Minnesota Timberwolves - Underdogs ready to surprise in the 2012-13 NBA season - Opinion (Part
6)
Minnesota Timberwolves
Minnesota Timberwolves are no longer mere pushovers.
And they ain’t only about Kevin Love anymore.
And they are looking scary.
After Ricky Rubio made his much awaited debut last season, the Wolves finally got a grasp of what it feels like to be a top playoff contender last season. And even though the side came crashing down after the Spaniard suffered
a season ending injury, the off season moves made by David Kahn have ensured that this does not happen again.
The Wolves added some Russian flavour to their side this summer. They went all out to procure ten year NBA veteran Andrei Kirilenko and also signed rising shooting guard Alexey Shved. Both of these stars were among the top ten
players in the Olympics and Kirilenko also won the Euroleague MVP with CSKA Moscow last year.
Famously known as the AK - 47, Kirilenko will add a lot of experience and physicality to the Wolves defense, which caused major headaches for Rick Adelman last season. Along with that, Kirilenko’s presence will also boost up the
offense and take a lot pressure off Love. The two can play 4 and 5 effectively, should Adelman choose to operate with a small lineup on a consistent basis. Even if the coach does not go for that, he has decent options in Nikola Pekovic and new recruit Greg
Stiemsma to play centre.
The Wolves also added Brandon Roy to the roster in the summer, and if the sharp shooter can come anywhere near to his old pedigree, teams around the league will be having some serious concerns from this outfit. Brandon and Shved
are just two players in a highly talented back court, which also boasts of Ricky Rubio, J.J. Barea and Luke Ridnour.
With Michael Beasley out of the picture for good, the Wolves will rely on last year’s number two pick Derrick Williams for the small forward slot and also have Chase Budinger to back up if Williams continues to be a disappointment.
This side seems to have all the bases covered apparently and if Rubio returns with all of his class next season, Love and his Wolves will be in for quite a ride.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article do not represent Bettor.com’s editorial policy.
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