Howlin' T-Wolf

With the new decade approaching, I felt it was time to look back at the good ole days of past teams. Teams that actually reached the playoffs and beyond. Players that stepped up and made plays as fans tuned in to be wowed by their talent. This year’s team hasn’t given that to us quite yet so let’s look back at who my all-decade team would consist of.

Point Guard: Sam Cassell

It was hard to look past Terrell Brandon here but after being traded for after the ‘02-’03 season, Sammy C led the Timberwolves to a Western Conference Championship in 2004.

In his potentially best season of ‘03-’04, Cassell averaged around 20 points a game while dishing out more than 7 assists a game. He was voted to the All-Star game in 2004 as well as the All-NBA’s second team.

It wasn’t just stats that drove that great season for Cassell and the Wolves though. Cassell played with pure heart and brought true leadership to a team that was destined to make a run. He had fun when he played  and always had a smile on his face. Much like former Timberwolve’s guard Chauncey Billups, Cassell loved being counted on during the clutch. He knocked down big shots one after the other. I think Sam Cassell fulfilled his short tenure with the Wolves well and deserves to be my captain on the court.

Shooting Guard: Anthony Peeler

This was probably the hardest decision to make. The Wolves haven’t had a secure #2 throughout the decade. I based my decision strictly on my boyhood memories of remembering Peeler chalk up big 3’s when the team needed it most.

He was used as a scoring threat, something the Wolves never truly had. Peeler played 6 total seasons with the Wolves averaging nearly 10 points a game and shot around 40% from the three-point line. A sniper nonetheless, Peeler also played hard, as did Sammy C. One of the top clutch performers, Peeler was reliable down the stretch, especially beyond the arc. I think most Wolves fans enjoyed watching Peeler play, at least up until he punched Kevin Garnett in the face while with the Sacramento Kings, but let’s just forget about that one!

Small Forward: Wally Szczerbiak

One of the oddest yet funnest last names to say in sports (and hard to type!), Szczerbiak was one of the most hated and beloved players on the Wolves.

First off, most white guys that play the wing position seem awkward, especially in today’s day and age. But don’t underestimate a white man’s ability to chuck one up! Szczerbiak’s shot selection was always very questionable but somehow still managed to shoot around 50% in his seven seasons with the Wolves.

2002 was by far his best season with the Wolves averaging 18.7 points per game and while shooting 45% from three-point range. He was selected by the coaches to the NBA All-Star team, his only selection of his career.

To me, it’s hard to disagree with this one even though he threw up off balanced floaters from the lane and three pointers contested by 3 defenders. Somehow, someway, he always managed to make me smile.

Power Forward: Kevin Garnett

Garnett is easily the Wolves best player, not only from this decade but the entire existence of the franchise. Garnett, the long, lean and lanky forward, was selected to nine All-Star games with the Wolves and won the MVP award during the 2004 season.

He holds all major records in franchise history including points, rebounds, assists, blocked shots, steals and games played. In 1997, Garnett was signed to a 6-year, $126 million contract, which locked him as the Wolves franchise player and boy did he deliver. “The Big Ticket” averaged over 20 points and 11 rebounds a game, as well as four assists (that’s a lot for a big man!) while with the Wolves.

I’m not sure if I can even put into words the importance of Kevin Garnett to this franchise. KG formed a great relationship with owner Glen Taylor, which in turn gave him some influence to who was on the court for the wolves. The 2004 Conference Championship run was largely due in part to KG’s determination to get past the first round of the NBA Playoffs. Garnett even made pushes for certain draft picks, such as attaining Stephon Marbury, who helped the Wolves become a contender in the late ’90’s and jump started his botchy career.

A true competitor, teammate, and friend, KG gave the Twin Cities what they needed most; a player to depend on and fall in love with that helped unite and grow a healthy fan base. It’s sad to see KG become riddled by injuries in his time with the Celtics, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen as much emotion come from a human being during his interview preceding his championship win in 2008. A true role model to kids and adults alike, KG has the utmost respect from fans, coaches and all players from around the league and will one day be seen in The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

Center: Michael Olowakandi…Kidding! Al Jefferson

Michael Olowakandi was a strong consideration…Ah! Who am I kidding?! Al Jefferson is entering only his third season as a Timberwolf and a strong acquisition he was. Coming over in the Garnett trade the summer of 2007, Big Al is close to an elite center in a league where they run sparse. Although Big Al has been rumored in trades around the league, he hasn’t been phased this season. He’s averaging a team high 17.3 points and pulling down nine boards a game.

Big Al came over from the Celtics as a young center developing his game. With the help of Kevin McHale, yes, McHale was good for something, Jefferson established himself as a dominant force underneath the basket. The new acquisition of coach Kurt Rambis and the implementation of the triangle offense has slowed down Big Al’s effectiveness. The triangle offense isn’t designed for big men under the basket but as the season rolls on, Big Al will continue to get his looks in the paint.

Like a Caterpillar, Jefferson bulldozes the paint clear of scum on his way to the basket (that’s why I nicknamed him the Big Cat). His ability to create space and get a decent shot off gives this young team a sturdy rock to depend on, especially Jonny Flynn. The swirling rumors are only rumors and we would hate to see him go but we will be on top of it all as he is my pick for center of the decade.

Sixth Man: Fred Hoiberg

This is a popularity pick for me. Hoiberg has meant a lot to this franchise. He only played two seasons with the Wolves but was a vital part of the 2004 Conference Championship run. Hoiberg led the league in three-point shooting percentage and was the first person not invited to the 3-point contest at the All-Star break while leading that category.

Hoiberg is strong at heart, but not literally. His career was halted after a surgery to repair an Aortic Aneurysm. The surgery was successful and shortly after a brief comback return, Hoiberg became a part of the coaching staff and soon after was announced Vice President of Basketball Operations, which he still currently holds.

Coach: Flip Saunders

Flip was and still is one of my favorite coaches. Flip was an alum of the University of Minnesota, so he has always been familiar with the area and people. He guided the Wolves to their first playoff berth in the ‘97-’98 season. The success continued as the Wolves made the playoffs every season after that but never made it out of the first round until the 2004 Conference Championship run.

Flip was a calm-headed coach who showed with a strong passion for the game. His talents are proven through his 411-326 record with the Wolves and is currently seventh on the winning percentage list with a 59.7%. He is now coaching with the Washington Wizards after a brief break from being fired in Detroit after three seasons and I still wish the best for him even with a different team.

Notable Considerations:

Latrell Sprewell only played one season but was another big part in the 2004 run.

Terrell Brandon was a solid PG for a few years but was nagged by injuries toward the end of his career.

Chauncey Billups had one great season with the Wolves but is the franchise’s biggest “What if…?”

Trenton Hassel was one of the team’s best defenders yet but his offensive falters didn’t help his chances.

Happy New Years Eve everyone! Maybe a new year will bring a new mentality to the Wolves and hopefully some wins to boot. Here are today’s tracks:

Timberwolf Tracks:

• Here’s a good article comparing a couple of lottery picks that the Wolves could get in the upcoming 2010 draft: Henry vs. Wall. I got my bet on John Wall, like everyone else, but Xavier Henry could be exactly what they need to add.
• Al Jefferson, who I like to call Mr. Big Cat, has started to embrace the triangle offense. Normally not designed for big men, the triangle offense can be a tough adjustment but Big Cat’s stats have become more consistent each game. Sports Illustrated’s Britt Robson explains more.
• With the coming of a new year and decade, many writers are going list crazy and are dubbing teams and players with specific awards and naming some as unsuccessful or even duds. Front Office Fans have listed the Timberwolves as The Decades Most Mediocre Team.

Truehoop Tracks:

• Much like Timberwolve’s fans this season, fans of the Oklahoma City Thunder have had tough times to endure. Here’s an article that explains how it can be difficult to become an NBA fan.
• The talent’s of big men is undoubtably noted but are they becoming less valuable in today’s faster paced games? This also puts in to question the value of Big Al as an asset to this team or other teams in trade scenarios. Read Seven Questions for 2010: Do Traditional Big Men Have a Future from Truehoop’s League-Wide-Issues.

Other Tracks:

• Lebron turned 25 years young and the Cavs win yet again, or should they have? A clock malfunction late in the 4th quarter is forcing the Atlanta Hawks to protest the Cavs winning effort of 106-101.

1-Line Recap: Wolves Leave Win at the Free Throw Line

Wolves Record: 7-26

ESPN Box Score, AP Recap, Star Tribune Recap

HoopData Advanced Box Score

Wolves Vision:

Well as you read in the 1-line recap this was all about the Wolves not converting the easy ones, going 16-26 from the charity stripe. Uhh. That and they lost the offensive rebounding advantage for the first time that I can remember.

Bad news aside there were some nice things to take away from this game. First and foremost was Kevin Love making this blogger look good on saying he is the Wolves MVP and a top-20 player in the league with his one assist shy of a triple double 17, 11, and 9 stat line. Not to mention two clutch, clutch 3’s down the stretch to pull the Wolves to within 4 and make it close down the stretch. Secondly, was Al Jefferson looking pretty damn good in the triangle offense tonight going 10-15 from the floor and chipping in 4 assists. As I mentioned in yesterday’s recap one way to quickly judge if the triangle is working is to look at a team’s assists. The Wolves got 13 from their two starting big men (not to mention 3 from Pech in just 9 minutes!) alone last night and finished with a season high 31. The assists also led to the team finishing with a solid 55% eFG which is well above their season average of 46% eFG.

Friday night brings a big challenge in the defending Eastern Conference champs, so we’ll see if the Wolves can keep up their offensive efficiency against one of the better defending teams in the league.

One thing I would like to see Rambis try soon: A small-ball lineup of Flynn, Sessions, Wilkins, Gomes, and Love. Let’s see what this team can do pushing the ball and spreading the floor.

I had the pleasure of joining Neil from T-Wolves blog for their State of the Season podcast.

Check it out here!

Chat with David Thorpe – SportsNation – ESPN:

Kevin Love (California Dreaming)

Don’t we have to consider the fact that I am realistically the best sophomore?

David Thorpe

(12:06 PM)

It’s certainly possible that you will be the best by seasons end. Gasol and Lopez will have a lot to say about that though. I’m impressed with your 3 point shooting, it helps you a great deal.

Mike (Mpls)

I know he’s one of your guys, but for much of the early season Corey Brewer was simply atrocious. Could his recent improvement be a sign of things to come or will he always be primarily a good defender with a wildly inconsistent offensive game?

David Thorpe

(12:22 PM)

I think he’s starting to figure a lot out, and he’s almost totally recovered from major knee surgery. December has been a career best month, so now he has something strong to build on.

Shawn (Rochester, MN)

Hi David. Do you think either Jefferson or Love will ultimately have to be traded and replaced with a 7 footer with defensive skills?

David Thorpe

(12:37 PM)

Yes. I love them on offense, and that’s it.

mike (springfield, ma)

Rubio update please: how’s he doing?

David Thorpe

(1:00 PM)

I heard from a team exec recently that he was doing well. I think his team is top 2 in both the euro leage and the ACB. Remember, you can’t compare his stats to any NBA rookie. The pg’s there are asked to run the team, not score. Judge them by winning first and foremost.

David Thorpe’s NBA Rookie Rankings: Best in December – ESPN:

3. Jonny Flynn, Timberwolves

Flynn has had a few dynamic games in December, none bigger than his 28-point outburst in Utah which included a terrific drive and finish to win the game. He’s averaging over 14 ppg, making 38 percent of his 3s and starting to look more comfortable running the triangle offense and an improved transition game.

Most importantly, perhaps, was his attitude the other night when Ramon Sessions came in and played most of the latter parts of the game to help the Wolves get a win. Flynn was on the bench smiling and cheering his teammates on. He knows this is still his team, as long as he keeps making progress.

As a new feature to HTW, Jonah (and me on occasion like today’s first edition) will be doing a daily link post which Jonah has appropriately and creatively dubbed: “Wolf Tracks.” So if you see anything cool on the net you think other HTW readers might enjoy shoot him an e-mail with a link to it.

Tracks to the Timberwolves

• Jerry Zgoda has a plan for that 2nd round pick we got from Phoenix yesterday: Mine the draft for the next Manu Ginobli.
• The Wolves made #9 of the 10 Minnesota sports stories of the decade but not for their memorable run in the 2004 playoffs, rather for trading Kevin Garnett: “On July 31, 2007, the Timberwolves parted ways with Kevin Garnett, ending the only era in team history that had produced a modicum of success. After two consecutive losing seasons, Vice President of Basketball Operations Kevin McHale made a decision to rebuild by sending Garnett to Boston for five players and two first-round draft choices.”
• John Hollinger, in his best and worst of the decade piece (ESPN Insider),  has Kevin McHale as the second worst GM of the decade: “An underrated rival of Thomas who managed to screw up the prime years of one of the greatest players of all time, Kevin Garnett, with a series of awful contracts, most of which involved agent Bill Duffy.”
• I was shocked not to find any Timberwolves on Chad Ford’s Worst Draft Picks of the Decade list (ESPN Insider). The pick I was expecting to see: Ndudi Ebi over ACC Player of the year Josh Howard, Leandro Barbosa, and Kendrick Perkins who were the next 3 picks in the draft. Another candidate would have been Rashad McCants over Danny Granger.
• Marc Stein points out on TrueHoop that it was a big deal for the Hornets that their deal for now former T-Wolf Jason Hart fell through.

Tracks to the TrueHoop Network

• If you didn’t already (I linked to it in the game recap) read Zach Lowe’s excellent piece on building a defense in the 2010’s.
• This was linked to in yesterday’s TrueHoop bullets but it’s worth repeating for those that haven’t seen it. Over at the newest member of the THN, Red 94 covering the Rockets, Durvasa has put together a pretty cool motion map of advanced stats. I’m not really sure exactly what I can mine from it for Timberwolves related stuff (if you can by all means let us know) but it’s pretty damn cool nonetheless.
• One of my favorite blogs in the THN to read is Daily Thunder. First of all Royce does a top notch job. Second of all it’s the team I think the Wolves can follow the path of over the next decade. The Thunder made smart picks in the draft and are now looking like contenders a season removed from looking a lot like the Wolves do right now. Now all we need is to draft our own Kevin Durant. (John Wall anyone?) Thirdly they made some really cool T-Shirts for their fans. Anybody want to design and make some cool HTW/Wolves ones?

Tracks to Other Cool Stuff

• Really if you haven’t been there yet and you call yourself a basketball fan, you need to check out HoopData.com. It really is the best new basketball site in a while. Their advanced box scores are a Godsend for bloggers like me to help breakdown games. If you like basketball and you like numbers, you will LOVE HoopData.

In order to make HTW the best Timberwolves blog on the net in 2010 and beyond, I’ve gone out and made a David Kahnesque acquisition. Bringing lots of upside and energy, I’d like to introduce you all to Jonah Steinmeyer, who will be collaborating with me here at Howlin’ T-Wolf and helping to bring everyone even more fresh Wolves content everyday. Jonah is a student at the University of Minnesota and will be entering the journalism school in the fall. He will be helping to add a new feature to HTW, which will be a daily link post every afternoon featuring interesting articles on the Wolves, cool stuff from throughout the TrueHoop Network, and anything on basketball we think you would enjoy reading.

He’ll also start putting together some good game previews for you to enjoy on game days, which should include some Q+A’s with our opponents team’s blogger within the THN.

On top of that he’ll probably chip in a few game recaps when I’m, for lack of a better word, detained and also has free reign to write anything else about the Wolves he feels inspired to put together.

Please feel free to send him any comments, questions, critiques, etc. to help him improve and become the world class journalist he’s dreaming of becoming. Jonah can be reached at jsteinmeyer11 [at] gmail [dot] com.

T-Wolves Record: 7-25

ESPN Box Score, AP Recap

HoopData Advanced Box Score

Opponents Recap: 48 Minutes of Hell, Pounding the Rock

Lay-ups and 3’s. Rinse and Repeat.

I can’t say that was the Spurs game plan coming into the game but it sure was their bread and butter last night. Why not, too, when the Wolves couldn’t get back on D in transition and when their wing defenders left their man if Tony Parker merely looked at the hoop after crossing the half-court line.

Here’s what Graydon over at 48MoH wrote:

On nearly every possession, the Wolves defenders were drifting off their man, offering reasonably open perimeter shots even before they had committed to any sort of help defense. The least bit of penetration caused defenders from every direction to collapse on the ball. During the second half there was one particular play in which Parker had only made it to the free throw line by the time all 3 perimeter defenders had abandoned their man, leaving Ginobili, Mason, and Jefferson wide open. I believe Parker hit Jefferson, who casually sank the three, but at that point the target of his pass seemed arbitrary- three out of the five Spurs on the floor were prepared to catch and shoot, possibly with a short nap in between.

If you are wondering why the Timberwolves have lost 25 games this season, look no further than the two (BIG) holes in their defense: behind the 3 point line and next to the hoop. Sure the Wolves are better than average in the league at defending 10-23 footers. That of course doesn’t help much when it’s been shown that the best team defenses in the league defend two areas well: beyond the 3 point line and at the rim. (Also look here at HoopData if you want to see some of the math behind it)

Another thing that I noticed was the Wolves assisted field goal numbers. In wins (and when they play well) the Wolves assisted field goal numbers are right around 24. In losses and when they play poorly it’s closer to 14. Last night: 11. Keep this number in mind as it is usually a pretty good indicator at how the Wolves are running the triangle.

One last thing I’ve noticed over the last couple weeks: Corey Brewer… is…. dare I say it… looking improved. Ok there I said it. It’s out and I can’t take it back. 60-123 (49%) from the field over the last 10 games is pretty respectable for a shooting guard. He still needs to cut down on the turnovers (2.0) and either start converting or pass up more shots behind the arc (4-15), but I can honestly say he is doing a much better job of letting the game come to him in the triangle offense.

From Twitter / Jerry Zgoda

OK, here’s the done deal: Alando Tucker, 2nd rounder in ‘10 and cash for Hart.

Honestly getting Brown from N.O. wasn’t that special so turning Hart into a free flyer (the cash will pay for his salary) on Tucker who was a pretty good scorer in college and hasn’t gotten much burn with the Suns, as well as another asset in the form of a 2nd round pick in next summer’s draft seems like another solid move by Kahn. Not as good as Presti using his space to snag Maynor from Utah sure, but still a solid move by Kahn to use the Wolves cap space, at absolutely no cost to the team or owner Glen Taylor, to add some assets. Let me once again point out that this is a move that our former GM probably doesn’t even know was possible.

—-

Also a shout out goes to Phoenix Stan for alluding to a potential Tucker for Pecherov trade way back on October 31st. As predicting trades go this was pretty darn close.