Despite the crushing disappointment of missing the playoffs, Minnesota has a lot to be proud of and excited about as it looks forward. Kevin Love has had a career year and is one of the top power forwards in the game. Also, the team's starting five performed better than most top units in the NBA this season despite Ricky Rubio not getting much better.

The Timberwolves' best news, though, has come in the form of their rookie center out of Louisville, Gorgui Dieng, who has exploded onto the scene and will now play a huge role in Minnesota's future plans -- a role that could also have a big impact on Love's decision whether to stay in the Twin Cities.