Timberwolves Trades

 Today I'm going to deviate from my APBA summaries and write about the Timberwolves recent trades. I'd like to hear what everyone thinks and if these moves put them over the top.

Let's recap: 

On June 22nd, the Wolves shipped Julius Randle and the 28th pick in the draft to Brooklyn, in exchange got the 33rd pick from Brooklyn and Mo Gueye from Chicago. This deal was actually more about dumping Randle's salary than picking up quality players. The 33rd pick ended up to be Isaiah Evans. 

This move allowed the Wolves to lock up Ayo Dosunmu to a long-term contract. 

On June 25th the Wolves shipped fan favorite Naz Reid and a boatload of picks to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for LaMelo Ball and Josh Green.

I don't think the Wolves are done dealing but they don't have a lot of capital left to use. They may have to roll with what they have and hope it is enough to win them a championship.

What does the roster look like now and what would the starting lineup be?

With Randle and Reid gone, they will have to find a way to make up 34 points and 13 rebounds. Ball should be able to cover 20 points and about 5 rebounds (What he averaged last year). He also averaged 7 assists which gives the Wolves a nice point guard. They will also have Dosunmu for a full season and he averaged 14 points last year. He will most likely come off the bench and spell Ball or Edwards.

They still need someone to back-up Gobert and be able to play power forward and pull down rebounds. They have too many guards. Will they package a couple to get the power forward they need? Do they sign a PF in free agency? 

Some free agents that are available are: LeBron James, Kristaps Porzingis, Tobias Harris, Draymond Green, Harrison Barnes. Do they sign one of these guys with some of the cap space money they freed up?

I'd like to hear what you think. Leave a comment.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Continue following this blog in 2013 and see a different side and perspective on sports. Who would have thought we would be heading into 2013 with some interesting teams playing in the NFL playoffs.

The Vikings in a 6 day rematch with the Packers this time on the frozen tundra of Lambeau.
The Redskins led by two rookies and Seahawks led by Wilson and Lynch should be quite a match-up

The amazing Colts versus the sliding Texans. Will the rookie continue to shine in the playoffs?
Can the Bengals beat the Ravens? Can Flacco be trusted or will Dalton be the QB to shine.

This years NFL season was a spectacular ride with AP coming 9 yards short of mortality. Still his feat is more remarkable considering he was coming off of knee surgery. Never underestimate the power of hard work and dedication in a sport.

Payton Manning showed he still has what it takes and there was a rise in young guns in the league with Wilson, Luck and RGIII leading the way.

The playoffs will prove to be just as exciting. Buckle up for a football ride to the Superbowl.

The Lockout

Hockey preseason should have started by now. Minnesotans like myself would have anxiously been watching the play of the newest Wild players, Zach Parise and Ryan Suter. It was going to be an exciting season. That is right I said WAS. September 15th came and their was no Collective Bargaining agreement between the players and the owners so the owners locked the players out. No practice and so far no preseason.

It is very disappointing to hear two groups of people making millions of dollars complain that they don't have enough. If they can't figure it out maybe than can give me some of the money. Maybe they can get President Obama involved since President Obama wants to tax the rich maybe he can just tell both sides to share their wealth with the less fortunate. Oh wait! President Obama won't do that because he doesn't even share his wealth. He is too busy taxing every one to coffer his own agenda to really care about any one else.

The way I see the lockout is that the owners have every right to make as much money as they can. It is America and Canada where capitalism is king (or should be). Plus it isn't like the players are hurting for money. In fact here is a quote from Minnesota's recent millionaire Zach Parise.

"They are boasting how well the league is doing and how they've grown millions of dollars," says Wild Forward Zach Parise. "Then last time they come and say we need 24 percent off your salary and now they are going to do it again. After a while how much do you want us to cover for their mistakes?"

He just signed a 98 million dollar contract. That doesn't sound like a pay cut to me. I love sports and enjoy watching them but I am tired of the cry baby players whining that they don't have enough money and even the minimum amount in most sports are well over the amount I make, and I have my MBA. Most of the players can barely give a competent interview.

Then there are the owners making millions of dollars in other ventures and then whine and complain to the state or community that they need a new facility built or they may have to leave.

Why don't the player and the owners just SHUT UP play the game and let the fans enjoy watching without all of this politics.

Preseason Football

Preseason football has started. The Vikings had their opening game tonight at San Francisco and it is currently sitting at 17 - 6 with 2:19 left in the game. I didn't get a chance to watch much of the first half of the game. My expectations however are very low. I hope they do well and I hope Adrian Peterson can bounce back from his injury and play the whole season.

The Vikings are still in rebuilding and learning mode. The NFC North is going to be a tough division with the Packers, Bears and Lions all very tough teams to beat and the Vikings have to play each of them twice.

My hope is that Christian Ponder has improved as a Quarterback and we will see some great plays and some exciting games. If they can go 8 - 8 that would definitely be major improvement.

Here is my order for the NFC Central finish no records.

1.   Packers
2.   Lions
3.   Bears
4.   Vikings

Sorry Vikings. I just don't think you have it in you to overtake any of those three. I hope you do but I just don't see it happening.

Look for my predictions on other divisions as we lead up to the opening kickoff. Share yours with me as well by leaving a comment.

Not In Tournament

The Golden Gophers of Minnesota did not make the big dance this year. However, they are making the most of the 32 team party they were invited to, the NIT. They are one win away from bringing home some hardware from the NIT. It was a thrilling overtime battle with Washington but in the end the Gophers prevailed by 1 point. They now face the team from Stanford on the hardcourt of Madison Square Garden.

Let's hope this is a prelude to next year. Let's hope they keep playing hard and if Mbakwe will return (Please return) they could be a force to reckon with. They also might graduate to the big dance in 2013.

Go Gophers beat Stanford!!!