Just a few thoughts before the Wolves season finally kicks off next
week.
When last year's team began play, we were overhyped. We were not
capable of doing what we were expected to do last year (compete for
a Western Conference title).
We came into the season with an injured (and old) Sam Cassell who
couldn't (or didn't want to) guard anybody. One thing historically
about Sam, when he gets traded, he has a great first year and then
drops into abyss with his play and his attitude in his second year.
That's the reason he has spent so much time moving around the NBA
during his career. KG was fed up with his attitude and self serving
comments by the end of last year.
Contrary to what you may have heard, Latrell Spreewell was playing
hard last year. Defensively, almost every night, he was giving
effort. He knew his offensive game, which began and ended with his
ability to slash and finish at the rim, had left him. Spree simply
doesn't have the hops to get it done anymore. He tried to morph into
an outside catch and shoot in transition player (see Wally's
strengths) but he simply has never had a consistant jump shot in his
game.
Rashad McCants can do what Latrell wasn't capable of doing last
year. He can create and finish. Offensively, he's going to be
terrific.
Marco Jaric can play. He's the perfect defensive replacement for
Sam. He also understands that he needs to pass first. Particularly
to KG and Wally.
What I'm saying is simply this: We finally have a rotation and
offensive shot pecking order that makes sense with this team.
KG: 1A
Wally: 1B
Kandi: 2
Off the bench:
Rashad: 1A
Huddy: 1B
Eddie G: 2
Bottom Line: This team will be much better than people think. I
would be shocked if they don't make the playoffs. They're better
defensively on the outside, and they have a combination of
rebounders and shot blockers that is impressive. They're built for
speed and they'll run this year. It's going to be fun to watch.
One final note:
KG (over the past few years) has warmed to Wally and grown to accept
and respect him not just as a player, but as a person. For KG, this
has been a transition, because he is the undesputed leader of this
team and should be. The thawing has been initiatied by KG. It had to
start with KG, because everyone else on the team follows his lead,
with the exception of Wally.
Keep in mind that (besides the obvious differences) Wally was raised
a child of privilege in an upper class community, while KG was not.
Wally's attitude (I'm a great player and my stuff doesn't stink) has
always rubbed and grated on KG, who expected (and deserved) Wally's
respect. Wally, because of his supreme confidence in himself, has
always expected to be treated as an equal, while respecting KG's
talents. That's what's driven the split (and tension) between them.
Wally demanding equality and KG expecting Wally to be a good soldier
and fall in line.
Wally (unless he gets an unfortunate injury) is going to have a
great year. I'm not talking 17 points a game. I'm talking 21-22
points a game, 5 boards, and 3-4 assists a game. He's going to get
what he wants and I think he has the game to excel.
If KG and Wally continue to meld....it's only going to help Wally's
confidence.

JC