The Timberwolves aquired 10 new players that are currently on the Timberwolves roster, most noteably Sam Cassell and Latrell Sprewell. Some of the players were aquired through trades (Cassell, Sprewell), some through free agency (Olowokandi, Hoiberg), some through the draft (Ebi) and some through the course of the season (Miller). Beside the obvious Sam Cassell and Latrell Sprewell, the Wolves have some role players step up big to fill the shoes of starters that were supposed to give the Timberwolves arguably the most rounded Starting 5 in the League. So of the following... would you would you deem the best off season acquisition not named Cassell/Sprewell. G Fred Hoiberg | 32 Shooting Extraordinaire Stat line: 7.6 ppg, 3.5 rpg, .417 3p% Fred Hoiberg is huge off the bench for the Timberwolves. Orignially put into the starting line up... Fred benefits more with the second unit. He also executes the opprotunties given to him, knocking the open jumper down consistently for the Wolves, shooting a slick 42% from beyond the arc. G Trenton Hassell | 23 Defensive Specalist Stat line: 4.9 ppg, 3.4 rpg, .810 ft% The statistics do not do Trenton Hassell justice as he has turned into our very own 'Bruce Bowen'. Usually matched up against the opponets best offensive gaurd, Trent Hassell has given Sprewell more of a chance to concentrate on the defensive end, and gives the opponet fits. F Mark Madsen | 35 Instant Bench Enegry Stat line: 3.8 ppg, 3.80 rpg Forgot the missed layup (hah), but Mark Madsen is instant enegry off the bench for the Timberwolves. Mark brings exactly what the Timberwolves invisioned... instant enegry, hustle and some offensive rebounds.
The best bargain would have to be Trenton Hassell, his defense is amazing and has been a key to success.
I'd have to say I really admire all these guys. They all play so well for what time they get and put in. They're our workhorses in the stable. I myself like Gary Trent a lot. Hoiberg has always been one of my favorites, he's a bit like SJax on the three points, meaning he can easily make it if he has time or is open. Hassell really impresses me, he always brings his A Game. He reminds me a bit of Bo Outlaw, always working hard, he's quite fast too. Madsen, well let's just say, I usually compare these 3 people when the words workhorses are used, Madsen, Outlaw and Malik Rose. He just has such boarding ability and heart, it's virtually unmatched. We truly have a great set of players, and a great set of people, even on the bench. edit: Wasn't saying Trent was a off season acquisition but simply that I liked him. Oh I forgot to choose....hmmm out of those, I'd say it's between Hoiberg and Madsen for me, I'll go with Hoiberg, he seems more of the crunch time sort of guy.
I loke all of them alot. picking one? Hoiberg. Has great shooting, but is very good on defense to...hustles alot. I didn't know that he acutally could play defense, but he does very well. He holds our second unit together. Above all that, he's very smart as a player, almost never turns the ball over...and he's getting better and better. I wouldn't want to miss him. Hassell is great because no one expected much out of him but he turned out to be a very good defender. he's putting in alot of minutes, playing the same from the beginning to the end. I'd like to see him shoot a little more. he has that midrange jumper that is very accurate when he's open. don't forget: he is the all time leading scorer on his high school.
I don't think he needs to shoot more. I like that he is unselfish. But sometimes he does pass on open jumpers that I think he can make, but it's all good, because his defensive makes up for all of that. Thank you Bulls for releasing him!
I'd have to say Hoiberg. He had a shooting problem earlier this season, but he's got his touch back, and can hit the three's and drive the ball to the hoop. Besides his great offensive skills Hoiberg can also play great defense.
I have to go with Fred Hoiberg. As the others mentioned, he has been a quality bench player for the Timberwolves. Every great team usually has a bench player who is a great shooter, and Fred is the Wolves' shooter. He also plays very hard on defense and tries to make the plays. He is able to minimize his mistakes too.
Hassell has been an amazing defender, he is always in your face till the game is over. Those types of things don't come up in the box score.
