Currently they are 4-23, if they keep that pace up they are looking at 12-14 wins. But as the season goes on they might pick up a game or two extra. I'm thinking they get to 16-66 and have the worst record in the league. With the development of Al Jefferson who's averaging 20/12 (soon to be 23) and Sebastian Telfair who's averaging 10/5.6 (only 22) + and a high lotto pick so the likes of OJ Mayo or Derrick Rose. If the trend follows of the worst team never getting the #1 pick, the Wolves could make do with someone like Eric Gordon, a talented SG. What are your thoughts on that trio? With decent role players like Craig Smith and Rashard McCants and a few young guys with potential (Corey Brewer) I think the Wolves, with some cap-space, can turn themselves into a contender, take the Portland route and stockpile talent.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>If the trend follows of the worst team never getting the #1 pick</div> There is a 25% chance of the worst team getting the #1 pick. That means that 75% of the time (3 in every 4 years) they wpn't (probability-wise). Looking back since the 2000 lottery (8 lotteries) the worst team has had the #1 pick 2 times, exactly as probability tells us. So, whilst the #1 pick hasn't gone to the worst team since 2004, it has balanced out. It is more likely that the worst team will not get the #1 pick than that they will, statistically. The Wolves really need another solid player to balance out their roster, but probably don't need the #1 pick that they won't get 75% of the time.
I agree with cpaw, it won't matter how many #1's they do or do not get or how much cap space they clear; until McHale is out of the picture the Wolves are just spinning their wheels.
The Wolves have the potential to be a great team if they build around Jefferson, Brewer and Foye. There's a good solid core of young players around them including Telfair, Gomes, Smith, Green and McCants. They'll never become anything though without some veterans but it's impossible to sign veterans without a team that has a chance to win with an established superstar and that's what Jefferson is striving to become. He's become a legit 20/12 player and has the chance to be a perennial all-star. You just have to hope that what Telfair is doing right now will stick and he'll become a lead on the team. It's always nice to have a good quality point guard running your team. Considering he was a throw in to the Garnett deal, it makes him even that more valuable. Then you have Brewer who is a lovable version of Ron Artest and Foye who has been forgotten because of his injury but still can become a very very good player. I just like the core group of young players on this team, then add a nice top 5 pick and they get even better. Just sign some veterans, make a few trades to unclog the forward spots and build around Big Al. And yes I do agree with giving McHale the boot.
One question I have about the direction of the TWolves is what position are they locking AlJeff into? The construction of the supporting pieces is different if he is their Center than if he is their PF.
Well I remember last year Al in an interview saying he doesn't see any difference in the position offensively, so on offense he can play both positions. But he did say that the real big difference is the size of the guys you have to go up against on defense, which is an area he struggles in especially against big, physical centers. I have a feeling they aren't going to lock him into a position really. He's probably going to play power forward most of the game and they'll throw in big bodies in there to defend players like Shaq and D12. On a side note, a quote I'll never forget from Al Jefferson that made me smile was when he said "It doesn't matter to me if I'm not scoring because I'll always be on the boards rebounding. So when my offense isn't on I can rebound all game."
Jefferson's not much of a defensive player. In fact, other than Brewer, that's not much of a defensive team. Their future looks okay, but not as good as teams such as the Blazers and the Hawks.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (cpawfan @ Dec 28 2007, 11:40 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>One question I have about the direction of the TWolves is what position are they locking AlJeff into? The construction of the supporting pieces is different if he is their Center than if he is their PF.</div> They want him at the 4, but they are forced to play him at center this year. Ratliff is done and Michael Doleac is... well... Michael Doleac. Other than that, you've got Craig Smith, Mark Madsen, and Chris Richard. Al is forced to play full-time center this year. Eventually, they're gonna have to fill that hole. Hopefully, it's this summer. I like Minnesota's future, though. I'll agree with cpaw when he says they'll never take it to a respectable level as long as McHale is in town, but I would hope management is smart enough to realize that when they have a competitive bunch in a couple years.
If AlJeff is the 4, then it becomes interesting to place a Center next to him. You need someone that can bang down low on defense and play help defense when Al's man gets past him. On the offensive end, the Center is going to need to be comfortable playing in the high post or the perimeter. Essentially you need a Marcus Camby type.
You don't neccesarily need a Marcus Camby type. That's raising the bar for their new center a bit too high. You need a defensive center that does the dirty work inside so that Al doesn't have to. The perfect player that fits this description was Kendrick Perkins in Boston. When they played together healthy they were an excellent combination down low. It doesn't have to be a Marcus Camby, just a big guy that takes up space and can block shots here and there.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (playaofthegame @ Dec 28 2007, 03:09 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>You don't neccesarily need a Marcus Camby type. That's raising the bar for their new center a bit too high. You need a defensive center that does the dirty work inside so that Al doesn't have to. The perfect player that fits this description was Kendrick Perkins in Boston. When they played together healthy they were an excellent combination down low. It doesn't have to be a Marcus Camby, just a big guy that takes up space and can block shots here and there.</div> That is fine on defense, but if you take a player that has no offensive game outside of next to the basket and pair him with AlJeff, you are now playing 4 on 5 on offense as the Center is useless.
What about Joel Przybilla? The Blazers have Aldridge there, and Oden coming in next season. Will there really be much of a need for him there, when Oden comes back? Could Minnesota pick him up? He might be good with Al.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (peg182 @ Dec 28 2007, 03:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>What about Joel Przybilla? The Blazers have Aldridge there, and Oden coming in next season. Will there really be much of a need for him there, when Oden comes back? Could Minnesota pick him up? He might be good with Al.</div> Przybilla is a keeper in Portland. When Oden returns and earns (earns, not handed) the starting job from him, he'll be a terrific big to bring off the bench. McMillan loves Przy, and for good reason. He'll be a great guy for Oden to bang with in practice, as well.
Minnesota is going to take 3 or 4 seasons before they are competitive again. They will have to play catchup with the rest of their division and they better add more size if they want to compete. Portland - Oden, Aldridge, Joel P, Frye Seattle - Three 7 footers and a lot of team length Utah - Boozer, AK47, Okur Denver - Nene, Camby, KMart Al Jefferson is a good building block, but they better bring some help in to play alongside Al. They need to just continue stockpiling talent and build through the draft.
