It is dangerous to be optimistic about the Timberwolves, but it is no fun to be pessimistic even if that often proves to be prudent.
This year, there is as much reason for optimism as at any point since Kevin Garnett was playing at an MVP level. Nothing will be given to the Wolves, who start their season Wednesday night at Target Center against Oklahoma City, but the path is there for them to win roughly two out of every three games.
As I see it, these are the five keys to the Wolves winning 55 games, getting a top-four seed in the Western Conference and being a legitimate playoff threat:
