It’s a hangover without alcohol. It’s a long sluggish slide with no thanks to too many sliders. It’s grumpy and no ties to a Growler.
I am still in a funk over the end of the Wolves season. Yes, I know, the worst season in ages. Perhaps, in this day and age of non-stop highlights, everyone’s an expert and constant backchat, THE worst season for an NBA team. However you slice it, the healing is gonna’ take some time and roster moves might be the only salve to close the wound.
I stayed on this team all season. I am still there but won’t spend time talking glass half full when you want something else. As I’ve been saying for weeks, no matter how you talk it, review it or recount it, this has been tough. Yes, again, a very long season.
As bummed as I might be, I feel worse for the staff and personnel who keep the light shining on team Timberwolves. They are the ones who are hustling 40-plus nights a season, all the off-game-day special events, and the non-game office work to keep the ship afloat. They are the one’s putting a sweet spin on a losing season. They are the ones trying to keep your eyes on the screen of a team in reboot. At the end of the season, THEY have to take the deepest breath and then go right back to work. The sell for 2015-16 will be even harder this season.
In sifting through my e-mail this week, I kept coming back to a related note. It came from a long time season ticket holder who renewed even though he had reservations about doing so... D.R.writes, “ the team was simply hard to watch down the stretch. New unknown players coming in every week, KG (Kevin Garnett) arrives in a trade and sits due to injury and so many big players hurt. I’m coming back but very hopeful the draft and free agency is fruitful. Nothing can be harder to sit through than this season.
D.R., great note. No question about it, watching the Wolves injury row also known as the T’Wolves MASH unit on the sidelines during a game is hard for any fan. From your starting point guard to center, your back-up big man and so many vital cogs as well. Something has to give there as well.
Is it luck or something else that teams like Cleveland and Portland, Toronto and Golden State can deal with the bangs and nick’s during the season but the Wolves can’t?! Look what happened here and in New York. I know my hoops but can’t recognize those Knicks.
Clearly, the arrival and amazing season from soon-to-be Rookie of the Year Andrew Wiggins has to be the highlight. That, as we’ve seen, doesn’t will the Wolves to wins but it’s the table setter for much to come. From Wiggins you can set your roster and that is a positive that will carry the franchise through it’s off season rebuild.
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Several readers are worried about the front office situation. Carl in New Hope writes weekly and may be the biggest fan in that great Minnesota city. Carl writes again, “Thanks for your weekly blog on the team and your GameON! show. I love it. Can you tell us what’s going to happen with Flip? I’m one who thinks too much is on his plate and perhaps needs to give up some of his workload. I also believe he’s a strong talent evaluator. What’s going to happen? Thanks again.
Carl, thank you. I don’t know what’s going to happen but I also believe Coach Saunders is a dynamic player personnel judge. Agreed, there is a lot on his plate but how he maneuvers his staff is to be seen during the off season. Whatever happens, Flip needs to stay and continue working his blueprint.
I loved this note from Pat in Minneapolis. :”I’m a huge Wolves fan but if I’m the GM, I’m picking a point guard who doesn’t get hurt and a big man. I’ll figure out all the important things closer to the draft. GO Wild”. I appreciate the high-5 to the Stanley Cup chasing hockey team on the other side of the river! Hope they do some big damage in the post season! Now, the Wolves will make hay in the upcoming draft for sure. I like Rubio at point but we need him to play. However, it’s clear that the rash of injuries is hampering the growth and success of the team.
This reader has issues with my MVP pick of OKC’s Russell Westbrook. SR writes, how do you pick a player who scores but didn’t get his team to the playoffs? You don’t get it. Weak man, weak.” Thanks for the note. I agree that Golden State’s Steph Curry will get the award but I grew to appreciate the impressive year that Westbrook had. Fighting his own injuries, missing the team’s top scorer and teammate Kevin Durant and simply carrying the load. I stick with it. With all due respect.
Next week, my thoughts on the NBA Finals and much more. Until next time, keep your Game ON! And do not be a “casual fan. Stay on board. Keep the faith! See you on TV!
What’s on your mind?!
If you are a serious Timberwolves fan (and even the casual fan is allowed), drop me a note with your thoughts. Write me at rod@gameONtvMN.com.
Here come the Lynx!!
The Lynx get one preseason home game to launch its 17th season of professional women’s basketball and it will be against Center Janel McCarville’s old team, the New York Liberty at Target Center on June 1.
Wolves@Fingertips!
This is cool! The Wolves have launched a new mobile app that gives fans instant access to exclusive Wolves content and live game coverage. Fans can download the free app on iOS and Android devices by visiting Timberwolves.com/mobile.
The official Timberwolves app offers fans the ability to follow live game content including the score, stats, shot charts and related social media conversations via the Game Tracker. The app also allows fans to seamlessly check the team’s schedule, roster and conference standings. Fans on the go can stay engaged and updated with the team by accessing Wolves articles, photo galleries and original videos through the app. New features including ticket sales integrations, fan experience modules, exclusive membership content and more will be added to the app in the near future. The app is another step the Wolves have taken to accommodate the continued growth of mobile web use. Last season, the Wolves launched their re-designed website that is optimized for mobile viewing.
SimonsSays on TV/PODcast:
GameON! and Rod Simons are winners of a 2014 Emmy award for show host! It’s exciting news as GameON! starts its new season and continues to showcase the Timberwolves like no other broadcast show in the region. GameON! is powered by Budweiser and is broadcast in High Definition and can be found on ITunes, on demand via our new GameON! App (free and available for Apple/Android) and online @ www.gameontvmn.com. There is always a Wolves update on my TV show, GameON! Don’t miss an episode of the Emmy winning GameON! @ 10am this Sunday morning on FOX’s My29 and throughout the weekend regionally on MidCo Sports Net.
GameON! offers in-depth interviews with the top players, great food, sports newsmakers and we get you inside your favorite teams (including the Wolves). We’d love for you to “like” us on Facebook @ GameOnTvMN. Drop me a note, Rod@go963MN.com
GameON! is also seen in North & South Dakota and Western Minnesota on MidCo SportsNet several times a weekend. We reserve the right to use your e-mails here in SimonsSays @ Timberwolves.com. You can now get SimonsSays in new PODcast form with insight/input from fans just like you and exclusive player interviews! Keep an eye out for SimonsSays PODcast @ Timberwolves.com each and every week.
And last but not least, please catch Rod throughout the day on GO96.3 FM. Rod keeps you inside the team with This Is Twins Territory & the signature Prep Playbook which can also be found @ www.go963MN.com.
We talk Wolves. Every day. High’s & lows. We’re there because we’re fans, just like you! Keep your GameON! See you soon!