about the Timberwolves, after they beat the Bucks:

Bucks center Andrew Bogut said. "You look at their team, they seem to be enjoying each other.

Now, I know that winning is fun, and there's a 2-13 stretch ahead somewhere this season. But still, when was a quote like Bogut's last applied to the Timberwolves, especially by an opponent?

What makes their apparent glee so remarkable is that:

1. Only three players on this year's roster right now were on the team at the start of last season.

2. No hierarchy exists--each player is competing against one (or even two) equally-talented players for playing time at his respective position.

3. None of these players have the comfort and security of a long-term, big-dollar, guaranteed contract.

4. Some of the biggest cheerleaders are the ones in the most precarious positions.

5. You can't claim they're upbeat out of fear or respect for the coaching staff and front office (who are still thiiiisss close to "laughing stock" status throughout the league).

This team will miss Al Jefferson's low-post scoring more than they (or we) are willing to admit. But I can't help but wonder if Jefferson's departure is part of the reason there is less scowling and more smiling.