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Post by Dave on Oct 29, 2013 13:49:33 GMT -6
Like I said earlier, one pointless game in a long season doesn't make or break the fact that OKC will be a top 3 seed in the West while the Wolves will struggle to be a 9-10th seed year after year. You're too young to remember that MN has been doing this since the early 90s son, if KG couldn't get this team over the hump then there's no way Ricky Rubio will.... Yeah it's real easy to be a bandwagon jumper, Dave, and look down on the rest of us who cheer for one team. Weren't you a lakers fan until they started to suck? Same for the colts? Now your team is Denver.. Real easy to cheer for a winner when you just jump over to the winningest team year after year. I cheer for players John, I thought you knew that. I am/was a Shaq fan so I followed the Magic, then the Lakers, even the Heat before giving up after that and liked the game of KD in Texas and have followed him since. Same with football. Can you guess which Colt went to Denver the same time my loyalties changed? Pey-Pey retiring may be the last time I watch football honestly.
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Tyler
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Post by Tyler on Oct 29, 2013 16:56:52 GMT -6
Lol Im calm as can be. You just seem to have a very pessimistic attitude when it comes to the Timberwolves (rightfully so) as well as when it comes to regular season Basketball. You mentioned in that other thread that you think the sport is dying and the entire regular season is basically pointless and I beg to differ. I agree that the regular season isn't as exciting as the post season because in the post season players put 110% into each game where as the regular season isn't very intense, but that doesn't make the regular season meaningless. There is a lot to gain out of the regular season on a ton of different levels and occasionally you get to watch an amazing regular season game come out of no where (much like the previously mentioned triple OT, KLove 50 pt, Durant/WB 90 pt game). I love the sport and I enjoy every game I watch regardless of who is playing. Of course I enjoy some games more then others, but I don't completely ditch the game during the regular season.
As for how the Wolves are gonna do, first off I don't think we've seen enough Kevin Love to determine he is NOT a number one player. I think this is the year you'll be able to get an idea of whether or not he is a number one player for the fact that he finally has an actual team around him. Pekovic really came into his own last season which KLove missed, Rubio tore his ACL the year before so again Love hasn't played with Rubio for almost 2 years, and we have some solid defenders and shooters with our supporting cast and Id say we have the most complete team we've had in more then a decade.
Second, Pekovic is not Russian, hes from Montenegro (minor details) and although the Center position has been somewhat of a joke its just a different era completely. People are more athletic then they've ever been and many short/quick/althletic guys have shifted what then NBA is currently but there seems to be an influx of centers in recent years (although very few dominate ones). They aren't able to be the same bigs as the old days because its a different game now days, they have to adapt to what the league is now. Other bigs aside, I love Pekovic. According to a few players Pekovic is one of, if not, the strongest big man in the entire league. Apparently he spends a lot of time in the gym strength training as well. He has little athleticism but he makes up for it with brute strength and a strong low post game.
Third, Kevin Martin wasn't the player OKC was hoping him to be, but you cant take away from Martin because of what happened last season. He was supposed to fill the shoes James Hardens who is arguably the best SG in all of basketball so of course Martin would be a disappointment. Everyone seems to forget he shot a career high 42% from 3pt as well as shooting a very solid 45% from the floor. He also was coming off the bench every game on a team that has KDurant and Russell Westbrook. Obviously hes not going to flourish on a team with two players who take close to 40 shots a game. With the Timberwolves he comes in and starts immediately. He likely becomes an option and he gives us a true shooter at the two (which we've really needed for quite some time) and on top of that he get to do it under the head coach who Martin himself said he owes his career to. I think with the Wolves he has been put in a perfect spot to really shine and I don't see why he wouldn't.
So Ill have high hopes for the Wolves (and Vikings too for that matter) every single season and although it might not work out all the time, Ill still get to enjoy some of my favorite players in each sport as well as get to root for my home team.
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Post by Dave on Oct 29, 2013 17:31:21 GMT -6
I'd argue that Kevin Martin only had such a good regular season % due to being wide open alot of the time. He would come in for the final few minutes of the first quarter while KD was still on the court and he'd be the number one option at the open of the second quarter and was god-awful in that role. I don't know that the Wolves have players that will demand a double to get him the open shots he needs. He's not a great one on one player making his own shot, so he's gonna need to hope that the PGs can draw players in or for Love to play in the post more and not float around the outside to make this lineup work. I'd love to be able to cheer for the Wolves since my whole family is still there, but I can't get behind Rubio (personally I think he's highly overrated and easily replaceable witha *not as flashy but just as good* PG) Love has only proven that he can't stay healthy and has ties to California from his college days, so there is always the looming Lakers money they have coming to throw at him. Even healthy though, his game is outside-in, and not vice versa like it needs to be with Martin and shooters being brought in. My favorite thing about the team is Flip Saunders at this point. I've never had much faith in the Rick Adelman system (He's a very good coach) but I don't see him as a championship coach much like Scott Brooks (Who is far worse FYI) I don't see Adelman coaching more then 2 more seasons (Maybe he only has a 1 yr deal? IDK) and this team is built for that offense, so when he goes into retirement it's going to be a hot mess of a roster for a new coach. I still imagine that it'll be just as hard to get an A+ coach to come to Minnie, just as they have never been able to draw even a B+ player to come to town. High hopes are fine, but you gotta have some logic in there too buddy. So to end this long as thread on a good note, here you go
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Tyler
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Post by Tyler on Oct 29, 2013 18:40:52 GMT -6
Obviously we see things differently when it comes to the players on the Wolves. Ill have high hopes and plenty of logic from my perspective. Ill go Face and you can be Heel, sound good?
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Post by Dave on Oct 29, 2013 18:54:41 GMT -6
Logic? 2012-13: 31-51 2011-12: 26-40 2010-11: 17-65 2009-10: 15-67 2008-09: 24-58 Not one winning season since 2003-2004 58-24...Fan is short for fanatic though so I forgive you on the lack of logic I don't need to settle for face or heel I rock this:
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Tyler
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Post by Tyler on Oct 30, 2013 8:51:06 GMT -6
Ahhh I see you have the Heel thing down pretty well. Yes fan is short for fanatic, but that doesn't mean that everything I say as a fan doesn't have logic and everything you say as a non?fan is correct. I can go through and explain what Ive gained through watching the Wolves steadily over the last three-four seasons but somehow that has less weight then you posting up records. You are aware of how many injuries we've had in the last two seasons as well as not having an actual shooting guard right? or did you miss all of that too? In fact Luke Ridnour was the only player to play all 82 in a season in the last two seasons. Im confident the Wolves will be a 50 win team and a .500 at the worst. Nikola Pekovic 12-13: 18 pts 10 reb 1 ast 0.9 blks Kevin Love 11-12: 26 pts 13.3 reb 2 ast Corey Brewer 12-13: 12.1 pts 2.9 reb 1.9 ast 1.4 stls Kevin Martin 12-13: 14.2 pts 2.3 reb 1.4 ast Ricky Rubio 12-13: 10.7 pts 4 reb 7.3 ast 2.4 stls And each one of these players has gotten better each season (aside of Kevin Martin even though he did get better from beyond the arc) and this is the first complete team the Wolves have had since the mid 2000s. I know stats don't reflect how these players will actually do, but neither does previous records.
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Post by Dave on Oct 30, 2013 9:47:51 GMT -6
Well to continue the devils advocate here, IF *BIG IF SINCE HE NEVER HAS* Love is healthy for once Pekovic will not average 18 a game, rebounds probably the same and I'd be hella worried if I have to put much stock into Brewer/Martin being forces I'd be nervous. 50 wins is crazy talk maybe MAYBE 40 if everybody stays healthy and goes bonkers but in the West? 50 wins would be playoffs but they ain't jumping: OKC/SA/GS/LAC/DEN/HOU/MEM/SA/LAL and maybe Utah.
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Tyler
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NBA Thread
Oct 30, 2013 10:18:28 GMT -6
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Post by Tyler on Oct 30, 2013 10:18:28 GMT -6
Well, let's see how this all plays out. Our first game is tonight and I'd like to invite you to watch.
I meant to say 50 wins at best and I did say .500 at worst. I think the Wolves will surprise a lot of teams.
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Post by Dave on Oct 30, 2013 10:33:48 GMT -6
Well, let's see how this all plays out. Our first game is tonight and I'd like to invite you to watch. I meant to say 50 wins at best and I did say .500 at worst. I think the Wolves will surprise a lot of teams. IDK, I tried watching last nights games and can say....NOT Impressed already. Heat-Bulls: Watched the first half and still wonder how Miami can consistently look "meh" and still hang in games....Oh that's right 100 foul calls. Not taking anything away from that GOD awful Bulls offense. Honestly, they got nothing from Deng or Noah and looked like a better team last year without Rose dribbling around in circles not putting his guys in positions to score. Miami did what they do, hit their free throws and let the Bulls get back into a game they had no business in. LAL-LAC: Only watched the first quarter and gave up to start a Modern Family marathon since I bought the first 3 seasons on Blu Ray. Much better use of my time. Pau looked really good, but only played 24 minutes. This just shows that the Clippers need to unload either or both Griffin and Jordan. Lob-City is not Doc Rivers basketball, and Chris Paul is the only one other then Matt Barnes that will play the defense that Doc needs. Blake and Jordan are one trick ponies that are only useful on a fast break. I mean what team in NBA history has had two players that are so mediocre to bad on offense and even worse on the defensive end like these Clippers do. They'll be fine in the grand scheme, just not a title contender like many thought So I'll pass on watching any more ball til the Thunder open up their TV season since the idea of Wolves/Magic makes me want to cut myself. I'd much rather spend the night watching Scott Steiner promos on the youtube.
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Tyler
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NBA Thread
Oct 30, 2013 11:05:53 GMT -6
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Post by Tyler on Oct 30, 2013 11:05:53 GMT -6
Well if that's the case, we can talk about the Wolves/OKC next Friday
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Post by New York on Oct 30, 2013 17:50:56 GMT -6
Brandon Knight just got hurt in the Bucks-Knicks game
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Post by Dave on Oct 30, 2013 18:49:12 GMT -6
Brandon Knight just got hurt in the Bucks-Knicks game How bad an injury we talking? Wish we (OKC) would have kept Mo Cheeks and got rid of the bum Scott Brooks.
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San Antonio
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Post by San Antonio on Oct 30, 2013 19:32:00 GMT -6
Brandon Knight just got hurt in the Bucks-Knicks game That sucks for Knight, but its good news for Nate Wolters who's from St. Cloud, MN!
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San Antonio
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Post by San Antonio on Oct 30, 2013 19:38:08 GMT -6
9 points through 3 quarters?! Solid debut for the hometown guy.
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Post by New York on Oct 30, 2013 19:48:40 GMT -6
Brandon Knight just got hurt in the Bucks-Knicks game How bad an injury we talking? Wish we (OKC) would have kept Mo Cheeks and got rid of the bum Scott Brooks. Not sure but he got injured in the first and hasn't come back
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Tyler
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Post by Tyler on Oct 30, 2013 23:07:55 GMT -6
KLove hit a 3 pointer with 10 secs left in the 4th to tie the game and put it to overtime and pulled out the win. The Wolves have a little work to do but they are gonna be awesome.
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Post by majorrajor on Oct 31, 2013 5:15:43 GMT -6
I didn't WATCH Michael Carter-Williams, but holy shit. Michael Carter-Williams.
He had 22 points, 11 assists, and 9 (!!!) steals.
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Post by Dave on Oct 31, 2013 11:35:08 GMT -6
KLove hit a 3 pointer with 10 secs left in the 4th to tie the game and put it to overtime and pulled out the win. The Wolves have a little work to do but they are gonna be awesome. I'll give you credit for getting a win, but needing luck and OT to beat the Magic isn't really in the "Awesome" category just yet I don't think I could name a Magic player outside of Olandipo because I remember him from NBA2k14
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Post by Berlin on Oct 31, 2013 11:52:27 GMT -6
KLove hit a 3 pointer with 10 secs left in the 4th to tie the game and put it to overtime and pulled out the win. The Wolves have a little work to do but they are gonna be awesome. I'll give you credit for getting a win, but needing luck and OT to beat the Magic isn't really in the "Awesome" category just yet I don't think I could name a Magic player outside of Olandipo because I remember him from NBA2k14 Congrats...you named 1 more Magic than I was able to off the top of my head.
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Post by Dave on Oct 31, 2013 11:53:34 GMT -6
I'll give you credit for getting a win, but needing luck and OT to beat the Magic isn't really in the "Awesome" category just yet I don't think I could name a Magic player outside of Olandipo because I remember him from NBA2k14 Congrats...you named 1 more Magic than I was able to off the top of my head. Is T-Mac still a Magic? Penny maybe?
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Post by Berlin on Oct 31, 2013 11:58:17 GMT -6
Congrats...you named 1 more Magic than I was able to off the top of my head. Is T-Mac still a Magic? Penny maybe? Didn't they have Stevie Franchise for a couple seasons?
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Post by Dave on Oct 31, 2013 11:59:36 GMT -6
Is T-Mac still a Magic? Penny maybe? Didn't they have Stevie Franchise for a couple seasons? Ow God.... I had completely forgotten that a Stevie Frachise was ever in the NBA...Now I gotta take up some heavy drinking to forget he ever happened again
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Post by Berlin on Oct 31, 2013 12:06:08 GMT -6
Whatever, Francis used to light things up back in the day. This is a guy who played four games in China and scored a total of 2 points with 3 rebounds (I'm guessing of his own missed shots)...if that doesn't scream talent, I don't know what does.
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Tyler
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Post by Tyler on Oct 31, 2013 12:09:58 GMT -6
KLove hit a 3 pointer with 10 secs left in the 4th to tie the game and put it to overtime and pulled out the win. The Wolves have a little work to do but they are gonna be awesome. I'll give you credit for getting a win, but needing luck and OT to beat the Magic isn't really in the "Awesome" category just yet I don't think I could name a Magic player outside of Olandipo because I remember him from NBA2k14 Yeah basketball players are SOOOOOO lucky when they hit big shots. Oh and as for Orlando, Im surprised you haven't heard of Nikola Vucevic. You will soon enough.
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Post by Dave on Oct 31, 2013 12:20:57 GMT -6
I'll give you credit for getting a win, but needing luck and OT to beat the Magic isn't really in the "Awesome" category just yet I don't think I could name a Magic player outside of Olandipo because I remember him from NBA2k14 Yeah basketball players are SOOOOOO lucky when they hit big shots. Oh and as for Orlando, Im surprised you haven't heard of Nikola Vucevic. You will soon enough. I wasn't referring to the one shot, I just meant lucky to have survived such a quality team with players such as...... As far as this Niko guy goes I'll just leave this:
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