Hey Wolverines,

the season is near to smell, and so the Wolves are droping in one-by-one, to prepare.

For example The Godfather himself:

www.nba.com/timberwolves/news/1-1-nikola-pekovic

I hope, the lost of weight won't diminish his inside presence. But maybe it will help him more, especially on the defensive side (later quickness) - The main reason of course, is staying healthy and so becoming the most dominant offensive Center in the West.

Also Buddinger is in the gym:

www.nba.com/timberwolves/video/1-1-budinger-120627

This guy is really hard to read. I'm not sure, if he's really happy with the hard competition on his positions (As he was traded, he surely only had to fight Wes, Webster & DWill, (and somehow JJ, Malcom Lee & Luke) now there is Roy, Kirlenko, Shved & DWill... (+Luke, Lee + JJ))

And Roy also looking good out there:

www.nba.com/timberwolves/news/all-access...gins-wolves-workouts

What are your first thoughts? And why we haven't heard nothing of AK47 for so long?

Pek looks a lot thinner. I wonder how much weight he lost.

Probably haven't heard anything about AK-47 because he was doing the Olympics and then some basketball w/o borders thing so there is nothing to report on. Him and Shved will be arriving in a couple of days though.

Pek looks like Corey Brewer. That dude lost some weight, I can see it in his face.

Anyway, Roy looks about as mobile as me.

Malcolm Lee is smart to be getting in there with Roy early. Roy is a great shooter and he can learn lots about work ethic as well from him. Malcolm Lee will beat out Shved for backup wing duty. (or else he won't, one of the two).

Chase Budinger looked SOOOO dejected. That poor guy either had a hell of a day, had to take a mean shit, or was just pissed.

Cool stuff, thanks MTW! And a Howl to you!

And more from the Godfather:

watch.nba.com/nba/video/teams/timberwolv...ortmp4-2214485?tab=3

And from Roy:

watch.nba.com/nba/video/teams/timberwolv...ortmp4-2214467?tab=3

Also:

"Brandon Roy Wants To Make Immediate Impact With Timberwolves
Sep 14, 2012 12:11 AM EDT

Brandon Roy has had six surgeries on his knees, but he underwent Regenokine therapy in 2011 and believes that will revive his career.

"I want to come in and make an impact right away," Roy said. "I want to be ready to deliver. A lot of people think I'm going to be limited. I tell them, 'Go ahead and think that way.' I'm not cautious about anything. I'm confident everything will go well."

Roy is working with Timberwolves player development coach Shawn Respert and a handful of teammates, including Nikola Pekovic, Malcolm Lee and Chase Budinger.

"I've had no setbacks," Roy said. "There's nothing stopping me from getting back to my old game. It just takes work and getting my rhythm back." (Real GM)


I'm now getting really excited...

I want my MTW wrote:
Do you know if Roy really were to be 'back' to his old game that would mean the Wolves have perhaps the best off guard in the league and a top five swing man (behind Lebron, Durant, and maybe players like Kobe, Wade, Harden, Melo, Iggy, etc.).

This is not likely...I hope so, but won't get my hopes up.

Budinger will get plenty of playing time. AK47 and Roy will both miss games because of injury at some point and Shved is a complete unknown.

roundhouse wrote:
I am so excited to watch Budinger instead of Wes Johnson. A player who might actually score TEN or more points in 30 minutes of play consistently. What a concept. This substitution alone puts the Wolves in contention for the 8th spot.

daddyfatsax wrote: In fairness though, almost any SF in the NBA that played more than 20 minutes per game would have been better than Lesley Johnson. But yeah, I'll take Budinger over him any day of the week. We certainly won't be any WORSE with him, than we were with Lesley.

College Wolf wrote:
Oh that's right. Budinger was a Kahn move so you can't be happy about him, even just thinking about him on his own as a player.

hoopsworld.com/2012-2013-timberwolves-season-preview/

More love for the Wolves. They pretty much unanimously support the idea of a playoff run for the Wolves. 8th seed is attainable, just gotta stay healthy.

daddyfatsax wrote: At least Budinger sucks less than Wes... I'll admit that much!

daddyfatsax wrote: Pretty good stuff, thanks for the link dude.

If we stay healthy, the Wolves should surely be the #7 or #8 seed.

College Wolf wrote:
When is the last time Roundhouse was one of the most optimistic people on the board? 6th seed? That is optimistic. He is turning a new leaf. I would be so elated with the 6th seed but content with an 8th seed and a 6 game series with OKC that puts MN on the map.