Wolves' Struggles Continue

I never thought this day would come. Throughout the Timberwolves struggles, throughout their childishness, I never doubted they would pull out of their funk and once again become the team they were a year ago. Now, after falling 108-96 in Memphis last night for their sixth consecutive defeat, I've finally lost hope in my Wolves.

With the season nearing the home stretch, Minnesota has fallen below .500 for the first time since early last season. What's the problem? We have basically the same players, except Troy Hudson and Wally Szczerbiak are healthy. Logically, that should result in an even better team than the one that made it to the Western Conference Finals last season. Unfortunately for the Wolves, things just aren't clicking with the line-up they have out there.

This scenario is a perfect lesson in team dynamics. The United States olympic team learned that lesson in Athens last year as well. The best collection of players don't always win. After all the individual highlights and accomplishments of the group of All-Stars fade away, the best team will come out on top in the end.

As odd as it sounds, we might have too much talent. Too much talent on its own is never a problem. Obviously, everyone in the league would kill for that kind of talent. But when talent is mixed with ego, suddenly there's no room for everyone on the court. Someone's not getting his shots. Someone's not handling the ball enough. Especially in the NBA, it's difficult to appease your team's talent enough to field a winning team. Rarely, a coach can find the right mix of players. A mix that combines talent with a team attitude and an unselfishness that fuels a winning team. The Timberwolves don't have that.

Until they find that mix, prepare yourself for more of the same.