NBA: Predicting Every Team’s Win Total For 2016-17

Oct 6, 2016; San Jose, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) walks onto the court prior to the game against the Sacramento Kings at the SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 6, 2016; San Jose, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) walks onto the court prior to the game against the Sacramento Kings at the SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
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Feb 20, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Zach LaVine (8) and guard Ricky Rubio (9) against the New York Knicks at Target Center. The Knicks defeated the Timberwolves 103-95. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 20, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Zach LaVine (8) and guard Ricky Rubio (9) against the New York Knicks at Target Center. The Knicks defeated the Timberwolves 103-95. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Minnesota Timberwolves

Record Prediction: 44-38

As much as I love this Minnesota Timberwolves and their huge upside, I had to temper my expectations on Tom Thibodeau’s young pups.

Some will have them in the top 4 or 5 in the Western Conference, I just can’t put those types of expectations on them. Not this season. This is a team that hasn’t made the playoffs in years (13 to be exact).

Now, they’re just supposed to make the leap all the way into the top 5? I don’t see it. There’s no question that this team is talented. In fact, you can say that this is the most talented young roster in the NBA. They’re going to be better in 2016-17. They’ll make the playoffs, too. Just don’t put unrealistic expectations on the young pups.

Let them grow.