2011-12 Minnesota Timberwolves Predictions
Written by Jack Jones
The Minnesota Timberwolves have been the laughing stock of the league ever since losing Kevin Garnett. That was the case again last season as Minnesota finished with the worst record in the NBA at 17-65. The only bright spot last year was Kevin Love’s streak of 53 straight double-doubles, the longest such run in the league since 1974.
For the first time in a long time, it appears the Timberwolves are headed in the right direction going into the 2011-12 season. Minnesota GM David Kahn has put together a team that looks pretty impressive. What is going to allow the Timberwolves to maximize their talent this year is new head man Rick Adelman, who is one of the most underrated coaches in the game.
Their No. 5 overall pick in 2009 is finally going to be on board. PG Ricky Rubio is ready to lead this team and should be a huge draw for fans across the United States. Their best player may be rookie Derrick Williams, the No. 2 overall pick out of Arizona. They also drafted Malcolm Lee (No. 43) and Tanguy Ngombo (No. 57).
Somehow the Dallas Mavericks did not re-sign J.J. Barea, and the Timberwolves wisely pounced on him. Barea played a huge role for the defending champs last season, averaging 9.5 points and 3.9 assists off the bench. Minnesota was also able to trade for Brad Miller (Rockets) and Robert Vaden (Thunder) this offseason.
The only losses the Timberwolves suffer is Sebastian Telfair to the Phoenix Suns and Lazar Hayward to the Oklahoma City Thunder. This team has seen an influx of talent without having to give much up. It certainly has the makings of one of the most improved teams in the league, though that’s not saying much after last season.
Rubio will start right away, and it’s likely that SG Wesley Johnson (9.0 points last year) will start alongside him. I’m fairly certain they will bring Barea won’t be a starter considering how important he was off the bench last year for Dallas. The backcourt will also have Luke Ridnour and Wayne Ellington coming off the bench.
The frontcourt looks very strong going forward. I foresee a starting trio of SF Michael Beasley (19.2 points, 5.6 rebounds), PF Derrick Williams, and C Kevin Love (20.2 points, 15.2 rebounds). They could elect to start C Darko Milicic (8.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.0 blocks) and bring Williams off the bench, though.
Minnesota’s frontcourt is also very deep with Anthony Randolph, Anthony Tolliver, Martell Webster, Nikola Pekovic and Brad Miller all coming off the bench. Randolph appears to be an upcoming star in this league, and Miller is a nice veteran presence that will bring some much-needed leadership to this young squad.
Western Conference Prediction: 4th Northwest Division – In terms of wins and losses, I believe the Minnesota Timberwolves are going to be one of the top three most improved teams in 2011-12. While I don’t think it will be enough to make the playoffs, I do feel as though the Wolves are only another year away.
This team had one of the best offseasons in the NBA. Rubio and Williams are going to make significant contributions right away, and Barea gives them a spark off the bench that has been missing for quite some time. This team will score with just about anyone this season as Adelman’s up-tempo style is a perfect fit for this roster.
Check out where expert handicapper Jack Jones places every team in their respective divisions with his 2011-12 NBA predictions article.
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