The Empty Optimism of the Minnesota Timberwolves

Over at TrueHoop, there's a fun and uplifting conversation with noted guru Idan Ravin regarding his recent work with the Minnesota Timberwolves. It talks about the work being done in developing players, the mental challenges the players are facing, and the potential with that team. It's a really interesting interview with a great basketball mind.

Too bad the franchise in question has about as much of a future as buggy whips.

The Wolves have gotten started on drumming up their season tickets drive for next season. Here's an excerpt from their pitch:

Change is in the air. It goes without saying that we've experienced our share of it this year. New basketball boss, new coaches, new players, new hope. And just when you thought the season was winding down we're really cranking things up: A 2010 draft with two - or possibly even three - first-round draft picks, and massive cap room for this summer's free-agency market.

Combine that with being one year closer to Ricky Rubio and maybe signing European big man Nikola Pekovic, and you have a recipe for another exciting offseason. And just as we work tirelessly to improve the team on the court, we're doing whatever it takes to win back our fans.

Really? That's the pitch? So you suffered one of the worst drafts of any team in need of immediate improvement, and your plan to get the masses excited is in your drafting acumen and the draft pick you failed to bring over the first time?

Don't get me wrong, the Wolves should be commended for their long-term approach. It's rare to find a team that openly sets forth a plan that calls for patience and looks for long-term contention. It's just that, well, so far, this current management team isn't exactly executing that plan brilliantly. They drafted two point guards, one that says he'll be glad to play in the great, cold, Midwest, just not, you know... right now, and the other who's not exactly setting the world on fire despite getting more minutes than most rookie point guards.

They have a terrific young frontcourt tandem, but both have clashed with management and first-year coach Kurt Rambis. Rambis has tried some, um, interesting tactics, like guarding Carmelo Anthony with Kevin Love. Even Love thought this was a bad plan. Trying to implement the triangle has been rough, and as far as that free agency plan goes...well, let's just say I'm a small-market proponent and even I understand how hard it is for small-market teams with nice weather to pull in free agents.

But hey, Nikola Pekovic! Get excited, Wolves fans!

There's a good chance that this is simply a rocky start to a brilliant run for Kahn et al. Most people still believe that Ricky Rubio will be a brilliant player in the league (provided he bulks up and learns to love making snow angels). Al Jefferson and Kevin Love are a great frontcourt (provided they guard, you know, the right guys). Corey Brewer has improved phenomenally this season. And multiple picks are never bad (can't miss on 'em all!).

It's just a pretty rosy picture of a future that the Wolves are painting. The question isn't the artistic idea, but whether the hand guiding the brush can get the colors right.