I just feel like they will be outscored and outhustled by most other teams with their starting five. A reasonable backup but there is just not enough to make up for it.
I'd take Denver out of the group of bubble teams. It was a team without a real star that thrived on chemistry. Management then completely sabotaged their chemistry, downgraded at coaching, and lost their best nonstar. If it was just Iggy's depature, I'd say they were a bubble team, but morale on that team must be terrible after what happened his offseason. I don't see them competing. That opens some space for the T-wolves.
Playoff team if healthy. I mean Rubio and love injured most of the season, Martin usually gets hurt a couple times a season, and I think pekovic went down the end of the season. Though I could see them getting the 14th pick. Be like the 2010 - 2012 rockets.
If they stay healthy, they're talented enough to make the playoffs. Beyond the listed 6 that seem locked for playoff spots, they are deeper, younger, and/or better seasoned than than the rest of the contenders for 7th and 8th seed. Adleman's defense will be underrated again as usual but, he'll get what his squad can give. I'm not sure about that listed starting 5. Wouldn't it make more sense to use Brewer as their starting 3? They're already thin on D in that roster as it is and it makes more sense to pair him up with all their offensive players to reign in his questionable offense. Short evaluations of the other potential teams: LA: Gimpy and old with probably no Kobe for a chunk of the season and a cobbled team much like Dallas last season. Pelicans: Growing pains of a young squad learning it's identity and no real center to speak of. Dallas: Another new squad for Dirk. Possible but unlikely. No real big men of note apart from Diggler in a conference full of dominant big men. When Dirk's benched, they'll be a hot mess. Portland: Does Robin Lopez make enough of a difference to carry them to the playoffs? Lillard could be their ace if he learns to play D. Denver: They're roster core got shook up by losing one of the best defensive wings in the game, their steady starting center, and Karl. They still have boatloads of talent. I agree that they're the wildcard. They won't be nearly as good as last season but I doubt it's a complete collapse. Miller's coming back according to reports and Shaw's got some pedigree. My guess, it'll be a dogfight for the last 2, perhaps 3, spots in the west like last season. I'm guessing a healthy Wolves and Nuggets lock up the last 2 spots.
Thunder Spurs Clippers Rockets Warriors Grizzlies Wolves Mavericks (Portland, New Orleans and the Lakers will challenge for those last two spots but I think this is who makes it). The West is stacked.
They have talent and size but I just can't see the Wolves making the playoffs. I doubt they'll even finish above .500. The Western Conference is incredibly tough this season.
Nah i think they will miss the playoffs. 1- San Antonio 2- OKC 3- Clippers 4- Rockets 5- Memphis 6- GSW Last two Spots probably will go to either Portland, Dallas, NOLA, or Denver
I'm just going to assume health (That's fair IMO) for all teams including the pups so I'll say at best a 7th seed. Especially with Adelman...but the west is tough and I think the Hornets will jump them as the rising team because Davis is a beast...looks like one and plays like one.
In the West, provided everything goes their way, Minny could sneak into the playoffs. But so could about 4 other teams. The only teams out of the hunt are the Suns, the Jazz and Sac.
Is Pekovic even signed yet ? They blew money on a mediocre wing rotation and will probably end up overpaying Rubio because he's a huge fan favorite (despite his inefficiency). If/when Pekovic does sign I don't think the T-wolves are a very noteworthy team other than taking the honor of being the future "team Kevin Love used to play for".
Can't believe I called them the Hornets...I meant the Pelicans of course. I like that team though, especially if Gordon stays healthy I wouldn't be surprised if they are the surprise team of the year.
It's cause they're white isn't it? In all seriousness, I think they have a good chance in sneaking into that 8th spot.
they had this lanky big man chris johnson who played well against us last year, I liked the way he looked. He could run, hit the jumper, block shots. He had a skinny body though
