I can t calm down, in 2005, why did the Timberwolves plummet

In the summer of 2004, the Timberwolves' management operations were:

to select a negligible second-round pick at the end of the draft, and to sign libero Eddie Griffin.

doesn't seem to be a big deal, after all, the main lineup is there and there is not much salary space, but:

1. The key players are dissatisfied with the contract

Aliens and Madman have not reached a contract renewal agreement. The two publicly expressed their dissatisfaction with management, especially Spreville's famous "I need to support my family" remarks (rejecting a 3-year $21 million offer), which led to a worsening of the locker room atmosphere.

Kassel's back injury and negative attitude: Kassel missed 19 games due to a back injury, and his condition declined after returning (only 14.4 points per game), and was exposed to negative training, and even had conflicts with the coaching staff.

2. The lineup depth and age issues

The core lineup is relatively old (Garnett is at the peak of his peak at 28 years old, but Kassel is 35 years old Spcheville is 34 years old and Szebiak is 27 years old). The physical fitness and injury problems broke out in the 2004-05 season.

3. The competition in the West has intensified

. The threshold for the Western Conference playoffs has been greatly increased in the 2004-05 season: the Timberwolves won 44, while the Grizzlies won 45 (only one game difference). In comparison, the Nuggets won only 43 wins in the eighth place in the 2003-04 season.

. Teams such as Suns (62 wins), Supersonics (52 wins), and the competitive environment is even more cruel.

4. Garnett is unable to support it alone

Garnett still played MVP level performance (22.2 points, 13.5 rebounds, 5.7 assists), but the efficiency of other players has declined:

·Spreville's real shooting percentage dropped from 54.2% to 50.1%;

·The team's three-point shooting percentage fell from 6th to 20th in the league.

·The offensive end is too dependent on Garnett and lacks a second stable scoring point at critical moments.

5. Management decision-making mistakes

· Failed to trade or strengthen in time: General Manager McHale remained silent in the middle of the season and missed the opportunity to adjust.

·Coach Philip Sanders' system was thoroughly studied by his opponents, and his defensive efficiency fell from 4th to 18th in the 2004-05 season.

Sanders was dismissed directly, and the refrigerator had to take over the rest of the coaching work of the season himself.