KoriEllis
08-04-2003, 04:54 AM
Monday, August 4, 2003
Minnesota Mission
www.fullsportpress.com/mi...ssion.html (http://www.fullsportpress.com/minnesotamission.html)
http://www.fullsportpress.com/mission.jpg
By Kori Ellis
The Minnesota Timberwolves went into the summer with something to prove. They wanted to show Kevin Garnett that they were willing to do what it takes to keep him in Minnesota when he becomes a free agent in 2004.
For seven years, the Timberwolves have been eliminated in the first round of the NBA playoffs. After their dismissal this season, Garnett made it clear to team management that he needs a little help. If Minnesota didn't upgrade their roster, no one could blame The Big Ticket if he were to explore his options next summer.
So the Timberwolves had a mission.
First, Minnesota attempted to secure its own free agent center Rasho Nesterovic. But Nesterovic was tempted by the rings of San Antonio and quickly bolted to Texas. The Timberwolves weren't deterred from their objective. They combed the free agent market themselves, gambling on wide-bodied, underachieving center Michael Olowokandi.
Kandi's questionable work ethic made him come cheap. Olowokandi, who averaged 12.3 points and 9.1 rebounds last season, has spent the first five years of his career with the Clippers -- the losingest franchise in the history of sports. Timberwolves' brass believes that his bulky presence may be just what the team needs.
Then Minnesota went out and bought themselves an expensive backcourt. Latrell Sprewell came to the T'Wolves in a four-team blockbuster trade at the expense of only Marc Jackson and Terrell Brandon's expiring contract. Sprewell's salary for the 2003-04 season is $13.6 million with a player option for the following year. Next to Sprewell will be veteran point guard Sam Cassell who came to Minnesota along with center Ervin Johnson via trade as well. Most recently, the Timberwolves added free agents Mark Madsen and Fred Hoiberg to their roster.
The key for Minnesota this season may come down to Timberwolves head coach Flip Saunders' ability to incorporate his new players quickly and efficiently.
Certainly the 6-foot-5 Sprewell should improve the team defensively. Even at 33-years-old, he can cover the best swingmen in the game. And with Sprewell, Cassell and Olowokandi joining Wally Szczerbiak, Garnett should have no problem finding an available scorer when he kicks it out of the double-team.
Timberwolves general manager Kevin McHale has made the most of this summer. Stacking his team in attempt to compete with the Western Conference elite. On paper, his chances look good. But Championships are not won on paper; only time will tell.
Minnesota Mission
www.fullsportpress.com/mi...ssion.html (http://www.fullsportpress.com/minnesotamission.html)
http://www.fullsportpress.com/mission.jpg
By Kori Ellis
The Minnesota Timberwolves went into the summer with something to prove. They wanted to show Kevin Garnett that they were willing to do what it takes to keep him in Minnesota when he becomes a free agent in 2004.
For seven years, the Timberwolves have been eliminated in the first round of the NBA playoffs. After their dismissal this season, Garnett made it clear to team management that he needs a little help. If Minnesota didn't upgrade their roster, no one could blame The Big Ticket if he were to explore his options next summer.
So the Timberwolves had a mission.
First, Minnesota attempted to secure its own free agent center Rasho Nesterovic. But Nesterovic was tempted by the rings of San Antonio and quickly bolted to Texas. The Timberwolves weren't deterred from their objective. They combed the free agent market themselves, gambling on wide-bodied, underachieving center Michael Olowokandi.
Kandi's questionable work ethic made him come cheap. Olowokandi, who averaged 12.3 points and 9.1 rebounds last season, has spent the first five years of his career with the Clippers -- the losingest franchise in the history of sports. Timberwolves' brass believes that his bulky presence may be just what the team needs.
Then Minnesota went out and bought themselves an expensive backcourt. Latrell Sprewell came to the T'Wolves in a four-team blockbuster trade at the expense of only Marc Jackson and Terrell Brandon's expiring contract. Sprewell's salary for the 2003-04 season is $13.6 million with a player option for the following year. Next to Sprewell will be veteran point guard Sam Cassell who came to Minnesota along with center Ervin Johnson via trade as well. Most recently, the Timberwolves added free agents Mark Madsen and Fred Hoiberg to their roster.
The key for Minnesota this season may come down to Timberwolves head coach Flip Saunders' ability to incorporate his new players quickly and efficiently.
Certainly the 6-foot-5 Sprewell should improve the team defensively. Even at 33-years-old, he can cover the best swingmen in the game. And with Sprewell, Cassell and Olowokandi joining Wally Szczerbiak, Garnett should have no problem finding an available scorer when he kicks it out of the double-team.
Timberwolves general manager Kevin McHale has made the most of this summer. Stacking his team in attempt to compete with the Western Conference elite. On paper, his chances look good. But Championships are not won on paper; only time will tell.