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...
Sunday, September 30, 2007
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.
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