FanPost

Causes for 1-11

This inspiration comes from a post over at TWolvesBlog that implied this will be the worst Wolves team in history. I'm not going to go that far considering how untalented the 22-win 07-08 team was, but there are legitimate questions as to what factors have influenced the start. Some ideas:

  • Talent: The only reason I'm saying more about this one is to meet the word minimum for FanPosts. It doesn't take a genius to indicate that they've been on the short end of the stick (I'd say New Jersey even had an advantage there)
  • Effort: If a team's offense is based on running at every opportunity, then the defense should be more spirited than it has been to this point. The Golden State game was an abomination of transition defense.
  • Adjusting to a system: I don't think the triangle is something they're using a lot, but the idea of reacting to the defense and not calling plays isn't something done on most teams at any level. My guess is the new coach also has new terminology to bring with it, and it's not like any of his former players are around to lend a hand (though I'm sure Dennis Rodman and Glen Rice are available if Kahn wants to go that route).
  • Adjusting to a new team: Only Gomes and Jefferson have played together for more than two seasons, and only those two, Brewer, and Cardinal have teamed up for one season. Every team that replaces 2/3rds of the roster gets off to slow starts. Maybe not this slow, but slower than expected.
  • Schedule: Basketball-reference lists the Wolves' schedule as the 10th-toughest in the league. It's not a big factor but could play a slight role, considering how many good teams in that top 10 are under .500 (though each has injuries - San Antonio, New Orleans, maybe Washington). There's also this nugget: the Wolves have more west coast road trips in November than they do the rest of the season.
  • Missing key players: It's at least possible that not having Jefferson or Love cost the Wolves a W at Memphis. And it's not a stretch that they could've pulled out the game in LA if Love had been playing.

I don't think there's one answer. If I had to guess, it'd be 50% talent and 10% each of adjusting to a system, effort, adjusting to teammates, schedule, and missing key players. What say you?