2007 Minnesota Timberwolves NBA Season Preview
It will be weird not seeing Kevin Garnett wear a Minnesota Timberwolves jersey this season. He's been with the team for over a decade, since the Wolves drafted him with the fifth overall pick in 1995. Losing Garnett means the Wolves are without a proven star, which suggests they might struggle. Still, this team has loads of talent and is very deep. Any number of players could step up for Minnesota.
Many expect second-year prospect, Randy Foye, to emerge as a dominating force on the perimeter in the next year or so. He averaged 10.1 ppg in about 23 minutes a night last season. Yet, he also shared minutes with point guard Mike James, who is more of a shooter than he is a passer. They've since traded James, which should give Foye the room he needs to grow into a force.
The addition of Al Jefferson gives Minnesota a young inside player who had a breakout season last year. Still, Jefferson will face the challenge of going head-to-head with the larger forwards of the West, which might bring additional growing pains.
The Wolves' top draft pick, forward Corey Brewer, brings versatility and defense to a lineup that badly needs it. Brewer's rail thin (6-8 185lbs), but his toughness and leadership should make him a factor right away.
Beyond what's listed on the Wolves' depth chart (below), the roster features forward Craig Smith, who could easily push past Juwan Howard for the backup power forwards spot, forward Ryan Gomes, guard Rashad McCants, point guard Marko Jaric and forward/center Mark Madsen.
Expect many ups and downs from the Timberwolves this season. However, they aren't nearly as bad as many fans believe they are. They are young, athletic and extremely talented and have the makings to be a playoff team in the next few years.
Statistics Projections/Depth Chart
- Center: Mark Blount 12.2 ppg, 6.7 rbpg (back up: Theo Ratliff)
- Power Forward: Al Jefferson 14.9 ppg, 10.2 rbpg (back up: Juwan Howard)
- Small Forward: Corey Brewer 11.0 ppg, 4.5 rbpg (back up: Trenton Hassell)
- Point Guard: Randy Foye 15.5 ppg, 3.9 apg (back up: Sebastian Telfair)
- Shooting Guard: Ricky Davis 19.6 ppg, 4.7 rbpg, 4.4 apg (back up: Gerald Green)
Key Losses
Kevin Garnett is a huge loss, but ultimately dealing him for numerous prospects was best for the team. They were going nowhere with him and his large salary was making it impossible to bring in any help. Also, the Wolves traded Mike James to the Houston Rockets to make room for Randy Foye.
Key Additions
Where to start? The Wolves added Al Jefferson, Gerald Green, Theo Ratliff, Ryan Gomes, Sebastian Telfair, Juwan Howard and rookies Corey Brewer and Chris Richard.
Team Rumors
Don't expect the Wolves to make any moves for a while.
Prediction
Minnesota will be bad, but give them a couple years before making a final assessment. They'll finish with a 25-57 record this season and will get a high lottery pick in 2008, where they will try to land a top-notch big man to complement Jefferson, or a replacement shooting guard for Ricky Davis. Foye will be a candidate for Most Improved Player for 2008.
Fantasy Spin
This is an intriguing roster to keep on your radar. Many think Al Jefferson will post better numbers than last season's 16 and 11. However, keep in mind that the West is bigger and he will be facing off against the likes of Elton Brand, Tim Duncan, Dirk Nowitzki, Pau Gasol, Amare Stoudemire, etc... Also, it's not like he's going to a worse team than he was on last season. Being the number two option behind Paul Pierce helped him a lot. Pierce demands a lot of attention, because of his outside shooting ability and versatility. In Minnesota, more attention will be drawn to Jefferson. Don't take him before the 40th pick at best.
Ricky Davis could be a steal if he slips past the fiftieth or sixtieth pick in your fantasy draft. Expect him to take a lot of shots and put up good numbers.
Randy Foye and Corey Brewer might be good late round gambles, but don't count on either of them being consistent.
There are many other young players on this roster who could break out this season, so follow them closely on the waiver wire this year.
NBA Eastern Conference Team Previews: Atlanta Hawks; Boston Celtics; Cleveland Cavaliers; Chicago Bulls; Charlotte Bobcats; Detroit Pistons; Indiana Pacers; Miami Heat; Milwaukee Bucks; New Jersey Nets; New York Knicks; Orlando Magic; Philadelphia 76ers; Toronto Raptors; Washington Wizards
NBA Western Conference Team Previews: Dallas Mavericks; Denver Nuggets; Golden State Warriors; Houston Rockets; Los Angeles Clippers; Los Angeles Lakers; Memphis Grizzlies; Minnesota Timberwolves; New Orleans Hornets; Phoenix Suns; Portland Trail Blazers; Sacramento Kings; San Antonio Spurs; Seattle Supersonics; Utah Jazz
