Conventional wisdom says the true measure of the Timberwolves' season will come in late April, when they either advance in the playoffs to demonstrate that they are headed in the right direction or they get bounced in the first round for a sixth consecutive year.

Then and only then, the thinking goes, will critics and fans know whether their efforts -- including the best-ever 25-9 start as this weekend began -- were successful or not.

Then again, who wants to be conventional? Wolves coach Flip Saunders understands the skepticism but suggests that people appreciate the ride, too.

"If people want to think, 'We're going to wait till spring,' they're missing something that's enjoyable right now," Saunders said.

Also read parts of Mark Cuban's email to certain league officals that cost him $500,000.00.