I remember last season after the Kyle Anderson incident and Jaden McDaniels injury, people were calling for Gobert or KAT to be traded. But this season they seem to be on a roll, team chemistry and moral is at an all time high and everyone seems to be gelling well together. We have one of the best defenses in the league, and our offense got significantly better with people finding their fit. Is it too early to say that the Gobert trade was a success? What needs to happen for us to confidently say it was a success?
Kind of a vague question, but I hope it makes sense
It’s a great question.
On the up side, Gobert is now playing like the wolves hoped he would when acquired.
On the downside, Kessler is looking like the next Gobert.
If we win one or two rings, the trade will have been a massive success, well worth it.
It’s worth noting we have no ability to undo the change. It’s a sunk cost. So I’m already ecstatic w the first 10 games, and am more excited for this season than any previously.
2004 was a wonderful season. But it was clear cassell and Spre were in their last legs. That team didn’t have championship potential.
Before the season, I made a list of significant improvements by individual players that the wolves would need to excel. The odds that all of these would happen seemed really unlikely. But they have:
Conley still having gas in the tank - looking very good, as long as they keep him fresh for playoffs
Ant continuing to grow as leader, in offensive efficiency, as rebounder and as off ball defender - looking amazing!
Rudy reverting the Utah Rudy - looking awsome
Most importantly and unlikely, KAT turning into a plus defender and doing whatever needed for team to succeed - he’s done an amazing job. I wonder if the humiliation following his podcast stupidity forced him to confront the reality of how poorly he has been realizing his potential.