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Wolves Updates 2/27

Written by SG on .

From Jonathan Kaminsky/City Pages- Al Jefferson: Minnesota's Franchise 2.0.  His extensive story on the player covers Jefferson's high school days, the draft, his time in Boston, and his first season in Minnesota.  

There is also a photo gallery accompanying the story that features quotes and stories relating to Jefferson.  In addition, Kaminsky assembled a few YouTube videos of the player. 

   
  
Celtics Blog hosts round 7 of the Blogger MVP/ROY rankings.

   

Previews of tonight's game at Toronto:
 
 
   
Click here for the forum's game thread  
 
 
Snyder, whom the Timberwolves acquired from Houston last week in a trade for Gerald Green, was effusive in his praise for Sloan, with whom he clashed several times during his brief but tumultuous tenure in Utah.
 
Sloan suspended him for taunting the Houston bench during a game, and the NBA later banned Snyder for one game for fighting Dallas' Jerry Stackhouse near the Utah team bus after a game.
 
Sloan was gracious when asked about Snyder before the Wolves played the Jazz on Tuesday night at Target Center.
 
"He's a very talented guy. Has tremendous athletic ability," Sloan said...
 
 
 
The Wolves play the Jazz twice in the next eight days. They play the second half of a back-to-back Wednesday in Toronto, then face LeBron James and the reconfigured Cavaliers on Friday in Cleveland.
 
 

Wolves 111, Jazz 100

Written by SG on .

From the AP recap:
Al Jefferson and Rashad McCants scored 22 points, Randy Foye added a season-high 20, and the Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Utah Jazz 111-100 on Tuesday night.
 
Minnesota forced 24 turnovers and held the Jazz to 6-for-21 shooting in the final quarter to snap a two-game losing streak and get its first win against the Northwest Division.
 
 
 
Wolves record: 12-43
 
 
Canis Hoopus game recap 
 
Timberwolves Today postgame podcast
 
 
 
 
 
 
Two days after a fourth-quarter collapse against Dallas, the Wolves had their best final quarter of the season, a 39-point barrage that broke open a tight game and pushed the Wolves to a 111-100 victory.
 
 
 
Minnesota had four players score 20 points - using a 10-player lineup in which only one player is over the age of 26 – and stuck it to the Jazz 111-100. The Wolves pressured Utah into a season-high 24 turnovers, and swiped a season-high 16 steals, just one below Minnesota’s all-time franchise record.
 
 
 
Foye got his offense going by playing defense. He had three steals — all in the first half — and he was off on an aggressive outing on both ends of the court.
After Tuesday’s game Foye said it was the strongest he’d felt, physically, since he’s returned.
 
  
on Kirk Snyder's debut as a Timberwolves player:
His defense was strong. But he also contributed on offense as well. In nearly six fouth-quarter minutes he scored once on the fast break and had a key assist.
After the game was over he was very, very tired.
  

Wolves Updates 2/26

Written by SG on .

Spotted courtside on tonight’s ESPN telecast of Kansas State’s loss to Texas in the Little Apple (Manhattan, Kan.) was Kevin McHale, who was seated next to team player personnel guy Zarko Durisic, who was seated next to Phoenix GM Steve Kerr. They watched Beasley, the 6-9 freshman forward who appears a lock for this summer’s No. 1 overall pick...
 
 
 
Jefferson gives the Wolves something elemental--a big man constantly at threat to score in the low block. Yet an increasingly vexing problem as the season has progressed has been finding him a worthy partner, a relatively potent and consistent player who can score and dish on the perimeter to create space and synergize the offense. Unfortunately, the quartet of candidates being seriously auditioned thus far have varying degrees of skill in terms of commanding the floor and shooting the ball, ranging from the "pure" point Telfair to the point machine McCants, with Marko Jaric close to Telfair and Randy Foye closer to McCants in skill sets...
 
    
 
"I thought it would probably be a little bit easier for me," Foye said Monday. "But right now, it's a struggle. I know I'll fight through this. I've been through tougher challenges in my life than going through a little slump in basketball."
 
Foye's numbers through his first 11 games can't be sugarcoated: He is averaging 8.7 points on 35.8 percent shooting in 25.5 minutes. He suffered perhaps his worst performance Sunday during a 99-83 loss to the Dallas Mavericks, scoring a season-low two points on 1-for-6 shooting.
 
 
 
Stephen Litel/Hoopsworld talks to Craig Smith about why the team is "continuing to fight":
We have a lot of character and a lot of heart. I mean, we don't like to lose games even though we've lost a lot. We want to go out there and just continue to get better, so we build momentum going into next year. 
 
 
 
Walker wants out because he says he has accomplished too much and still has too much to offer to sit on the bench while the Wolves play their future. Veteran Greg Buckner, though, said he was happy to see last week’s trade deadline pass without his name called.
 
“I didn’t want to go,” he said. “I like Minnesota a lot. Right now, we’re trying to figure out a mix of young guys who are going to be here long term. I’m going to be here for a while, so I’m happy..."

 
 
The subject: independence for Kosovo. As an ethnic Serb, it's not hard to guess where Jaric stands on the issue.
 
First of all, I don't want to get involved too politically in this," Jaric began. "But I'm just thinking that it's very unfair what is happening in my country right now. How powerful Western nations are making decisions on what needs to be done over there."
 
 
 
 
Previews of tonight's game against Utah:
 
Click here for the forum's game thread 
 
 
 

Wolves Updates 2/25

Written by SG on .

In his fourth season - but his first with with Timberwolves - Jefferson's numbers are comparable to any power-position player in the NBA, including Dwight Howard, Yao Ming and Carlos Boozer. 
 
"He's a terrific young player," Jazz coach Jerry Sloan said. "He's able to score around the basket, he's a lively guy and he goes after the basketball." 
 
Sloan expects to get an eyeful in the next five weeks. Because of a scheduling quirk, the Jazz and Timberwolves have not played this season. But starting Tuesday, they meet four times in the next 39 days. 
 
 
 
Newly acquired Kirk Snyder’s integration into the lineup likely will come slowly. He was in uniform, but did not play Sunday night.
“After just one practice, his head is probably spinning around,” Wittman said.

   
 
Theo Ratliff played 13 minutes in his second game back after missing 45 games because of a knee injury and blocked his first two shots since his return: He swatted shots by Jason Terry and Brandon Bass within a minute of each other early in the second quarter. He also had four rebounds, two assists and scored three points and afterward coach Randy Wittman made it sound like it’s only a matter of time, if he stays healthy, before he works his way back into the starting lineup, where he started the season.
 
 

 
To chase history and become back-to-back national champions, Brewer delayed his opportunity at a multimillion dollar contract and a chance to help his family. His three teammates were all sons of former professional athletes with well-off families.
 
So after the Gators won consecutive national titles and Brewer was drafted, the first thing he did was keep the promise he made to himself long ago.
 
“I paid for a house for my mom and dad and I bought my mom a brand new ruby-red Lexus,” Brewer said with the same child-like enthusiasm that made him a fan favorite in Gainesville...
 
 
 
Adam Smith/Times-News on Sunday's Wake Forest-North Carolina men's basketball game:
Minnesota Timberwolves vice president of basketball operations Kevin McHale looked on from the fifth row.
 
 
 
Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor said because the team has to pay millions of dollars to players whose contracts were bought out such as Troy Hudson and Juwan Howard, there won't be a lot of money available to sign big-money free agents for the 2008-09 season.
 
For next season, the team will have to improve by experience of the current squad and the draft.
 
Despite the poor attendance at Wolves games this year, Taylor said that the team will lose only $15 million this year, less than they lost when they were drawing big crowds and had some bigger payrolls.
 
 
 

Wolves 83, Mavericks 99

Written by SG on .

From Jerry Zgoda/Star Tribune:
Tied after each of the first three quarters, Wittman said the "tide turned" when the Wolves allowed Dallas only three points in the fourth quarter's opening four minutes -- but couldn't score themselves. 
 
"We made some mistakes and you can't make mistakes against a good team like that," Wolves forward Al Jefferson said a 22-point, eight-rebound performance that included one point in the fourth quarter. "Especially not with Jason Kidd now added to them."

 
 
Yet the Wolves rallied from a 63-52 deficit with 6:15 left in the third and pulled even at 71-71 heading into the fourth.
 
The Wolves started slowly in the fourth quarter, but Rashad McCants broke their scoring drought with a three-pointer with 7:41 left to tie the score 74-74.
 
But Kidd made big baskets down the stretch. He got inside for a layup and then used a Nowitzki screen before hitting a jumper that widened Dallas' lead to 85-77. The Mavs cruised the rest of the way.
 
 
 
 
Wolves record: 11-43
 
 
 
 
Stephen Litel/Hoopsworld with pregame, halftime, and postgame reports
 
 

  
 
In his third game with the Mavericks and 1,000th of his career, Kidd dished 17 assists, and fell three rebounds short of his 100th career triple-double to lead the way for Dallas. 
 
 
Wolves veteran Antoine Walker was on the inactive list for the second consecutive game despite being healthy enough to play. Wittman reasserted that he wants to evaluate other players. 
 
 
 
 

Fourth Quarter Butt Kicking Dooms Wolves, Mavs Win

Written by Anthony Hall on .

Here's one thing to be happy about from Sunday night's game: I thought the Wolves were doomed in the third quarter.  With the Mavs up by double-digits in that period, I was certain the Wolves would quietly fade away -- the fourth quarter would be irrelevant, as the Mavs would have sealed the deal by the time we reached the final period.

That didn't happen.  The Wolves displayed some resiliency in the third quarter, as they made the proper adjustments to climb back into the game -- and, in fact, the game was tied as we entered the final stanza.

But before we talk about the debacle that was the fourth quarter, let's talk about the third for a minute.  Because it was a skitzo quarter...the Wolves came out of the halftime locker room playing like absolute garbage, but to this team's credit, they were able to adjust on the fly to remain competitive.

For some inexplicable reason, the Wolves completely went away from Al Jefferson on the offensive end in the opening minutes of the third quarter.  I don't get it...the team's best offensive option wasn't even touching the ball for three or four straight possessions during that time period.  I guess that just highlights the fact that Al still needs to become more assertive on the offensive end...he's been doing a better job of demanding the ball while the team's on offense, but if tonight's third quarter was any indication, there's still some progress to be made.  He still hasn't quite become the alpha dog that this team needs him to become...although, he is getting closer.

(Click "Read More" to continue) 

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Wolves Updates 2/24

Written by SG on .

New Timberwolves swingman Kirk Snyder knows he won't have endless opportunities to make it in the NBA.
 
He said his difficult first pro season in Utah was the result of his immaturity. And after bouncing around the league, he's determined to make the most of his stint in Minnesota, however long it lasts. He has the rest of the season to impress the coaches and front office.
 
"There's basically no ifs, ands or buts about it," Snyder said after Saturday's practice, his first with the Wolves since he was acquired in a trade Thursday with Houston that sent Gerald Green to the Rockets. "It's basically a showcase for myself."
 
 
 
With the Wolves Snyder will primarily play small forward. Coach Randy Wittman said Snyder will have a chance to show what he can do, but it is a position at which a lot of players are vying for playing time.
 
But Wittman said Snyder's ability to play defense could earn him some time.
 
Also from Youngblood:
Wittman didn't know whether Snyder would be ready to make his Wolves debut today against Dallas. Snyder, meanwhile, is trying to make arrangements to bring his wife and two young sons to the Twin Cities from Houston.
 
   
 
 
"We're going to get a good pick," said Hoiberg, who recently returned from a long scouting trip in Europe. "If the ping-pong balls fell where the records are, we'd have the second pick of the draft behind Miami, and then we've also got Miami's second-round pick [from a trade].
 
"So, right now we would have No. 2, No. 31 and No. 32. So, we're going to get good players at those positions."
 
 
 
 
If there is a coach out there who would be an excellent candidate for the Indiana basketball job, it would be Mike Montgomery.  Having played for "Monty" as everyone calls him, I can tell you that his knowledge of the game is vast and he knows how to run a team... 
 
 
 
"I'm sick. I'm sick,'' Walker said when asked about the trading deadline that had just passed, his bags left unpacked, his locker unemptied. "It's disheartening. I want to play a lot, and it's obvious I'm not a part of the future here.''
 
Walker, still owed the balance of his $8.3 million salary for this season and another $9.1 million for 2008-09, won't be cut and doesn't sound amenable to a buyout, even if the Wolves were inclined. "I'm not willing to give up a lot of money,'' he said.
 
 
 
Now that the careers of forgotten NBA players Aaron McKie and Keith Van Horn have been resurrected in ink and parchment only, who's next?
 
Latrell Sprewell? Sam Mitchell? Randy Wittman or Kevin McHale?
 
"For 4 million bucks, I might be able to get off the couch," McHale said.
 
 
  
 
Previews of today's game against Dallas:
 
 
Click here for the forum's game thread 
 
 
 
The Wolves hoped they had told Jason Kidd good riddance for this season after he came within one assist and one point of his 100th career triple double in New Jersey’s 92-88 victory over the Wolves in the Meadowlands just 12 days ago.
 
“Yes, I did say that,” Wittman said Saturday when somebody mentioned he had hoped that Nets game was the last time his team had to face the veteran point guard who’s a triple threat every time he plays. “You don’t have to go back and look it up. I did say that. And I shouldn’t have said that.”
 
 
 
 
Two competitive cousins banging into each other on the blacktop of their uncle's driveway, driving to the hoop, dunking and daring. ... Only something bad could happen, he figured.
 
"They started to play some one-on-one," Rudy said about his son, Marlins center fielder Cameron Maybin, and his nephew, Minnesota Timberwolves guard Rashad McCants. "The next thing you know, they're above the rim."
 
Maybin dunked first. McCants, coming off an All-America season at North Carolina, wasn't about to be shown up by his baseball-playing cousin, so he threw one down.
   
 
 
Trenton Hassell can also be added to the following list from Charley Walters/Pioneer Press:
Five former Timberwolves - Donyell Marshall, Wally Szczerbiak, Joe Smith, Bobby Jackson and Mike James - were traded before last week's NBA deadline. 
 

Wolves Updates 2/23 Part 2

Written by SG on .

Jeremy talks to MavsCentral about tomorrow's game against Dallas.
 
 
 
Mike Trudell/Timberwolves site talked to Kirk Snyder after the player's first practice with the Wolve (audio).
 
 
Snyder will need some time to become familiar with the Wolves' system before he's able to play in a game. But exactly how long that process takes remains to be seen, Wittman said. Snyder will have a fair opportunity to compete for playing time and a role on the team the rest of the season, Wittman said. Snyder's big body will help him compete at the shooting guard and small forward positions, though he might be considered more of a small forward at this point.
 
     
 
Canis Hoopus on Antoine Walker's request for a buyout.
 
    
 
Jeff Goodman/Fox Sports on potential coaching candidates for Indiana: 
Other names that will likely be tossed around are Washington State's Tony Bennett, Xavier's Sean Miller and those with IU ties such as New Mexico's Steve Alford and Minnesota Timberwolves coach Randy Wittman.
 
 
Wolves coach Randy Wittman said he believes Indiana University interim coach Dan Dakich will do well taking over for Kelvin Sampson, who resigned Friday. 
 
 
 
WCCO talks to Crunch and some of the team's dancers about the mascot's birthday celebration which is taking place during tomorrow's game. 
 
 
 
One final thought after a trading frenzy that shed the "No Balls Association" tag: Do you realize none of this would have happened without the KG trade last summer? Garnett is such a loyal person he probably would have retired with the T-Wolves -- even if it meant never winning a title -- until he had a falling out with the owner and Kevin McHale last summer when he learned they were shopping him before the draft. Betrayed, Garnett started rethinking his commitment to Minnesota, and that eventually led to the Boston trade, a deal that Garnett had to be talked into by friends and family for three solid weeks before it happened.
 
 
 

Wolves Updates 2/23

Written by SG on .

Myles Brown/SLAM Online on Al Jefferson, Sebastian Telfair, and Randy Foye: 
When looking at their respective talents, in time the Wolves may be able to duplicate the Spurs triumvirate. But only if Randy Foye is willing to be the Ginobli of the three. Like Manu, Foye does like to bomb from outside and drive to the basket for explosive finishes. But at this point, Randy’s timing and conditioning aren’t where they will be and he’s certainly not the ball handler that Manu is, so the rest of this season might be best spent getting acclimated to his teammates and their idiosyncrasies in order to shore up his playmaking abilities. Foye wouldn’t know whether he’d start or come off the bench, but he’d certainly finish...
 
    
 
 
Wolves veteran Antoine Walker said Friday he's open to a "workable buyout" of his contract, though he believes the odds of such a deal happening are slim. Either way, don't expect him to have much of a role on the court in the near future.
 
Wittman said he plans to evaluate younger players and that Walker's role will be limited. Wittman said he told Walker that the veteran has to stay ready the rest of the season.
 
 
 
  
Newly acquired guard Kirk Snyder, who was acquired from Houston for Gerald Green, is expected to practice with the Wolves for the first time today.
 
Would Wittman, an Indiana native and graduate of Indiana University, be interested if the job becomes available? Wittman said he'd always listen, but: "I'm happy now. Right now I'd rather stay here. I like this level."
  
 
 
 
Mike Trudell/Timberwolves site on a 3-on-3 scrimmage during the team's practice on Friday afternoon.
 
 
 
 
From the Memphis Flyer:
Steve Zito, vice president of operations and entertainment for the Memphis Grizzlies, says Saturday's UT-Memphis game is the second hottest ticket in the arena's short history. Only last year's Hannah Montana concert was hotter, and that was after blocking out 3,000 seats behind the stage. Peyton and Eli Manning are coming, so is the ESPN College Game Day crew, and this week Zito was trying to fulfill a ticket request from Kevin McHale, VP for basketball operations for the Minnesota Timberwolves.
 
 
 
 
Johnny Ludden/Yahoo Sports give the team's trade for Kirk Snyder a B:
Like the Celtics before them, the Timberwolves decided Green wasn’t going to be a part of their future. In return, they picked up two things every rebuilding team wants: a draft pick and cash. Snyder’s contract expires at the end of the season.

McCants compares himself to reading the Bible

Written by SG on .

Rashad McCants has launched his new site and, as far as player sites go, it's fairly comprehensive and done really well. Regardless of one's feelings on the player, the site is definitely something worth checking out if only for the amusement and entertainment factors. Below are a few highlights from various sections of the site:
 
 
Once you open it up and start to read it, you find out things that you've never really seen or heard before. And I think that really describes me." – Rashad McCants, comparing himself to reading The Bible 
 
 
His tattoos:
My greatest analogy for tattoos is that life is pain...
 
 
Just remember the motto: Swagger is everything!!!! 
 
 
And perhaps the best part, a section devoted to his poetry. Check out an excerpt from "Love Thief":
I'm not a Grinch that stole love but I'm a thief with no love.
Eyes bright like city lights when she enters my life.
Every morning after yawning we make love to sweet nothing and birds chirping.
My tongue lurking for that spot that says stop and makes ya mouth drop.   
 
 

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