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Minnesota Timberwolves: get on the bandwagon

By Ryan Palmer

May 17, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns represents his team during the NBA draft lottery at New York Hilton Midtown. The Philadelphia 76ers received the first overall pick in the 2016 draft. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
May 17, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns represents his team during the NBA draft lottery at New York Hilton Midtown. The Philadelphia 76ers received the first overall pick in the 2016 draft. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Minnesota Timberwolves finally have a roster that fans can get excited about. It is truly incredible how one little ping-pong ball can shape the future of an entire franchise.

“I can’t wait for the Minnesota Timberwolves to start their season,” said nobody in the last decade, ever.

That is all about to change…

The keyword for 2016-17 is, hope.

Welcome to Minneapolis Tom Thibodeau. Thib’s is currently honing his skills alongside Mike Krzyzewski and the rest of USA Basketball in Rio. Along with his Olympic success Thibodeau has never had a losing season since becoming an NBA head coach, and I’m looking for that trend to continue.

Tom Thibodeau, Minnesota Timberwolves
Jul 19, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; USA head coach Mike Krzyzewski coaches during a practice at Mendenhall Center. Mandatory Credit: Joshua Dahl-USA TODAY Sports /

After suffering through the bewildering Sam Mitchell era, owner Glen Taylor may have finally come to his senses. With a proven winner now in place, Taylor has also given coach Thibodeau total control over the organization.

The talent is already in place

If you were to ask any NBA general manager which current player they would choose to build a new franchise around the answer would be, K-A-T. Karl-Anthony Towns won the Rookie of the Year award last season, which will be just the first of many NBA accolades that Towns will place on his mantel. Wolfies should get goosebumps just thinking about how good he could become.

Zach Lavine may be better known for his dunking ability than his playing skills. That might change come October. When Lavine was inserted back into the starting line-up late last season his numbers started to improve. Could it have been better decision making, possibly, either way Lavine has shown the growth and pure athleticism that every team wants.

Kris Dunn is a defensive monster, and now he has a true guru to teach the young wolf.

https://twitter.com/Timberwolves/status/762306461951078400

Andrew Wiggins was brought to Minnesota via the Cleveland Cavaliers trade that sent Kevin Love packing. Love may have a championship ring, but any analyst would say the Timberwolves still got the better deal. Wiggins still has something to prove and he’s well on his way.

The Minnesota Timberwolves were smart to lock in Ricky Rubio for as long as they did. Have you noticed what current NBA free agents are signing for under the new collective bargaining agreement? Rubio’s name has been swirling around rumors involving a trade, but dealing Ricky just would not make sense at the price he’s locked in at. Tyus Jones did make a huge splash during summer league though, just saying.

Next: Minnesota Vikings: Saturday night lights

Nobody knows what the Minnesota Timberwolves fate will be in 2016-17. For the first time in ten years however wolves fans can hope for a competitive team. “Can’t wait to get the season started,” said everyone. Welcome to a new generation of Timberwolves basketball..

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