Minnesota Timberwolves: Prepare To Take Flight At All-Star Weekend

The weekend can’t come soon enough, and the timing will be perfect. NBA All-Star festivities are almost here, and Minnesota’s young guns are casted as its co-stars.

In the newly scripted Rising Stars Challenge (kudos to the league for trying something new), Zach LaVine and Shabazz Muhammad will suit up for Team USA, while Andrew Wiggins and Gorgui Dieng will sport the colors of Team World. And that’s just Friday night.

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The attraction that’s creating the most buzz will take place 24 hours later. Anticipation of witnessing LaVine in Saturday night’s Slam Dunk Competition is reaching a fever pitch. Not only in Minnesota T imberwolves‘ country, but across the basketball world. The star-studded 3-point contest can’t hog all the spotlight. Although, have you seen that lineup!

In the spirit of the underdog (meaning the Wolves), don’t sleep on Marco Belinelli. But that just goes to show you the potential this weekend carries with it. He’s the defending champ!

Let’s keep the truth flowing. The masses have been duped by All-Star Weekend many times before. The product on the court hasn’t exactly met the stature of its ratings. Flat-out, it’s been a disaster in years past. Are we hanging on to false hope? Well, the prospects of a rebirth are just to promising not to tune in and find out.

That perfect timing I spoke of earlier: A chance to capitalize on this club’s recent success. Try and put those 16 turnovers against Atlanta on the back-burner for now, the learning experience is still taking shape. Instead, let the 50-36 edge on the boards sink in.

Now for a check-up on the Wolfpack:

The final score might suggest a dismantling, but other than a third-quarter defensive collapse, the T’Wolves held their own going up against the juggernaut Hawks. However, interior and transition issues were exploited throughout, with a 58-44 difference in the paint, accompanied by 21-9 disparity on the fast break.

If Muhammad’s return (first game played since Jan. 9) is any indication of what’s to come, his 18-point, eight-rebound physicality will undoubtedly help the cause.

The previous three-game win-streak held some positive reinforcement:

Moments of Ricky Rubio‘s past came home to roost. If he can stay healthy (a tall order), that four-year, $56 million contract could prove to be money well spent. Not to mention a new found outside touch. His games played by season: 41, 57, 82, and currently eight of the T’Wolves first 52. The hoops world is that much more entertaining when Double-R’s dropping no-look dimes with ease.

Minutes have fluctuated almost across the board, but an effort is now being put forth to enable this core to grow. Three straight games with a different catalyst in both points and rebounds has the maturation process being pushed even further than once thought.

Back to the main menu.

At least for the weekend, LaVine has a chance to steal the show. That is if the aftermath from the shootout behind the arc doesn’t completely shut down New York City. But the opportunity to end with bang has presented itself.

For one night, it won’t be about his limited playing time, his growth as a rookie, or what position he is most likely suited for. It will be about putting Minnesota back in front of the mainstream’s eyes. A prelude of things to come, if you will.

Speaking of re-introductions: These clips never get old. Come Saturday evening, you’ll be doing yourself a favor if DVR space is accounted for beforehand.

A sneak peek:

Next: Center Stage Awaits For Timberwolves?

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