The Perennial Timberwolves trash heap bottom feeder thread

[RedMike]

trade deadline maybe interesting.

[brock]

When I saw KAT fall off the rim and hurt his back, the only thing I could think of was this thread title.




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[burke23]

Saw maybe half the game. Defensively wolves made it waaaay too easy for Wizards to score in the point. No idea how many dunks the Wizards had but it was a lot. Didn’t see KATs fall but hope it isn’t serious. Team isn’t strong enough to survive long without him, Ant and Dlo (and yes Dlo shot like poop tonight)

[Lone Wulf]

Here are some of my recent pup pickups. I am loving these clear tickets, they look really good and are just more unique compared to all the other parallels in Contenders. And I needed some Naz Reid in my life.

[oldgoldy97]

Just when you think there is a slight glimmer of hope they go right back to their losing ways.

[Hellcat]

They’re missing Russell he’s the glue. Ant-Man has got to be more aggressive and stop settling for 3s!

[Lone Wulf]

The Nuggets game on Wednesday was my favorite game this season by far. Timberwolves absolutely crushed straight out of the gate and never let go. Franchise record for 3's made in a half, franchise record for 3's made in a game for Ant (10) - also the youngest player to hit 10 I believe, Ant surpassed 2000 points in his 100th game, and KAT hit 10,000 points. A bunch of fun milestones and records and just a fun game to watch in general. I feel bad for Jokic though, his amazing talent is being wasted this year.

At the moment my mind is just somewhat boggled when thinking about this team and where they go from here. Somehow (super random) the Wolves starting lineup is the best 5-man unit in terms of net rating in the NBA (100+ mins played). D'Angelo Russell + Patrick Beverley + Anthony Edwards + Jarred Vanderbilt + Karl-Anthony Towns Minutes: 108 Offensive rating: 135.4 Defensive rating: 85.4 Net rating: +50.0 .... and that was going into the Denver game which they crushed, so it only got better.

I am very curious to see what the Wolves end up doing in terms of deals. It is confounding because their core seems quite good, but at the same time the team is also sitting in 9th at 13-15. D'Angelo Russell seemed like the potential piece that would be moved going into the season, and would be what would go into a potential Ben Simmons trade, but now 1/3 of the way into the season it is extremely clear that whenever Russell is out that the team just falls apart and cannot win. So my guess is they try to make something work while having KAT/ANT/D'Lo be untouchable in trade scenarios - but that doesn't leave much left that teams really want lol, pretty much just picks and bench/role players.

Anyway, had to post something in here because we don't get many amazing games like we just had. Hopefully they keep it rolling tonight for the national game against the Lakers.

[Asian62150]

I'm rooting for KAT to play for a winner and hopefully that happens in MIN.

But if your team doesn't have a top 5-ish player (maybe just KD/Luka/Giannis/Jokic/Curry--can throw Bron into that mix), everyone on your team should be touchable.

If the Wolves can get Simmons for DLo and spare parts, you gotta pull the trigger.

KAT/ANT/DLo have played well together, but they're not lighting the NBA world on fire. They're just playing better than what we've seen from the Wolves the past few years, which isn't saying much, unfortunately.

[burke23]

Originally Posted by Asian62150

I'm rooting for KAT to play for a winner and hopefully that happens in MIN.

But if your team doesn't have a top 5-ish player (maybe just KD/Luka/Giannis/Jokic/Curry--can throw Bron into that mix), everyone on your team should be touchable.

If the Wolves can get Simmons for DLo and spare parts, you gotta pull the trigger.

KAT/ANT/DLo have played well together, but they're not lighting the NBA world on fire. They're just playing better than what we've seen from the Wolves the past few years, which isn't saying much, unfortunately.

Agreed - but I do wonder if we swap Dlo for Simmons, where do we get those points back? Vanderbilt and Beverly aren’t much ch in the way of scorers. Maybe Simmons better D allows them to bring Beasley back as a starter? Then we have a bench where Naz is best scoring option - ha. I’m no expert so maybe overthinking things as it isn’t like Dlo is putting up 30, but definitely a dependable-ish scorer especially if KAT has a night where he doesn’t shoot or Edwards is off. Totally down though for getting Simmons and getting a much stronger defensive personality.

[burke23]

Edwards and Prince in Covid-19 protocol

[Lone Wulf]

Originally Posted by burke23

Edwards and Prince in Covid-19 protocol

I just saw this. Super depressing

This is Ant's first missed game of his career too

[ljandkg]

Just in time for national televised game too

[Asian62150]

Originally Posted by burke23

Agreed - but I do wonder if we swap Dlo for Simmons, where do we get those points back? Vanderbilt and Beverly aren’t much ch in the way of scorers. Maybe Simmons better D allows them to bring Beasley back as a starter? Then we have a bench where Naz is best scoring option - ha. I’m no expert so maybe overthinking things as it isn’t like Dlo is putting up 30, but definitely a dependable-ish scorer especially if KAT has a night where he doesn’t shoot or Edwards is off. Totally down though for getting Simmons and getting a much stronger defensive personality.

Just talking offense, KAT is probably a top 5-10 playerand Ant is climbing up the ladder quickly in that regard. If those two guys can't carry you on offense, MIN isn't going anywhere.

Plus, they're gonna need to play D in the playoffs if they hope to really go anywhere.

Simmons is easily worth the risk of giving up DLo + parts. As currently constructed, how far is this team really going?

With the lack of FAs itching to go to MIN, the Wolves gotta take a swing.

[burke23]

Originally Posted by Asian62150

Just talking offense, KAT is probably a top 5-10 playerand Ant is climbing up the ladder quickly in that regard. If those two guys can't carry you on offense, MIN isn't going anywhere.

Plus, they're gonna need to play D in the playoffs if they hope to really go anywhere.

Simmons is easily worth the risk of giving up DLo + parts. As currently constructed, how far is this team really going?

With the lack of FAs itching to go to MIN, the Wolves gotta take a swing.

I don’t disagree the Wolves have to go for it….just identifying that O take a hit. Anyway - big W last night as they basically led wire to wire (after it was 2-2), and never really in doubt the last quarter and change. Missed the first half but sounds like KAT took down AD. Rest of team didn’t shoot great but didn’t matter as they could take as many shots as they needed since they got every rebound it seemed.

[armoursave]

They’re an enjoyable team to watch and looked terrific against the Lakers. Not sure why everybody is always down on the T-Wolves year after year.

They need to get rid of Russell though. Literally adds nothing to the roster from what I saw. But then again I only watch them when they play the Lakers or Dubs so maybe he’s not acutely horrific night in and out.

[Asian62150]

Another W tonight! Hope they can keep it going.

[oldgoldy97]

Playing good team ball and defense.

[ljandkg]

Originally Posted by armoursave

They’re an enjoyable team to watch and looked terrific against the Lakers. Not sure why everybody is always down on the T-Wolves year after year.

They need to get rid of Russell though. Literally adds nothing to the roster from what I saw. But then again I only watch them when they play the Lakers or Dubs so maybe he’s not acutely horrific night in and out.

Never been a big Russell fan but he's been good this year. Adds some smarts and clutch shooting. Not afraid to give it to who's hot and sit back, doesn't force things (usually).
And he also has high expectations for the team. Thinks they can beat anyone.

[Lone Wulf]

Figured we needed an update to this thread now that some fun stats and milestones were passed:
- The 2021-22 Timberwolves just matched their prior season win total of 23 with last night's win over Brooklyn.
- The Timberwolves have the best offense in the NBA (119) since January 3rd when KAT + D'Lo + Ant were all back following the Covid period.
- Anthony Edwards just eclipsed 300 3-pointers made, making him the youngest player to hit that mark, passing up Luka.
- D'Angelo Russell has officially arrived after a slow start. In his last 20 games: 19.6/3.8/8.2 on 57% TS. His passing has been great lately and the shot is dropping.
- Also have to shutout Jaylen Nowell who has been killing it as the first guard off the bench. He went from not playing earlier on in the season to being a force off the bench and completely carrying the 2nd unit, also getting good playing time late into the game when it makes sense. Last night for instance he had 22 minutes, got 16 on 6-9 shooting and was a game high +13. Extremely impressed with him.

AWOOO!

And since Jaylen Nowell has been killing it, here is a new collection I just picked up from a guy moving all of his stuff:

[ljandkg]

Great post! And well played on the JN stuff! The Wolves are very much a fringe playoff team now which is good to see. It's important to keep our feet on the ground - to see they've equalled last year's win total already is terrific.

Nowell is playing great. Prince is finding opportunities as well. That means the less we see of Beasley's inconsistent shooting the better. Really like Naz Reid too. It's a shame Pat Bev keeps breaking down. Hopefully he stays a little healthier.

Dunno what kind of player we could get for Beasley.

[Lone Wulf]

Wolves are looking really good lately, with one of the top offenses in the league. Tonight’s win marked their first 6 game win streak since 2003-04 when KG won MVP (and happens to be my favorite season in basketball history - yay MN sports). Malik Beasley also set the franchise record with 11 made 3s. Still possible to catch either Denver or Dallas to get the 6th seed but both teams have also been playing so well that the Wolves have basically remained even. Outside of 2003-04 this is my favorite season as a Wolves fan, so much young talent, things are looking up.

[pnft17]

Still can’t believe how well they are rolling now. I know clowning Portland and OkC of world now isn’t taking much. With those teams in tank mode. So used to wolves being the team taking the beatings !!!

[ljandkg]

Originally Posted by pnft17

Still can’t believe how well they are rolling now. I know clowning Portland and OkC of world now isn’t taking much. With those teams in tank mode. So used to wolves being the team taking the beatings !!!

Agreed the opposition isn't great but not only are they winning the games they should be, but they're pounding them by 40 as they should be.

Shoutout to Beaz who has been excellent lately - what do I know?

[ljandkg]

While I'm at it, good to see this guy back!

[Lone Wulf]

KAT with a huge night. Franchise records for a player and also a franchise record for total points scored. Not a lot of defense being played but that was a fun game against the Spurs.

KAT rookie collection in honor of his 60: