Hassell filled in quite capably, quickly landing a spot in the starting lineup and earning his new team's trust as a relentless defender who could regularly guard the opposition's best player. He did a great job defending Carmelo in this series.He contested every shot and got a hand in his face. Anthony missed 15 of 16 shots in Denver's 84-82 loss in Game 4, finishing with two points which he got by getting a steal. For the series, he's shooting 32.8 percent and averaging 15 points. Hassell's offense is a bonus,and he gave the Wolves a big one Tuesday with 14 points on 7-for-10 shooting. Better yet, he made five steals and grabbed four rebounds and scored a thoroughly unexpected 14 points -- 12 more than the Nuggets' best scorer.Hassell's shadow job was effective, adding a 1-for-16 to a trophy wall this season that already includes a 3-for-12 (Anthony), 3-for-11 (Shawn Marion), 5-for-22 (Ray Allen), 4-for-21 (Paul Pierce) and 6-for-20 (Kobe Bryant). I don't see why the Chicago Bulls waived this guy. He was a very underrated defensive player when he was with the Bulls. But that was because the team was losing. Now he is with the Wolves, a winning team, the league is starting to notice him. It was a great move to sign him by the Minnesota Timberwolves. Hassell got only one vote out of a possible 28 from the NBA's head coaches ( Flip couldn't vote for his own players), for a spot on the league's all-defensive first and second teams. I think he should have gotten more votes than just 1. He does so much for the Wolves on the defensice end and only gets one vote. That is a injustice. This what KG and Sam thought about that. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">"One second-team vote? C'mon, man," Cassell said. "The coaches voted that? Ask some of the players who should be on it." Cassell scrunched up his face, replaying what he felt was a snub in his head. At that moment, Kevin Garnett walked up to his dressing stall a few feet away. "Y'know that, Ticket? Trenton Hassell got one vote for all-defensive team," Cassell said. "One friggin' vote." Garnett stared back blankly. "You serious?"</div>
Trenton is underrated, to say the least. To shut down Mello' is quite a feat, and LaSprell couldn't keep up with him, and Wally didn't stand a chance. To shut down Mello' is something that very few people do, and those who do, should get alot of respect!
Trenton is very underrated but its refreshing to see that his teammates appreciate and respect the hard work and dedication he brings to the defensive end...night in and night out, he guards the hardest opponent on the opposing team, and does it quite well...he's a very important piece to what the Wolves do...
Hassell, in my mind, is a key to our success. We wouldn't have won those close games against Sacramento and San Antonio if it hadn't been for his defense. He is our top priority this off season, and I really hope he stays. It's a rip that he didn't get on any All-defensive squads.
twolvefan11, that was what I was thinking. I don't mind that he wasn't on any all-defense team (but he deserves to be there) but he only got ONE vote! He is a very important player for the team on the defensive end and the offensive end but maybe a bit less of offense. I hope he gets more recognition that he deserves.
It's just my opinion but here it is: If we didn't have Trenton Hassell, we would've lost at least 5 more games (possibly more) & we wouldn't have had homecourt advantage, either. He deserves to have a new award named after him: MVRP or Most Valuable Role Player. Without his defense, Peja would've scored alot more points this season, Melo might've gone off against us a few times, Kobe would've had alot easier time. He's shutdown Peja, AI, Dirk, Tony Parker, Kobe & many others. You get the picture. Trenton's defense is old school. It's all about footwork & positioning, contesting shots instead of taking risks in the passing lane, never letting his guy breath easy & just simple hard work & attention to that night's player's idiosyncrasies. Other than that, he's just mediocre.
