NBA Power Rankings: Hot or Cold Edition

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Jan 1, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Shabazz Muhammad (15) dribbles in the first quarter against the Sacramento Kings forward Rudy Gay (8) at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /

29. Minnesota Timberwolves

Previous: No. 29

Record: 6-31

Last Week: 1-3

Verdict: Cold

Wins and losses aside, the Minnesota Timberwolves are one of the most intriguing teams in the NBA. Injuries to Kevin Martin, Nikola Pekovic and Ricky Rubio have rendered any postseason aspirations obsolete, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a reason to follow the T-Wolves.

Led by the likes of Gorgui Dieng, Zach LaVine, Shabazz Muhammad and Andrew Wiggins, Minnesota is in the midst of a sensational youth movement.

Wiggins has hit his stride in a major way, recording at least 20 points in X of his past X games. Dieng is a double-double machine down low, while LaVine is showing promise as a facilitator and Muhammad is putting up points in a hurry.

In due time, Minnesota will be a legitimate force in the Western Conference. That just won’t happen in 2014-15.

Minnesota and the New York Knicks are in a tight race for the, “Worst team in the NBA,” label. Both are experiencing extended periods of inferiority with losses piling up quicker than they can count.

Fortunately for Minnesota, this season is all about player development.

That and watching Mo Williams drop 52 points.

Next: Gaining Steam