Wolves NBA Champoions in 2010

levi wrote:
> ikrushlots.RemoveThis@aol.com wrote:
> > An ESPN article asks several NBA pundits to answer this question: Which
> > current cellar dweller may turn into a champ?
> >
> > David Thorpe's answer: The Timberwolves
> >
> > "Just three years ago, the Miami Heat came off a bad year and started
> > the new season with a rookie coach, losing their first seven games.
> >
> > Yet, less than two seasons later, that franchise lost in the Eastern
> > Conference Finals, and then won the title the next year. I think the
> > Minnesota Timberwolves can build a similar team.
> >
> > The Heat added Shaq, giving them an All-Star post player to go along
> > with Dwyane Wade. The Wolves already have Kevin Garnett, a dominant
> > scorer/rebounder/defender, and they drafted Randy Foye, who showed this
> > summer (and in college) that he has a real chance to be Wade-like very
> > soon.
> >
> > Eddie Jones and Damon Jones provided perimeter scoring and leadership
> > that proved pivotal to the Heat, while the Wolves now have Mike James,
> > coming off a career year (20 ppg and 44 percent from 3) and Ricky Davis
> > (19.4 ppg).
> >
> > Udonis Haslem and Eddie Jones were great defenders and knew how to play
> > their roles to perfection. Trenton Hassell and Justin Reed can play
> > similar roles in Minnesota.
> >
> > Mark Blount had his two best rebounding months in March and April last
> > year. KG will continue to influence him toward playing to his
> > potential. The Wolves need some additional help inside, and they need
> > Foye to develop rapidly, so a trade involving Ricky Davis could help on
> > both accounts.
> >
> > Now, if Coach Dwane Casey can go to school as fast as Coach Van Gundy
> > did in Miami, and Foye can "be like Dwayne," the Wolves just may pull a
> > Miami and contend for the title in 2008.
> >
> > David Thorpe is Executive Director of the Pro Training Center in
> > Clearwater, FL, where he works as a personal coach for Udonis Haslem,
> > Kevin Martin and other NBA players."
> >
> > Should I reserve 2010 season tickets?
>
> <grin> I''d wait until Blount rebounds better than Kandi,
> the Wolves trade Davis for something other than a chump,
> then sign Shaq and bring Van Gundy in for Casey.
>
> Of course, if McHale steps down, you might even opt for
> 2007/8 tics.

While I think the Wally trade was a big mistake, I can't complain with
what McHale has done this summer. I wouldn't be surprised if James
ends up the best free agent signing of the summer. I also think Foye
will be one of the top rookies. While it would be jumping the gun to
call him the next Wade, I do believe his ceiling is in that vicinity.

I'd like to trade Davis for a quality player, but I do think he can
work out with the Wolves, *as long as he is not the number two player
on the team*. With James and Foye, along with Hassel showing he can be
competent at times on offense, there is no need for Davis to be a
primary scorer (I also think Bracey Wright is going to surprise people)
However, he can be a very good *scoring 6th man* off the bench. He
flourished in that role when Boston made that move, and it could work
here.

IMO, the Wolves success this season hinges on Eddie Griffin. If he can
be that 3-4 block guy at C that can protect the lane and scoop up 7-8
rebounds/game (I don't care what he does offensively), the Wolves will
be in really good shape. Possibly even contenders for a top 4 slot in
the WC. He has the talent and ability to do it. It all depends on his
mental makeup this season. If he doesn't perform, the Wolves will at
best be in the hunt for the the 8 spot, and might not even make the
playoffs.

An aside. I know how much you disliked Wally, but I think he would
have been the perfect fit with this group of players. Having Wally's
shooting touch would be a great weapon along side guys like Foye and
James.

Here are some Randy Foye clips:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k79dJiPBZyU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4LeLDOw--wo

Mike James is pissed (I liked what he had to say):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FIXwkkZyi9k

his fiery attitude is going to be great for this team. In the clip
below, you gotta love how he got in Juwan Howard's face, after taking
him to the hole.

James highlights
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6YQHFOniaw
Nice. Dude can get to the basket.
 >> Stay informed about: Wolves NBA Champoions in 2010 

First Krush, thanks for the video. I thrive on your optimism Krush,
even though I"m a cynical old fart, and think often you are misguided,
and I worry.

Second, how can you have all this stuff, when are you not on the
computer. Please tell me you do this on your employers time. THAT,
would make me happy.
 >> Stay informed about: Wolves NBA Champoions in 2010 

OH and I appreciated MJ (hillarious that his initials are MJ by the
way) two things the most. He plans on being a terror in this league for
the next five years. Apparently boxing training will help him. He also
said that he understands "making his teammates happy."

With Foye at two, this could be more fun than some of us doom and
gloomers expect.

Now KG better go visit and or move in with Blount and tell him there is
nothing he can do for this team than rebound and defend the post.
PERIOD.
 >> Stay informed about: Wolves NBA Champoions in 2010 

Andy H wrote:
> First Krush, thanks for the video. I thrive on your optimism Krush,
> even though I"m a cynical old fart, and think often you are misguided,
> and I worry.
>
> Second, how can you have all this stuff, when are you not on the
> computer. Please tell me you do this on your employers time. THAT,
> would make me happy.

No problemo Andy. Glad you liked them.

I didn't really make a prediction, as I said the Wolves *could* compete
for a top 4 spot. I also said they could only be competing for an 8
spot at best. If I have the balls to come our and make a true "top 4"
prediction before the season, I'll gladly accept the "optimistic" tag
;)

haha . . .I do alot of multi-tasking. DVR'ed the steelers game and
watched it after my wife and daughter went to bed. I rarely sit
through a full game without doing something else. I feel like I'm
wasting too much time if I do. Watched the game. Paid bills. Looked
at some clips on youtube, went over my market strategy for tomorrow (I
trade stocks and commodities in my spare time, along with blogging on
the market). Worked out while cleaning up in between sets. Went over
next Sunday's NFL line (I start every season with $500, no more and no
less, and see where it takes me. I've had years where I flame out and
years where I've twenty-bagged it. It's been great so far, as the
oddsmakers started the season undervaluing SD, Vikings and Jags--how
the heck were the jags +120 at home? Easy money.) Edited home movie
clips of my daughter to send to my parents.

You'd be surprised how much you can do in the 3+ hours of game time,
although I am a little obsessed about it.
 >> Stay informed about: Wolves NBA Champoions in 2010 

Here's what canadian newspaper has to say about the Wolves.

http://www.tsn.ca/nba/news_story/?ID=177975&hubname=nba

I hope Foye and James do turn out to be better natured Sam I Am and
Spree, and KG has some enthusiasm to stay. The piece is pretty
optimistic.
 >> Stay informed about: Wolves NBA Champoions in 2010 

ikrushlots.RemoveThis@aol.com wrote:
> levi wrote:
> > ikrushlots.RemoveThis@aol.com wrote:
> > > An ESPN article asks several NBA pundits to answer this question: Which
> > > current cellar dweller may turn into a champ?
> > >
> > > David Thorpe's answer: The Timberwolves
> > >
> > > "Just three years ago, the Miami Heat came off a bad year and started
> > > the new season with a rookie coach, losing their first seven games.
> > >
> > > Yet, less than two seasons later, that franchise lost in the Eastern
> > > Conference Finals, and then won the title the next year. I think the
> > > Minnesota Timberwolves can build a similar team.
> > >
> > > The Heat added Shaq, giving them an All-Star post player to go along
> > > with Dwyane Wade. The Wolves already have Kevin Garnett, a dominant
> > > scorer/rebounder/defender, and they drafted Randy Foye, who showed this
> > > summer (and in college) that he has a real chance to be Wade-like very
> > > soon.
> > >
> > > Eddie Jones and Damon Jones provided perimeter scoring and leadership
> > > that proved pivotal to the Heat, while the Wolves now have Mike James,
> > > coming off a career year (20 ppg and 44 percent from 3) and Ricky Davis
> > > (19.4 ppg).
> > >
> > > Udonis Haslem and Eddie Jones were great defenders and knew how to play
> > > their roles to perfection. Trenton Hassell and Justin Reed can play
> > > similar roles in Minnesota.
> > >
> > > Mark Blount had his two best rebounding months in March and April last
> > > year. KG will continue to influence him toward playing to his
> > > potential. The Wolves need some additional help inside, and they need
> > > Foye to develop rapidly, so a trade involving Ricky Davis could help on
> > > both accounts.
> > >
> > > Now, if Coach Dwane Casey can go to school as fast as Coach Van Gundy
> > > did in Miami, and Foye can "be like Dwayne," the Wolves just may pull a
> > > Miami and contend for the title in 2008.
> > >
> > > David Thorpe is Executive Director of the Pro Training Center in
> > > Clearwater, FL, where he works as a personal coach for Udonis Haslem,
> > > Kevin Martin and other NBA players."
> > >
> > > Should I reserve 2010 season tickets?
> >
> > <grin> I''d wait until Blount rebounds better than Kandi,
> > the Wolves trade Davis for something other than a chump,
> > then sign Shaq and bring Van Gundy in for Casey.
> >
> > Of course, if McHale steps down, you might even opt for
> > 2007/8 tics.
>
> While I think the Wally trade was a big mistake, I can't complain with
> what McHale has done this summer.

Well, I can. No success with getting a quality big man
(or two) to play alongside KG. All he's gotten for the Wolves
this summer is tweeners, hopefuls, and never weres.

Go look at what San Antonio did.

> I wouldn't be surprised if James
> ends up the best free agent signing of the summer.

Possibly. But would he be your starter over Banks?
I doubt it. Somehow, McHale was unable to get
Marcus and his agent to see that being the starter,
for less than they were asking for, is better than
a few minutes per game as backup in Phoenix.

> I also think Foye
> will be one of the top rookies. While it would be jumping the gun to
> call him the next Wade, I do believe his ceiling is in that vicinity.

I'm reserving judgement, but that it is incredibly unlikely.
More like Sid Hartmann type hype.

>
> I'd like to trade Davis for a quality player, but I do think he can
> work out with the Wolves, *as long as he is not the number two player
> on the team*. With James and Foye, along with Hassel showing he can be
> competent at times on offense, there is no need for Davis to be a
> primary scorer (I also think Bracey Wright is going to surprise people)
> However, he can be a very good *scoring 6th man* off the bench. He
> flourished in that role when Boston made that move, and it could work
> here.
>
> IMO, the Wolves success this season hinges on Eddie Griffin. If he can
> be that 3-4 block guy at C that can protect the lane and scoop up 7-8
> rebounds/game (I don't care what he does offensively), the Wolves will
> be in really good shape. Possibly even contenders for a top 4 slot in
> the WC. He has the talent and ability to do it. It all depends on his
> mental makeup this season. If he doesn't perform, the Wolves will at
> best be in the hunt for the the 8 spot, and might not even make the
> playoffs.

Dude, you're hanging your hopes on a documented wanker.

Plus, Eddie is neither large enough, nor tough enough, to be the
Wolves starting center, in fact, play center at all. We're talking
about Joe Smith with a drinking and drug problem here.

Did you read the label on that Kool-Aid you're drinking?

<snip>
 >> Stay informed about: Wolves NBA Champoions in 2010 

levi wrote:
> ikrushlots RemoveThis @aol.com wrote:
> > levi wrote:
> > > ikrushlots RemoveThis @aol.com wrote:
> > > > An ESPN article asks several NBA pundits to answer this question: Which
> > > > current cellar dweller may turn into a champ?
> > > >
> > > > David Thorpe's answer: The Timberwolves
> > > >
> > > > "Just three years ago, the Miami Heat came off a bad year and started
> > > > the new season with a rookie coach, losing their first seven games.
> > > >
> > > > Yet, less than two seasons later, that franchise lost in the Eastern
> > > > Conference Finals, and then won the title the next year. I think the
> > > > Minnesota Timberwolves can build a similar team.
> > > >
> > > > The Heat added Shaq, giving them an All-Star post player to go along
> > > > with Dwyane Wade. The Wolves already have Kevin Garnett, a dominant
> > > > scorer/rebounder/defender, and they drafted Randy Foye, who showed this
> > > > summer (and in college) that he has a real chance to be Wade-like very
> > > > soon.
> > > >
> > > > Eddie Jones and Damon Jones provided perimeter scoring and leadership
> > > > that proved pivotal to the Heat, while the Wolves now have Mike James,
> > > > coming off a career year (20 ppg and 44 percent from 3) and Ricky Davis
> > > > (19.4 ppg).
> > > >
> > > > Udonis Haslem and Eddie Jones were great defenders and knew how to play
> > > > their roles to perfection. Trenton Hassell and Justin Reed can play
> > > > similar roles in Minnesota.
> > > >
> > > > Mark Blount had his two best rebounding months in March and April last
> > > > year. KG will continue to influence him toward playing to his
> > > > potential. The Wolves need some additional help inside, and they need
> > > > Foye to develop rapidly, so a trade involving Ricky Davis could help on
> > > > both accounts.
> > > >
> > > > Now, if Coach Dwane Casey can go to school as fast as Coach Van Gundy
> > > > did in Miami, and Foye can "be like Dwayne," the Wolves just may pull a
> > > > Miami and contend for the title in 2008.
> > > >
> > > > David Thorpe is Executive Director of the Pro Training Center in
> > > > Clearwater, FL, where he works as a personal coach for Udonis Haslem,
> > > > Kevin Martin and other NBA players."
> > > >
> > > > Should I reserve 2010 season tickets?
> > >
> > > <grin> I''d wait until Blount rebounds better than Kandi,
> > > the Wolves trade Davis for something other than a chump,
> > > then sign Shaq and bring Van Gundy in for Casey.
> > >
> > > Of course, if McHale steps down, you might even opt for
> > > 2007/8 tics.
> >
> > While I think the Wally trade was a big mistake, I can't complain with
> > what McHale has done this summer.
>
> Well, I can. No success with getting a quality big man
> (or two) to play alongside KG.

Who could they have got? Every quality big man signed with there own
teams, for big bucks. Maybe they could have made a run for Wright or
Mohammed, but niether is any better than EG. With the big man free
agent crop, the best thing to do is go the way of Phoenix, Toronto and
Dallas and stock your squad with talented perimeter players.

>All he's gotten for the Wolves
> this summer is tweeners, hopefuls, and never weres.

I wouldn't call James any of the above.

> Go look at what San Antonio did.

What did they do? They signined underachieving, injury-prone Elson.
Insidehoops.com had James ranked the 6th best free agent and Elson the
28th. I concur.

> > I wouldn't be surprised if James
> > ends up the best free agent signing of the summer.
>
> Possibly. But would he be your starter over Banks?
> I doubt it.

Are you kidding me? James averaged *20 and 6*, and your going to sit
him for a guy who hasn't done a thing in this league? I really liked
Banks talent, but no way in hell would I have started him over James.
What are *you* drinking, Levi ;)

>Somehow, McHale was unable to get
> Marcus and his agent to see that being the starter,
> for less than they were asking for, is better than
> a few minutes per game as backup in Phoenix.

I think you have it backwards. McHale did not make a big play on Banks
because they wanted James. If Mchale felt strongly about Banks, he
would have used the James money on Banks. They went all-in for James
and it paid off big time. It should be noted that KG also went all out
for James, helping "recruit" him. This is something he usually does
not do.

> > I also think Foye
> > will be one of the top rookies. While it would be jumping the gun to
> > call him the next Wade, I do believe his ceiling is in that vicinity.
>
> I'm reserving judgement, but that it is incredibly unlikely.
> More like Sid Hartmann type hype.
>
> >
> > I'd like to trade Davis for a quality player, but I do think he can
> > work out with the Wolves, *as long as he is not the number two player
> > on the team*. With James and Foye, along with Hassel showing he can be
> > competent at times on offense, there is no need for Davis to be a
> > primary scorer (I also think Bracey Wright is going to surprise people)
> > However, he can be a very good *scoring 6th man* off the bench. He
> > flourished in that role when Boston made that move, and it could work
> > here.
> >
> > IMO, the Wolves success this season hinges on Eddie Griffin. If he can
> > be that 3-4 block guy at C that can protect the lane and scoop up 7-8
> > rebounds/game (I don't care what he does offensively), the Wolves will
> > be in really good shape. Possibly even contenders for a top 4 slot in
> > the WC. He has the talent and ability to do it. It all depends on his
> > mental makeup this season. If he doesn't perform, the Wolves will at
> > best be in the hunt for the the 8 spot, and might not even make the
> > playoffs.
>
> Dude, you're hanging your hopes on a documented wanker.

I merely pointed out that EG is the key. I am not expecting that he
will live up to his talent. In fact, I think there is a better chance
he tanks. I don't care about the off the court stuff, but what told me
alot about the guy was the fact that he was not willing to fix his eyes
during the season.

> Plus, Eddie is neither large enough, nor tough enough, to be the
> Wolves starting center, in fact, play center at all. We're talking
> about Joe Smith with a drinking and drug problem here.

We've argued enough in the past about what type of center is needed in
the NBA. I'll just restate my belief that the NBA is changing and the
big strong NBA center is going the way of the dinosaur. The "new" NBA
requires a quick, athletic center, which is EG. Shaq is the exception
to this rule, and the Wolves don't need to worry about him.

> Did you read the label on that Kool-Aid you're drinking?

Yup, it's laced with cognitive enhancers ;)

> <snip>
 >> Stay informed about: Wolves NBA Champoions in 2010 

> I merely pointed out that EG is the key. I am not expecting that he
> will live up to his talent. In fact, I think there is a better chance
> he tanks. I don't care about the off the court stuff, but what told me
> alot about the guy was the fact that he was not willing to fix his eyes
> during the season.
>

Is there any news about Eddie, and his eye surgery? Or was he too busy
with prayer meetings, and Bill W meetings to get r done?
 >> Stay informed about: Wolves NBA Champoions in 2010 

Andy H wrote:
> > I merely pointed out that EG is the key. I am not expecting that he
> > will live up to his talent. In fact, I think there is a better chance
> > he tanks. I don't care about the off the court stuff, but what told me
> > alot about the guy was the fact that he was not willing to fix his eyes
> > during the season.
> >
>
> Is there any news about Eddie, and his eye surgery? Or was he too busy
> with prayer meetings, and Bill W meetings to get r done?

I didn't even see a report that he'd actually had it.
I guess we can only pray for excellent results.

After discovering that Ndudi Ebi needed glasses,
one might have thought that the Wolves would'
insist on eye exams for all new potential players.
 >> Stay informed about: Wolves NBA Champoions in 2010 

ikrushlots.DeleteThis@aol.com wrote:
> levi wrote:
> > ikrushlots.DeleteThis@aol.com wrote:
> > > levi wrote:
> > > > ikrushlots.DeleteThis@aol.com wrote:
> > > > > An ESPN article asks several NBA pundits to answer this question: Which
> > > > > current cellar dweller may turn into a champ?
> > > > >
> > > > > David Thorpe's answer: The Timberwolves
> > > > >
> > > > > "Just three years ago, the Miami Heat came off a bad year and started
> > > > > the new season with a rookie coach, losing their first seven games.
> > > > >
> > > > > Yet, less than two seasons later, that franchise lost in the Eastern
> > > > > Conference Finals, and then won the title the next year. I think the
> > > > > Minnesota Timberwolves can build a similar team.
> > > > >
> > > > > The Heat added Shaq, giving them an All-Star post player to go along
> > > > > with Dwyane Wade. The Wolves already have Kevin Garnett, a dominant
> > > > > scorer/rebounder/defender, and they drafted Randy Foye, who showed this
> > > > > summer (and in college) that he has a real chance to be Wade-like very
> > > > > soon.
> > > > >
> > > > > Eddie Jones and Damon Jones provided perimeter scoring and leadership
> > > > > that proved pivotal to the Heat, while the Wolves now have Mike James,
> > > > > coming off a career year (20 ppg and 44 percent from 3) and Ricky Davis
> > > > > (19.4 ppg).
> > > > >
> > > > > Udonis Haslem and Eddie Jones were great defenders and knew how to play
> > > > > their roles to perfection. Trenton Hassell and Justin Reed can play
> > > > > similar roles in Minnesota.
> > > > >
> > > > > Mark Blount had his two best rebounding months in March and April last
> > > > > year. KG will continue to influence him toward playing to his
> > > > > potential. The Wolves need some additional help inside, and they need
> > > > > Foye to develop rapidly, so a trade involving Ricky Davis could help on
> > > > > both accounts.
> > > > >
> > > > > Now, if Coach Dwane Casey can go to school as fast as Coach Van Gundy
> > > > > did in Miami, and Foye can "be like Dwayne," the Wolves just may pull a
> > > > > Miami and contend for the title in 2008.
> > > > >
> > > > > David Thorpe is Executive Director of the Pro Training Center in
> > > > > Clearwater, FL, where he works as a personal coach for Udonis Haslem,
> > > > > Kevin Martin and other NBA players."
> > > > >
> > > > > Should I reserve 2010 season tickets?
> > > >
> > > > <grin> I''d wait until Blount rebounds better than Kandi,
> > > > the Wolves trade Davis for something other than a chump,
> > > > then sign Shaq and bring Van Gundy in for Casey.
> > > >
> > > > Of course, if McHale steps down, you might even opt for
> > > > 2007/8 tics.
> > >
> > > While I think the Wally trade was a big mistake, I can't complain with
> > > what McHale has done this summer.
> >
> > Well, I can. No success with getting a quality big man
> > (or two) to play alongside KG.
>
> Who could they have got? Every quality big man signed with there own
> teams, for big bucks.

Except of course, Ben Wallace. The Wolves were hamstrung
by McHale's blunders of previous years - which also includes
failures to pick up available big men (e.g. Dampier) , or draft them
(e.g. Patrick O'Bryant).

> Maybe they could have made a run for Wright or
> Mohammed, but niether is any better than EG.

Ah, but are they better than Blount?

> With the big man free
> agent crop, the best thing to do is go the way of Phoenix, Toronto and
> Dallas and stock your squad with talented perimeter players.

You want to hold up Toronto as an example of how
to build a team? Igor Ed must be ROFL.

And look again at Dallas. They're stocked with big men.
Moreover, IMO the biggest reason for Dallas' success last
year was that Nowitzki started playing like a big man and
got into the paint a *lot* more.

>
> >All he's gotten for the Wolves
> > this summer is tweeners, hopefuls, and never weres.
>
> I wouldn't call James any of the above.

Except for last season, he's a never were. Comparable
to notables like Tyronne Lue, Mike Dunleavey, Rafer
"Skip to my Lou" Alston, and the Wolves own Troy
Hudson. Hope springs eternal though and I will give
him a fair shake in Minnesota.

>
> > Go look at what San Antonio did.
>
> What did they do? They signined underachieving, injury-prone Elson.
> Insidehoops.com had James ranked the 6th best free agent and Elson the
> 28th. I concur.

And again, where would Blount and EG rate? The point is
that the Spurs keep going for big men to protect their
investment in Tim Duncan.

>
> > > I wouldn't be surprised if James
> > > ends up the best free agent signing of the summer.
> >
> > Possibly. But would he be your starter over Banks?
> > I doubt it.
>
> Are you kidding me? James averaged *20 and 6*, and your going to sit
> him for a guy who hasn't done a thing in this league? I really liked
> Banks talent, but no way in hell would I have started him over James.

And why didn't Toronto keep him after his career year?
Perhaps they wanted some "talented perimeter players"
instead?

> What are *you* drinking, Levi ;)

Starbucks. Bell's. And at the moment, Constant Comment.

>
> >Somehow, McHale was unable to get
> > Marcus and his agent to see that being the starter,
> > for less than they were asking for, is better than
> > a few minutes per game as backup in Phoenix.
>
> I think you have it backwards. McHale did not make a big play on Banks
> because they wanted James. If Mchale felt strongly about Banks, he
> would have used the James money on Banks. They went all-in for James

I believe James was the backup plan. Banks was clearly in
"Show Me The Money" mode late in the season and the Wolves
didn't want to give him what he wanted.

> and it paid off big time.

Shouldn't we wait at least until the All-Star break?

> It should be noted that KG also went all out
> for James, helping "recruit" him. This is something he usually does
> not do.

Oh, KG recruiting for Gary Payton comes to mind.
There are others too. And I'm sure KG "campaigned"
hard for Cassell and Sprewell after the MV3 season.

> > > I also think Foye
> > > will be one of the top rookies. While it would be jumping the gun to
> > > call him the next Wade, I do believe his ceiling is in that vicinity.
> >
> > I'm reserving judgement, but that it is incredibly unlikely.
> > More like Sid Hartmann type hype.
> >
> > >
> > > I'd like to trade Davis for a quality player, but I do think he can
> > > work out with the Wolves, *as long as he is not the number two player
> > > on the team*. With James and Foye, along with Hassel showing he can be
> > > competent at times on offense, there is no need for Davis to be a
> > > primary scorer (I also think Bracey Wright is going to surprise people)
> > > However, he can be a very good *scoring 6th man* off the bench. He
> > > flourished in that role when Boston made that move, and it could work
> > > here.
> > >
> > > IMO, the Wolves success this season hinges on Eddie Griffin. If he can
> > > be that 3-4 block guy at C that can protect the lane and scoop up 7-8
> > > rebounds/game (I don't care what he does offensively), the Wolves will
> > > be in really good shape. Possibly even contenders for a top 4 slot in
> > > the WC. He has the talent and ability to do it. It all depends on his
> > > mental makeup this season. If he doesn't perform, the Wolves will at
> > > best be in the hunt for the the 8 spot, and might not even make the
> > > playoffs.
> >
> > Dude, you're hanging your hopes on a documented wanker.
>
> I merely pointed out that EG is the key. I am not expecting that he
> will live up to his talent. In fact, I think there is a better chance
> he tanks. I don't care about the off the court stuff, but what told me
> alot about the guy was the fact that he was not willing to fix his eyes
> during the season.
>
> > Plus, Eddie is neither large enough, nor tough enough, to be the
> > Wolves starting center, in fact, play center at all. We're talking
> > about Joe Smith with a drinking and drug problem here.
>
> We've argued enough in the past about what type of center is needed in
> the NBA. I'll just restate my belief that the NBA is changing and the
> big strong NBA center is going the way of the dinosaur. The "new" NBA
> requires a quick, athletic center, which is EG. Shaq is the exception
> to this rule, and the Wolves don't need to worry about him.

I'll have to strongly disagree. Every year, the size of the court
relative to the size of the players decreases. Players that can
hold their ground and get the job done in the paint get increasingly
valuable. Height and strength just simply won't go out of style
for *championship* teams.

> > Did you read the label on that Kool-Aid you're drinking?
>
> Yup, it's laced with cognitive enhancers ;)

<grin> Congrats on taking corrective action.
 >> Stay informed about: Wolves NBA Champoions in 2010 

levi wrote:
> ikrushlots.TakeThisOut@aol.com wrote:
> > levi wrote:
> > > ikrushlots.TakeThisOut@aol.com wrote:
> > > > levi wrote:
> > > > > ikrushlots.TakeThisOut@aol.com wrote:
> > > > > > An ESPN article asks several NBA pundits to answer this question: Which
> > > > > > current cellar dweller may turn into a champ?
> > > > > >
> > > > > > David Thorpe's answer: The Timberwolves
> > > > > >
> > > > > > "Just three years ago, the Miami Heat came off a bad year and started
> > > > > > the new season with a rookie coach, losing their first seven games.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Yet, less than two seasons later, that franchise lost in the Eastern
> > > > > > Conference Finals, and then won the title the next year. I think the
> > > > > > Minnesota Timberwolves can build a similar team.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > The Heat added Shaq, giving them an All-Star post player to go along
> > > > > > with Dwyane Wade. The Wolves already have Kevin Garnett, a dominant
> > > > > > scorer/rebounder/defender, and they drafted Randy Foye, who showed this
> > > > > > summer (and in college) that he has a real chance to be Wade-like very
> > > > > > soon.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Eddie Jones and Damon Jones provided perimeter scoring and leadership
> > > > > > that proved pivotal to the Heat, while the Wolves now have Mike James,
> > > > > > coming off a career year (20 ppg and 44 percent from 3) and Ricky Davis
> > > > > > (19.4 ppg).
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Udonis Haslem and Eddie Jones were great defenders and knew how to play
> > > > > > their roles to perfection. Trenton Hassell and Justin Reed can play
> > > > > > similar roles in Minnesota.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Mark Blount had his two best rebounding months in March and April last
> > > > > > year. KG will continue to influence him toward playing to his
> > > > > > potential. The Wolves need some additional help inside, and they need
> > > > > > Foye to develop rapidly, so a trade involving Ricky Davis could help on
> > > > > > both accounts.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Now, if Coach Dwane Casey can go to school as fast as Coach Van Gundy
> > > > > > did in Miami, and Foye can "be like Dwayne," the Wolves just may pull a
> > > > > > Miami and contend for the title in 2008.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > David Thorpe is Executive Director of the Pro Training Center in
> > > > > > Clearwater, FL, where he works as a personal coach for Udonis Haslem,
> > > > > > Kevin Martin and other NBA players."
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Should I reserve 2010 season tickets?
> > > > >
> > > > > <grin> I''d wait until Blount rebounds better than Kandi,
> > > > > the Wolves trade Davis for something other than a chump,
> > > > > then sign Shaq and bring Van Gundy in for Casey.
> > > > >
> > > > > Of course, if McHale steps down, you might even opt for
> > > > > 2007/8 tics.
> > > >
> > > > While I think the Wally trade was a big mistake, I can't complain with
> > > > what McHale has done this summer.
> > >
> > > Well, I can. No success with getting a quality big man
> > > (or two) to play alongside KG.
> >
> > Who could they have got? Every quality big man signed with there own
> > teams, for big bucks.
>
> Except of course, Ben Wallace.

I think we both have already agreed that it's good the Wolves didn't go
after him.

>The Wolves were hamstrung
> by McHale's blunders of previous years - which also includes
> failures to pick up available big men (e.g. Dampier) , or draft them
> (e.g. Patrick O'Bryant).
>
> > Maybe they could have made a run for Wright or
> > Mohammed, but niether is any better than EG.
>
> Ah, but are they better than Blount?

Sure they are. However, that doesn't mean the Wolves should have
signed them. I've already established my position on trading for
Blount.


> > With the big man free
> > agent crop, the best thing to do is go the way of Phoenix, Toronto and
> > Dallas and stock your squad with talented perimeter players.
>
> You want to hold up Toronto as an example of how
> to build a team? Igor Ed must be ROFL.

When the man who built Phoenix is building the Suns, I sure am.


> And look again at Dallas. They're stocked with big men.

Stocked? Dampier is so good he was sitting for big stretches of the
season. Diop is a nice role playing center, but not much more. They
are so "stocked" that Dirk played center much of last season.

> Moreover, IMO the biggest reason for Dallas' success last
> year was that Nowitzki started playing like a big man and
> got into the paint a *lot* more.

I agree. It's too bad KG would do more of what Dirk was doing.

> >
> > >All he's gotten for the Wolves
> > > this summer is tweeners, hopefuls, and never weres.
> >
> > I wouldn't call James any of the above.
>
> Except for last season,

Why throw out last season???

>he's a never were. Comparable
> to notables like Tyronne Lue, Mike Dunleavey, Rafer
> "Skip to my Lou" Alston, and the Wolves own Troy
> Hudson. Hope springs eternal though and I will give
> him a fair shake in Minnesota.

None of those guys will ever do what James did last season.

> >
> > > Go look at what San Antonio did.
> >
> > What did they do? They signined underachieving, injury-prone Elson.
> > Insidehoops.com had James ranked the 6th best free agent and Elson the
> > 28th. I concur.
>
> And again, where would Blount and EG rate? The point is
> that the Spurs keep going for big men to protect their
> investment in Tim Duncan.

They went for a guy that is no better than EG. It would have been
silly for the Wolves to sign him.

> > > > I wouldn't be surprised if James
> > > > ends up the best free agent signing of the summer.
> > >
> > > Possibly. But would he be your starter over Banks?
> > > I doubt it.
> >
> > Are you kidding me? James averaged *20 and 6*, and your going to sit
> > him for a guy who hasn't done a thing in this league? I really liked
> > Banks talent, but no way in hell would I have started him over James.
>
> And why didn't Toronto keep him after his career year?

> Perhaps they wanted some "talented perimeter players"
> instead?

I followed Toronto closely last season, since I have a lot of family in
the area. Bosh and James didn't get along. He constantly grumbled
about James not passing enough. I guarantee you won't hear those
complaints from KG. He wants a guy that will shoot.

Also note that Houston, his former team, tried hard to get him back.
They even admitted it was a mistake to let him go in the first place.

> > What are *you* drinking, Levi ;)
>
> Starbucks. Bell's. And at the moment, Constant Comment.
> > >Somehow, McHale was unable to get
> > > Marcus and his agent to see that being the starter,
> > > for less than they were asking for, is better than
> > > a few minutes per game as backup in Phoenix.
> >
> > I think you have it backwards. McHale did not make a big play on Banks
> > because they wanted James. If Mchale felt strongly about Banks, he
> > would have used the James money on Banks. They went all-in for James
>
> I believe James was the backup plan. Banks was clearly in
> "Show Me The Money" mode late in the season and the Wolves
> didn't want to give him what he wanted.

The Wolves made it clear they did not think Banks was worth the risk of
a bigger contract. It was take it or leave it, and they treated him as
such. They put little effort in signing Banks.

> > and it paid off big time.
>
> Shouldn't we wait at least until the All-Star break?

Paid off in the sense that they got there man. Sure, we'll have to
wait and see the results.

> > It should be noted that KG also went all out
> > for James, helping "recruit" him. This is something he usually does
> > not do.
>
> Oh, KG recruiting for Gary Payton comes to mind.
> There are others too. And I'm sure KG "campaigned"
> hard for Cassell and Sprewell after the MV3 season.

I've read in the past that KG usually does not help recruit players. I
remember a comment that went something like "that's not my job". James
mentioned how big it was that KG wanted him here.

> > > > I also think Foye
> > > > will be one of the top rookies. While it would be jumping the gun to
> > > > call him the next Wade, I do believe his ceiling is in that vicinity.
> > >
> > > I'm reserving judgement, but that it is incredibly unlikely.
> > > More like Sid Hartmann type hype.
> > >
> > > >
> > > > I'd like to trade Davis for a quality player, but I do think he can
> > > > work out with the Wolves, *as long as he is not the number two player
> > > > on the team*. With James and Foye, along with Hassel showing he can be
> > > > competent at times on offense, there is no need for Davis to be a
> > > > primary scorer (I also think Bracey Wright is going to surprise people)
> > > > However, he can be a very good *scoring 6th man* off the bench. He
> > > > flourished in that role when Boston made that move, and it could work
> > > > here.
> > > >
> > > > IMO, the Wolves success this season hinges on Eddie Griffin. If he can
> > > > be that 3-4 block guy at C that can protect the lane and scoop up 7-8
> > > > rebounds/game (I don't care what he does offensively), the Wolves will
> > > > be in really good shape. Possibly even contenders for a top 4 slot in
> > > > the WC. He has the talent and ability to do it. It all depends on his
> > > > mental makeup this season. If he doesn't perform, the Wolves will at
> > > > best be in the hunt for the the 8 spot, and might not even make the
> > > > playoffs.
> > >
> > > Dude, you're hanging your hopes on a documented wanker.
> >
> > I merely pointed out that EG is the key. I am not expecting that he
> > will live up to his talent. In fact, I think there is a better chance
> > he tanks. I don't care about the off the court stuff, but what told me
> > alot about the guy was the fact that he was not willing to fix his eyes
> > during the season.
> >
> > > Plus, Eddie is neither large enough, nor tough enough, to be the
> > > Wolves starting center, in fact, play center at all. We're talking
> > > about Joe Smith with a drinking and drug problem here.
> >
> > We've argued enough in the past about what type of center is needed in
> > the NBA. I'll just restate my belief that the NBA is changing and the
> > big strong NBA center is going the way of the dinosaur. The "new" NBA
> > requires a quick, athletic center, which is EG. Shaq is the exception
> > to this rule, and the Wolves don't need to worry about him.
>
> I'll have to strongly disagree. Every year, the size of the court
> relative to the size of the players decreases. Players that can
> hold their ground and get the job done in the paint get increasingly
> valuable. Height and strength just simply won't go out of style
> for *championship* teams.

I took a look at the playoff teams, and only two teams stuck out as
having lots of quality bigs, Miami and Detroit. The game has changed,
especially with the new rules.

> > > Did you read the label on that Kool-Aid you're drinking?
> >
> > Yup, it's laced with cognitive enhancers ;)
>
> <grin> Congrats on taking corrective action.

Who said you can't make a good thing even better . . .
 >> Stay informed about: Wolves NBA Champoions in 2010 

I thought KG worked hard to convince Michael Finley to come here, and
was pretty disenchanted when he decided to sign with the Spurs.
 >> Stay informed about: Wolves NBA Champoions in 2010 

So were the Spurs in the postseason. In retrospect it was better McCants got
to play more.

Jim Welters


in article 1158788735.621892.281540.DeleteThis@k70g2000cwa.googlegroups.com, Andy H at
aharcus.DeleteThis@msn.com wrote on 9/20/06 4:45 PM:

>
> I thought KG worked hard to convince Michael Finley to come here, and
> was pretty disenchanted when he decided to sign with the Spurs.
>
 >> Stay informed about: Wolves NBA Champoions in 2010