"What if... there was an MVP trophy awarded, who would it be for the Brooklyn Nets"?

by Wilfredo Lee/ AP from http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/nets/plumlee-blocks-lebron-final-play-nets-sweep-heat-article-1.1750239

           I can see Mason Plumlee as the future of the Brooklyn Nets. His work ethic and defensive presence reminds me of Blake Griffin of the Los Angeles Clippers. Blake Griffin's game developed faster because the team wasn't a playoff team. In Griffin's rookie year, the next best player behind him was Eric Gordon, who looked like a max contract player at the time. The Clippers also had Eric Bledsoe but he was also a rookie like Griffin who didn't have much playing time. With Kevin Garnett moving back to the Minnesota Timberwolves, Plumlee will have more minutes. I would not be surprised if Mason Plumlee averages 15 points and 10 rebounds next season. The Brooklyn Nets are not a young team and Plumlee has the ability to improve his game which is hard work. If he can develop a consistent mid-range jumper and a low-post game, the Brooklyn Nets might be a top 4 team in the Eastern Conference. Deron Williams and Brook Lopez are suppose to be the center pieces of the franchise but instead are more of a liability than an asset. The organization needs to acquire younger pieces because Mason Plumlee is an energy-type player who can be effective as a starter or coming off the bench. His offense is not quite there and through time, he can play at both ends of the floor. I don't see Plumlee being traded in the near future.

What if... the Minnesota Timberwolves had a New Year's Resolution, what would it be?

by Nathaniel S. Butler/ NBAE/ Getty Images from http://fivethirtyeight.com/datalab/andrew-wiggins-lebron-james/

          The Minnesota Timberwolves are the definition of rebuilding. They traded away Kevin Love and in return for the number one draft pick of last year, Andrew Wiggins. He started slow but has increased production since the dawn of the new year. The Timberwolves has only two wins in the month of January, meanwhile, Wiggins is averaging 19.9 points in January and 15.1 points
for the season. Mo Williams has been a solid contributor after Ricky Rubio when down. A young and athletic team like the Timberwolves are just not ready for the playoffs. They are developing players like Andrew Wiggins, Zach Lavine, Gorgui Dieng, and more draft picks to come in June. Their resolution is to have Wiggins become that leader for the Timberwolves in the next three or four years. He has playing extremely well for his rookie year and has tons of time to develop his game. Once Wiggins is comfortable on the court, he will make his teammates better because he'll communicate with others. It's been a great start for him and they will be a fun team to watch in the next few years.

          It will be good for Andrew Wiggins to continue this run even after Kevin Martin returns from his wrist injury. We will see if Wiggins moves from the shooting guard position into the small forward spot. Wiggins has exceeded at the two guard spot and he is the Timberwolves bright spot. The future relies in the hands of Andrew Wiggins. If they can get another top five pick from this year's draft, the Timberwolves might have a chance at the eighth seed of the Western Conference. In the meantime, all the fans of the Minnesota Timberwolves can do is watch Wiggins grow.

What If... Kevin Garnett played like Tim Duncan at this age?

by Stephen Babb, Featured Columnist, Ronald Martinez/ Getty Images from http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2087625-tim-duncan-can-become-first-player-ever-to-win-title-in-three-different-decades

         
          Kevin Garnett has had a great career since his years from Minnesota Timberwolves to winning a championship with the Boston Celtics. His role has changed dramatically after the trade to the Brooklyn Nets. As an veteran of the team, he is more of a vocal leader who has great advice to give back to the young players. Kevin Garnett is playing around 20 minutes per game which is respectable for his age. On the other hand, Tim Duncan who has been the centerpiece of the San Antonio Spurs for over a decade, was expecting a decline from people over the world who watches the game of basketball. But he has proven those non-believers wrong each and every year. He may not be the focal point of the offense, but when the team needs a bucket, he takes care of it. Tim Duncan has been an idol for many players and playing an elite level of basketball. He has secured an top ten player of all-time after he is set to retire. It is not Kevin Garnett's fault he is not playing the way he was ten years ago. Tim Duncan has rejuvenated himself and is still motivated to play for multiple years and contend for a title. If Kevin Garnett was to average a double-double like Duncan, the Brooklyn Nets would have a solid team. Maybe they would be a top five team in the Eastern Conference. We could compare the two players if it was five years ago. Now, Garnett is playing a limited role and Tim Duncan is an ageless wonder. We are not disappointed in Kevin Garnett. We are just amazed at what Tim Duncan has accomplished at the age of thirty-eight.

What If... Ricky Rubio had a jump shot?

by David Nurse from http://hoopshype.com/columns/david-nurse/how-to-fix-ricky-rubios-shot

          If Ricky Rubio had a jump shot, he would be close to a poor man's Steve Nash or Jason Kidd. Their visions on the floor is unbelievable and had a steady mid range and outside shot. Ricky Rubio has to improve on his jumper. More than three years into his career, he should be averaging more points and assists year by year. Instead, it has either stayed the same or decreased. He is also susceptible to injuries as he has only one full season in his short career. In three years in the league, 15 points 10 assists per game should be reasonable for the type of player he is. He would make the game easier for himself in late game situations if others aren't open for a shot. Rubio should be worried because veteran point guard Mo Williams and rookie Zach Lavine has been looking good since Rubio went down in his 5th game of the season. Whether or not Rubio develops a jumper is still a concern for the Minnesota Timberwolves if they want to make the playoffs. Rookies Andrew Wiggins and Zach Lavine with rising star Gorgui Dieng as a back up center. The team has potential with all these young players. Ricky Rubio with a jump shot will be scary for the Western Conference after a few years when all the young players develop. If there is no change in Rubio's game, his career will long soon be over as this has become a point guard dominant game.