A realist's POV...

[UKTimberwolf]

I've sat back and been merely a reader on this forum for a while now, but in this time of chaos I decided to make an account and put forward my views.

First of all, our season is not over. Everybody is thinking that it is because we lost the man that had been creator of dreams and center of international hype; but the fact is there are 4 other guys on the court with him as well as those on the bench. My point is that he isn't the team. We have the best PF in the league at the moment in Kevin Love and it would be bad for his sake to suddenly think that we are playing for nothing. Also, we have a rising star in Pek. What good would it be for him if we decided to tank the season? This isn't the season ending tragedy that some are talking about. Sure it isn't ideal, but, we have depth. Although not particularly relevant when looking at gaps, most teams would have Beasley as a starter. We have 2 high-quality, scoring PG's in our hands that will definitely increase in productivity with the absence of Rubio. Of course Rubio was a huge impact on the team, quality wise and entertainment wise, but its one player. Just one.

Now I know it was nice to be attracting a bit of attention and generating hype after years of low-level mediocrity but you have to be realistic in this situation: we are NOT a playoff team. Why? Because I look at our potential to get past the first round against likely the top team and there is simply none. If you disagree, ask yourself how we can beat the Thunder or Spurs (I doubt it will be the Clippers) in even one game let alone 4. We are just too inconsistent. We are dominating the Clippers in head to heads so far this season but we have lost to teams that quite simply you need to beat to get into the playoffs. Was I the only one that expected us to lose last night? The Hornets are inconsistent as well, so when we have a bad game they might too. However, I expected the team to be reeling from the news, as shocked as we all were. There will have been little talking throughout the day as opposed to motivational speeches. Its a season-changing event, but it doesn't have to be.

And a final word. The reason I chose the Timberwolves as my team (being a UK fan I have no local team) is because of the underdog spirit. I love the fight, the grit, the normality of this team. There is little expctation, just hope that something might actually happen. The fans are loyal, they love the team no matter what. Target Center is rocking regardless of the situation and everyone knows it. So why don't we keep it this way?

I don't love the Timberwolves because they might finally be a playoff team, I love them because they are the Timberwolves.

[john2jer]

"They may take our lives... but they'll never take... OUR FREEDOM!!!!!!!!!!!!"

:slowclap:

It's the eye of the Wolves
It's the thrill of the fight
Risin' up to the challenge
Of our rival
And the last known survivor
Stalks his prey in the night
And he's watching us all with the
Eye of the WOOOLLLVVVVEEEESSSS!!!

ARRRROOOOOOO

I'm motivated now. Let's do this!

(Nice post, I'm an ass, welcome to the board.)

[funfactor]

Nice realist-optimistic first post, welcome to the boards.
Entirely agree with you. Except for the fact that this team is more team than most of the nba teams, (a little bit redundant) and they lost a friend in the coart.
However I bet my ass! (figuratively) this team will make the POs!

[UKTimberwolf]

"They may take our lives... but they'll never take... OUR FREEDOM!!!!!!!!!!!!"

:slowclap:

It's the eye of the Wolves
It's the thrill of the fight
Risin' up to the challenge
Of our rival
And the last known survivor
Stalks his prey in the night
And he's watching us all with the
Eye of the WOOOLLLVVVVEEEESSSS!!!

ARRRROOOOOOO

I'm motivated now. Let's do this!

(Nice post, I'm an ass, welcome to the board.)

Haha thankyou, Im motivated too and just can't wait for the next game! Go Wolves!

[UKTimberwolf]

Nice realist-optimistic first post, welcome to the boards.
Entirely agree with you. Except for the fact that this team is more team than most of the nba teams, (a little bit redundant) and they lost a friend in the coart.
However I bet my ass! (figuratively) this team will make the POs!

Thanks for the welcome, first post of many I hope.

I'm not as certain we'll make the playoffs as you. In fact, I think that we have about a 20% chance (down from about 40%, I think at least one of the Rockets, Blazers or Nuggets will get the 8th spot) but why can't we? Once we get that first post-rubio win then it will help an unimaginable amount.

[LordBaldric]

With Rubio/Love/Pek bringing consistent positive contributions to the table, I always felt we could win any given game as long as one from our wing/guard poo poo platter would step up with a strong game. Not so much to ask.

Now we need 2 of those guys to step up with simultaneous strong games. This is a much dicier proposition considering how wildly inconsistent these guys are.

We'll still win some games, but unless one of our unknowns (DWill, Lee) suddenly shines day in and day out, I sadly must say our playoff chances are practically nil.

[UKTimberwolf]

With Rubio/Love/Pek bringing consistent positive contributions to the table, I always felt we could win any given game as long as one from our wing/guard poo poo platter would step up with a strong game. Not so much to ask.

Now we need 2 of those guys to step up with simultaneous strong games. This is a much dicier proposition considering how wildly inconsistent these guys are.

We'll still win some games, but unless one of our unknowns (DWill, Lee) suddenly shines day in and day out, I sadly must say our playoff chances are practically nil.

Precisely what I am thinking. Dont count us out yet though...

[cojayar]

You miss one very important point. Actually the most important point of the absence of RR.
It is not a matter of points, production and for sure hype (what the hell).

What this team has now to find is:
1. Defense
2. Leadership

Rubio was commanding the defense and offense. Just watch him telling the teammates where to be.
And giving an example of sacrifice on defense (with many double helps even if sometimes you allow an easy basket).

Now someone has to take this role.
- Love will be the "production" leader but do not expect him to position the players. And defensively he is weak (no doubt about this).
- Pekovic will never be a leader, he is a warrior.
- JJ does not have to think about what he is doing, he can not think about others.
- Luke, well, a valid PG, but not a floor general. He tries in the defensive side, but it is enough if he gets his defense done, do not ask him to lead the defense.
- B-Easy is thinking first and most on himself. Not a team player to whom build up.
- D-Will is not experienced enough, I think he has the will to take a step forward, but first he has to establish himself as a starter before we can ask him more.
- Wes? Tolliver? Ellington? Lee? ...

I do not see anybody who can take the lead in the short term. This means, bye bye play offs.