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Bench production:
In J.J. Barea, Dante Cunningham and Derrick Williams the Timberwolves have a productive bench they can depend on. Consistently in all games played one of the guys or more have stepped up and contributed finishing in double figures when the starters are having a tough time. Barea contributes not only points but has figures to show in the assists column too.
Ronny Turiaf is an experienced bench player. Despite being injured at present, he can prove to be instrumental in the front court while either of Love or Pekovic are taking a rest.
Injuries:
Their disastrous 2012-2013 campaign was for no other reason than injuries to multiple players. No rotation ever found its chemistry because there wasn’t any rotation which consistently played over a long duration together.
Kevin Love and Ricky Rubio had injuries last season which were a huge set back to the team’s chances, and although Rubio returned with a major part of the season left, he lacked the electricity we relate to him.
“Losing Chase ,” Adelman told the media gathering, “is really going to hurt us.”
They have already lost Chase Budinger, a vital piece to the roster, to a knee injury and would like to move forward staying healthy.
Focused on the Playoffs:
Acquired in the off-season, Kevin Martin plays a huge role in the Timberwolves making it to the Playoffs this season.
The longest active Playoff drought in the NBA belongs to the Timberwolves and heading into their 25th season as a franchise, they would certainly want to break the active streak.
This is not just me; the players being healthy as a group, are ready to make it to the post-season for the first time under Rick Adelman.
“Nobody’s trying to lead the league in scoring here, everybody has the big picture of trying to get to the playoffs.”-Kevin Martin.
“Last year is last year,” Love, the All-Star power forward, said. “It’s just going to get better day by day.”
The players are optimistic and eager to make it to the Playoffs this season. The Timberwolves look to be a very entertaining team and when healthy can be a serious threat.
