NBA Season Preview: What to Watch for and Expect from the Minnesota Timberwolves

"Cautiously optimistic."

That's how one Timberwolves fan expressed his feelings about this year's season. Minnesota has an incredibly young ball club and only 32 wins over the past two years, yet fans this year have reason to be hopeful.

"I think the public will give them the benefit of the doubt," TwinCities.com writer Tom Powers said. "I'm very interested to see what Adelman can do with a lineup containing Kevin Love, Wesley Johnson, Michael Beasley, [Derrick] Williams and [Ricky] Rubio."

Does the youth factor hurt the Wolves? While it could have its disadvantages, Powers pointed out the reality of the situation in Minnesota:

"The stopgap-veterans approach is on the verge of extinction. The future core is beginning to take shape."

With the recent addition of J.J. Barea to the lineup, Glen Taylor and the Wolves franchise seem to be sending a message to the media and rest of the league: "We're not messing around, here. We're on our way back."

So, what can fans expect from this year's additions and the squad in general?

My prediction—and yes, I realize it's a bold one—is that Minnesota reaches a .500 win percentage this season. New head coach Rick Adelman has a proven track record and his offensive techniques should be a better fit for this team than Kurt Rambis'. 

While I'm not 100 percent sold on Rubio yet, I do think he'll be a positive asset to the roster. We know that the young point guard isn't known for scoring, but neither is Steve Nash. Point totals won't be the focus if Rubio can dish out five to seven assists per game.

Minnesota drafted Williams No. 2 overall in last year's draft and fans hope to see the same success on the professional hardwood as Williams experienced at the University of Arizona. As a sophomore in 2011, Williams led the NCAA in effective field goal percentage (.650) and true shooting percentage (.690). He also received the title of Pac-10 Player of the Year.

Barea should offer the kind of energy and excitement fans have been waiting for. As stated in one of my earlier articles, "Barea floated below the radar throughout most of the playoffs—but he exploded when it mattered. He found ways to score, whether using his small stature to elude defenders beneath the basket or hitting threes from behind the arc."

Then, of course, we can rely on Love to solidify the team with his consistency under the basket and ability to net double-doubles on a nightly basis.

Powers doesn't beat around the bush when he summarizes:

"Here's what it will come down to: fans will be [incredibly] interested to get a look at the team [...] After that, it will be up to the team. If the Wolves look halfway decent, the love train could continue to roll. If they look like the same old Wolves, people will turn away quickly."