Minnesota
Timberwolves
Northwest
| Team Rating | |
| Offense | Defense |
| 107.5 | 111.0 |
| 23rd Overall | 22nd Overall |
Statistics through 1/25/09
W
15
L
27
PCT
.357
GB
19.5
CONF
9-20
DIV
2-8
HOME
8-13
ROAD
7-14
LinksStatistics | Tickets
|
Category | Grade | ||
 C Al Jefferson (22.6 ppg, 10.6 rpg) is a double-double machine and worthy of All-Star consideration. Ryan Gomes (11.1 ppg) and Craig Smith (9.3) are interchangeable and unspectacular at the other two F spots.
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c- |
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 SG Randy Foye (15.7 ppg) actually leads the team in assists (4.8) and is the only consistent scorer behind Jefferson. PG Sebastian Telfair (7.7 ppg, 4.3 apg) has made minimal impact.
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c- |
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 Sit in the bottom third in points allowed (101.5), FG% (46.7), blocks and steals. Actually solid off the glass, Top 10 in rebounding and rebounding differential.
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d |
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 Long-distance specialist F Mike Miller (8.9 ppg, 32.7 3P%) hasn't been. Rookie F Kevin Love (8.8 ppg, 8.4 rpg) is a good fit. G Rashad McCants (9.6 ppg, 36 FG%) can't find his stroke.
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d |
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 Randy Wittman fired Dec. 8 after 4-15 start. Kevin McHale stepped down from his VP duties and promptly lost eight straight. Since, rebounded to win 12 of next 16.
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d+ |
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d
Summary
The recent run of success doesn't mask the first two months of futility, but it does make life a little nicer in the Twin Cities. Jefferson is a bona fide stud who is talented enough to build a team around. Love figures to have a nice career. It gets a little sketchy after that.
McHale's shortcomings as a talent evaluator don't seem to be an issue on the sidelines. The Wolves own a sparkling record in January by battling every night. To be fair, several of the teams beaten by Minnesota are missing key players. But a win is a win.
Losing F Corey Brewer for the season in December hurt, even if many considered the second-year Florida product a stretch with the seventh pick in 2007. The Wolves aren't flush with talent and aren't going to make the playoffs -- starting 4-23 took care of that. But they've improved, which is a start. -- Art Garcia
Explanation of Marking System
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