Minnesota Timberwolves Season Preview
Growing Pains
By Myles Brown
Show me that smile again. Don’t waste another minute on your cryin’. We’re nowhere near the end. The best is ready to begin…(Get familiar!)
Even after the promise of his youth was marred by selfish teammates, draft sanctions and playoff frustration, Kevin Garnett remained loyal to the Minnesota Timberwolves. With the same unbridled emotion with which he defended the paint, Garnett continually rejected trade rumors and focused his efforts on providing a solid foundation capable of bringing a championship to the Target Center. Unfortunately, he could only accomplish that by leaving. The Celtics may have a million more well wishers in the Twin Cities than they did last year, but Wolves fans are also excited about a talented group of young players eager to fill Da Kid’s shoes.
Minnesota’s nucleus is now comprised of eight players under 24, none of whom have more than three years of experience. Free from the pressure of any immediate expectations, these young Wolves will have the opportunity to grow together, similar to the Baby Bulls of the post-Jordan era. Al Jefferson, Ryan Gomes, Gerald Green and Sebastian Telfair all have a grasp of each others strengths and weaknesses from their time in Boston, and they’ve also crossed paths with their new teammates on their respective roads to the NBA. Gomes competed with Randy Foye and Craig Smith for years in the Big East and Telfair has matched up against Foye in both high school and AAU battles. Jefferson and rookie Corey Brewer also balled in the same summer leagues as high schoolers. Their familiarity with each other should provide the cohesion needed for them to develop as a unit.
Several individuals on the team have made it known that they’re not as comfortable with the idea of losing as the critics say they should be. This can be attributed to a youthful hubris, or perhaps they already see just how compatible their skills are. Al Jefferson is the consistent presence in the post that was missing and he’s also equipped with a respectable midrange jumper. His ability to secure rebounds and run the floor gives the Wolves offense a flexibility to play in the half court or fast break. And even when the nightly double double threat takes a break, there will be no rest for the weary. Craig Smith is another big body that can bang in the paint with an athleticism that belies his 270lb frame. Alongside hybird forward Ryan Gomes, the team can send out an impressive second unit frontcourt capable of finishing at the basket and extending the defense. Gomes versatility also means even more depth at the small forward, where Brewer’s length and defensive intensity will be matched by the explosive scoring of Green who can put up 20 points on any given night. The Wolves have all the instruments for an impressive offense, they just need the right conductor.
In a limited role last year, combo guard Randy Foye showed flashes of potential greatness in the ease with which he attacked the basket and his effectiveness from long range, but they were eclipsed by an unacceptable assist to turnover ratio and a noticeable uncertainty in his role as an NBA playmaker. After another strong performance in Vegas this summer and extensive workouts with assistants, Coach Randy Wittman has a decision to make: continue to experiment with Foye at the point or move him to the shooting guard where he can flourish? Wittman has been back and forth on the issue and it is still unclear which of his gifted guards is best suited to orchestrate the offense. The other guard of course, is Sebastian Telfair, another of Coney Island’s Finest with a sketchy history both on and off the court. However, just as the case was with his cousin, this may be Bassy’s best opportunity to succeed. As a quintessential New York point god, his creativity in creating for teammates is exactly what’s needed from the position and his deficiencies aren’t beyond repair. While his shaky jumpshot and lackadaisical defense may keep him from starting immediately, he should still be able to convincingly lead the second team and eventually may share a backcourt with Foye.
As long as we got each other, we got the world spinnin’ right in our hands. Baby you and me, we gotta be the luckiest dreamers who never quit dreamin’….
Usually teams jettison players of questionable character following an influx of young and impressionable talent. Ricky Davis is well acquainted with this tradition, since he was placed on the first flight out of Cleveland upon the arrival of LeBron James. But in a strange twist of fate, he’s been reunited with his transplanted Celtic teammates and his tenured status has thrust him into an unlikely leadership position. Davis, though expendable, is still a valuable player and has certainly toned down his act over the past few years. Unless management comes upon a a deal they simply can’t refuse, it might be best to see if he actually can set the tone for the Wolves swingmen with his scoring and defensive prowess. While some interpreted Ricky’s absence from the teams media day as an early sign of discontent, so far at the Wolves training camp in Turkey Davis has been all smiles and eager to embrace his new role.
However if Davis is to be traded, it certainly won’t be Minnesota’s last move. Point guard Marko Jaric has already voiced his displeasure with the team in a trade request and Juwan Howard-who has a player option next summer-seems far less excited to be on a team without Garnett. Their grumbling, along with the bait of oft injured center Theo Ratliff’s $12 million expiring contract practically ensures more roster turnover during the upcoming season that will be a interesting situation to say the least. Management has a shaky history of trades and as players are acquired, it remains to be seen if those new arrivals will be conducive to the teams development or simply more entrants in a revolving door of marginal talent. Wolves fans will be patient with their new stars, but they won’t sit quietly and watch another group of youngsters potential diminished by an inability to complement them with the right pieces.
Though they began the season with playoff hopes, Minnesota stumbled into April last year, losing eight of their last ten and 24 of their last 33 games. Finishing with a paltry 32-50 record, the team had seemed to have reached it’s bottom, but the prevailing logic has been that the Wolves couldn’t possibly be better this year without KG. The depth obtained at multiple positions and balance of post and perimeter scoring along with strong rebounding more than compensates for the loss of Garnett’s production. Their collective inexperience and questionable team defense may result in a Brownesque number of varying lineups, but as the players find their niches expect the Wolves to catch more than a few opponents sleeping. However this is still by no means a playoff team, so the lingering questions are the same as with any other failing franchise: how will the malaise of losing affect team chemistry and more importantly, as the season wears on will management actually encourage losses to secure a high lottery pick?
As long as we keep on givin’, we can take anything that comes our way. Baby rain or shine-all the time-we got each other, sharing the laughter and love….
Prediction: The T’Wolves have the talent to compete with the second tier of both Conferences, but they’re outmatched against just as many teams. They open the season with a particularly difficult schedule and learning to play together under a new system only increases the challenge. I expect a slight regression from last year and see them finishing with 28-30 wins, but with another year of experience under their belts and the addition of another lottery pick, it should actually be seen as somewhat of an improvement. Oh, and watch Indiana. If their losses continue to pile up and Jermaine O’Neal begins to look for the exit again, rest assured that Kevin McHale will pick up the phone and try to use another of his old Celtic connections to the Wolves advantage. Right Kevin?
*One more thing. Disregard my previous predictions and pencil Minnesota in for the NBA Finals if they trade in their current warmups for this delightful ensemble. Never underestimate the power of the wolf shirt. An interweb classic. I’ll be there decked out in mine this season, giving you more SLAM game notes.
56 Responses to “Minnesota Timberwolves Season Preview”
Oct.8 at 11:50 am
Jake Appleman says:
FIRST
Oct.8 at 11:57 am
Myles Brown says:
Yes. Yes you are.
Oct.8 at 11:57 am
Cloud S.Y Louis says:
second……
Oct.8 at 11:59 am
Myles Brown says:
No. No you’re not.
Oct.8 at 12:01 pm
Jake Appleman says:
I knew YouTube was thorough, but that Ryan Gomes mix made my morning. Gomes is going to make the putback the new black.
Oct.8 at 12:02 pm
Bryan says:
I haven’t read this yet but I think they posted this now with a hustle because the comments were out of control the watcher thread.
Oct.8 at 12:02 pm
Bryan says:
Ironic sidenote, I’m watching growing pains on dvd at work today..
Oct.8 at 12:03 pm
Jake Appleman says:
Two more things: Tell Gerald Green to lay off the pregame chicken tenders and fries and pray for Derrick Rose.
Oct.8 at 12:04 pm
white hot eboy says:
Myles, for someone who could care less about the team’s fortunes, that was a really good piece.
Oct.8 at 12:05 pm
white hot eboy says:
Maybe next year you get the tap on the shoulder for the Lakers preview.
Oct.8 at 12:06 pm
Myles Brown says:
The only bad things about Ryan Gomes are that he likes Beyonce and 50. Other than that he’s solid. I was gonna ask you if I should call him Underwear Gnomes, Jake. And my dude told me the exact same thing about Derrick Rose. Alan Thicke was that dude. Kirk Cameron? Not so much.
Oct.8 at 12:09 pm
Myles Brown says:
It would be best for everyone involved if I never got the Lakers preview. Too much fire and brimstone. And people need to cop that wolf shirt. It has magc powers.
Oct.8 at 12:12 pm
white hot eboy says:
I think the commentors on the wolf shirt page are direct copies from the SLAM site.
Oct.8 at 12:12 pm
Bryan says:
The Twolves might not be TERRIBLE.By no means will they contend for anything but they should be competitive.If Al Jefferson improves slightly he will be an 18 and 12 guy which will command at least occasional double teams.Throw Ricky Buckets in there and he could be a legit 20-24 a night scorer and give you his usual 4-5 boards and assists.Randy Foye will be no worse than last year he can be a 15-5-5 guy and if they keep Juwan Howard he’s a decent bench player..The real question is Bassy (who I love..BK!).If he plays to half his potential they could cause headaches..Like I said no playoff hopes or anything but they will aggravate the sh*t out of everyone they play.
Oct.8 at 12:17 pm
Russ Bengtson says:
They can definitely be better than last year.
Oct.8 at 12:20 pm
Myles Brown says:
Black Jesus and Robert E Lee were my favorite comments. Oh and Michael J Fox too. Its really hard to gauge this teams future cause there will be more trades and these guys could gel a lot faster than expected. The PG is a real issue and Id love to see Bassy succeed. Foye is nice, but Bassy already has the skills he lacks and vice versa. Just move him to the two and see what could happen. Al Jefferson really could be an All Star even in the PF heavy West. The more I think about it the more I actually like that trade.
Oct.8 at 12:21 pm
Bryan says:
They have a lot of talent and I mean I know there’s no substiture for experience,but these kids are still basketball players and know how to play.
Oct.8 at 12:23 pm
white hot eboy says:
Myles, I almost choked on my chinese food from the Michael J. Fox comment.
Oct.8 at 12:23 pm
Myles Brown says:
Indeed.
Oct.8 at 12:23 pm
Ben Osborne says:
Welcome back, Mr. Bears. Nice work. I think Bret wore that sweatshirt on Flight of the Conchords.
Oct.8 at 12:24 pm
Myles Brown says:
Told you that sh*t was magical. I saw a lady in my apartment buildings parking lot in a wolf shirt and started laughing uncontrollably. She was really confused.
Oct.8 at 12:26 pm
Myles Brown says:
Thanks Ben. You’ll hear alot more from me once the season starts. Still have some other things in the works in the meantimeinbetweentime. And like the wolf shirt, the Conchords did grow on me.
Oct.8 at 12:31 pm
Jake Appleman says:
I’m co-authorizing your usage of the Underwear Gomes nickname. Plus, Gomes knows about it, so you could even get bonus points–if he remembers, which I’m pretty sure he would. You never know though, so much quality put-backage can impede a person’s memory. I think people who asked Tyrone Hill questions are familiar with this theory, but I’m also just speculating.
Oct.8 at 12:36 pm
Bryan says:
I just clicked on that clip of the growing pains theme and one of the comments claimed that Ben became Peter North.
Oct.8 at 12:40 pm
Bryan says:
I forgot about Corey Brewer who could probably lock up some people already.They could surprise a lot of people and make it back to the playoffs in 09 or something.Their only real weakness is age.
Oct.8 at 12:47 pm
Hisham says:
some of those comments in the wolf shirt thing are kinda scary as in G A Y
Oct.8 at 12:50 pm
Bryan says:
I’m going to lunch when I get back I expect a conversation to be taking place.
Oct.8 at 12:52 pm
white hot eboy says:
Yeah fu*kin’ right!
Oct.8 at 1:00 pm
Shaun says:
hate to say this especially because I do enjoy reading slam and the online mag, but these previews aren’t as fun as last yrs - maybe its in the magazine which takes forever to reach me (I only hv ish #110 with me) but I’m enjoying the previews at celticsblog more - guess I like structure.
Oct.8 at 1:01 pm
Andrew says:
could the Twolves be Arsenal in NBA? Big Al = Adebayor, but who’s gonna be Fab Fabregas?
Oct.8 at 1:31 pm
Ben Osborne says:
Settle down, Andrew. Arsenal still had one of the best coach/GMs in the world–the TWolves have Randy Wittmann and Kevin McHale.
Oct.8 at 1:33 pm
Ken says:
I really dislike the overuse of the term “point god.” It was cute/clever the first time I heard it, but now it’s used in every article, even when talking about mediocre point guards like Bassy. I think the first time I saw the phrase “point god” it was on some SLAM cover that had Kidd, Nash, and some other legit 1s. Look at Bassy’s numbers and win record and tell me he deserves to be called a “point god.”
Oct.8 at 1:40 pm
underdog says:
I think the Wolves should ask Stern to let them play in the Eastern Conference for the 2007-08 season. And that Bassy mix reminded me why I gotta love the boy.
Oct.8 at 1:47 pm
Captain America says:
They traded Da Kid and birth a franchise. Yea, the coming season is going to be tough, but they are well under the cap and collected two first-round future draft choices. They are raw, but how else do you get experience? Prediction: 2007/08 is going to be a tough year for the T-Wolves, but the talent will rise to the top by season’s end. Future looks exceedingly bright.
Oct.8 at 1:50 pm
underdog says:
Calling Arsène Wenger one of the best coaches in the world is an overstatement. And I love Arsenal. (OK, I loved them, back in the Bergkamp - Henry - Campbell - Seamen - Ljungberg era.)
Oct.8 at 1:50 pm
white hot eboy says:
Why does Captain America speak in faux soliloquies?
Oct.8 at 1:52 pm
white hot eboy says:
Myles, you had to figure the comments were going to get off-track at some point. IT IS the T-Wolves.
Oct.8 at 1:52 pm
Rubens says:
I don’t think they’ll be asd bad as people think…
Oct.8 at 1:54 pm
Bryan says:
I tried to keep it on track..I posted like 5 topic related comments.
Oct.8 at 1:57 pm
jbn74sb says:
Perhaps the longest preview so far for one of the worst, least popular, and least interesting teams in the league. But good nonetheless. Maybe Sam should have just assigned the Wolves, Sixers, Blazers, Clippers, Sonics, and Hawks to Mutoni and his scotch, and left the Lakers to someone other than a drunk canuck.
Oct.8 at 1:59 pm
Cheryl says:
Is Whittman the right coach for this up and coming team? I’ve thrown out this name several times in the last year or so, for young talented teams: Paul Silas. He develops young talent well, though veterans tend to get pissed with his style after awhile. But I think he’d be great for the Wolves and the Hawks. One of these teams should give him a call.
Oct.8 at 2:10 pm
Bryan says:
How did Ricky Davis and Silas get along? I can’t remember if they had issues or it was the opposite…
Oct.8 at 2:27 pm
Sam Rubenstein says:
Growing Pains YES! Perfect Myles. Man, I used to love that show. It got too unrealistic when Ben had the hot girlfriend though. Ditto for Mike with Julie the babysitter, if I’m not mistaken.
Oct.8 at 2:41 pm
Myles Brown says:
Went to the gym. Played like last years T’Wolves. Ugh. I wonder the same things about Whitman. I think the only reason hes with the team is because he has a history as an assistant coach. Same reason the y brought Babcock back too. I heard Taylor didnt want Telefair but had to take him and that when they were looking for a coach, a priority was a guy who could “keep players off of the police blotter”. Its all about perception around here. Which still doesnt explain Ricky Davis popularity. I stopped watching Growing Pains when Leo came onthe show. But Mikes girlfriend did make me stop and watch for a few minutes at a time
Oct.8 at 3:11 pm
white hot eboy says:
Joanna Kerns was ready for extra-marital pole pumpin’.
Oct.8 at 3:13 pm
Ryan Jones says:
Myles,
Your lead made me gassy.
Ryan
Oct.8 at 3:14 pm
Myles Brown says:
Surely the timeless talents of Tracey Gold are not that hard to digest, are they?
Oct.8 at 3:32 pm
Lz - Cphfinest3 says:
Great piece..
The TWolves need to get a point guard, or hope for Foye to develop fast - because Bassy will never be more than a poor man’s version of his cousin. Yes he’ll provide occasional highlights and all-star caliber play, but forget about him leading them anywhere in the playoffs. Point God, maybe in Coney Island but in the league - not a chance.
But with a nice draft pick, especially if they win the rights to Mayo, this team could be very good in 3 years time.
Oct.8 at 3:36 pm
white hot eboy says:
Myles, Tracey’s sister Missy from “Benson” turned into a package of female greatness also.
Oct.8 at 3:40 pm
Myles Brown says:
I didnt know she had a sister. Just an eating disorder. Isnt she dead? Anyway, people really didnt like the whole ‘point god’ thing. But the phrase in it’s entirety was “a quintessential New York point god”. Bassy has done nothing to have me bestow the Point God title upon him in his NBA career, but as far as NYC high school PGs, he’s one of the best to EVER touch the rock and theres no debating that. Just to clarify.
Oct.8 at 4:13 pm
TheMC5 says:
Myles Brown wrote:…Which still doesn’t explain Ricky Davis popularity… How’s about shooting at your own basket, just to secure the rebound and get a triple-double? That was the greatest moment in basketball history. Ricky Davis is a supreme pimp.
Oct.8 at 4:57 pm
Lz - Cphfinest3 says:
Haha.. Had forgot all about that infamous shot-rebound. The T-Wolves better follow GSW’ lead and make Tricky Ricky Captain, what a way to lead by example - be it close-lining fans, firing guns outside stripbars or shooting at your own basket. Would the Salary Cap allow GSW to trade for Ricky (and maybe even Artest)?
Oct.8 at 6:12 pm
Adam says:
Ricky Davis and defensive prowess in the same sentence? Did you watch him at all last year? The folks on KFAN have grown quite fond of the Ricky Avis nickname because of his lack of D. I don’t disagree. Other than this, great job. Not a lot of talk about Gerald Green, but that’s not unexpected. He’s been nearly worthless thus far and it would be pretty surprising to see him take more than another small step forward this year.
Oct.8 at 11:59 pm
Russ Bengtson says:
Bassy is more like a point cod.
Oct.9 at 12:01 am
Myles Brown says:
Hat… Nah.
Oct.9 at 9:17 am
Tariq says:
Myles…aren’t you thinking of the chick from Different Strokes? Dana Plato? Also: Arsene Wenger is undeniably one of the best coaches ever. If he were running Barca instead of Rijkaard, they would win the Champions League, La Liga, Euro 2008 and the Kentucky Derby, along with assorted NASCAR events.