Reaching for the Stars
Al Jefferson can make a real case for a trip to the desert in February to play in the 2009 All-Star game in Phoenix. Through 17 games this season, Jefferson is averaging 21.2 and 10.1 rebounds a game and is considered one of the top forward / centers in the league. His position on the floor can change on a game-to-game basis but Jefferson remains as consistent as any star player. With all this said, Jefferson's name graces the All-Star ballot this year and by the numbers, he should have a great shot at making the roster. Last year for the forward / center position; Carlos Boozer, Dirk Nowitzki, David West, and Amare Stoudemire represented the Western Conference as reserves. Jefferson averages more points than West and Boozer while grabbing more rebounds than West, Nowitzki, and Stoudemire. Only Boozer and Jefferson average double-double numbers in points and rebounds. However, Boozer has missed eight games this year and might not return to the court until next week. The Wolves are struggling this year but Jefferson remains a bright spot and fans around the league need the opportunity to watch his abilities on the national stage.

The Northwest Battle
Portland and Denver continue to jockey for position on top of the Northwest Division. After a 1-3 start, the Blazers are riding a six-game win streak, which is good for second-best in the league. The Nuggets are just as hot with an 8-2 record in their last ten games. Denver sits in second place in the division and has only lost three games since acquiring Chauncey Billups in early November. Utah is just two games out of first place as the Jazz deal with injuries to Boozer and Deron Williams. Portland, Denver, and Utah combine for a 25-8 record against Western Conference opponents and are 22-5 at home. The Wolves face an uphill battle with these three squads streaking to the top of the conference.

Need More Free Throws
The Wolves could use a little help in the scoring department by averaging 96.5 points per game. As seen in the loss to Orlando, a team can manufacture points at the free throw line while applying pressure to the opposing squad on the defensive side of the floor. Minnesota reaches the free throw line just 22.5 times per game, which ranks 24th in the league. With players such as Randy Foye, Sebastian Telfair, and Mike Miller, the Wolves could benefit from more appearances from the charity stripe. In fact, Minnesota would instantly increase its scoring output with the team ranking seventh in the league in free throw percentage. While easier said then done, the Wolves coaching staff has preached the importance of the team attacking the basket early in the game to gain the advantage from the free throw line.

Streaking Foye
In the past three games, Foye is racking up the numbers for Minnesota. His play at the point and shooting guard positions give the Wolves an outside shooting threat along with playmaking skills. Foye averaged 20 points and five assists per game since November 28. Head coach Randy Wittman has decided to utilize Foye with Telfair in the backcourt and placed him in the starting lineup to lead the Minnesota roster. In comparison to the rest of the league, Foye is two points and three assists better than the NBA average. Jefferson and Foye could become a dangerous tandem for the Wolves and the former Villanova guard will be relied on heavily for the future success of the franchise.