#SLOE: People's Basketball Sim League

No projector, no voiceover, no whirring. This time we just start with an empty podium and a banner that reads MINNESOTA INJUREWOLVES. Below the text is an image of a Wolf with crutches and a wrapped leg. The JNR walks to the podium, looks at the banner, and laughs.

The JNR: Our people do good work.

Hello and welcome to a new year in Minnesota. Last year, like the year before that and the year before that, ended in untimely playoff injuries. This recent rash ruined our plans for reset and has serious tax implications on our future. We were tempted to give up, wallow in our own pity, and stay under the cap to fight another day next season.

But then I looked out at the Western Conference and I saw opportunity. There's no dominant team. The Spurs and Kings decided to end their runs. There are teams with promise, but no clue if that promise will turn into prosperity. So I looked at my team, and I looked at the tax bill, and I decided that nothing worth doing was ever easy. I brought back the core of the team, with Wiggins signing a massive deal in RFA and then having Patterson and Smith come back. Then I filled this team with actual depth, something we didn't have last year for fear of the tax man.

The result? A team that has flaws, and may get bitten by the injury bug again, but a team that can make moves. We still have the same good chemistry, and Wiggins and Otto are ready to take the team to the next level. Our starting lineup is projected as follows:

C: Brook Lopez
PF: Pat Patterson
SF: Otto Porter, Jr
SG: Andrew Wiggins
PG: Ish Smith

With Shelvin Mack, Julius Randle, and Clint Capela set to contribute off the bench. Our training camp went very well, as our core players improved and our older players staved off decline for the most part.

Our division is tough, with the Blazers and Thunder improving, but I think this team can compete for the division. And if we can avoid the injury bug, which seems unlikely, I think some great things can happen for this organization.

Any questions?

Your starting 5 might be the best in the Western Conference, are you confident in your depth to make a long run in the playoffs this season?

Inner_GI wrote: Mon Dec 18, 2017 9:27 am Your starting 5 might be the best in the Western Conference, are you confident in your depth to make a long run in the playoffs this season?

I think as long as we can stay healthy we have a fighting chance. Capela should be a valuable piece for us.

Do you see yourself making any moves to improve your lackluster bench, or do you intend to play it safe unless your hand is forced by injuries?

Do you see Andrew Wiggins being able to score over 30 a game in the regular season?

Xist2Inspire wrote: Mon Dec 18, 2017 11:27 am Do you see yourself making any moves to improve your lackluster bench, or do you intend to play it safe unless your hand is forced by injuries?

Most likely the second one. Hopefully I'll be able to get by without needing to make big changes.

garbageman wrote: Mon Dec 18, 2017 11:30 am Do you see Andrew Wiggins being able to score over 30 a game in the regular season?

I'd be surprised if he did. I'm thinking 26-28 is more likely.

Where do you fit in Western Conference hierarchy? Many people are high on the Blazers but do you think you can outshine their flashy offseason over the course of the regular season?

IamQuailman wrote: Mon Dec 18, 2017 12:09 pm Where do you fit in Western Conference hierarchy? Many people are high on the Blazers but do you think you can outshine their flashy offseason over the course of the regular season?

I'm not usually a braggard, but I think this team can be among the top of the conference. The Blazers are a true threat for sure. I think it depends on if his team can gel over the course of the season.

Will you try to play Julius Randle at SG or was that simply a product of his time in Washington where at 6-9 he was the shortest guy on the team?

WigNosy wrote: Mon Dec 18, 2017 12:30 pm Will you try to play Julius Randle at SG or was that simply a product of his time in Washington where at 6-9 he was the shortest guy on the team?

Julius Randle is a power forward and will spend his time as a power forward.

How much of a factor will cohesion play on this team? I know that’s one of your favorite reports to write each preseason. But Wiggins and Otto seem to have grown up together. That has to help right?