Climbing Out of The Cellar

Despite this season's lackluster 0-3 record, this is without a doubt the best Timberwolves squad in the post-Garnett era. This team is starting to be competitive night after night. Now we're only 3 games into the shortened season, but a lot has already been learned about this year's squad. Both good and bad. Here are 5 things I have noticed in particular that is different about the team:

1. Rick Adelman has finally brought coaching stability to this young and inexperienced team:

This is probably the most vital ingredient to the success of this team not only this season, but in the next couple of years. The infamous Marko Jaric trade has eventually left the Wolves without a good way to build through next year's draft, so Adelman must make due with what he has. His impact is very noticeable during games. This is the man who made Sacramento basketball relevant and led the Houston Rockets to a 22 game winning streak without its best players, so it's safe to say he knows what's going on. In the first three games alone I have noticed a much more disciplined team that makes smarter decisions and doesn't give up. Eventually his work combined with the experience this squad builds up together will translate to more wins, but that won't be too far off at this pace.

2. This team has more firepower than any other previous Wolves team:

No matter what combination of players is on the floor, there's a high chance on every possession there will be either points or a lot of second chances. This was pretty evident tonight with the performances of Kevin Love and Anthony Randolph. There are 9 players on this roster alone who can nail the 3-pointer with consistency, and we have 2 explosive and versatile scores in Williams and Beasley. There's also of course Ricky Rubio who doesn't hesitate to thread the ball to the open man. I have a feeling the Wolves will score anywhere from 100-110 points a game this year, which would put them high up in the scoring ranks. The question is if they can do it in an efficient manner based on pace of play, fastbreak points, true FG%, etc...

3. There is a "Rubio Factor" present in Minnesota:

We all know it's there. Once this man's name is announced the place just goes crazy. The fans were chanting his name tonight, and he made sure to not disappoint. In all likelihood Rubio will have the second most double-double games next to Kevin Love this season (assuming he is given enough minutes to score 10 points). As mentioned before he isn't afraid to pass the ball into those tight windows, but we all know that against elite defenders like LeBron or Battier this can backfire. I personally get more excited about Rubio than Skip Bayless does when he hears the name Tim Tebow. We're only 3 games in, but it's becoming more and more apparent that Rubio is the long term answer at point guard. I know there's glaring weaknesses in his game, but the most important thing about this kid is that he knows he doesn't have to score in order to be an effective basketball player. This is what separates him from the likes of Russell Westbrook and puts him in Jason Kidd/Rajon Rondo territory. Kidd's career PPG is 13.2, but will still be considered one of the best point guards of all time. Rondo has never been considered a scorer, but was most important player with exception to Paul Pierce in their title run.

4. The signing of J.J. Barea will be considered the best free agent pickup of the offseason:

This is a lot like Darren Sproles going from San Diego to New Orleans. Both aren't superstar caliber players by any means, but both have had/will have the biggest impact on their respective teams. Barea chose to come to Minnesota after winning his title in Dallas. Let's also not forget he played a huge role in the playoffs for Dallas, who was down one Roddy Beaubois. J.J. is a good leader and 6th man off of the bench. His ability and leadership will make it hard for Martell Webster and Malcom Lee to get minutes once they return from their injuries. Barea also brings more stability to the back court, and his fluency in the Spanish language also makes communication with Ricky Rubio much easier.

5. Michael Beasley needs to be traded while his trade value is still high:

A great talent with his head finally screwed on tightly with a newly discovered dedication to the game. A high usage player who takes way too many shots and also plays out of his natural position. Either of the two previous sentences could be used to describe Michael Beasley. The longer we hold on to him, the more likely it is that the latter of the two descriptions will come back to haunt this team. Going 11-27 to get only 24 points is very ineffective, and that's an understatement there. Then cut back to 6-13 for 15 points, and 2-6 for 4 points. 44% from the free throw line (The season is young but still horrendous). 2 assists in just 3 games. I know Beasley has the desire to be the clutch guy who closes out games, but it's not going to workout in Minnesota. I've been watching him since his Kansas State days and he reminds me a lot of Carmelo Anthony. We all know Carmelo is a primetime performer and can score at will, but what else can you say about him that makes him out to be an elite player? Well not a whole lot. Both are below average rebounders for their size and they sometimes shoot their teams out of games. There is something that separates the two, and that is Carmelo is way better in the clutch than Beasley. Take the Xmas day game for example. 2 free throws to take the lead against the Knicks and they win. Now fast forward to Monday against OKC. Tried to drive and got triple teamed, resulting in a poor shot attempt and a loss. The Wolves are better served trading him to a lottery team for their draft pick and a quality center or 2-guard.

There is much more that can be discussed, but I'll leave that for the comments.

Also, I found this picture and found it to be a good representation of tonight's matchup

via highbridnation.com