Who takes a leap this season?

[Nick K]

Key for McDaniels to me isn’t body or skills development, it’s his mentality. Can he be assertive or will he continue to play timid and disappear like he did in college and his rookie year? He’s always had the talent, just not willingness to use it.

That's prety harsh considering he was a 1st year back up player finding his way. Most guys don't come out great right out of the egg. His mentality is just fine. He's doing what the coaches are telling him to do. Maybe mentality means confidence to you. I get that. They featured him in the summer league to be aggressive, drive to the basket and take over offensively. All the things he needs to do. I think he did very well.

His upside is huge. That's why I argued so strongly for Ant when so many wanted Ball. Ant had the huge upside.

You will be a big McD fan in the future. Fans are so impatient. The time to worry is 3rd year when he can't get off the bench like Okogie.

[Krapinsky]

Key for McDaniels to me isn’t body or skills development, it’s his mentality. Can he be assertive or will he continue to play timid and disappear like he did in college and his rookie year? He’s always had the talent, just not willingness to use it.

That's prety harsh considering he was a 1st year back up player finding his way. Most guys don't come out great right out of the egg. His mentality is just fine. He's doing what the coaches are telling him to do. Maybe mentality means confidence to you. I get that. They featured him in the summer league to be aggressive, drive to the basket and take over offensively. All the things he needs to do. I think he did very well.

His upside is huge. That's why I argued so strongly for Ant when so many wanted Ball. Ant had the huge upside.

You will be a big McD fan in the future. Fans are so impatient. The time to worry is 3rd year when he can't get off the bench like Okogie.

He was a highly recruited high school player that underwhelmed at Washington for the same reasons he underwhelmed last year. He had one of the lowest PER’s in the league last year. I get what people like about him, but he needs to become a more impactful player. I wish I could combine Vanderbilt and McDaniel’s into one.

[Nick K]

Key for McDaniels to me isn’t body or skills development, it’s his mentality. Can he be assertive or will he continue to play timid and disappear like he did in college and his rookie year? He’s always had the talent, just not willingness to use it.

That's prety harsh considering he was a 1st year back up player finding his way. Most guys don't come out great right out of the egg. His mentality is just fine. He's doing what the coaches are telling him to do. Maybe mentality means confidence to you. I get that. They featured him in the summer league to be aggressive, drive to the basket and take over offensively. All the things he needs to do. I think he did very well.

His upside is huge. That's why I argued so strongly for Ant when so many wanted Ball. Ant had the huge upside.

You will be a big McD fan in the future. Fans are so impatient. The time to worry is 3rd year when he can't get off the bench like Okogie.

He was a highly recruited high school player that underwhelmed at Washington for the same reasons he underwhelmed last year. He had one of the lowest PER’s in the league last year. I get what people like about him, but he needs to become a more impactful player. I wish I could combine Vanderbilt and McDaniel’s into one.

I'm curious, do you watch every game start to finish?

[Krapinsky]

That's prety harsh considering he was a 1st year back up player finding his way. Most guys don't come out great right out of the egg. His mentality is just fine. He's doing what the coaches are telling him to do. Maybe mentality means confidence to you. I get that. They featured him in the summer league to be aggressive, drive to the basket and take over offensively. All the things he needs to do. I think he did very well.

His upside is huge. That's why I argued so strongly for Ant when so many wanted Ball. Ant had the huge upside.

You will be a big McD fan in the future. Fans are so impatient. The time to worry is 3rd year when he can't get off the bench like Okogie.

He was a highly recruited high school player that underwhelmed at Washington for the same reasons he underwhelmed last year. He had one of the lowest PER’s in the league last year. I get what people like about him, but he needs to become a more impactful player. I wish I could combine Vanderbilt and McDaniel’s into one.

I'm curious, do you watch every game start to finish?

I have some semblance of a personal life.

[gandlogo]

The Wolves take a leap this season - a Suns-esque leap - and go 52-30 (63%).

Phoenix went from 34-39 (47%) in 19-20 to 51-21 (71%) last season.

The Wolves were 16-25 (39%) under Finch, but 10-10 (50%) over their final 20 games.

Towns puts up KG MVP-like numbers (24, 12, 6) while playing acceptable defense and goes back to the All-Star game (which means nothing). And he finds joy in playing the game.

Ant builds on last year and makes the All-Star game (again, meaning nothing) and hears whispers of MVP (and echos of it in Target Center) after averaging 1.5 steals, 1.5 blocks, and 1.5 SportsCenter Top 10 highlights per game.

DLO stays healthy and enjoys his best -and most efficient - season since being in Brooklyn.

Naz plays his way into 25+ minutes/game.

McDaniels pushes Thybulle off All-NBA Defensive Second Team, while shooting 40% from range.

Bolmaro rides a second half surge in playing time to a third place in ROY voting.

Pat Bev serves his one game suspension with the same intensity and fire that he brings the remainder of the season. Channeling his Arkansas basketball roots, turns the entire Wolves defense into 48-miuntes of Heck (it's a MN thing).

Vando catches a pass cleanly and Okogie hits an open three - in the same game.

State of hockey my butt.

Finch somehow finishes second in the Coach of the Year voting.

[Klomp]

I love the optimism gandlogo! Even I'm not sure I'd go quite that far though. But I like it!

[gandlogo]

I love the optimism gandlogo! Even I'm not sure I'd go quite that far though. But I like it!

Each item is not out of the realm of possibility - individually. Who's to say they can't pull off the parlay? We both referenced the Suns in different posts - and the parallels that can be drawn. Their o/u for wins last season was 40.5, or 56% winning percentage - which they crushed. Heavily rose colored glasses because I'm a fan? Sure. But I really like the pieces here, so why not dream big?

[Nick K]

The Wolves take a leap this season - a Suns-esque leap - and go 52-30 (63%).

Phoenix went from 34-39 (47%) in 19-20 to 51-21 (71%) last season.

The Wolves were 16-25 (39%) under Finch, but 10-10 (50%) over their final 20 games.

Towns puts up KG MVP-like numbers (24, 12, 6) while playing acceptable defense and goes back to the All-Star game (which means nothing). And he finds joy in playing the game.

Ant builds on last year and makes the All-Star game (again, meaning nothing) and hears whispers of MVP (and echos of it in Target Center) after averaging 1.5 steals, 1.5 blocks, and 1.5 SportsCenter Top 10 highlights per game.

DLO stays healthy and enjoys his best -and most efficient - season since being in Brooklyn.

Naz plays his way into 25+ minutes/game.

McDaniels pushes Thybulle off All-NBA Defensive Second Team, while shooting 40% from range.

Bolmaro rides a second half surge in playing time to a third place in ROY voting.

Pat Bev serves his one game suspension with the same intensity and fire that he brings the remainder of the season. Channeling his Arkansas basketball roots, turns the entire Wolves defense into 48-miuntes of Heck (it's a MN thing).

Vando catches a pass cleanly and Okogie hits an open three - in the same game.

State of hockey my butt.

Finch somehow finishes second in the Coach of the Year voting.

Damn right gandlogo! There are brave souls out there. I fully agree and said so in the other thread.

[Klomp]

I love the optimism gandlogo! Even I'm not sure I'd go quite that far though. But I like it!

Each item is not out of the realm of possibility - individually. Who's to say they can't pull off the parlay? We both referenced the Suns in different posts - and the parallels that can be drawn. Their o/u for wins last season was 40.5, or 56% winning percentage - which they crushed. Heavily rose colored glasses because I'm a fan? Sure. But I really like the pieces here, so why not dream big?

I certainly believe in the trajectory, so by all means dream big! I just have a slightly safer mindset and think we're another year behind that.

[gandlogo]

I love the optimism gandlogo! Even I'm not sure I'd go quite that far though. But I like it!

Each item is not out of the realm of possibility - individually. Who's to say they can't pull off the parlay? We both referenced the Suns in different posts - and the parallels that can be drawn. Their o/u for wins last season was 40.5, or 56% winning percentage - which they crushed. Heavily rose colored glasses because I'm a fan? Sure. But I really like the pieces here, so why not dream big?

I certainly believe in the trajectory, so by all means dream big! I just have a slightly safer mindset and think we're another year behind that.

A football coach that was recruiting my son told him, "Set goals so big that someone laughs at them - then prove them wrong." So while not a safe mindset, it is one that has stuck with me.

[Merc_Porto]

I love the optimism gandlogo! Even I'm not sure I'd go quite that far though. But I like it!

Each item is not out of the realm of possibility - individually. Who's to say they can't pull off the parlay? We both referenced the Suns in different posts - and the parallels that can be drawn. Their o/u for wins last season was 40.5, or 56% winning percentage - which they crushed. Heavily rose colored glasses because I'm a fan? Sure. But I really like the pieces here, so why not dream big?

You cant.
The Phoenix Suns added Chris Paul. what the hell are you guys talking about?
We are the exact same team. Sure, players evolve but where is our big addition to compare us with the Phoenix Suns?

Chris Paul finished 5th for the MVP.
The Phoenix Suns the minute they added Chris Paul nobody expected them to miss the playoffs last year.

[Klomp]

I love the optimism gandlogo! Even I'm not sure I'd go quite that far though. But I like it!

Each item is not out of the realm of possibility - individually. Who's to say they can't pull off the parlay? We both referenced the Suns in different posts - and the parallels that can be drawn. Their o/u for wins last season was 40.5, or 56% winning percentage - which they crushed. Heavily rose colored glasses because I'm a fan? Sure. But I really like the pieces here, so why not dream big?

You cant.
The Phoenix Suns added Chris Paul. what the hell are you guys talking about?
We are the exact same team. Sure, players evolve but where is our big addition to compare us with the Phoenix Suns?

Chris Paul finished 5th for the MVP.
The Phoenix Suns the minute they added Chris Paul nobody expected them to miss the playoffs last year.

This is why I personally believe they are a year behind the pace.

Now if they trade for Simmons, my dreaming may go through the roof as well!

[Biff Cooper]

I love the optimism gandlogo! Even I'm not sure I'd go quite that far though. But I like it!

Each item is not out of the realm of possibility - individually. Who's to say they can't pull off the parlay? We both referenced the Suns in different posts - and the parallels that can be drawn. Their o/u for wins last season was 40.5, or 56% winning percentage - which they crushed. Heavily rose colored glasses because I'm a fan? Sure. But I really like the pieces here, so why not dream big?

You cant.
The Phoenix Suns added Chris Paul. what the hell are you guys talking about?
We are the exact same team. Sure, players evolve but where is our big addition to compare us with the Phoenix Suns?

Chris Paul finished 5th for the MVP.
The Phoenix Suns the minute they added Chris Paul nobody expected them to miss the playoffs last year.

Russell, Towns, and Beasley missed 42%, 31%, and 49% of the Wolves games last season. Also, Ant was an awful basketball player (like worst in the league awful) the first half of last season, and developed into a very good player by the second half. If you add full health of Russell, Towns, and Beasley, you are essentially adding one very good player to the roster compared to last year. If you can count on second half of the year Ant showing up, and first half of the year Ant not showing up, that is at least another huge boost to the Wolves roster over the beginning of last season.

[Dewey]

If our defense is legitimately improved, Prince could be a solid 3-D guy for us. Seems pretty motivated with the opportunity to get back on track.