DeROK wrote:
I really hope that happens. I don't want our young players \"learning\" from this guy anymore than they have to. If losing only affected our record and draft choices I would be all for it. But at some point it has to affect the psyche of the guys, especially when a lot of them have only been the league a few years. And most of them have been losing (Wolves and Celtics). We need to establish a good environment as soon as possible and not just let these kids flounder with DimWitt.

No wonder why I don't miss this place. This place shows it's true colors just like the rest of the fans I hear from. Kick them when they are down. Good philosophy. Good luck to all of you. I will stick by these guys because of the players they will be. Foye isn't even back and you guys are still downing the team. Half the players are injured and you are still downing the team. Go to the games all you want but if you still talk like this there is no way that you are true fans. Maybe, just maybe you go to the games to find an excuse to drink. ????

mwithers wrote:
Whoa... you are alive. WHERE have you been? Long time no see...

In response to your post, it's not like we are a decent team and everyone is ripping on them for honest little mistakes. There are some major and very evident flaws which honestly, are unacceptable for any professional club. It's one thing to never rip them, but that's basically an admission as a fan that you are ok with the team and ok with how the Front Office is running things. You can be a fan of the team and still constructively criticise the team. How else will people like Taylor and McHale know things aren't ok if all the fans would just go along with the flow and \"be happy\" no matter about the results on the court. As a paying and supportive fan, it's well within anyone's right.

I am a true fan. I watch all of the games. I go to several of them in person and support the team. I pay money to see these guys. It pains me to see the shape the team is in. A lot of it has to do with the front office and coach so I am voicing my displeasure.

mwithers wrote:
First off, let me just say I'm happy to see you're posting. I honestly thought you had died. I'm not trying to be funny or over dramatic or anything. I really thought you had died since that was the only explanation I could think of for why you just disappeared suddenly and we couldn't contact you.

Second, there are many things wrong with this team as our four wins clearly indicate. While this isn't a hopeless situation like the Knicks and Isaiah, there are many things that need to be changed. The team is clearly underachieving even without Foye. Wittman undoubtedly needs to go. Certain guys like Gerald Green have been a disappointment and we've called them out. Others like Telfair have been a huge surprised and we've embraced them. Overall, I think the posters on here are pretty fair and save for the occasional rant of frustration are pretty accurate in their opinions of people and have shown that they're willing to give players a second chance when deserved - like Jaric.

Third, I'd really like to know what made you leave. If you don't want to discuss it here, you can email me if you want. I really liked having you around to talk Wolves with and I'm sorry if something that was said or done here caused you to leave. Hopefully I'll hear from you soon.

- Derek

Back in 11/16 I posted a thread titled \"Who's a real fan?\" I posted it in response to what I viewed as negative feedback displayed by the Twolvesblog posters. I got some interesting responses, particularly from the always philosophical Sanyarin. He brings a very wide insight to the definition of a \"Fan.\" Please read it.

I wonder if Derok and CW would show this much concern over my well-being should I stop posting as long as mwithers did.

mmaland wrote:
At 4-22, you can only be so positive. Especially when our front office has a track record of glossing over major problems. There are plenty of bright spots with our young players that give me hope for the future. Yet at the same time, to question anyone's fanhood because they're not 100% behind the direction of the rebuilding effort isn't right.

Fans are allowed to be disgruntled when they feel a lack of effort/concern coming from the people running the team. It shows that they care. It's one thing to bash and boo. It's a completely different thing to constructively criticize.

nbafan#8 wrote:
If you were a big of a part of this site as mwithers was, we'd definitely be as concerned. As it is, you've been a loyal enough of a poster that we'd definitely notice if you disappeared. Howl for you, buddy!

I am alive and still very busy. Life has been very busy. Not too busy for the Wolves but too busy for most other things.

I understand disappointment but some of these posts are way beyond constructive criticism. We all expected this team to have a bad start and most of us expected it to be as bad as this.

The fact of the matter is that most of us, including you CW, were excited about the Garnett trades and subsequent trades and then turn around and bad mouth the front office for making it. Does that make any sense? I, for one, am still very glad that they made the moves that they did and I think that they were the best things to happen to the Wolves in a long time.

Another thing, this Wolves team is the most exciting Wolves team to watch since a very long time ago. They play horrible in most fourth quarters but they are a very good, INEXPERIENCED, team that will come together in due time and win a lot of games. We have had only ten players going into a number of games and one of our future players, who will make a significant difference, has been out the entire season so far.

And lastly, if you think that Taylor doesn't know that things are going badly, you should read more of his quotes. He is not happy with the performance of this team just like us. McHale is doing the smart thing and keeping his trap shut just like all of us have always wished he would do before.

One other thing, I did miss our debates, CW.

Later.

nbafan#8 wrote:

Well yeah... if you stick around for a while. We've known Withers for over a year now. He was one of the main and most active contributors back on our old board, before the upgrade. Anytime anyone simply disappears without reason it's a little concerning.

mwithers wrote:

Honestly, it's good to hear that you are still alive and well. We aren't joking when we say we had no idea what happened.

You are correct that I was (and still am) excited about the Garnett trade and the players involved. The thing is, why can't people criticise the Front Office and/or Coach? I mean, it's not like it isn't warranted. We are 4-22. We've won FOUR out of 26 games. That's beyond pathetic. The next worst team has twice as many wins as us. Being that the NBA has 400 or so of probably the best 1,000 basketball athletes on the planet, the talent should be relatively even. There is no excuse for why any one team should be so noticably worse than the average. Nevermind the fact that we are noticably worse than the second worst team. That's preposterous.

As much as anyone criticises players that perform poorly, we are quick to point out players playing well and praising them as warranted. That's how it goes for fans of every team. It's not like this stuff is unwarranted. I guess I don't see what is so offensive about that. It's not like we are saying, \"God that Jefferson guy blows. He missed two layups. What a freakin chump. Why did we trade for him???\" etc.

Taylor may or may not be happy, but if he isn't... well, he has the power to make changes and refuses to do so. It's on him and he's not even close to being beyond criticism.

Our board is no worse than any other NBA discussion forum. In fact, I'd say it's probably one of the best that I've seen. Of course there will be negativity, but at least our members aren't personally attacking each other or starting flame wars. That happens... a lot.

I, for one, would be glad if you came back, but if you choose to stay away I guess that's your prerogative. I always loved our discussions/debates as well, so feel free to join back in if you would like.

Until then, keep it real.

It takes all kinds. I am the opposite of just about everyone on this forum. I am not even going to tell you why. You'd all freak. We all have the T Wolves in common though!

I got a 42\" flat w/sub to HDTV for Christmas from Mrs.Maland. Wave at me tonight, I will see you.



Late edit: The game is in California. I don't suppose anybody here will be there.

mmaland wrote:
You're not one of those brain-stealing aliens are you?

DeROK wrote:

Please don't take any of my brains... believe me, I need all that I've got left.