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.
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