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NBA 2016-17 forecast: Northwest Division

By Brian Boake

May 11, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Portland Trail Blazers head coach Terry Stotts (right) instructs guard C.J. McCollum (3) against the Golden State Warriors during the second quarter in game five of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
May 11, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Portland Trail Blazers head coach Terry Stotts (right) instructs guard C.J. McCollum (3) against the Golden State Warriors during the second quarter in game five of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES

Last season: 29 – 53

This season: 42 – 40

Their future’s so bright, they need to wear shades. The last two winners of the Rookie of the Year award are T’Wolves, and Andrew Wiggins and Karl-Anthony Towns weren’t flukes. The upside for swingman Wiggins and centre/forward Towns is almost frightening.

They have some help this year. Ricky Rubio is like Jason Kidd used to be, a gifted point guard who’s a poor shooter. Regardless, Rubio is a superb passer and defender whom they would be foolish to dump. He’ll need to hurry to impress the T’Wolves hard-to-please new coach, Tom Thibodeau. Otherwise, team President Thibodeau might trade Ricky and promote Tyus Jones or rookie Kris Dunn.

Feb 10, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) drives to the basket against Toronto Raptors center Jonas Valanciunas (17) in the first half at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 10, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) drives to the basket against Toronto Raptors center Jonas Valanciunas (17) in the first half at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

Gorgui Dieng is another gifted young T’Wolf up front. If he develops into a top-rank rim protector, scoring on this bunch will be a challenge. They have veterans to lean on, like Tayshaun Prince and (maybe) Kevin Garnett.

I’m calling for a 13-game improvement, and perhaps a playoff berth. After a mind-bending 12 years without post-season play, the fans of Minnesota might have something to cheer about.

Next: The Jazz are in sync

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