Just a season and an unusually long offseason removed from having the worst record in the NBA, the Minnesota Timberwolves have already moved into the middle of the NBA pack. Exactly in the middle.
Minnesota ranked 15th out of 30 teams in the latest iteration of SB Nation's NBA Power Rankings, which were unveiled on Monday. Tom Ziller explains why the team's seemingly generous ranking is actually quite logical:
The Wolves! Minnesota has a +0.7 efficiency differential against an above-average strength of schedule. So ignore that 4-8 record for a minute and recognize that this team is actually not bad. The Wolves!
The Timberwolves are likely on their way up too, as they pulled away to defeat the Sacramento Kings 99-86 at home on Monday night. Superstar Kevin Love played like a superstar once again, leading the way with 11 fourth-quarter points. That was a good start to a tough four-game schedule this week for Minnesota.
For more on the Timberwolves check out Canis Hoopus.