Unless you have been there, all this might not make sense. You wouldn’t know what I’m talking about. It’s been a night and day difference at Target Center.
The arrival of Kevin Garnett has turned on the electricity at Target Center. For most of this season’s early T’Wolves home schedule (just over 20 games remain, home and away), at times you could hear a fan on the other side of the Arena spouting and cheering. There were plenty of seats available. Not anyone’s fault. Just the way it plays out in an injury riddled, rebuilding season. That of course, pre KG. Now, a game ticket tougher to get and for good reason.
Now, the Wolves are competitive (leave the Denver game out of this conversation) on most nights and fans are flocking back. There is now a new expectation of what could be. Garnett has been the difference.
You see, KG is cold hard credibility. Ask Austin Rivers. In the midst of playing the highly touted LA Clippers on a Monday night at Target Center and against his championship Coach Doc (from Boston), Garnett showed why he is who he is. Garnett is walking the walk, demonstrating to his teammates that passive is polite but it doesn’t win ball games. KG is showing that the way it’s been, while good at some times and often subpar, is not great and will not be significant enough in the future to contend.
Two weeks after the deal trade that turned over the Twin Cities, Garnett is still a magnet to fans. The fact that the Wolves reached out and brought back the Big Ticket is proof they mean business. Even if they are working their way back to respectability.
I’m enjoying the feedback from fans too. They are excited to get back to basketball. There’s room in the Twin Cities for a winning basketball and hockey team as well as all the other activities to keep us busy in the winter. Getting some quality run over the final 20-plus games will set the stage for big drama next season. Just ask the fans!
Annette in Plymouth writes, “I’m back on whatever Wolves bandwagon there is because of what I’ve seen the past month. All Star greatness, KG and a commitment to winning has brought me back. I hope it does for other fans like me too”.
Annette thanks for the note. This is the prevailing sentiment from fans over the past few weeks and there’s nothing wrong with that. It’s the KG effect and it’s all part of how the Wolves retool and grow. You have to see it live because the TV cameras don’t show it but the bench is more engaged, the players have picked it up. There is a better vibe on this team. Period. Good to have you back Ms. Annette. We need the good fans with us!
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Mark in Fridley asks, “Do you see Nikola Pekovic in the Wolves future? I think he’s injured too much and with the arrival of KG, he seems out of place. Your thoughts. Love GameON! Keep up the good work”. Tough call. I hear this one a bit too. I’m a fan of Pek’s and my only wish is that he could stay healthy. Pek’s a great cog on this team when healthy and playing. He’s not in KG’s way or vice versa. Getting him, in one piece, on the floor is the sticky wicket.
Chris writes, “To start I have to admit that before this season I was not a wolves fan. In fact I was not really an nba fan. I live in Canada and started following Andrew Wiggins when he was at Kansas, then to The Cavs then the wolves. I have watched most of the wolves games. If I lived in Min I would get seasons tickets. It has been fascinating to watch the development of this young team. Being in a rebuild I can understand fans that take a wait and see attitude. But watching the rebuild has been fun. Being a newbie to the pro game it looks to me what the wolves need for the future is a really good backup point guard and a good rebounder on the off boards who can also play def. What are your thoughts on what they need to become great?
Chris, thanks for the note and I love notes like that of the way they wear their hoopology on their sleeve. It has been fascinating to watch the growth for sure. Especially Wiggins! Gone is the “growing into the game” phase that he started the season with and now, he’s a man. The pieces will be falling into place and Wiggins will be right in the middle of the rebirth. Chris, the Wolves are on the right road. Don’t be misled by just 13 wins on the season and residence in the cellar of the Western Conference. The future is bright. And Wiggins is heading the hungry pack.
Bring on the final games as the playoffs near. Next week, we’ll handicap the post season and get to more of your questions. Spring’s closing in and until next week, keeps your Game ON! and do not be a “casual”. Stay on board. Keep the faith! See you on TV!
What’s on your mind?!
If you are a serious Timberwolves fan (and even the casual fan is allowed), drop me a note with your thoughts. Write me at rod@gameONtvMN.com.
Wolves @ Fingertips!
This is cool! The Wolves have launched a new mobile app that gives fans instant access to exclusive Wolves content and live game coverage. Fans can download the free app on iOS and Android devices by visiting Timberwolves.com/mobile.
The official Timberwolves app offers fans the ability to follow live game content including the score, stats, shot charts and related social media conversations via the Game Tracker. The app also allows fans to seamlessly check the team’s schedule, roster and conference standings. Fans on the go can stay engaged and updated with the team by accessing Wolves articles, photo galleries and original videos through the app. New features including ticket sales integrations, fan experience modules, exclusive membership content and more will be added to the app in the near future. The app is another step the Wolves have taken to accommodate the continued growth of mobile web use. Last season, the Wolves launched their re-designed website that is optimized for mobile viewing.
Tune in for Twolves!
Timberwolves games will be on radio for the 2014-15 NBA season and all 82 regular season games can be heard on News Radio 830 WCCO-AM, while La Mera Buena 107.5 and La Neta 95.9 will carry 15 games.
This is the Wolves’ fourth season on their flagship station, News Radio 830 WCCO-AM. Alan Horton returns for his eighth season as the Wolves play-by-play announcer. Horton will team up with studio host John Focke to produce 30-minute pre- and post-game shows that will be featured on-air and streamed online at www.wcco.com for every game.
SimonsSays on TV/PODcast:
GameON! and Rod Simons are winners of a 2014 Emmy award for show host! It’s exciting news as GameON! starts its new season and continues to showcase the Timberwolves like no other broadcast show in the region. GameON! is powered by Budweiser and is broadcast in High Definition and can be found on ITunes, on demand via our new GameON! App (free and available for Apple/Android) and online @ www.gameontvmn.com. There is always a Wolves update on my TV show, GameON! Don’t miss an episode of the Emmy winning GameON! @ 10am this Sunday morning on FOX’s My29 and throughout the weekend regionally on MidCo Sports Net.
GameON! offers in-depth interviews with the top players, great food, sports newsmakers and we get you inside your favorite teams (including the Wolves). We’d love for you to “like” us on Facebook @ GameOnTvMN. Drop me a note, Rod@go963MN.com
GameON! is also seen in North & South Dakota and Western Minnesota on MidCo SportsNet several times a weekend. We reserve the right to use your e-mails here in SimonsSays @ Timberwolves.com. You can now get SimonsSays in new PODcast form with insight/input from fans just like you and exclusive player interviews! Keep an eye out for SimonsSays PODcast @ Timberwolves.com each and every week.
And last but not least, please catch Rod throughout the day on GO96.3 FM. Rod keeps you inside the team with This Is Twins Territory & the signature Prep Playbook which can also be found @ www.go963MN.com.
We talk Wolves. Every day. High’s & lows. We’re there because we’re fans, just like you! Keep your GameON! See you soon!