With 21 games already under the belt, it's time for first quarter grades on the Timberwolves. What grade would you give them and give me your take on the team in general. If I have to give a grade for the Wolves for the first quarter, it would be a B. There has been times that they stunk, but they also have played well. The fact that they are 14-8 is pretty good. They haven't done that bad. It could be worse even though most fans expected a blazing start. Could they get better? Of course. They have yet to reach its peak. I think they will get better as the season progresses. Now if they play like this heading to January and past January, then I would be concerned a little about this team. It's a long season. I have been happy with guys like KG, Eddie Griffin, Mark Madsen, Dead Eye Fred (Hoiberg). Sammy and Wally has been okay. I am very dissapointed with guys like Troy Hudson, Michael Olowokandi, and Latrell Spreewell. I am at wits end with Spreewell and Olowokandi. I am fed up with both of them not earning their paychecks. One looks old (Spree) and one does not seem physical fit to play in Olowokandi. I think Flip has done a great job with finding the right mix in the fourth quarter and more often than not, it works as you see wins in the fourth quarter. I feel good about them. I know things will get better.
Point Guard Play- C+, Cassell has had his struggles mianly at the start of the season. But he has been a major part in every Wolves win except the Philly game, really. He still makes alot of big shots in the 4th. But still doesnt seem comfortable sharing so many minutes with Hudson. Hudson, dont really like his shot selection. Wing players- C+, Like you said Wally S has been solid. He still tries to do to much off the dribble offensively, which isnt his strong points. But he has had alot of good games in T-wolves wins. Sprewell has been a dissappointment, mainly because you can tell Wally's return has the big effect on his role with the team. And Trenton Hassell defense isnt as effective as it was last season, mainly because it isnt in their at the start of games. Hoiberg does exactly what is asked of him even tho his minutes are reduced, whenever he is in their he does a great job of spacing the floor with his perimeter shot. Power Forward- A, Kevin Garnett another MVP type year. But Eddie Griffen has been the biggest difference maker for the Wolves so far this year. He give the Wolves another frontcourt player who can score. He is the 2nd best weakside help defender behind KG. And he has been excellent in establishing himself in Flip's pick & roll system, shot slection can be iffy at times. But far from the worst on the team. Center spot- D, Mark Madsen being solid in hustle/defensive areas is the only thing that saves this position from getting an F. Ervin Johnson is too old to play this year. Kandiman is a continued serious dissappoint, and has only gotten worst defensively compared to last year. The Wolves get no shot blocking, rebounding, or scoring from this position, clearly still the weak point of the team. Luckly the Wolves are able to go small alot playing two power forwards KG & E-Giff together or they would really be in trouble. Coach Flip- B-, Flip always runs good offensive sets. But like last year still has a problem with the rotation of such a deep team. And the main concern of mine with him is does he have the guts to move either Wally, or Spree to the bench to put Hassell back into the starting linup. Which is best for the Wolves energy & defense to start the 1st & 3rd quarters, which has clearly been the Wolves two worst quarters defensively thru the season so far. Team Overall- B-, they have some big wins Suns, Sacramento twice etc...But have often fell asleep against lesser teams Bulls, Raptors, Pacers both times without Artest and once without Oneal. They dont really have the focus in the third quarter coming out of halftime that they need to put alot of these teams to bed. Far off from last years team that we seen from mid december on..More closer to the team we seen in November- early December last year. But still one of the better teams in the West.
I would give the team a B+. They have played well of late and are looking like the Wolves we have expected all year, but we still lack talent at the center position.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Henacy:</div><div class="quote_post">Center spot- D, Mark Madsen being solid in hustle/defensive areas is the only thing that saves this position from getting an F. Ervin Johnson is too old to play this year. Kandiman is a continued serious dissappoint, and has only gotten worst defensively compared to last year. The Wolves get no shot blocking, rebounding, or scoring from this position, clearly still the weak point of the team. Luckly the Wolves are able to go small alot playing two power forwards KG & E-Giff together or they would really be in trouble.</div> Actually, since returning from his suspension, Kandi's done a solid job defensively. McHale was on Hartman's show the other day & said that Kandi's currently playing the best defense since joining the team. I agree with McHale & I've been impressed with how he's usually stayed out of foul trouble, too. Offensively, Kandi's looking alot more comfortable than last year. To my mind, it's a night & day difference. One last thing: Eddie Griffin has been terrific & a game-saver. Jim Pete keeps saying that signing Eddie is like getting a free lottery pick. I couldn't agree more. It sounds, too, like he's staying focused on the game. It's still something he needs to watch daily but he's doing well thus far. His locker is next to KG's by design. If ever there was someone that can influence a kid like Eddie, it's KG. Also, Sam's known Eddie a long time & is very supportive of him, too. The last final thing: TRADE SPREWELL NOW!!! He'll play hard one night, then look like he doesn't care the next night (which he doesn't).
B+ they are still in the hunt but are nowhere, where they were last year. they will be on a roll pretty soon. mark my word!
I would post all of my ratings, but it would just be a waste of time. Just scroll up and look at Henacy's post, and you will see what I think. Nice ratings Henacy.
