Wolves Updates 12-2

Written by SG

Tuesday, 02 December 2008 04:29

Regarding a question on this thread where somebody asked about a Rashad McCants-to-Charlotte trade: Well, I don’t think there’s any question they’d trade him if they could get something of value — he’s played like 10 minutes in the last three games since coming back from those back spasms and Wittman said today he’ll play more when he stops throwing up indiscriminant threes, getting in careless foul trouble and starts protecting the ball better — but I can’t see the Bobcats wanting another wing player with such poor shot-selection taste...

From Don Seeholzer/Pioneer Press:

Wittman said Brewer fell twice during the second half of Saturday's game but wasn't sure when he suffered the injury.

The second-year forward was replaced by guard Rashad McCants with 2:58 to play in the third quarter but re-entered with 27 seconds remaining in the period.

Brewer left the game for good with 8:40 to play after taking a second fall in what Wittman said was nearly the same spot on the court.

"He asked to come out," Wittman said. "Corey never asks to come out."

From the Timberwolves site:

The date for surgery has yet to be determined.

"This is a tough situation for Corey and we feel for him," said Timberwolves VP of Basketball Operations Kevin McHale. "Corey has worked extremely hard on his game. He was starting to really feel comfortable on the floor and was playing well. We'll miss his energy, defensive mindedness and toughness moving forward."

From Jerry Zgoda/Star Tribune:

The Wolves lose their best individual defender at a small-forward position where little-used Rodney Carney, enigmatic Rashad McCants and starting guard Mike Miller all could be asked to assume some of Brewer's minutes and duties.

When McHale, on the team's three-game Eastern trip that started Monday in Charlotte, was asked if the team would make a trade to help replace Brewer, he said, "We'll see what happens."

From Stephen Litel/Downtown Journal:

Certainly, the acquisition of Wallace would not turn the Timberwolves into championship contenders, but he brings so many things to the table this team desperately needs. After arriving in Charlotte from Sacramento, Wallace has become a more than solid NBA player and, more importantly, a dependable scorer. Currently, the Timberwolves best perimeter players--Randy Foye, Mike Miller and McCants--all struggle with consistently being the outside player to compliment Al Jefferson inside.

From the Charlotte Observer:

I was surprised by how little rookie Kevin Love was playing for the Timberwolves until I saw him play. He's struggling to get off shots against longer big men and doesn't seem to have the same confidence as a shooter and passer he had at UCLA.

The Timberwolves losing Corey Brewer for the season probably means extended minutes for former Tar Heel Rashad McCants. It's overdue for McCants to establish himself as an NBA shooting guard.

From Barry Stavro/LA Times:

5. Kevin Love, Minnesota. The pressure is on. Love was traded for O.J. Mayo after the draft, and his numbers don't match those of his former collegiate rival. Love is a bit small for a power foward. He hired a chef to cut his baby fat and boost his stamina. He's been in and out of the starting lineup and is averaging 8.6 points (only four games with double-digit scoring), is shooting a disappointing 40% from the field and has 6.3 rebounds and one assist per game. Grade: C-plus.

From Charley Walters/Pioneer Press:

Sam Cassell of the Celtics, to Timberwolves coach Randy Wittman while the former Wolves guard was warming up at Target Center for Minnesota's recent game against Boston: "Hey, Witt, you want to sign me up for tonight?"