What in the World is Going on in the NBA??
The Minnesota Timberwolves have one thing in common with 28 other teams in the league, they have no chance of winning the 2018-19 NBA Finals. Sadly, this is not a new feeling for Timberwolves fans. However, many fan bases will have to come to accept the fact that the Warriors are once again unbeatable.
After surviving the brutally tough Western Conference, the Warriors casually swept the Lebron-led Cavaliers to win their 2nd title in a row, and 3rd in the last 4 years. This put all the focus onto LBJ going into free-agency, and he made headlines on Sunday when Klutch Sports Group announced he would be signing a 4 year, $154 million contract. With Paul George resigning in Oklahoma City, the pressure has been put onto Los Angeles to acquire 2 more stars: Kawhi Leonard, and DeMarcus Cousins. Then this happened...
Cousins took a huge pay cut accepting only $5 million on a one year contract. So let's get this straight, the Warriors starting line-up will now include 5 All-Stars. FIVE!
Steph Curry
Klay Thompson
Kevin Durant
Draymond Green
DeMarcus Cousins
Time will tell if the Lakers will be able to add anyone around LeBron, but even if they acquire Kawhi, the Warriors are still too powerful.
If this is the direction that the NBA is heading, Adam Silver will need to address the issue of the lack of competitiveness in the NBA. If players begin accepting major pay cuts, more and more super-teams will be constructed leaving the rest of the league to have no chance at success.
In addition to this issue, the Western Conference is now stronger than ever, and the Eastern Conference is struggling even more. A 16 team playoff system regardless of conference is needed now more than ever, and hopefully Adam Silver can implement this as soon as possible.
As for the Timberwolves...
-Derrick Rose was quickly resigned for the veteran minimum.
-Cole Aldrich was waived (big surprise).
-Nemanja Bjelica's qualifying offer was pulled, making him an unrestricted free agent.
-Finally, Anthony Tolliver was signed for 1 year using 5-6 million of the mid-level exception.
If he can remain healthy, Rose will be a great asset for the Wolves, especially with his contract. Tolliver shot over 43% from 3-PT range last season, and should be another good veteran leader for the bench. At this point, making it to the Western Conference Finals should be the new goal for the Timberwolves and all other teams in the West, as the Warriors will not be stopped.
-Brett Buckingham