TWolves Blog - Minnesota Timberwolves News and Articles
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Written by Anthony Hall
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Friday, 05 October 2007 |
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Hey everyone...join me tomorrow at 2:00 pm (Timberwolves.com says the game is at 1:00, but I'm fairly sure that's incorrect), as I live blog the Wolves' opening preseason game against Efes Pilsen. You can watch the game on NBA.com, and discuss it right here at T'Wolves Blog.
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Written by SG
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Friday, 05 October 2007 |
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From Rick Alonzo/Pioneer Press:
Rashad McCants practiced the majority of the morning
practice but one of his hamstring's became sore again, and he was
forced to sit out. It's hard to say, Wittman said, whether McCants will
play during Saturday's exhibition game against Turkish team Efes Pilsen
in Istanbul. But the coach didn't sound optimistic.
I knew from watching Corey Brewer in college at Florida that he was a
great defensive player, but he has really shown that here in camp. He
probably stood out the most in our scrimmage tonight...
Also from the Star Tribune:
Smith, recovering from a sprained ankle suffered last week in
preseason workouts, is working out on his own enough that Wittman now
says he thinks Smith might return to participate in practice when the
team reaches London next week.
During a media conference call, Coach Wittman talked about the differences between Craig Smith and Chris Richard:
Totally different players. Craig is a more skilled player offensively.
He's got more swagger to his offensive game. Chris is more of a banger,
a guy that's going to get to where he wants to get if he has to run
through a wall. Craig can beat you and deceive you with moves and
different things. That's the main difference. Craig can put the ball on
the floor I think a little bit better right now than Chris, but Chris
takes up space and from a defensive standpoint has been really good.
It really made us feel good to give back of our time to this community here, and hopefully this is the first of many trips to Turkey. Hopefully the NBA can return to not only Istanbul, but also Ankara, the capital of Turkey. Hopefully we can get over to Saudi Arabia, and hopefully if things stabilize we can get over to the Pakistan/India area. I think it would be great for the game.
Dwane Casey, the former head coach of the Minnesota Timberwolves and
longtime assistant to Nate McMillan in Seattle, stopped by the Trail
Blazers practices the past two days.
But McMillan and general manager Kevin Pritchard said there is nothing
to read into Casey's presence other than a friend stopping by to watch
some basketball.
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Written by SG
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Thursday, 04 October 2007 |
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Click here for video of Brewer walking the streets of Istanbul. Brewer chats briefly with a few people, one of whom is a Wolves fan who asks the player if he misses Garnett.
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Written by SG
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Thursday, 04 October 2007 |
In the latest installment of the Rhino Diaries, Craig Smith talks about how he got his nickname from the team's "Name The Rookies" contest last season. Smith also reports back on some of the team's recent activities:
During the bus-ride back to the Istanbul castle that we're staying in,
Al (Jefferson) and Gerald (Green) had their joking session on each
other, in which Gerald said Al's nose is so big he could smell a
thousand miles away. Al came back by saying Gerald looks like Juvenile
(the rapper who used to be with Cash Money Records ... If you don't
know who he is or what he looks like Google him, it's funny).
People in the Midwest are a typically patient bunch, but there isn't
much willingness to wait for Minnesota's teams to turn around their
struggles and perform at a consistently better level.
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Written by SG
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Thursday, 04 October 2007 |
Saturday's exhibition opener against the Turkish team Efes Pilsen
Istanbul will be shown tape delayed at 4:30 p.m. on NBA TV. Wednesday's
game against Kevin Garnett and the Boston Celtics in London will be shown live by ESPN2 at 1:30 p.m.
We felt like rock stars because the kids were so excited to be around
NBA players. They didn't want your autograph. They just wanted to
high-five you and they wanted to be around you. The people here know
Hedo Turkoglu and Mehmet Okur (Turkish players in the NBA), but they're
not used to seeing NBA players every day, face to face.
On Wednesday, the Wolves only had one practice as the coaching staff
gave the team the night session off. Wittman was very complimentary of
his team's efforts thus far in training camp, and realized his team
needed some rest.
Chris Richard has come in and established himself as a banger, and does
all of the dirty work. He's rebounding the ball really well.
On whether Al Jefferson was more "assertive" in practice yesterday, Coach Wittman said:
Today he was much better.
Rumor has it that the NBA is going to pay for the rim Chris Richard broke last night in practice. That way, Glen Taylor won't have to write the check for that. Ha! After resolving that accident, we were graciously invited back there tomorrow night -- to the same gym -- if I understand correctly.
Coach Randy Wittman said one of McCants' hamstrings
became sore during a scrimmage Wednesday, and the third-year guard was
sidelined as a precaution. McCants warmed up and participated in drills
but then noticed an issue.
Tuesday night, McCants suffered what originally was described as a cramp during that practice and sat out.
"We don't want it to become a strain or a nagging
injury," Wittman said. "You don't know whether it's the soreness from
the cramp or if it's the hamstring."
Also, Theo Ratliff returned to action Wednesday
after being limited Tuesday by back stiffness...
NBA.com offers a season preview of the team.
Curiously, Juwan Howard, who after being acquired by the Timberwolves said he looked forward to playing with Kevin Garnett, said he hasn't had any conversations with Garnett since he was traded to Boston.
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Written by Anthony Hall
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Thursday, 04 October 2007 |
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Inspired by Stephen Colbert, I present to you my premiere edition of "Tips of the Hat, Wags of the Finger" for the 2007-08 season.
A wag of the finger to Greg Buckner, who is reportedly upset about getting traded to Minnesota. Greg...I realize that it's a bummer to get dealt from a contender to a rebuilding team, but it simply isn't acceptable for you to disturb the team chemistry. Get over it, and step into your role as a veteran mentor to the youngsters. It'll be okay. I promise.
A wag of the finger to Rashad McCants, who failed to say anything interesting in his media day interview. C'mon Rashad...I was expecting you to compare yourself to a library book, or something...not say boring stuff, like "We now have the chance to showcase." Seriously, you're getting a little rusty with your quotes!
A tip of the hat to Ricky Davis. I'll admit it...I've always considered Ricky to be a big punk. No, I never quite got over the infamous game where he "rebounded" a ball he threw off the backboard to complete a triple-double. But as it turns out, Ricky's actually a good guy...he's organizing a dinner for workers who helped save lives after the 35-W bridge collapsed. Good for him...I'll have to reconsider my attitude towards him.
A wag of the finger to Marc Stein. In his latest power rankings, Stein ranked the Wolves dead last in the NBA...that's simply too harsh. I'm not suggesting the Wolves are going to have a particularly good year, but this team is going to be a bit better than people in the mainstream media are suggesting. If our guys can mesh quickly, I have a feeling that the Wolves will move up a few spots in Stein's rankings.
A tip of the hat to Juwan Howard. While Juwan recently reiterated his desire to get traded, it definitely looks as if he'll accept a role of mentor on this young team. Juwan's been extremely classy throughout his time in Minnesota, and that's something I appreciate from him, especially given his disappointment over the Garnett deal. We love ya, Juwan...you'll be a valued presence in Minnesota.
A tip of the hat to Marko Jaric. No, I can't believe I'm saying this either, but I've gotta give credit to Jaric for showing some enthusiasm during the opening day of training camp. Now, if only he could show some positivity on a more consistent basis, I might not despise him as much as I do.
Finally, a tip of the hat to me (a little cocky, I know). Join me right here at T'Wolves Blog this Saturday at 2:00 pm, as I live-blog the Wolves' preseason opener. While they're playing some mysterious European team I've never heard of, it should still be a fun game to watch and discuss.
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Written by SG
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Wednesday, 03 October 2007 |
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Greg Buckner was disappointed the Mavs traded him to Minnesota on Friday, and making matters more complex was the fact the Timberwolves were bound for training camp the next day -- in Istanbul, Turkey.
Buckner's agent informed him that he technically had a week to join the
T'wolves if he needed more time, but Buckner immediately flew to
Minneapolis to join his new teammates.
As a parting gift, Buckner will receive a bonus of about $560,000, 5
percent of the more than $11 million left on his contract, as part of a
trade kicker negotiated into his deal with the Mavs.
The trade kicker, unusual for a mid-level salary player such as Buckner, is typically split between the two teams.
On his own blog, Mad Dog writes on sightseeing in Turkey and how Gerald Green is "an amazing talent."
Mike Trudell/Timberwolves site posted a video interview with Ryan Gomes in which the player talks about the upcoming season, his wedding, and his love of 50 Cent and poker.
Today, as part of the NBA Cares love-tour currently making its way
around Europe, the Timberwolves held an Adidas Court Dedication in
Istanbul.
In a chat on ESPN , J.A. Adande is asked if the Wolves are the worst team in the leauge.
Yes, and Kevin McHale's continued employment is just as mystifying as Isiah Thomas'
In John Hollinger's ESPN chat, he says about the Wolves that "we know they'll stink." Hollinger is also asked if the team is "going to be able to turn Ricky Davis into a Rafer
Alston, Carlos Arroyo, or Jason Williams and be able to package Jaric
or Blount with Davis."
That's the idea, with Davis and one of the dead weight contracts to
Miami for Doleac and Williams being the most workable pairing. However,
I think Riley wants to exhaust all options before going that route. He
already traded Davis once (straight-up for Chris Gatling, no less) and
I'm not sure he's much of a fan.
Click here for some of the players' responses to the media day questions.
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Written by SG
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Wednesday, 03 October 2007 |
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The young guys are doing well. Cory Brewer is everything that we
expected, bringing defense and energy to our team. Sebastian Telfair
has shown the ability to pressure the ball and run the team. Gerald
Green makes an unbelievable athletic play every practice. Chris Richard
brings a physical presence inside and is not afraid to bang against
anyone. Randy Foye has the confidence of a year under his belt and the
new players from Boston have added savvy and experience as well as
low-post scoring. Our only incident so far was last night when Chris
Richard dunked the ball so hard that it broke a bolt in the rim and we
had to cut practice short. I don't think he did it on purpose...
Just ask Minneapolis mayor R.T. Rybak, who Davis has
partnered with to help in the Minneapolis Promise program. This program
has served several thousand youngsters by setting up a career center, a
summer job program and free college tuition. It has been funded with
private and city funds and Davis has recently gotten on board.
“Ricky Davis is not only a great player, but he is doing great work in
the community,” Rybak said. “I have found him to be so compassionate
and humble.”
The Mayor also says:
“It’s doubtful that I will ever be a Timberwolf,” Rybak said, “but it is likely one day that Ricky could be a mayor.”
For over a month prior to the official start of training camp, a
majority of the Timberwolves returned to the Twin Cities for voluntary
workouts. It was during this time the jumpstarting of team chemistry
began. After the trade that sent Kevin Garnett to Boston, chemistry
becomes even more important than before, as well as players embracing
new roles.
Paul Pierce made it possible for
Jefferson to get a little breathing room in the paint in Boston, but he
might not have that luxury with the Timberwolves. Teams are going to
collapse on him in the post, but that's only going to make him better
down the road. For now, though, he's in for more losing.
Anyone who knows both Kevin Garnett and Kendrick Perkins [stats] knew it wouldn’t be an issue, but the two players did have some history before they were united on the Celtics.
It happened last February, when Garnett woofed at Perkins, who was on the bench and returned fire then and afterward.
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Written by SG
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Wednesday, 03 October 2007 |
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Towards the end of our second practice tonight, Chris Richard went up and dunked the ball. I was actually on the side getting treatment on my shoulder and I had my face down on the training table. So, I didn't see it, but I heard a huge crash. I looked over and he had actually broken the rim. Chris Richard had actually broken the rim! So, I hear the crash, and then I look down on the court and I see a little bolt rolling toward me at halfcourt. Then I turn and see that the basket at the far end is broken. Two seconds later, one of the banners on the wall falls down...
Tomorrow, I'll get to see more of the city. Theo Ratliff, Fred Hoiberg
and I will dedicate a refurbished school basketball court and do a
little clinic for the kids. It's part of the NBA Cares program, and I'm
looking forward to getting out and seeing a different part of the city
and meeting some of the people here.
After a rigorous workout routine, Smith looks more
sculpted than ever, even more toned than he appeared at the Las Vegas
summer league in July. Smith has improved his strength and stamina as
he begins his second NBA season, coach Randy Wittman said.
Smith weighs 255 pounds. He was listed at 272 last season. More than numbers, the change in his body is striking...
Newcomer Greg Buckner has been a pleasant surprise, providing strong leadership in training camp, Wittman said...
John Hollinger/ESPN with a team forecast that includes a 2006-2007 recap, offseason moves, biggest strengths (frontcourt scoring) and weaknesses (management), and outlook for the upcoming season ("not good").
Look for Dwane Casey, who still has a year of
salary coming on his Timberwolves coaching contract, to take a job as a
college basketball TV analyst for the coming season.
Kevin Garnett, traded by the Timberwolves to the Boston Celtics in July, still owns two houses in Orono.
I'm coming to learn that the hardest part of a rebuilding process is
not getting over the magnitude of someone like KG, but dealing with all
of the casualties that come with it. The Hassell/Buckner deal is
clearly just a swap for a more manageable contract. Glen Taylor give me
something to live for.
It's not a first for Randy Foye or Craig Smith to play together for the
Minnesota Timberwolves; they were teammates in Turkey with an All-Star
team in college.
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