The Timberwolves 2005-06 season tips off.
NBA Season Preview
It’s a brand new season. It’s a fresh start. All across the globe, fans wait with baited breath for the first tip-off. Each head buzzes with the anticipation of their hopes and dreams finally coming true. Once again they quietly ponder the sacred question, afraid to speak the words “Is this the year we finally – …Make the playoffs. …beat our rival. …get to the next round. …win the championship.”
Every team is different. So is every fan. Each enters the new season with their own wishes. Some say “title or bust”. Some say lose and get a good draft pick. Some pray for miracles. Some just pray their heart won’t get broken again. But everyone wants something. That’s why we’re all back here.
So what do I want this year? For so long it was just to make the playoffs. And after that it was just to make it out of the first round. And finally it was just to win the championship. That’s right. Just to win the championship. But none of that is what I want, although I’d gladly take all three.
What I want is worth so much more than extending the season a few extra weeks and winning a piece of metal. What I want, is to be better. Myself, this team, each player, every fan – I want us all to be better. When the last piece of confetti has fallen, the locker room empties out, and the Target Center doors close, I want every one of us to look inside ourselves and say I’m better than when I woke up this morning. I’m better than when I put on this jersey. I’m better than when this season began. I’m better.
I want us to be better players, better fans, better people. I want us to work better, play better, cheer better, believe better, forgive better, love better, and live better. If in the end, it means thirty-five wins or an eighth first round exit, I’ll live with it. As long as we’re stronger, tighter, and more determined than ever before, I’ll take it. As long as we’re better.
But the only way to become better is to give your best. Better doesn’t come from excuses, laziness, and half-hearted efforts. Better comes from offering everything you have and then some. And that’s what I want from every member of the Timberwolves nation, no matter what your role may be. Don’t be a second-rate player, coach, dancer, fan, Coke vendor, towel boy… If we would, all of us, determine to totally sell ourselves out to working together, supporting each other, and believing in this team, I guarantee this franchise will reach greater heights than ever thought possible. And what could be better than that?
Predictions:
EASTERN CONFERENCE
Atlantic Division:
1. New Jersey
2. New York
3. Boston
4. Philadelphia
5. Toronto
Central Division:
1. Indiana
2. Detroit
3. Cleveland
4. Milwaukee
5. Chicago
Souteast Division
1. Miami
2. Washington
3. Orlando
4. Atlanta
5. Charlotte
WESTERN CONFERENCE
Northwest Division
1. Minnesota
2. Denver
3. Seattle
4. Utah
5. Portland
Pacific Division
1. Sacramento
2. Phoenix
3. Los Angeles Lakers
4. Golden State
5. Los Angeles Clippers
Southwest Division
1. San Antonio
2. Houston
3. Dallas
4. Memphis
5. New Orleans
PLAYOFFS:
EASTERN CONFERENCE:
1. Indiana
2. Miami
3. New Jersey
4. Detriot
5. Cleveland
6. Washington
7. Milwaukee
8. New York
First Round:
Indiana over New York
Miami over Milwaukee
New Jersey over Washington
Detriot over Cleveland
Conference Semifinals:
Indiana over Detroit
Miami over New Jersey
Conference Finals:
Indiana over Miami
WESTERN CONFERENCE:
1. San Antonio
2. Sacramento
3. Minnesota
4. Houston
5. Denver
6. Phoenix
7. Dallas
8. Los Angeles Lakers
First Round:
San Antonio over Los Angeles Lakers
Sacramento over Dallas
Minnesota over Phoenix
Houston over Denver
Conference Semifinals:
San Antonio over Houston
Minnesota over Sacramento
Conference Finals:
San Antonio over Minnesota
NBA FINALS:
Indiana over San Antonio
