard on our Jim Petersen, there's no bigger homer commentator than Tommy Heinsohn. Jim Pete pales in comparison to Tommy, and is a better in game observer than the former Celtic coach. With Heinsohn at the mic, it's going to be a long season trying to watch the Celtics progress toward the post season. Would somebody please ask Bill Russell to come back for just one year and provide commentary?
The positives: no turnovers for Sebastian Telfair, and a decent performance from Greg Buckner. Once Randy Foye returns, this duo has the potential to be a good second unit backcourt. It seemed as if Big Al and Sebastian were woofing at each other from time to time, so all this chemistry talk may be just that...talk. Since we are told at the opening of every year how well the guys are getting along with each other, I would not believe a word coming from any Taylor.org employee. It's like someone has developed the Midwestern sports marketing template: whatever you do, make sure loyalty and chemistry are always two key talking points. Very Republican.
The negatives: Is this truly McHale's idea of smashmouth basketball? Way too many jump shots, players trying to do too much, (see Theo Ratliff), and Coach Wittman. His substitutions, especially bringing Antoine Walker to jack up a three at the end of the game, was suspect. Our second unit needs work, especially when Marko is on the court. Whatever veteran leadership we do have may need to show up to prevent the drop off in scoring and intensity. Wittman needs to work the refs more, and get a few technicals to get their attention.
As for Boston, it was the big three and a half, as James Posey was a key player for the Celtics. One huge issue for that club around playoff time will be Rondo's ability to guard super quick PG's (see Tony Parker). TJ Ford ripped him a new one. One interesting KG note was the Raptors choice of not double teaming him in the fourth quarter. Chris Bosh could not play him straight up, which lead KG to hit some big shots in overtime. The effect of being able to spread the floor with three All-Stars and KG isolating on a single defender may improve his reputation of not being a scorer in the clutch.
Finally, even though I've been hard on our Jim Petersen, there's no bigger homer commentator than Tommy Heinsohn. Jim Pete pales in comparison to Tommy, and is a better in game observer than the former Celtic coach. With Heinsohn at the mic, it's going to be a long season trying to watch the Celtics progress toward the post season. Would somebody please ask Bill Russell to come back for just one year and provide commentary?
After Further Review...
The first game is history.
After suffering through the initial hype of Taylor.org selling us on how exciting this season will be, the results weren't all that different from the last few years. Mental toughness and fourth quarter finishing are tough to develop and even harder to trade for, one year of Sam Cassell notwithstanding.
There were good signs though; low turnovers and decent interior defense from time to time, for example. I think it's a reality that the referees--treating us like most rookies entering the league--are not going to give us the benefit of the doubt, even at home. Respect will have to be earned. That will make it even harder to successfully finish out close games in the 4th. There will be little room for error, and given the early tendencies of our club, there will be only a few opportunities to take teams out; when it happens we must aggressively seize them. Otherwise, it's expansion team comparisons for the year, no matter what Jerry Zgoda says.
One thought however...is it any wonder that since the primary selling point of the KG trade has been Al Jefferson, after repeated missives from the Iron Ranger about how good Big Al is, and signing him to an major extension, that teams would actually pay attention and double/triple team him the entire game? Until the Wolves can develop better dribble penetration, ball movement and feed other low post options, it's jump shots in the 4th, baby. Teams will be naturally forcing other players to beat them. The disparity in free throws between the Nuggets and Wolves demonstrates this point. The ability to get to the stripe to stay in the game, and then take over in the 4th is textbook road winning procedure. The Wolves are still skimming the primer...or should I say perimeter?
Having said all that, seeing what Sebastian Telfair can do for the club while Foye is out is extremely valuable. Jaric may whine about wanting yet ANOTHER (sorry Mr. Robson, for using capital letters for effect) chance, but being able to evaluate whether or not you potentially want to be adding another big (see Hibbert/Georgetown) or hunt for still yet a true point guard for next year is important. Seeing Telfair play today in NY should be very interesting. Let's hope it brings back fond memories of his high school exploits.
However, the Knicks will rebound from their opening loss to the Cavs, and win by at least 10. I'd love for the club to prove me wrong. Put it this way...we're still doing better than the Bulls. How disappointed Chicago must be in their season start! (Sorry again, Britt, for the use of exclamation points)
After suffering through the initial hype of Taylor.org selling us on how exciting this season will be, the results weren't all that different from the last few years. Mental toughness and fourth quarter finishing are tough to develop and even harder to trade for, one year of Sam Cassell notwithstanding.
There were good signs though; low turnovers and decent interior defense from time to time, for example. I think it's a reality that the referees--treating us like most rookies entering the league--are not going to give us the benefit of the doubt, even at home. Respect will have to be earned. That will make it even harder to successfully finish out close games in the 4th. There will be little room for error, and given the early tendencies of our club, there will be only a few opportunities to take teams out; when it happens we must aggressively seize them. Otherwise, it's expansion team comparisons for the year, no matter what Jerry Zgoda says.
One thought however...is it any wonder that since the primary selling point of the KG trade has been Al Jefferson, after repeated missives from the Iron Ranger about how good Big Al is, and signing him to an major extension, that teams would actually pay attention and double/triple team him the entire game? Until the Wolves can develop better dribble penetration, ball movement and feed other low post options, it's jump shots in the 4th, baby. Teams will be naturally forcing other players to beat them. The disparity in free throws between the Nuggets and Wolves demonstrates this point. The ability to get to the stripe to stay in the game, and then take over in the 4th is textbook road winning procedure. The Wolves are still skimming the primer...or should I say perimeter?
Having said all that, seeing what Sebastian Telfair can do for the club while Foye is out is extremely valuable. Jaric may whine about wanting yet ANOTHER (sorry Mr. Robson, for using capital letters for effect) chance, but being able to evaluate whether or not you potentially want to be adding another big (see Hibbert/Georgetown) or hunt for still yet a true point guard for next year is important. Seeing Telfair play today in NY should be very interesting. Let's hope it brings back fond memories of his high school exploits.
However, the Knicks will rebound from their opening loss to the Cavs, and win by at least 10. I'd love for the club to prove me wrong. Put it this way...we're still doing better than the Bulls. How disappointed Chicago must be in their season start! (Sorry again, Britt, for the use of exclamation points)
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Maybe I'm Amazed...
"Maybe I'm amazed at the way you pulled me out of time
and hung me on a line
maybe I'm amazed at the way I really need you" - Paul McCartney/Maybe I'm Amazed
Consider ME amazed!
I never thought any situation in real life could actually bring meaning to a Paul McCartney lyric. But those lines echoed in my head as I read Rick Alonzo's Q & A this morning with Glen Taylor in the PPress. Is there any greater friend/mentor/boss that Kevin McHale has than Glen Taylor? My goodness, what does one have to do to earn that sort of loyalty, or was it just kismet between those two? It inspires me to offer a new nickname for Mr. Taylor...the Human Deflector, or Mr. Deflector, to be respectful.
Why are all these folks throwing each other under the bus, just to curry public opinion? I'm sure C. Billups will be delighted to know--after all these years--that his current coach didn't think he was worth resigning in Minnesota. Is Mr. Taylor's spin that KG may have spoken with forked tounge on the subject of whether he supported Flip or not supposed to win us over to McHale's side? Who are we supposed to believe? Why should we care?
When you get down to it, isn't the real issue simply performance?
"maybe I'm a man maybe I'm a lonely man
who's in the middle of something
that he doesn't really understand...."
Even though it was hard for many to see KG leave in the manner he did, I think anyone with an ounce of sensibility should know that if the Wolves were suddenly able to post a winning record and compete for a championship within a few years, public opinion toward McHale would change for the better. Isn't that what fans are mostly plunking down their hard earned money for...a chance to see winning competition?
Maybe it's time for all involved to finally move on, and focus on the task of rebuilding the team.
Maybe that will help me understand...
and hung me on a line
maybe I'm amazed at the way I really need you" - Paul McCartney/Maybe I'm Amazed
Consider ME amazed!
I never thought any situation in real life could actually bring meaning to a Paul McCartney lyric. But those lines echoed in my head as I read Rick Alonzo's Q & A this morning with Glen Taylor in the PPress. Is there any greater friend/mentor/boss that Kevin McHale has than Glen Taylor? My goodness, what does one have to do to earn that sort of loyalty, or was it just kismet between those two? It inspires me to offer a new nickname for Mr. Taylor...the Human Deflector, or Mr. Deflector, to be respectful.
Why are all these folks throwing each other under the bus, just to curry public opinion? I'm sure C. Billups will be delighted to know--after all these years--that his current coach didn't think he was worth resigning in Minnesota. Is Mr. Taylor's spin that KG may have spoken with forked tounge on the subject of whether he supported Flip or not supposed to win us over to McHale's side? Who are we supposed to believe? Why should we care?
When you get down to it, isn't the real issue simply performance?
"maybe I'm a man maybe I'm a lonely man
who's in the middle of something
that he doesn't really understand...."
Even though it was hard for many to see KG leave in the manner he did, I think anyone with an ounce of sensibility should know that if the Wolves were suddenly able to post a winning record and compete for a championship within a few years, public opinion toward McHale would change for the better. Isn't that what fans are mostly plunking down their hard earned money for...a chance to see winning competition?
Maybe it's time for all involved to finally move on, and focus on the task of rebuilding the team.
Maybe that will help me understand...
Scrimmage Saturday Night
Sometimes, you just have to see--in the words of the immortal Marvin Gaye--what's goin' on. Traveling down to the Target Center to watch the new club practice without KG has absolutely a different feel to it. My impressions? A lot of bodies, instruction, whistles and semi-dinged players. This team right now is a bunch of guys all trying to make the "big difference" at the same time. The coaching staff drilled the boys on making extra passes...I'm not sure Gerald Green could even spell the word pass. But then again it is four letters, so maybe there's hope after all.
Other thoughts:
Al Jefferson is pretty good. How good is a huge question mark, and it will be a test of the point guards on this team to understand the asset they have. Players with low post skills like AJ tend to make the game easier on offense, and more consistent. One major problem with the Wolves in the last few years was their inability to score during large stretches of the game. When you have a jump shooting team that doesn't share the ball particularly well, what happens is that players have to work very hard individually to get buckets, or in the case of Ricky Davis, shoot quickly before the defense hardens. If the shots fall, great, but more often than not, especially in the fourth quarter, the shots stop falling and the other team makes a successful run to victory. Having quality low post scoring is like having the ace pitching stopper in baseball; a guy who can get a bucket when you need it and stop the other team's momentum. I think AJ can be that guy, but it's a mindset the team has to adopt, and they have a way to go to get there.
It's unfortunate Juwan Howard couldn't stay on this club. I think having a veteran presence of him, Walker, Doleac and Buckner on this team would have paid major dividends. Moving Jaric off the team, and acquiring a veteran third point guard for this club would have been the perfect scenario to help "grow" this club into respectability. As it is however, I'm going to give Walker the benefit of the doubt. He did not look terribly out of shape to me, and as he himself said, it looks like he's got a lot left in the tank. His contribution--either negative or positive--will be one of the keys to progress this year.
I also like the fact the Wolves have two dedicated centers available to them. Michael Doleac is not a whiz around the basket and runs like Herman Munster up and down the court, but although they lost KG, their low post presence overall is potentially better than anytime in the Wolves history. Of course, that's not saying much; it's kind of like saying Mark Blount was the best center in Wolves history to date...ouch! A lot will depend on how healthy Theo Ratliff stays. AJ will be playing a lot of center this year, so Smith, Gomes and Walker will see a lot of minutes at power forward, but the Wolves have a lot of versatility to play either big or small with this group.
Point guard play will also loom large for this club. Can either Foye or Telfair run the team and share the rock? It's pretty clear that Jaric's days as a major contributor should be over if he can't improve his assist to turnover ratio. As I mentioned before, one primary reason for the amount of turnovers on this club is because everyone is trying to make plays, and not letting the game come to them. The pecking order and team identity haven't been established as of yet, which the point guard position affects so drastically. Both Foye and Telfair have some skills; whether it's the type of skills that can provide stability and discipline to their attack remains to be seen.
So, who's gonna be the fourth quarter stud for the club? Your candidates are: AJ, Foye, McCants and--as a distant fourth--possibly Walker. Of course, given the fact they'll be down by 20 in many of the games this year by the 4th Q, this point may be moot. In terms of developing a team identity however, it is very important.
All in all, it will be tough to sit through a season of getting hammered, much like the expansion years. It's easy to continue to lambaste the Iron Ranger and Taylor.org for the job they've done mishandling the team over the last few years. However, if you're going to blow up the team, he's done what he has needed to do; it's the ultimate wait-and-see adventure now. Instead of being instantly negative, it's time to breathe deep and see what this group can bring us. In the end, it may not be as bad as I think it will be. I also think by the end of the season Boston fans will be asking why their new super hero KG isn't better in the clutch.
Time will tell.
Other thoughts:
Al Jefferson is pretty good. How good is a huge question mark, and it will be a test of the point guards on this team to understand the asset they have. Players with low post skills like AJ tend to make the game easier on offense, and more consistent. One major problem with the Wolves in the last few years was their inability to score during large stretches of the game. When you have a jump shooting team that doesn't share the ball particularly well, what happens is that players have to work very hard individually to get buckets, or in the case of Ricky Davis, shoot quickly before the defense hardens. If the shots fall, great, but more often than not, especially in the fourth quarter, the shots stop falling and the other team makes a successful run to victory. Having quality low post scoring is like having the ace pitching stopper in baseball; a guy who can get a bucket when you need it and stop the other team's momentum. I think AJ can be that guy, but it's a mindset the team has to adopt, and they have a way to go to get there.
It's unfortunate Juwan Howard couldn't stay on this club. I think having a veteran presence of him, Walker, Doleac and Buckner on this team would have paid major dividends. Moving Jaric off the team, and acquiring a veteran third point guard for this club would have been the perfect scenario to help "grow" this club into respectability. As it is however, I'm going to give Walker the benefit of the doubt. He did not look terribly out of shape to me, and as he himself said, it looks like he's got a lot left in the tank. His contribution--either negative or positive--will be one of the keys to progress this year.
I also like the fact the Wolves have two dedicated centers available to them. Michael Doleac is not a whiz around the basket and runs like Herman Munster up and down the court, but although they lost KG, their low post presence overall is potentially better than anytime in the Wolves history. Of course, that's not saying much; it's kind of like saying Mark Blount was the best center in Wolves history to date...ouch! A lot will depend on how healthy Theo Ratliff stays. AJ will be playing a lot of center this year, so Smith, Gomes and Walker will see a lot of minutes at power forward, but the Wolves have a lot of versatility to play either big or small with this group.
Point guard play will also loom large for this club. Can either Foye or Telfair run the team and share the rock? It's pretty clear that Jaric's days as a major contributor should be over if he can't improve his assist to turnover ratio. As I mentioned before, one primary reason for the amount of turnovers on this club is because everyone is trying to make plays, and not letting the game come to them. The pecking order and team identity haven't been established as of yet, which the point guard position affects so drastically. Both Foye and Telfair have some skills; whether it's the type of skills that can provide stability and discipline to their attack remains to be seen.
So, who's gonna be the fourth quarter stud for the club? Your candidates are: AJ, Foye, McCants and--as a distant fourth--possibly Walker. Of course, given the fact they'll be down by 20 in many of the games this year by the 4th Q, this point may be moot. In terms of developing a team identity however, it is very important.
All in all, it will be tough to sit through a season of getting hammered, much like the expansion years. It's easy to continue to lambaste the Iron Ranger and Taylor.org for the job they've done mishandling the team over the last few years. However, if you're going to blow up the team, he's done what he has needed to do; it's the ultimate wait-and-see adventure now. Instead of being instantly negative, it's time to breathe deep and see what this group can bring us. In the end, it may not be as bad as I think it will be. I also think by the end of the season Boston fans will be asking why their new super hero KG isn't better in the clutch.
Time will tell.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
The Wheels Under the Bus Go Up and Down...
"Dirty little secrets
Dirty little lies
We got our dirty little fingers in everybodys pie
We love to cut you down to size
We love dirty laundry" - Don Henley
While classic passive-aggressiveness is more of a personality disorder, it's common understanding here in Minnesota is the ability to be nice and/or complimentary to someone's face, then inherently criticize and rip them when they aren't around to defend themselves. In the Twin Cities professional sports community, we've seen a lot of that, especially when it comes to the Timberwolves. Early this off-season, we heard Jim Petersen take a swipe at Mike James--a player he advocated acquiring-- now the latest comes from Chad Hartman, who with the trade of Ricky Davis decided to talk about Ricky's trials with Dwayne Casey on his radio show this week. It seems a tad uncivil to me. If after his on court play, his actions in the both the Pistons and Boston games of last year didn't give us an indication Davis was a cancer, then someone wasn't paying attention.
By contrast, his mention of T.Rex Chapman's locker room blowout directed at Wally and KG seems appropriate, because it was reported at the time, kicked around in the media, and T. Rex was given an opportunity to explain his actions on KFAN within days of the incident.
What I'd like to see is more aggressive reporting when events actually occur, and not wait until someone leaves to dump all the garbage out. Given the state of MSM sports media in this town that may well be impossible, but I think we as a Midwestern community are above throwing someone under the bus simply to justify our athletic transactions. James, Davis, and Blount all demonstrated on the court why they weren't good for the Wolves. Somehow--at least in most cases--that should be enough.
Dirty little lies
We got our dirty little fingers in everybodys pie
We love to cut you down to size
We love dirty laundry" - Don Henley
While classic passive-aggressiveness is more of a personality disorder, it's common understanding here in Minnesota is the ability to be nice and/or complimentary to someone's face, then inherently criticize and rip them when they aren't around to defend themselves. In the Twin Cities professional sports community, we've seen a lot of that, especially when it comes to the Timberwolves. Early this off-season, we heard Jim Petersen take a swipe at Mike James--a player he advocated acquiring-- now the latest comes from Chad Hartman, who with the trade of Ricky Davis decided to talk about Ricky's trials with Dwayne Casey on his radio show this week. It seems a tad uncivil to me. If after his on court play, his actions in the both the Pistons and Boston games of last year didn't give us an indication Davis was a cancer, then someone wasn't paying attention.
By contrast, his mention of T.Rex Chapman's locker room blowout directed at Wally and KG seems appropriate, because it was reported at the time, kicked around in the media, and T. Rex was given an opportunity to explain his actions on KFAN within days of the incident.
What I'd like to see is more aggressive reporting when events actually occur, and not wait until someone leaves to dump all the garbage out. Given the state of MSM sports media in this town that may well be impossible, but I think we as a Midwestern community are above throwing someone under the bus simply to justify our athletic transactions. James, Davis, and Blount all demonstrated on the court why they weren't good for the Wolves. Somehow--at least in most cases--that should be enough.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
The Second Best Center in the Western Conference gets Traded
Mark Blount wasn't so good after all? Hmm, looks like many fans were right, and Jim Pete was wrong... again.
Before the rampant speculation and the unrealistic trade offerings continue, let's step back one moment and appreciate just how bad the first Boston trade was. (Silence)
Okay, now let's give credit where credit is due. The Iron Ranger has done well with this trade. No matter if it's junk we received in return, Davis and Blount had to go. There's still the obvious problem with too many contracted bodies, but let's wait and see if the implied promise of further deals ring true. Something has to happen.
After reading the various boards and regular commentators, buy-out mania has taken hold. I would offer that very few players still get bought out. For the most part, it's a move of last resort. No one wanted Troy Hudson given his baggage, so that was an easy call. Buyout amounts are still spread over the remaining length of the player's contract, and count against the cap. As a result I would guess that Glen Taylor wouldn't want too many of those on his ledger sheet. Therefore it makes sense the Wolves front office would try to make deals outright to reduce the body count; only after failing that would he and McHale choose the buyout option. Juwan Howard, Marko Jaric, John Edwards, and possibly one of the Miami players are prime contenders to be cut or moved at this point.
The Wolves organization should take note of the buzz this activity has created. In lieu of having a contending team, moving pieces around to give at least the illusion of hope is core to rebuilding the fan base. A reasonable contract extension for Big Al would help as well. The dealings of the remainder of this pre-season will be a telltale sign to see if Taylor.org can compete with the other functional NBA front offices.
Before the rampant speculation and the unrealistic trade offerings continue, let's step back one moment and appreciate just how bad the first Boston trade was. (Silence)
Okay, now let's give credit where credit is due. The Iron Ranger has done well with this trade. No matter if it's junk we received in return, Davis and Blount had to go. There's still the obvious problem with too many contracted bodies, but let's wait and see if the implied promise of further deals ring true. Something has to happen.
After reading the various boards and regular commentators, buy-out mania has taken hold. I would offer that very few players still get bought out. For the most part, it's a move of last resort. No one wanted Troy Hudson given his baggage, so that was an easy call. Buyout amounts are still spread over the remaining length of the player's contract, and count against the cap. As a result I would guess that Glen Taylor wouldn't want too many of those on his ledger sheet. Therefore it makes sense the Wolves front office would try to make deals outright to reduce the body count; only after failing that would he and McHale choose the buyout option. Juwan Howard, Marko Jaric, John Edwards, and possibly one of the Miami players are prime contenders to be cut or moved at this point.
The Wolves organization should take note of the buzz this activity has created. In lieu of having a contending team, moving pieces around to give at least the illusion of hope is core to rebuilding the fan base. A reasonable contract extension for Big Al would help as well. The dealings of the remainder of this pre-season will be a telltale sign to see if Taylor.org can compete with the other functional NBA front offices.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Blinded by the Light?
"The farther one travels, the less one knows"...George Harrison, "The Inner Light".
Although George was referring to heavenly pursuits, not a small market professional basketball team, the theme has ripples of truth to it when applied to the Wolves circumstance.
What we don't know...
- Can they remove their cancer-causing agents--namely Mark Blount and Ricky Davis?
- Will they be able to pare down their roster without buying out veterans (Greg Buckner) who would add stability to the team?
- Can they find decent point guard play?
- Will they find other players outside of Jefferson they can build around?
- Can they find someone in the low post who would complement Big Al, in terms of added defense and rebounding?
- Will Wittman be able to successfully coach a young group of players?
- Can a front office unable to build around a hall-of-famer suddenly be able to rebuild a franchise?
- Will this group of young players ever be able to share the ball and play defense at a playoff level?
What we do know....
- Jefferson has the potential to average a low post double-double (points/rebounds).
- Outside of Al, the low post play has been extremely inconsistent
- As with last year with KG on the roster, the Wolves have no fourth quarter mental toughness. There's no extra late game gear on this club to kick into, as of yet.
- Their defense is terrible
- Their offense is turnover laden and immature
- There is no clear leader on the team
- Corey Brewer needs serious work. He showed glimpses of flash last night, but he has a long way to go, as opposed to Noah, who's fitting right in with Chicago.
- The front office again is flirting with an embarrassing situation of ineffective roster management. Will they have to send one or two players down to the NDBL (Brewer/Richard) who they wanted to keep on the current roster this year, because they can't get rid of previous mistakes?
This is just a sampling of course; I'm sure there are many other issues out there I haven't thought of. The primary issue is as the season progress whether the Wolves can find any answers or continue Harrison-esque toward even more uncertainty? How long will it take to see any light at all?
Although George was referring to heavenly pursuits, not a small market professional basketball team, the theme has ripples of truth to it when applied to the Wolves circumstance.
What we don't know...
- Can they remove their cancer-causing agents--namely Mark Blount and Ricky Davis?
- Will they be able to pare down their roster without buying out veterans (Greg Buckner) who would add stability to the team?
- Can they find decent point guard play?
- Will they find other players outside of Jefferson they can build around?
- Can they find someone in the low post who would complement Big Al, in terms of added defense and rebounding?
- Will Wittman be able to successfully coach a young group of players?
- Can a front office unable to build around a hall-of-famer suddenly be able to rebuild a franchise?
- Will this group of young players ever be able to share the ball and play defense at a playoff level?
What we do know....
- Jefferson has the potential to average a low post double-double (points/rebounds).
- Outside of Al, the low post play has been extremely inconsistent
- As with last year with KG on the roster, the Wolves have no fourth quarter mental toughness. There's no extra late game gear on this club to kick into, as of yet.
- Their defense is terrible
- Their offense is turnover laden and immature
- There is no clear leader on the team
- Corey Brewer needs serious work. He showed glimpses of flash last night, but he has a long way to go, as opposed to Noah, who's fitting right in with Chicago.
- The front office again is flirting with an embarrassing situation of ineffective roster management. Will they have to send one or two players down to the NDBL (Brewer/Richard) who they wanted to keep on the current roster this year, because they can't get rid of previous mistakes?
This is just a sampling of course; I'm sure there are many other issues out there I haven't thought of. The primary issue is as the season progress whether the Wolves can find any answers or continue Harrison-esque toward even more uncertainty? How long will it take to see any light at all?
Saturday, October 20, 2007
An Affair to Dismember
...With apologies to Deborah Kerr, a fine actress who died this week.
According to Patrick Reusse, the Wolves are starting their media blitz to re-connect with their fan base this week, the official kick-off to "See What They Can Do". When you add that to the their familiar Midwestern themes of chemistry and loyalty, neither the sum or the parts seem particularly attractive. When you're losing big or blowing leads as they have been doing in the pre-season, how does that build any zazz at all? I'm not sure a Chamber of Commerce luncheon will overcome years of incompetence, trading your hall-of-famer, and encouraging all of us to reach deep down and discover our inner cynic. It's time to be bold and fresh.
For example...if you're going to sell youth, how about using Nat King Cole's song, "Too Young"?
"they tried to tell us we're too young"....update the song, put it against a video montage of the Wolves young guns dunking and defending, and at least you have a little something with energy and spirit. You have elements that can attract an older crowd and a younger, hip-hop community if you, for example, split screen old Nat with a new, up and coming artist. Since KG is throwing shots at you anyway, why not begin with him saying at the Boston press conference 'I don't do young"? Edgy and imaginative, a marketing middle finger back at the Ticket.
That's the problem with the front office--no zazz, no energy, no cool. Who'd want to rekindle an affair with THAT bunch?
If you're going to lose games big--as the first pre-season indications look like--Taylor.org is going to have to work that much harder to prove that progress is being made. Otherwise, you had better do what the loyal fan base (what's left of it) has been begging you to do for years: cut the country club to shreds and start over.
According to Patrick Reusse, the Wolves are starting their media blitz to re-connect with their fan base this week, the official kick-off to "See What They Can Do". When you add that to the their familiar Midwestern themes of chemistry and loyalty, neither the sum or the parts seem particularly attractive. When you're losing big or blowing leads as they have been doing in the pre-season, how does that build any zazz at all? I'm not sure a Chamber of Commerce luncheon will overcome years of incompetence, trading your hall-of-famer, and encouraging all of us to reach deep down and discover our inner cynic. It's time to be bold and fresh.
For example...if you're going to sell youth, how about using Nat King Cole's song, "Too Young"?
"they tried to tell us we're too young"....update the song, put it against a video montage of the Wolves young guns dunking and defending, and at least you have a little something with energy and spirit. You have elements that can attract an older crowd and a younger, hip-hop community if you, for example, split screen old Nat with a new, up and coming artist. Since KG is throwing shots at you anyway, why not begin with him saying at the Boston press conference 'I don't do young"? Edgy and imaginative, a marketing middle finger back at the Ticket.
That's the problem with the front office--no zazz, no energy, no cool. Who'd want to rekindle an affair with THAT bunch?
If you're going to lose games big--as the first pre-season indications look like--Taylor.org is going to have to work that much harder to prove that progress is being made. Otherwise, you had better do what the loyal fan base (what's left of it) has been begging you to do for years: cut the country club to shreds and start over.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Reality Bites
Ben Stiller was right, after all. When it comes to the Wolves, reality does bite. Fans can tell themselves they're braced, even enthused, about rebuilding but when you see it on the court...yikes!
Yeah, the second pre-season game--against real competition--was pretty bad. However, we're going to have a wait quite awhile, probably a season or two, before this whole thing shakes out. But the underlying premise still remains:
Why would anyone think acquiring young talent from a previously awful team--Boston--would yield significant dividends?
Sure, we got Big Al, and maybe Ryan Gomes will be a great glue guy, but seems at first glance that we've created a real mess, and have added many more questions than answers. Plus, we still have the Iron Ranger and Clueless Glen at the helm who created the mess. Even Donald Sterling looks more competent than we do. And, after all the comings and goings, it looks like we STILL need a point guard.
It's early yet, but unless we see real progress--beyond the moral victories--it's going to be hard not to be negative about the direction this club is going. It could be the Wolves will go the way of Winona Ryder, swiftly descending into mediocrity, bordering on irrelevance.
Yeah, the second pre-season game--against real competition--was pretty bad. However, we're going to have a wait quite awhile, probably a season or two, before this whole thing shakes out. But the underlying premise still remains:
Why would anyone think acquiring young talent from a previously awful team--Boston--would yield significant dividends?
Sure, we got Big Al, and maybe Ryan Gomes will be a great glue guy, but seems at first glance that we've created a real mess, and have added many more questions than answers. Plus, we still have the Iron Ranger and Clueless Glen at the helm who created the mess. Even Donald Sterling looks more competent than we do. And, after all the comings and goings, it looks like we STILL need a point guard.
It's early yet, but unless we see real progress--beyond the moral victories--it's going to be hard not to be negative about the direction this club is going. It could be the Wolves will go the way of Winona Ryder, swiftly descending into mediocrity, bordering on irrelevance.
Saturday, October 6, 2007
What 200 Million Plus Buys
As the occasional one or two readers of this blog knows, I'm no fan of the Taylor organization. What I'm hearing out of Europe from our dearly departed KG and from former Wolves, now Raptor head coach Sam Mitchell however is beginning to get outright irritating. It almost makes me want to be a homer again.
Witness the quotes from this morning's Boston Globe:
"But while visiting with Mitchell, now Toronto's coach, Thursday night, Garnett told his old teammate that the way things are done in Boston seems to be a lot better than what he was accustomed to in Minnesota. Tonight, a rejuvenated Garnett makes his Celtics debut against the Raptors in their preseason opener at the PalaLottomatica.
Mitchell seems to be no better. Here's a guy that probably wouldn't even played in the league if it weren't for expansion, and who came BACK to the Wolves after a stint at Indiana. If top management was so horrible at the time, after "seeing how other people do things", why didn't he just sign with someone else? Was it the combination of Flip Saunders and KG that made the organization palatable at the time, or was it that he probably wouldn't have found a job anywhere else?
Maybe the two should just shut up, and thank God the Wolves organization--for better or worse--came along when they did.
In today's world, it's not revenge but gratitude that seems to be a dish served cold.
Witness the quotes from this morning's Boston Globe:
"But while visiting with Mitchell, now Toronto's coach, Thursday night, Garnett told his old teammate that the way things are done in Boston seems to be a lot better than what he was accustomed to in Minnesota. Tonight, a rejuvenated Garnett makes his Celtics debut against the Raptors in their preseason opener at the PalaLottomatica.
"I'm a little bit revived," Garnett said after yesterday's press conference at the Rome mayor's office. "It's good to be around excellence. It's cool . . . The organization, everything so far has been first-class. Obviously, the guys on the team [and coach Doc Rivers have] been phenomenal. In 13 years, this is the best camp I've been involved with by far . . .
"I've never experienced a lot of things that have been going on. But you can definitely tell a difference in the organizations. It's revived me, I will say that. I'm having a lot of fun."
and:
"[Garnett] loves being in Boston, loves his teammates," said Mitchell, the winner of this year's Red Auerbach Trophy as Coach of the Year. "He said if he knew the NBA was like this, he would have wanted to be traded a long time ago . . .
"I just think everybody does things a little different and he just enjoys it. When you've been in one place your whole career, you forget how other people do things and he's never seen how other organizations work. I think he's very impressed with the way Boston treats their players and how they do things."
Well, isn't that special? I would think after two substantial contracts one would not take outright shots at former management, especially when the first contract was a substantial advance for NBA players, if not KG's own pocketbook. He talks loyalty and old school values, but walks an entirely different path. Say what you want about Taylor, he took a substantial risk with Da Kid, and for awhile it worked out for both of them. 200 million or so later, he gets traded to a team that has a shot at doing something special. That is, if he's up to it. Whether he is or not remains to be seen.Mitchell seems to be no better. Here's a guy that probably wouldn't even played in the league if it weren't for expansion, and who came BACK to the Wolves after a stint at Indiana. If top management was so horrible at the time, after "seeing how other people do things", why didn't he just sign with someone else? Was it the combination of Flip Saunders and KG that made the organization palatable at the time, or was it that he probably wouldn't have found a job anywhere else?
Maybe the two should just shut up, and thank God the Wolves organization--for better or worse--came along when they did.
In today's world, it's not revenge but gratitude that seems to be a dish served cold.
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
07-08 T-Wolves: Back to the Future - Part II
Hype and spin are so ubiquitous these days. Let's start with our dearly departed KG, who initially nixed a trade to Boston, and now is waxing eloquent about the tradition and history of the Celtics. Is it real, or is it the fact that he was able to sign another significant extension and now has two upper level stars to play with? Next, we have the Iron Ranger who after years of acquiring soft, jump shooting talent to surround KG, now is claiming smash mouth basketball is the style du jour. Moving on to our broadcaster extraordinare, Jim Petersen, who last year during the first half of the season proclaimed Mark Blount the second best center in the Western Conference. We can only hope that if Bad News Blount gets moved, Petersen will remember his words and not throw him under the bus as he did Mike James recently--another player who Petersen recommended the Wolves acquire. Finally, we have the Wolves organization as a whole, selling all the new players, pushing Al Jefferson as one of the next breakout stars, while simultaneously lowering the bar for the team.
What are we, the ordinary, uninformed, "never-played-the-game" fans supposed to believe? For the sake of selling tickets and keeping the franchise relevant, there's a whole lot folks at Club Timberwolves who want you to drink the kool-aid, and believe something special is beginning. Whether any fan chooses to believe is totally an individual decision, but I think we all should be asking ourselves questions along the way to keep things honest. For example, why would a team acquiring a majority of talent from one the worst teams in the last couple of years suddenly be "hype worthy"? Why would a VP who has utterly and completely failed to support a fabulous Hall of Fame type of player in his prime years now be able to build the right chemistry and talent to make a run at championship? As for Boston, why would three superstars who have yet been unable to make a significant dent in their post-season careers immediately be able to make a run at a championship?
What cuts through hype and spin are results, evaluating the gaps between promise and performance. Based on previous results, I would say the chances of the Wolves being worthy any time soon are poor. And, because the East Conference is still weak, Boston may take a run deep into the playoffs, but they won't win a ring.
Don't take my word for it though. See and judge for yourself, and don't believe anyone's sell job. We're better (and smarter) than that.
What are we, the ordinary, uninformed, "never-played-the-game" fans supposed to believe? For the sake of selling tickets and keeping the franchise relevant, there's a whole lot folks at Club Timberwolves who want you to drink the kool-aid, and believe something special is beginning. Whether any fan chooses to believe is totally an individual decision, but I think we all should be asking ourselves questions along the way to keep things honest. For example, why would a team acquiring a majority of talent from one the worst teams in the last couple of years suddenly be "hype worthy"? Why would a VP who has utterly and completely failed to support a fabulous Hall of Fame type of player in his prime years now be able to build the right chemistry and talent to make a run at championship? As for Boston, why would three superstars who have yet been unable to make a significant dent in their post-season careers immediately be able to make a run at a championship?
What cuts through hype and spin are results, evaluating the gaps between promise and performance. Based on previous results, I would say the chances of the Wolves being worthy any time soon are poor. And, because the East Conference is still weak, Boston may take a run deep into the playoffs, but they won't win a ring.
Don't take my word for it though. See and judge for yourself, and don't believe anyone's sell job. We're better (and smarter) than that.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
07-08 T-Wolves: Back to the Future
Where is Marty McFly when you need him? If only he could travel back in time and correct a measure of the mistakes this franchise has made since their inception. However to be frank, I hate time-travel as a thematic premise--it's been way overused. I now prefer "rebuilding from failure" story lines, which is why this year's Wolves club will be fascinating. They are indeed starting from scratch--not quite the expansion years, mind you--but they are looking to rebound from their failures.
The biggest question in my mind is whether the same front office crew that failed so miserably can be counted on to succeed. And, given the increasing amount of spin in today's society, what will be the Wolves' actual definition of success, both short and long term? I would wager (unofficially of course, and with no NBA referees) that their definition of success ultimately is not a championship, but a return to the days where they can keep hope alive, sell tickets, and appear to be organizationally functional once again. If a championship happens along the way, great, but if merely "the promise" can be restored--along with the financial rewards--the Iron Ranger can indeed rest on his laurels and fish happily once again. After all, it's the plateau where all the other Minnesota sports franchises aspire to reach these days.
More to follow...
The biggest question in my mind is whether the same front office crew that failed so miserably can be counted on to succeed. And, given the increasing amount of spin in today's society, what will be the Wolves' actual definition of success, both short and long term? I would wager (unofficially of course, and with no NBA referees) that their definition of success ultimately is not a championship, but a return to the days where they can keep hope alive, sell tickets, and appear to be organizationally functional once again. If a championship happens along the way, great, but if merely "the promise" can be restored--along with the financial rewards--the Iron Ranger can indeed rest on his laurels and fish happily once again. After all, it's the plateau where all the other Minnesota sports franchises aspire to reach these days.
More to follow...
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Blogs, Boards, and Broadcasters
I took a month off after the Lynx season to recharge, get my daughter to New York for a second year of college, and to prepare myself for what will be an interesting basketball season. Ever since the KG trade the Iron Ranger, Clueless Glen and the Wolves gang have been silent; I'm assuming they're trying to trade all the veteran talent who've requested a trade since KG left town. Of course, a functional team would attempt to hold onto the good assets (Howard), and try to deal the questionable to awful ones (Jaric, Blount, Davis), but since Howard still has some value, it probably will be the Michigan star who gets dealt before he ever steps onto the court in a Timberwolves uniform.
What has caught my eye has been the filler material produced until Wolves training camp starts: the blogs, message boards and contributions from broadcasters. I've been lurking around on MNSportsfan.com, checking Britt Robson's Rake submissions, and trying to stomach both the Wolves propaganda and Stephen Litel's offerings in countless online venues, as he continues his attempt to be the official Wolves town crier. And, of course, no off-season would be complete without at least one or two words from our TV analyst Jim Petersen, trying to hype the blockbuster trade, and convince a skeptical crowd that this time Kevin Mchale really knocked it out of the park. Ah, sweet cronyism!
I respect Mr. Robson, who I have noticed is branching out to discussing the Twins, some Vikings, and even posting on Brian Lambert's blog on the Rake. He hasn't said much about the Wolves, but I'm sure within a few weeks he will wax eloquent on KG and his basketball contributions (Tim Duncan is still better, BTW). The rest should be taken with a grain of salt; I like MNSportsfans around draft and summer free agent time, but beyond that it's a stew of unrealistic trades, McHale tirades, undeserved Wolves positivity, and Jerry from Blaine. Stephen Litel is a study in quantity over quality; what would happen to his Wolves access if he actually held their feet to the fire and asked a hard question? (That can be said for the sports MSM, as well).
What I find absolutely remarkable is the short memories of the folks who listen to people like Petersen. Here's a guy who:
1 - whole heartedly supported the first Boston trade
2 - advocated bringing Mike James here
3 - tried to sell people on Mark Blount's "professionalism" and skill level, just for starters.
Now, in the latest Stephen Litel masterpiece, he throws Mike James overboard without ever mentioning how strongly he felt James would be a major contributor to the club. If he were as honest and straight-up as people think he is, he should at least offer that small piece of accountability. Can't anyone even remotely attached to the Wolves organization say they were wrong...about anything?
Still, until the reality of the situation has locked in, everything is speculation at this point. Tubby Smith is still a hero, Pam Borton is still trying to recover from the mini-scandal two years ago, and the Wolves think they have a young nucleus of talent to build a future with. One would only hope SOMETHING goes right this winter.
What has caught my eye has been the filler material produced until Wolves training camp starts: the blogs, message boards and contributions from broadcasters. I've been lurking around on MNSportsfan.com, checking Britt Robson's Rake submissions, and trying to stomach both the Wolves propaganda and Stephen Litel's offerings in countless online venues, as he continues his attempt to be the official Wolves town crier. And, of course, no off-season would be complete without at least one or two words from our TV analyst Jim Petersen, trying to hype the blockbuster trade, and convince a skeptical crowd that this time Kevin Mchale really knocked it out of the park. Ah, sweet cronyism!
I respect Mr. Robson, who I have noticed is branching out to discussing the Twins, some Vikings, and even posting on Brian Lambert's blog on the Rake. He hasn't said much about the Wolves, but I'm sure within a few weeks he will wax eloquent on KG and his basketball contributions (Tim Duncan is still better, BTW). The rest should be taken with a grain of salt; I like MNSportsfans around draft and summer free agent time, but beyond that it's a stew of unrealistic trades, McHale tirades, undeserved Wolves positivity, and Jerry from Blaine. Stephen Litel is a study in quantity over quality; what would happen to his Wolves access if he actually held their feet to the fire and asked a hard question? (That can be said for the sports MSM, as well).
What I find absolutely remarkable is the short memories of the folks who listen to people like Petersen. Here's a guy who:
1 - whole heartedly supported the first Boston trade
2 - advocated bringing Mike James here
3 - tried to sell people on Mark Blount's "professionalism" and skill level, just for starters.
Now, in the latest Stephen Litel masterpiece, he throws Mike James overboard without ever mentioning how strongly he felt James would be a major contributor to the club. If he were as honest and straight-up as people think he is, he should at least offer that small piece of accountability. Can't anyone even remotely attached to the Wolves organization say they were wrong...about anything?
Still, until the reality of the situation has locked in, everything is speculation at this point. Tubby Smith is still a hero, Pam Borton is still trying to recover from the mini-scandal two years ago, and the Wolves think they have a young nucleus of talent to build a future with. One would only hope SOMETHING goes right this winter.
Monday, August 20, 2007
Optimism, Pessimism or Realism?
I thought my Dad was one of the most pessimistic dudes I'd ever met. I would accuse him of that every time he went into one of his long diatribes about how awful a particular situation was. His reply: "I'm not a pessimist, I'm a realist." My father's words were echoing in my head as I read the StarTrib's accounting of the Lynx game last night, especially how optimistic everyone associated with the team was in beating a top flight team who sat their starters. Reading through my blog posts, it's clear my pessimism was predominant for the entire season. Am I merely a buzz killer, or a realist, when it comes to the Lynx, or the Taylor basketball organization for that matter? Probably a bit of both.
No doubt the Lynx have something to work with next year; but as with the men's side, the people that have created two consecutive disastrous seasons are still at the helm. They want a premier frontcourt player they tell us, but that's what they said before the season started when they suddenly reversed course and made a play for Harding. Zierden talks about the last 13 games where a couple of breaks either way could have resulted in a winning stretch of games and mentions the Washington game in particular. He forgets to say how big of a lead they had in that game, how incompetent he was in protecting the lead, and the inability of Noelle Quinn to break a press. For each positive the team touts, there's a pessimistic item that can be added.
Since I am not quite my father, I will simply say that this club hasn't demonstrated yet that they can assemble a solid winning team. There is hope, but it's fair and realistic to say that the proof is not in their hype, but in the execution of a solid organizational plan. We can pray for yet another ping-pong ball lottery to go our way, but would a third straight league number one reverse our fortunes? We'll just have to wait and see.
No doubt the Lynx have something to work with next year; but as with the men's side, the people that have created two consecutive disastrous seasons are still at the helm. They want a premier frontcourt player they tell us, but that's what they said before the season started when they suddenly reversed course and made a play for Harding. Zierden talks about the last 13 games where a couple of breaks either way could have resulted in a winning stretch of games and mentions the Washington game in particular. He forgets to say how big of a lead they had in that game, how incompetent he was in protecting the lead, and the inability of Noelle Quinn to break a press. For each positive the team touts, there's a pessimistic item that can be added.
Since I am not quite my father, I will simply say that this club hasn't demonstrated yet that they can assemble a solid winning team. There is hope, but it's fair and realistic to say that the proof is not in their hype, but in the execution of a solid organizational plan. We can pray for yet another ping-pong ball lottery to go our way, but would a third straight league number one reverse our fortunes? We'll just have to wait and see.
Sunday, August 5, 2007
Bringing up the rear
If you're a manufacturer of ping-pong balls; I would consider the Twin Cities a prime choice for expansion. The demand in this area has gone dramatically up in the last week, with the KG trade and the ladies' performance. In the loss to Houston last night, we all but guaranteed the worst record in the league for the season. And, in a year where a 10-18 team still has a shot at the last playoff spot, we've eliminated ourselves from contention. As George Bush has said, that's hard work!
Hopefully, we won't be seeing a blueprint for the future on the Lynx side any time soon; that indeed would be the kiss of death. Their plan seems to be deceptively simple: Acquire league number one draft choices, and forget about the rest. Getting the first two hasn't done a thing to reverse our fortunes in the slightest, but maybe the third time will truly be the charm.
Not much has been said since it was reported early in the season that a Denver group was thinking of bringing the team to Colorado, but given the moves of this team, it still makes sense that something could happen. The Taylor organization certainly hasn't done anything to endear themselves to the Twin Cities basketball market, on either the men's or women's side. Without a substantial increase in wins, or recognizable player acquistions (Candice Parker, Whalen, McCarville), one would expect the same attendance for next year: between 2,000 to 6,000 fannies in the seats, with a couple of spikes given former Gopher appearances or cross-promotional efforts. That can't be good news for Mr. Taylor, affectionally known here as Clueless Glen. If they are to remain here, however, here are some suggestions:
1 - Bump Don Zierden to the front office, and establish Teresa Edwards as coach.
She's probably a little raw yet in terms of experience, but she understands the women's game, and as a former elite PG in the game, I think giving her the reins at this point would be perfect for a young team. Zierden has been a loyal employee for the Taylor organization; he has been consistently overmatched as a head coach, but he hasn't been given much to work with either, especially in the front court. Reward him with a spot where he truly belongs, either as an assistant for the men's team, or a front office exec. They seem to enjoy acquiring front office "talent" as much as putting qualified players on the court--what's one more for the country club?
2 - If the number one choice is NOT Candice Parker, deal the pick for some front court help.
Janel McCarville may still be available; she had a breakout season, but the Liberty also have had a tough year. What the Lynx have now will not do it for them. They have enough youth on their team. Vanessa Hayden will likely be coming back, but as I've said before, she's never been in good enough shape to consistently help the team. Which leads to:
3 - Dump Nicole Ohlde.
She seems like a very nice person, and so I won't be overly critical of her anymore, but enough is enough. She's not the answer, or even the question.
4 - Acquire a veteran point guard to back up Lindsey Harding.
It's clear they need to be able to run a half court offense if the transition game isn't happening for them. SA has to work way too hard for shots, and it shows in the fourth quarter. Even with her injury, Harding has to come a long way to demonstrate her ability to run a team.
5 - Hire a defensive minded assistant coach, either to replace Edwards, or Jenkins.
They really need help on the defensive end, even more than their offense, if that's possible.
6 - Get the pecking order straight.
It's pretty bad when early in the season all a team had to do was double-team SA, make her give up the ball, and watch the turnover happen. Ohlde failed miserably as a second option, Harding was inconsistent; only Svet showed up as a viable option this year. Part of a successful half-court offense is solidfying the options; if option number one is down, swing the ball side-to-side or inside- out, and run a play for option two or three. Or, have SA create, draw a crowd and have her distribute. As Trent Tucker used to say, "basketball is a very simple game". We need to know who those second or third options are, and we have not done much this year to develop them.
There you have it, for better or worse. Meanwhile, I'm searching through my portfolio, looking to buy stock in a ping-pong conglomerate...
Hopefully, we won't be seeing a blueprint for the future on the Lynx side any time soon; that indeed would be the kiss of death. Their plan seems to be deceptively simple: Acquire league number one draft choices, and forget about the rest. Getting the first two hasn't done a thing to reverse our fortunes in the slightest, but maybe the third time will truly be the charm.
Not much has been said since it was reported early in the season that a Denver group was thinking of bringing the team to Colorado, but given the moves of this team, it still makes sense that something could happen. The Taylor organization certainly hasn't done anything to endear themselves to the Twin Cities basketball market, on either the men's or women's side. Without a substantial increase in wins, or recognizable player acquistions (Candice Parker, Whalen, McCarville), one would expect the same attendance for next year: between 2,000 to 6,000 fannies in the seats, with a couple of spikes given former Gopher appearances or cross-promotional efforts. That can't be good news for Mr. Taylor, affectionally known here as Clueless Glen. If they are to remain here, however, here are some suggestions:
1 - Bump Don Zierden to the front office, and establish Teresa Edwards as coach.
She's probably a little raw yet in terms of experience, but she understands the women's game, and as a former elite PG in the game, I think giving her the reins at this point would be perfect for a young team. Zierden has been a loyal employee for the Taylor organization; he has been consistently overmatched as a head coach, but he hasn't been given much to work with either, especially in the front court. Reward him with a spot where he truly belongs, either as an assistant for the men's team, or a front office exec. They seem to enjoy acquiring front office "talent" as much as putting qualified players on the court--what's one more for the country club?
2 - If the number one choice is NOT Candice Parker, deal the pick for some front court help.
Janel McCarville may still be available; she had a breakout season, but the Liberty also have had a tough year. What the Lynx have now will not do it for them. They have enough youth on their team. Vanessa Hayden will likely be coming back, but as I've said before, she's never been in good enough shape to consistently help the team. Which leads to:
3 - Dump Nicole Ohlde.
She seems like a very nice person, and so I won't be overly critical of her anymore, but enough is enough. She's not the answer, or even the question.
4 - Acquire a veteran point guard to back up Lindsey Harding.
It's clear they need to be able to run a half court offense if the transition game isn't happening for them. SA has to work way too hard for shots, and it shows in the fourth quarter. Even with her injury, Harding has to come a long way to demonstrate her ability to run a team.
5 - Hire a defensive minded assistant coach, either to replace Edwards, or Jenkins.
They really need help on the defensive end, even more than their offense, if that's possible.
6 - Get the pecking order straight.
It's pretty bad when early in the season all a team had to do was double-team SA, make her give up the ball, and watch the turnover happen. Ohlde failed miserably as a second option, Harding was inconsistent; only Svet showed up as a viable option this year. Part of a successful half-court offense is solidfying the options; if option number one is down, swing the ball side-to-side or inside- out, and run a play for option two or three. Or, have SA create, draw a crowd and have her distribute. As Trent Tucker used to say, "basketball is a very simple game". We need to know who those second or third options are, and we have not done much this year to develop them.
There you have it, for better or worse. Meanwhile, I'm searching through my portfolio, looking to buy stock in a ping-pong conglomerate...
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Truth or Originality?
"No, I don't quite understand why McHale still has a job. And I think he failed to take advantage of one of the greatest players in NBA history. Now do you want to tell me how this is even remotely qualifies as an original, interesting take on August 2, 2007?
What is interesting to me is that the guy I've been bashing has had three pretty good drafts in a row. That those drafts and the trade he just made point toward a philosophy of play he has always preached, one directly at odds with the two most influential figures in the Wolves' past success--KG and Flip Saunders." - Britt Robson, August 2, 2007
I would offer to Britt that what's unoriginal lies in the continual and long standing failure of the Wolves organization to acknowledge what the real problem is. Isn't it usually said when a coach gets fired, that it's easier than firing all the players? Well, in this case, both the coach AND the players are getting fired, with the core issue remaining...the Iron Ranger and Clueless Glen. There is absolutely no evidence that McHale's new Navy will be any better in the end. Why? Because it's not simply about the players; it's also how you treat them, how you work with their agents, what type of contracts you sign them to. It's a skill set beyond the hardwood, and the Ranger doesn't have it. We've seen this now for many years. THAT is what's unoriginal. We're still waiting for Godot, and it's time the play ends.
For the record, it's not because KG was traded that I harp on these facts. Some of the things KG said at the Boston press conference was incredible. Taylor showed plenty of loyalty and love to the guy, over 200 million worth. KG--while great--was an over priced talent, but never recognized his role in all this mess. He's content to play victim. Now as you, me, and many others have said, there are no excuses. But the fact remains everything negative about the Wolves has flowed downhill from the front office. Marv Wolfenson, Harvey Ratner, Bob Stein, Jack McCloskey, Glen Taylor and Kevin McHale. A wall of organizational shame.
Yeah, it will be interesting to see what happens, and I'll go to games, because I love basketball, and it will be a challenge for me to guess which referee is actually on the take. But even more than wasting a top talent like KG, the real tragedy is here ruining a basketball market with incompetence, arrogance, and spin. It's an old familiar theme; boring, unoriginal, but it's the truth.
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