A note of thanks and apology

AJ Valliant · Post #1 » by **AJ Valliant** » Tue Jun 28, 2011 2:59 pm

Let me preface this by admitting I started lurking on this forum because I was amused at how much support Kahn got for such a suspect job and I wanted to...if not troll.... at least read the responses of the fanbase to other trolls. Over time the quality of discussion, and real depth of basketball knowledge and appreciation shown, have turned me into closet Timberwolves fan and daily lurker that feels invested in the fanbase and team.

As a Raptors fan I am shocked and amazed at how positive and constructive the conversation has remained here despite very tough times (our board is a cesspool of bitterness, infighting, and sorrow). What I first saw as delusional support of an incompetent GM and organization I’ve come to respect as stoic optimisms and mad dog loyalty.

While I’ll never give up on my first love (my dear broken shabby Raptors) I wanted to voice how much respect I have for you guys, and how impressed I am with the class with which you endure the constant media/other fan critiques and reversals of fortunes. And I’m sorry I originaly came her with such shabby intentions. Thanks for the great vicarious basketball talk.

AJ Valliant

Post #2 » by **gojoorange** » Tue Jun 28, 2011 4:27 pm

Raps and Wolves, welcome to the team!

Gobble · Post #3 » by **Gobble** » Tue Jun 28, 2011 4:36 pm

I still don't want Calderon.

Post #4 » by **gojoorange** » Tue Jun 28, 2011 4:36 pm

Gobble wrote:I still don't want Calderon.

EddyCool · Post #5 » by **EddyCool** » Tue Jun 28, 2011 4:37 pm

AJ Valliant wrote:Let me preface this by admitting I started lurking on this forum because I was amused at how much support Kahn got for such a suspect job and I wanted to...if not troll.... at least read the responses of the fanbase to other trolls. Over time the quality of discussion, and real depth of basketball knowledge and appreciation shown, have turned me into closet Timberwolves fan and daily lurker that feels invested in the fanbase and team.

As a Raptors fan I am shocked and amazed at how positive and constructive the conversation has remained here despite very tough times (our board is a cesspool of bitterness, infighting, and sorrow). What I first saw as delusional support of an incompetent GM and organization I’ve come to respect as stoic optimisms and mad dog loyalty.

While I’ll never give up on my first love (my dear broken shabby Raptors) I wanted to voice how much respect I have for you guys, and how impressed I am with the class with which you endure the constant media/other fan critiques and reversals of fortunes. And I’m sorry I originaly came her with such shabby intentions. Thanks for the great vicarious basketball talk.

AJ Valliant

Thank you. :thumbsup:

weasel · Post #6 » by **weasel** » Tue Jun 28, 2011 4:38 pm

Appology accepted, IF you give us DeRozan. :lol:

funkatron101 · Post #7 » by **funkatron101** » Tue Jun 28, 2011 5:31 pm

Awesome post, AJ Valliant!

I don't think you will find one Wolves fan who will claim that Kahn has been perfect. He certainly hasn't. What we will do is look past the scathing media hate of all things Kahn (something that Bill Simmons has pretty much admitted) and look at the things that he has actually done, he intentions, and then make judgement.

That is simply something that the masses do not have the time or desire to do. A. They are not invested in the team. B. They are not privy to much of the information as we are. So it is much easier and more gratifying for them to glance over a biased article about Kahn, not look at the facts, and reply with one of the plethora of canned responses ("KHAAAAAAN," "Draft another point guard," etc.)

Now anyone having an opposing view to "Kahn is an idiot" no matter what the justification and reasoning, is simply dismissed as a "Kahn supporter."

Kudos to you for looking past that.

shrink · Post #8 » by **shrink** » Tue Jun 28, 2011 5:40 pm

I want to echo what funkatron said.

I am not the biggest supporter of Kahn, and I think he's made several mistakes, but he has had successes as well. However, even though I'm not a huge fan, I think the media has painted him as a complete incompetant, and I think that rallies us together. Bash him for what he deserves to be bashed for,that's fine, but be fair, and give credit where it's due. With his value-investing approach, he has done a good job adding upside talent at a reasonable price, and I think many of us are far more optimistic about the wolves future now, than in the past.

I also want to commend you for posting. You could have easily just kept lurking, and not taken the time. I want to welcome you to the Wolves fans / support group we call this forum

GopherIt! · Post #9 » by **GopherIt!** » Tue Jun 28, 2011 8:57 pm

I think the Raps board is one of the funniest on RealGM. Their fans perspective and sense of humor amidst the "suffering" the likes of Jose, Bargs, Hedo and VC have caused is often priceless.

sisibilio · Post #10 » by **sisibilio** » Tue Jun 28, 2011 9:13 pm

GopherIt! wrote:I think the Raps board is one of the funniest on RealGM. Their fans perspective and sense of humor amidst the "suffering" the likes of Jose, Bargs, Hedo and VC have caused is often priceless.

+ they have turbozone.

JasonL · Post #11 » by **JasonL** » Tue Jun 28, 2011 10:17 pm

Kahn hasn't been as bad as the media wants to make him out to be.

He had alot to clean up, and im quite pleased with the pieces we have now and the direction this team is heading.

Narf · Post #12 » by **Narf** » Wed Jun 29, 2011 12:03 am

gojoorange wrote:
Gobble wrote:I still don't want Calderon.

I didn't just laugh when I read that, I snorted.

Post #13 » by **C.lupus** » Wed Jun 29, 2011 12:14 am

Thanks for the post AJ! You don't have to lurk. You can post, too you know.

cpfsf · Post #14 » by **cpfsf** » Wed Jun 29, 2011 12:17 am

Can he be our new mod?

Post #15 » by **Klomp** » Wed Jun 29, 2011 12:22 am

cpfsf wrote:Can he be our new mod?

No, but he can probably beat you out for Hornets mod.

Post #16 » by **C.lupus** » Wed Jun 29, 2011 12:23 am

Sure, he can have my spot.

cpfsf · Post #17 » by **cpfsf** » Wed Jun 29, 2011 12:38 am

C.lupus wrote:Sure, he can have my spot.

Just between you and me, Klomps the one that's on the hot seat.

On a related note, Klomp...you might not want to make any big purchases any time soon. Maybe even pass on those season tickets you've always wanted because not every job is secure, especially in these economic times.

walchy · Post #18 » by **walchy** » Wed Jun 29, 2011 1:07 am

Narf wrote:
gojoorange wrote:
Gobble wrote:I still don't want Calderon.

I didn't just laugh when I read that, I snorted.

I got a dirty look from my boss i was laughing so loudly :lol:

Good post tho OP :thumbsup:

AJ Valliant · Post #19 » by **AJ Valliant** » Wed Jun 29, 2011 2:21 am

funkatron101 wrote:Awesome post, AJ Valliant!

I don't think you will find one Wolves fan who will claim that Kahn has been perfect. He certainly hasn't. What we will do is look past the scathing media hate of all things Kahn (something that Bill Simmons has pretty much admitted) and look at the things that he has actually done, he intentions, and then make judgement.

T.

It's funny you say that, it was listening to him on the BS report that brought me around a little. While Kahn wasn't overflowing with charm and life changing insight, he did seem fairly grounded and like he had a reasonable plan that hadn't gone well. In short he seemed...an ordinary gm. Nothing exceptional, but not the arrogant, clueless, tool that he'd been portrayed as.

I still don't like the roster balance, and think developing talented players outside their natural positions and roles is ill advised, but he has gotten the team into a decent cap situation and well stocked with assets.

And thank you everyone for the welcome, It's appreciated.

AJ Valliant · Post #20 » by **AJ Valliant** » Wed Jun 29, 2011 2:24 am

GopherIt! wrote:I think the Raps board is one of the funniest on RealGM. Their fans perspective and sense of humor amidst the "suffering" the likes of Jose, Bargs, Hedo and VC have caused is often priceless.

I like my home board...it's just a little volatile and erratic at times. We're not bad people...but there are a lot of us and the cacophony can be a bit much.