Sunday, October 26, 2008

Timberwolves: Same As It Ever Was

There has been so little buzz about the Minnesota Timberwolves this season that you would be forgiven if you thought they, not the Seattle Supersonics, had moved to Oklahoma City.

While the Sonics traded in Seattle's lattes and rainy weather for whatever it is that's in Oklahoma, the situation remains the same in the post-Kevin Garnett era for the Wolves. Same owner (Glen Taylor), same GM (Kevin McHale), same coach (Randy Wittman), and same arena (although we hear Target Center is due for a fixup). About the only change is in the Wolves' logo and uniforms, commemorating their 20th NBA season.

Otherwise, the Wolves' chances of improving on last season's 22-60 record hinge on how well two new acquisitions from Memphis fit in with their new star, Al Jefferson. Mike Miller and rookie Kevin Love from UCLA came in the draft day trade with the Grizzlies for O.J. Mayo, the phenom who treated USC like a way station to the NBA. Also, the team needs a little help from the likes of Sebastian Telfair, Randy Foye and Ryan Gomes.

Change may be coming to Washington, but not to the Timberwolves. They won't make the playoffs this year, either.

As for the rest of the NBA, here's who we think will make the playoffs.

EAST Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, Detroit Pistons, Philadelphia 76ers, Toronto Raptors, Orlando Magic, Atlanta Hawks and Washington Wizards.

WEST Los Angeles Lakers, San Antonio Spurs, Portland Trail Blazers, Phoenix Suns, Houston Rockets, Dallas Mavericks, New Orleans Hornets and Utah Jazz.

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