When Minnesota Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor named David Kahn the president of basketball operations, he expected to have a playoff-contending team by now. Instead, in his four years on the job he has made more trades than times Dwight Howard has changed his mind about being traded, drafted more point guards than an apartment complex could support, and traded away more draft picks than Jarrod Saltalamacchia has letters in his last name. And now, the T’wolves are in another transition of which I am about to get to. [Read more…]
Follow paulmbanksMinnesota Timberwolves “luck” might be turning around?
I know the last few years have been down-right dreadful for fans of the Minnesota Timberwolves. Our last few draft picks (Wes Johnson and Derrick Williams) haven’t panned-out, so far or yet. But, Ricky Rubio brought a spark this season before his ACL injury. He lit-up Target Center with his maestro passing skills and non-matador-esque defensive ability that most of his teammates (Michael Beasley) have shown the past few years. He might just be the beginning of a Minnesota-turnaround, though.
Follow paulmbanksNBA Trade Deadline: Possible suitors for the Timberwolves’ Michael Beasley
Plenty of names will be floated around in the next week-plus as the NBA trade deadline approaches on March 15th. Over the next week, I am going to take a look at which players are likely to be dealt and what teams might be interested in acquiring said player. Michael Beasley‘s name has been on the trade block since the Minnesota Timberwolves used the second overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft on Derrick Williams. With the T-Wolves signing Kevin Love to a max deal extension, it’s almost certain Beasley will be traded since he doesn’t seem to be part of Minnesota’s long-term plan.
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Webster’s Return Has Enhanced the Play of Young Wolves Squad
Many fans of the Minnesota Timberwolves scratched their heads when the Wolves made the June 24th draft day trade of sending forward Ryan Gomes and the rights to Luke Babbitt to Portland in exchange for wing Martell Webster.
In his five seasons in Portland, Webster averaged just over 8 points per game, and an injury plagued 2008-09 campaign allowed Webster to only play in five minutes that season.
Webster had a very solid preseason in which he averaged 12.3 points in 26.7 minutes per game. Although comparing preseason stats with regular season success would be like comparing Degrassi to One Tree Hill, his preseason numbers did show the possibility of Webster being a consistent contributor to this young Timberwolves team. [Read more…]
Follow paulmbanks5 Immediate Lineup Changes for the Timberwolves:
Last week I wrote 5 bold predictions for the 2010-11 Minnesota Timberwolves. After a pitiful 1-4 start, those bold predictions make less sense than trading for a diva wide receiver, then dumping him four weeks later.
Truth be told I honestly didn’t foresee such a bad start out of this team.
The trouble in paradise that ensued between head coach Kurt Rambis and star play Kevin Love following the opening night loss to a Tyreke Evens less Sacramento Kings team. To the 74 point combined back-to-back losses at the hands of the Miami Heat and the Orlando Magic. Bright spots have been few and far between.
The positives are that it’s only five games into the season, so there is plenty of time to right the ship. Or at least move this ship into a calmer part of the storm.
Follow paulmbanksMichael Beasley Acquisition Key to Timberwolves Season
As a result of the added salary implications associated with the signing of LeBron James, Chris Bosh, and the re-signing of Dwyane Wade; the Miami Heat needed to dump salary, and fast. Seemingly minutes after LeBron uttered those words “I’m going to take my talents to South Beach” the Minnesota Timberwolves swooped in and made a deal that many didn’t believe was true, mainly, because it made sense.
The Wolves traded a 2011 2nd round draft pick to Miami, and in return received forward Michael Beasley who’s welcome had been worn out once LeBron and his talents reached South Beach. Although most associate Beasley as a locker room cancer, due to his track record of once attending a rehabilitation clinic in Texas, but a player like Beasley may be just what the doctor ordered for the Timberwolves’ franchise, and more importantly for Beasley.
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