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Re:Game Thread: Wolves at Utah Jazz (3/17/10)
by College Wolf 2010/03/17 00:01
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Re:Game Thread: Wolves at Utah Jazz (3/17/10)
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Re:Game Thread: Wolves at Utah Jazz (3/17/10)
by roundhouse 2010/03/16 23:14
Wolves Updates 12-2 Part 2 E-mail
Written by SG   
Wednesday, 03 December 2008 00:44
Yesterday we were talking about a rumor that was running on multiple internet sources suggesting that the Charlotte Bobcatswere working on a deal that would send Raymond Felton to the Minnesota Timberwolves for a package of Jason Collins, Rashad McCants and a pick has been officially shot down by the Bobcats. A source close to the team said there was never a discussion with the Timberwolves about Felton. In fact, I went back to read the two original stories where they were yesterday and both have been pulled. There is sanity in the universe, after all.


Rob at Upside and Motor plays hosts to the latest Blogger MVP/ROY rankings.


Dallas Basketball asked several bloggers to help them judge a hypothetical NBA Coaches Slam-Dunk Contest



I'm no genius, but in predicting 30 wins for this squad this season--as of now an unduly optimistic assessment, but sharply scaled back from McHale's rosy vision--I said the biggest potential drawbacks and question marks were whether or not Randy Foye could truly be a point guard, and whether a front line that predominantly featured Jefferson and Kevin Love could adequately defend in the low block. Those were--and remain--obvious concerns regardless of who is coaching this team. An unhealthy number of coaches and players have come and gone in the past four-plus years, but the losing has continued to escalate. Draw your own conclusions.


This totally bums me out because, despite his many flaws, Brewer was probably my favorite Wolf. It's a bummer for the defensively mediocre Wolves, too, because Brewer was the team's best individual defender, their most energetic and most athletic player. With his gangly, knuckling jumper and propensity to lose his shit once he gets within 5 feet of the rim, Brewer was too much of an offensive liability to play more than 15 or so minutes per game--though, probably because he dunks a lot has the humility to know when not to shoot, he has a better shooting percentage (a very modest  41.1%) than both Rashad McCants and Randy Foye.  But he was also the only T-Wolf capable of the athleticism and persistent intensity necessary to guard the League's best perimeter players, as he did against Kevin Martin and Brandon Roy this year.


Despite, or because of, the several votes of confidence that Kevin McHale has given to Randy Wittman, the Timberwolves' toothless performance to date can't continue much longer without changes being instituted. Wittman will get the rap for Kevin Love's not having an immediate impact, for Mike Miller shooting too many blanks, and for the team's lack of an authentic point guard.


Although he had been coming off the bench in recent games, the loss of Brewer is a huge blow to the Wolves, as he was really becoming comfortable with his role and his play was improving, according to his head coach, Randy Wittman. Brewer, who was drafted 7th overall by the Wolves in 2007, appeared in 79 games last season and began the 2008 campaign as a starter before being relegated to a reserve role--where he was becoming increasingly effective of late.


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