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Minnesota Timberwolves: Center Stage Awaits

By Michael Holian

Jan 31, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Andrew Wiggins (22) is guarded by Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) during the second quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 31, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Andrew Wiggins (22) is guarded by Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) during the second quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /
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Let’s begin with a challenge. This is not an indictment (well, not entirely), but more of what to take with a grain of salt. As Timberwolves’ fans are aware, and the rest of the NBA onlookers are slowly realizing, Minnesota has much better days ahead of them.

The following will make the faithful cringe, but just think of it as a stress release.

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Team Stats heading into Monday night:

  • Defensive Rating: 112.0 (Ranked: dead last)
  • Opponents Field Goal Percentage: .493 (Ranked: dead last)
  • Opponents 3-point Percentage: .375 (Ranked: one notch higher than dead last)
  • Effective Shooting Percentage: .465 (Ranked: 28th overall)
  • Point Differential Per Game: -9.6 (Ranked: 29th overall. Hey, at least the double-digit barrier hasn’t been broken, this is not the 76ers)

At this point, you’re more than likely saying to yourself: I thought this article was going to have a positive tone. Minnesota’s abysmal 8-40 record isn’t exactly scrolling across the television with “Breaking News” as its headline.

Don’t shoot the messenger. Ah, have at it. But in order to ascend, one must sift through the rubble. In the Wolves’ case, it resembles six feet of concrete.

The demonstration of what supporters should not be dwelling on, ends here. And the interjection of what should be celebrated, starts now.

Actually, hold up a second. I spoke too soon. One more for good measure, as I can’t help but bring this issue to the forefront.

Home attendance: Target Center is averaging just more than 14,000, which slides them into the 29th overall slot.

It’s understandable. Returning to the scene of the crime where you’ve recently lost your franchise player can prove to be a daunting task.

However, when one looks deeper; a pattern starts to unfold. The declining state over the previous three seasons:

Attendance Averages:

  • 2012: 17,490 (15th overall)
  • 2013: 16,343 (21st overall)
  • 2014: 14,564 (27th overall)

The once-considered burgeoning basketball market has become a shadow of its former self.

One gets the feeling that this downward spiral will begin its climb back to where it belongs before the year is out. As assistance is on its way. The second half will bring forth glimpses of a beautiful friendship in the future.

A step up from Stephon Marbury, Kevin Love, and dare I say it: Kevin Garnett. It’s coming, and in this case, patience really is a virtue.

Feb 2, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Devin Harris (20) guards Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ricky Rubio (9) during the second half at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks defeated the Timberwolves 100-94. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 2, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Devin Harris (20) guards Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ricky Rubio (9) during the second half at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks defeated the Timberwolves 100-94. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

State Of The Union:

This season is not about wins and losses, as a playoff birth is not in the realm of possibility. But does that mean you should channel-surf through your League Pass account and bypass Minnesota? Absolutely not. The developing of a core to eventually end a city’s despair can still provide entertainment value.

Although, I really can’t blame anyone who looks elsewhere when dealing with something so aesthetically unpleasing — That floor! — I choose to believe at least half of those 14,000 nightly attendees feel the same way. What is up with that hardwood?

Insert Kramer’s “Don’t look at me, I’m hideous!”, here.

Monday marked the first game back for Ricky Rubio (out with a severe ankle-sprain) since Nov. 7. And his timing couldn’t be better.

The valid (at the time) argument of this squad’s young guns gaining valuable experience in the absence of their floor general has seen its expiration date. It’s time to let the rebuilding process escalate to the next level.

An inner fight has begun to emerge within these Wolves. No longer does a first-round knockout discourage them.

The recent tilts against Cleveland and Dallas have the makings of setting the tone moving forward. Yes, despite the 11-point, fourth-quarter debacle vs. the Cavs. It was a hell of a lot closer than the final showing suggests. An all-out effort was the most important piece to the puzzle.

The most intriguing pieces moving forward:

Gorgui Dieng: One has to question the minutes allotted from Flip Saunders. After three straight games with double-figure boards (two amounting in double-doubles), along with three rejections in each — why scale back the boatload of optimism? Why stunt the growth process?

A co-existence with Nikola Pekovic is achievable. This your future in the middle. Let it marinate, Flip. The young center is the team leader in Win Shares (3.5) for crying out loud.

Zach LaVine: The million-dollar conundrum? It’s too early to pinpoint where he will eventually end up. But with Rubio’s recent contract extension, he’ll have a chance to carve out a permanent two-guard role going forward. Buckle up when All-Star Saturday Night arrives, LaVine’s athletic ability does not just live on YouTube.

Defensive rotations have been worrisome, and (at times) seems lost on his own island in offensive sets; but the upside remains at optimum levels.

Feb 2, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Andrew Wiggins (22) dribbles the ball as Dallas Mavericks guard Devin Harris (20) defends during the second half at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks won 100-94. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 2, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Andrew Wiggins (22) dribbles the ball as Dallas Mavericks guard Devin Harris (20) defends during the second half at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks won 100-94. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

Now for the new franchise player, Andrew Wiggins:

On the surface, the stats speak for themselves. Not many rookies embark on a continuous climb the way Wiggins has.

Stats Per Game, by month:

  • November: 12.3 Points, 3.8 Boards, 1.0 Assists, .399 Field Goal Percentage
  • December: 14.6 Points, 4.1 Boards, 1.8 Assists, .409 Field Goal Percentage
  • January: 19.8 Points, 4.6 Boards, 2.5 Assists, .471 Field Goal Percentage

Wiggins has endured a higher success rate while roaming the ranks of the guard position, but for the sake of Minnesota’s big-picture; look for him to be firmly entrenched at the three-spot in years ahead.

Dropping a career-high 33 points on the visiting Cavaliers is just the beginning. The shell-shock has quickly worn off, and the light has come on.

Shot selection (once dreadful) has immensely improved. Movement without the ball, and screen recognition have grown leaps and bounds. All the while slowly chipping away at his (non) rebounding reputation.

If the Cavs aren’t hoisting the Larry O’Brien in the next couple of years, every time Wiggins steps on Quicken Loans’ soil, the stench of regret will fill the arena.

Up next:

An inconsistent Heat wave, the southern juggernaut known as Memphis, and the once ignited, but now stalling, Pistons.

Sit back, and enjoy the promising view.

Next: 50 Greatest NBA Players Without a Championship

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