Preseason Preview

Even before the season began the Wolves had problems. Kevin Love missed the first month with a broken hand and while they won the first game (against the Nets of course) they dropped their next 15 games. That’s called growing pains. They have a rookie point guard in Jonny Flynn coupled with a rookie coach, Kurt Rambis, running a very complicated triangle offense.

They are a young and talented team that can build around Al Jefferson, Kevin Love and Jonny Flynn but it will be a couple years before other teams will really worry about them.

Ready to Breakout vs. Reality: Jonny Flynn has played well for a rookie but the triangle offense has a tough learning curve – especially for a rookie. He needs to cut down on turnovers to take his game to the next level. Corey Brewer has doubled his point total from a season ago as he has had to make up for the offseason losses of Randy Foye and Mike Miller.

Over the Hill vs. Reality: Mark Blount wasn’t welcome at training camp. He’s still collecting the nearly $8 million he’s owed this year though.

Worst Moment: On October 16, Kevin Love fractured his left hand in a preseason game. Love missed over a month and it’s unlikely the Wolves would’ve lost 15 straight had he been in the lineup.

Best Moment: It’s the Nuggets worst moment. The Wolves beat the Nuggets in Denver on November 29. The win snapped their 15-game losing streak.

Best Case Scenario: They continue to progress and learn the nuances of the triangle offense. They win the lottery and get another impact player that can make a difference. Although, if they get the top pick they would probably have to draft John Wall. Last year they drafted two point guards in the top 10.

Worst Case Scenario: Al Jefferson or Kevin Love sustains another injury and despite the second worst record in the league (it’s not like the Nets will catch them) they only get the fifth pick in the draft.

NBA Midseason Reports