Will The Timberwolves Make The Playoffs?

[eyeteeth]

This team has great spirit. They play hard all gmae, come from behind and beat tough teams. They are so much better the second 1/4 of this season than they were the first 1/4. I think they will keep getting better and make a serious push for the playoffs. 51%-49% they get in.

I would really like to see more Michael Beasley out there, especially at the end of games. He is playing smarter and IMO offers more than Martell. For that matter, Martell often gets a free pass for boneheaded plays that Beasley would get crucified for.

I don't think we make a trade at the deadline, and maybe not even any significant moves in the offseason. The real action might be after next season or at the deadline next year. Then I think Williams, Ridnour and one of either Beasley or Martell get traded together for the fabled SG.

This team as constructed will get better on its own for a little while. Our players will become more valuable as trade pieces. However, Williams is a 4. Pure and simple. And he should start somewhere. This is going to be our ticket. But we don't need to trade it in just yet.

[Krapinsky]

Martell is actually our best wing defender statistically, so I think Adelman can live with a boneheaded play here or there.

[kmgarnett21]

Wilbon expects the Wolves to make the playoffs:

I expect the Minnesota Timberwolves to make the playoffs, and for Rick Adelman to get his share of votes for Coach of the Year.

http://espn.go.com/nba/allstar2012/stor ... lf-2011-12

[mcd6184]

Wilbon expects the Wolves to make the playoffs:

I expect the Minnesota Timberwolves to make the playoffs, and for Rick Adelman to get his share of votes for Coach of the Year.

http://espn.go.com/nba/allstar2012/stor ... lf-2011-12

I personally agree with Wilbon.

I think the Trailblazers and Nuggets are struggling with injuries and as long as the Pups stay healthy even with their flaws they should be able to make a move. They lost some games they definitely should have won in the first half of the season and if they nab more of those than they lose in the second half they should be right there for the 7 or 8 seed. With that Adelman will win or make strong run at coach of the year.

I posted about this on my blog today if anyone is interested in a longer look at my thoughts at the all star break on the pups:

http://www.stobblog.com/2012/02/stobs-t ... eckup.html

[weasel]

Worm Guts talked about the (lack of) shooting we've seen so far, and I agree that improved shooting is the biggest key to us making it. We have SO many players shooting below their averages, you'd have to think some of them will start hitting in the 2nd half of the season. I do also think the lack of practice time will affect shooting percentages in a bad way, but I just don't believe that so many of our players will keep shooting this bad all season long. And once those shots start falling more often, I can't imagine how much that will open things up for Love and Pek.

[weasel]

In the two weeks since this was posted, has anyone changed their mind?

[funkatron101]

In the two weeks since this was posted, has anyone changed their mind?

I am definitely more hopefully, but it is still an ugly stretch of games at the end.