The Timberwolves would like to see Al Jefferson step forward and take control of the team's offense on the floor.
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After a disappointing 22-60 record last season, the Minnesota Timberwolves are still trying to convince fans that the Kevin Garnett trade made sense to someone other than management (who the jury is still out on). Garnett proved what he could do outside of the Twin Cities by leading the Boston Celtics to the NBA Championship last season.
One of the players that the Timberwolves picked up in that trade, and whom the team is relying on to carry the load this year is 6’10 Forward/Center Al Jefferson, who is still considered wet behind the ears while only in his fourth year in the League.
Jefferson (23) has impressed head coach Randy Wittman in his first season with the Wolves, averaging 21.0 points and 11.1 rebounds for the club, and showing glimpses of why upper management put their necks on the line to acquire him.
“I don’t necessarily think this is my team,’” said Jefferson “but I am the one that set the example.”
Jefferson did just that for General Manager Kevin McHale, who calls him a throw back player from his days in the league. Jefferson brings the fight that the Timberwolves were lacking in the paint, and is a prototypical scorer in the low post.
Jefferson added 55 double-doubles for the Wolves last season. “He just dominated when he got in the paint,” said Telfair. “You can’t double team him if he’s that close. You’re sending a guy just to get a foul.”
“You’ve got to grow up fast in this league,” adds Jefferson. ”Look what LeBron James is doing; you got to grow up real fast.”
Randy Gomes and Sebastian Telfair, at the time seemed like second thoughts in the trade for Garnett, but they’ve shown that they are more than capable backups at forward and guard for Minnesota.
Another move that should benefit Jefferson and the Timberwolves is addition of rookie Kevin Love, who should provide some needed help at the forward spot. McHale pulled off the trade that sent #3 overall draft pick O.J.Mayo to the Memphis Grizzlies.
Love brings a sorely needed shooting presence to the club, along with the uncanny passing ability and court awareness that the Wolves have lacked. His enthusiasm for the game should carry over to his teammates, on the court and in the locker-room.
Forward Ryan Gomes (26) has teamed with Jefferson throughout his young career with the Celtics and Minnesota and is very comfortable with playing alongside the big man. Gomes is willing to do whatever it takes for the team to win away from the ball.
Sophomore Corey Brewer, a 7th round draft pick, has developed into a “lockdown defender,” but lacks the strength and range to make any impact at this stage of his career.
Another player in the trade for Mayo is guard Mike Miller who is lights out from anywhere on the court, and should compliment Jefferson. He should help to free up the middle for Love and Jefferson to bang in the paint.
Telfair and Miller are the playmakers in the backcourt for the Timberwolves, with third year guard Randy Foye as a more than suitable backup. Miller, a sharpshooter from the outside, has been given the keys to the offense by McHale, along with his complete game ability he should prove worthy for a team that lacks identity on the offensive side of the ball.
Prediction: 4th 31-51
Mike Zink has been a part time sports reporter for nearly 15 years, covering all of the major circuits plus most college and high school sports. Fantasy Sports is relatively new to him but plans to treat it like everything else he has covered. Being the new kid on the block, with just a little under five years as a Fantasy Sports contributor Mike plans to go all out as basketball is his number one passion and his goal is to keep you up to speed in your respective leagues. In his spare time Mike works for several local papers, and has interviewed many of the top players in the game, so he feels qualified in bringing the very best that he can give.