The NBA lockout has brought about a dark time. With the cancellation of the season appearing to be inevitable, us fans should try to look on the bright side. Here are some ways the 2011/2012 NBA season cancellation could benefit 4 different Timberwolves.
#1: Development of Ricky Rubio. Ricky has shown brilliance in his passing ability, and few question how it will translate. The big concern is his ability to hit the open jumper. This isn’t a confidence issue or a lack of strength (well, maybe a little bit a lack of strength); it’s
primarily a lack of fundamentals. Playing competitive since age 14 all year round in Europe, he hasn’t had time to go back to basics and develop a consistent jumper with a quick release. Consequentially, he shoots like a 14 year old kid. Now that he is working out with NBA stars, Ricky will no doubt be spending a great deal of that time learning how to elevate and get better wrist action on his outside shots.
primarily a lack of fundamentals. Playing competitive since age 14 all year round in Europe, he hasn’t had time to go back to basics and develop a consistent jumper with a quick release. Consequentially, he shoots like a 14 year old kid. Now that he is working out with NBA stars, Ricky will no doubt be spending a great deal of that time learning how to elevate and get better wrist action on his outside shots.
#2: Slimming down of Derrick Williams. At 6’9, 250 lbs and with a standing reach of 9’0, he is a freak. His agility drills at the combine
were faster than Melo, and dead on with Kevin Durant. Also note that he had more bench press reps than the two of them combined. The problem? 10% body fat for a small forward of his size just won’t cut it. This is the perfect time for DW to slim down and gain the physical edge on the elite SFs of the league.
were faster than Melo, and dead on with Kevin Durant. Also note that he had more bench press reps than the two of them combined. The problem? 10% body fat for a small forward of his size just won’t cut it. This is the perfect time for DW to slim down and gain the physical edge on the elite SFs of the league.
#3: Wes Johnson’s Ball handling.Wes played like an all-star when matching up against Kobe Bryant last year on both sides of the ball. 
One of the keys was his confidence in driving past Kobe, which forced Bryant to play off. This allowed Wes to step back and hit open jumpers, like he does so well when focused. Supposedly, Wes has become a gym rat this off-season, focusing on his ball handling more than anything. If Wes can develop these skills, he can turn into far more than just a roll player with the Timberwolves.
One of the keys was his confidence in driving past Kobe, which forced Bryant to play off. This allowed Wes to step back and hit open jumpers, like he does so well when focused. Supposedly, Wes has become a gym rat this off-season, focusing on his ball handling more than anything. If Wes can develop these skills, he can turn into far more than just a roll player with the Timberwolves.
#4: Bulking up Anthony Randolph. AR has shown he has the quickness, explosiveness, range and mental game to be a quality C. What he 
doesn’t have is the bulk. Measuring in at 6’11, 225 lbs, and with a freakish wingspan of 7’3, he can utilize speed and height on offense, but gets dominated by medium and large centers on defense. Rumors floated around this summer that AR has put on 15 lbs of muscle already. Add 10 more and he’ll be able to size up the leagues best and replace the cyclically failing Darko Milicic.
doesn’t have is the bulk. Measuring in at 6’11, 225 lbs, and with a freakish wingspan of 7’3, he can utilize speed and height on offense, but gets dominated by medium and large centers on defense. Rumors floated around this summer that AR has put on 15 lbs of muscle already. Add 10 more and he’ll be able to size up the leagues best and replace the cyclically failing Darko Milicic.
Stay on the bright side Wolves Fans. Our team might be a hell of a lot better in 2012/2013.
Article by Mark 'The Shark' Johnson
Article by Mark 'The Shark' Johnson
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