Michael Beasley of the Minnesota Timberwolves has recently returned to Twitter after a short absence two month absence.

He left the “Twitter World” about 2 months ago.  It was a few days after the Wolves’ game last game in Oklahoma City.  It happened just after that hard foul on Beasley by Bynum that got (Andrew) Bynum suspended two games.

After the Thunder game, Beasley re-tweeted a tweet from a TWolves season ticket holder: TWolvesLady.  TWolvesLady tweeted: “I sure wish coach would like @RealMikeBeasley play his game!”

A few days later before a game against the Dallas Mavericks, Beasley was questioned about the retweet and he said something along the lines of it being unintentional…a short while later @RealMikeBeasley was no longer on Twitter.  According to Beasley at the time, he’d just gotten tired of it.

The full story of what happened that made Beasley originally delete his Twitter account can be found by following this link: <http://minnesotatimberwolves.tumblr.com/post/4101645250/realmikebeasley-issue>

It’s good to have Michael Beasley back on Twitter and hopefully he’ll be back with the Wolves next season.  As trade rumors circulate; that if the TWolves draft Derrick Williams, they’ll look to move Beasley.

Thanks for reading and remember to stay tuned all year round for your TWolves news, information and updates.  GO WOLVES!

Today, we’re taking a look back at the late-October issue of Sports Illustrated, which was their 2010-11 NBA Preview issue.  On the cover are scoring champion Kevin Durant, defensive swingman Thabo Sefelosha & big man Nenad Krstic.  The title reads: Lakers & Heat BEWARE, THUNDER BALL: Kevin Durant & Co. are growing up Fast.  No doubt the Thunder did a lot of growing up moving past the Denver Nuggets and the Memphis Grizzlies on their way to the Western Conference Finals where they were ousted on May 25th by the Mavericks in 5 games.  Enough about the cover, let’s take a look inside…

The first part of the NBA Preview is a story on the OKC Thunder.  Actually a pretty good read (by Lee Jenkins).  Of course the picture has Jeff Green, Thabo Sefelosha, Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook & Nenad Krstic in it.  It would now, have KD, Russ, James Harden, Serge Ibaka & Kendrick Perkins as they made some offseason moves.

The second section of the NBA Preview is…a real shocker!!!  A story about the Miami Heat!  I’m sure you haven’t seen to many of those since “The Decision”!  I honestly didn’t read it, because I didn’t/don’t care!  

The next section of the Preview is the outlook of all the teams and where they’ll end up when all is said and done.  In the Eastern Conference, they had the Milwaukee Bucks, Detroit Pistons and the Charlotte Bobcats all making the playoffs.  In their place: the Philadelphia 76ers, Indiana Pacers & the New York Knicks all made the playoffs.  For the Western Conference, they had the Phoenix Suns, Houston Rockets & the Utah Jazz all making the playoffs.  In their place: the New Orleans Hornets, Denver Nuggets & the Memphis Grizzlies all made the playoffs.  One thing they did get right, they had the Minnesota Timberwolves finishing 15th in the West, that they did.  They were, obviously the worst team in the NBA (record-wise).  The Conference Finals in the East were the Heat over the Celtics and in the West it was the Lakers over the Spurs.  Well, the Heat eliminated the Chicago Bulls in 5 games and are going head-to-head with the Mavs (once again: 2006!!) in the NBA Finals.   In the West however, the Lakers and Spurs were both eliminated as the Dallas Mavericks moved on to the Finals.  Their finals of Lakers over Heat obviously won’t happen either.

Moving on now, to what Sports Illustrated saw at the beginning of the season for the TWolves.  Let’s see if they were right…

The starting lineup and key reserves were listed as follows: PG: Jonny Flynn, SG: Martell Webster, SF: Michael Beasley, PF: Kevin Love, C: Darko Milicic.  Reserves: Wesley Johnson, Luke Ridnour, Corey Brewer.  Well…the backcourt obviously was a little off.  Both Jonny Flynn & Martell Webster had preseason surgeries to fix some injuries.  For Martell it was a back injury, that allowed him to play just 46 games in the ‘10-‘11 season.  For Jonny it was offseason hip surgery that allowed him to play just 53 games.  The difference of course, when Martell came back he was a big contributor for the Wolves off the bench.  When Jonny came back, his play was simply…horrendous!  

The next part of the TWolves preseason analysis is a section on a rival scout “sizing” up the Wolves.  The first statement this rival scout makes: “Kevin Love may not be their best player, but he’s certainly their most marketable.”  This one just didn’t make sense.  The fact is, before Jefferson was traded, Love had to come off the bench and never got the big minutes.  The bigger question is…if Love wasn’t their best player going into the preseason, WHO WAS!?  It certainly wasn’t Beasley: who had big struggles in Miami and had been somewhat written off, by a lot of folks.  If he thought it was Darko…HA!  Flynn?  Ridnour?  Brewer?  Webster?  Who was better?  Anyway…moving on.  He also added that Love isn’t a back-to-the-basket kind of player.  That is without a doubt, TRUE!  Love is definitely a jump shooter (face-up).  There were very few times this season where he’d receive the ball in the post and try to back down his defender using post moves and strength.  Something, that he needs to work on, along with his post D!

The next question…Who’s playing Center.  This was certainly a question that was on everyone’s minds (in ‘10-‘11 and STILL IS!).  Last summer the Wolves signed Darko to a 4-year $20M deal.  He definitely made some leaps and bounds as a player, but he still can’t be considered “starting material” he is a backup, at best!  What this rival scout thought, was that they needed a really gifted low-post scorer to play alongside Love, someone like…I don’t know…Al Jefferson?  He of course was traded to Utah for a couple of 1st round draft picks and Kosta Koufos (now with Denver).  For the ‘11-‘12 season, they definitely need to find an answer to this question that doesn’t end with DARKO!!

The next part was all about the Wolves offseason addition: Michael Beasley.  Beasley was acquired by the Wolves in an trade with the Miami Heat: the former #2 pick: Beasley for two future 2nd round picks (yes that is what we call a STEAL).  We all know Beasley was simply amazing in college and we all know that since joining the NBA he’s had more than his fair share of struggles.  Since joining the Heat in the 2008 NBA Draft (#2 pick to Miami after Derrick Rose), he’s had the opportunity to play with a superstar in this League: Dwayne Wade.  However, just as SI points out, that in his first two years it has looked as though he’s unable to play with anyone.  However, Beasley found a bit of a niche in Minnesota this season, he improved his shooting, however his rebounding was awful (as usual) obviously not too easy with the leading rebounder grabbing 10-20rpg a night (K. Love).  His defense and hist “teamwork” were notably ‘bad’ as well.  His defense wasn’t great, he played a permanently at the small forward this season, which changes where he is on the court and who he’s guarding.  He certainly isn’t the greatest ball handler (as he lead the Wolves in turnovers per game this season: 2.7).  The biggest quote that stood out from the SI preview was (in reference to Beas) that he has so much talent, but doesn’t do much with it and Pat Riley, one of the greatest GMs, coaches & players in this League couldn’t harness it or rather, just gave up on the young man.  Needless to say, if Beasley is committed to putting the work in, he could be a star in this League, if not, he’ll always be a large volume scorer, but nothing much beyond that.

The next big issue was second-year point guard: Jonny Flynn.  We’ve discussed this before and it is quite obvious, Flynn was simply awful in his second year.  With the offseason hip surgery and his struggles as he returned and couldn’t beat out veteran Luke Ridnour for his starting spot.  In his first year, Flynn was the best at getting the ball from one end of the court to the other at high speed and pushing it to the rim.  However, the biggest issue for Flynn has been the system he’s been playing.  Jonny is a pick-and-roll player and in Minnesota he’s had to run the triangle offense; something he’s been unable to accomplish efficiently.  The SI issue had Jonny having a great year, but that didn’t happen whatsoever.  I’d say, it’s a great possibility that Flynn won’t be donning the green & blue next season.

Lastly for the Wolves preview: a little best case-worst case scenario.  The following is a look at exactly what was written in the issue and we’ll see what projections actually ‘came true’.

BEST CASE: “They sort out their logjam at point guard & small forward allowing Jonny Flynn to take charge & Michael Beasley to thrive in his new environment.  Even better, they don’t make any more trades.

-Well, the TWolves did sort out their logjams at the 1 & 3 spots.  Mainly because of injury.  Ridnour took over for the starting guard last year: Flynn after he had to have offseason hip surgery.  Last year’s Wolves starting small forward was Ryan Gomes (who was traded to Portland, later waived and signed by the Clippers).  Beasley stepped up as the starter as their other offseason acquisition also had an injury that required surgery (on his back: herniated disc).  So actually Ridnour & Beasley both thrived (based on past statistics) in their new environments.

-Next, the Wolves did actually make a trade this season.  They were the third team that was involved in the Carmelo Anthony deal that sent him from Denver to New York.  The TWolves sent out their longest tenured player: Corey Brewer, to the New York Knicks and their offseason acquisition center from Utah: Kosta Koufos to the Denver Nuggets.  In return they received two New York Knick players: Anthony Randolph & Eddy Curry (Curry was bought out, shortly thereafter).  This was definitely a good trade.  They sorted out their jam at the shooting guard, sent a third string center out and snagged a big athletic forward that’s extremely versatile, whose potential is practically limitless.

WORST CASE: “Flynn cannot get the minutes he needs to develop, neither can rookie forward Wesley Johnson & Kevin Love misses Al Jefferson in the middle.  GM David Kahn picks up the phone and begins yet another makeover.

-Flynn certainly couldn’t get the minutes, his offseason hip surgery was the biggest reason and when he returned Wolves fans around the world groaned every time he checked in the game.  Wesley Johnson had to move to shooting guard to get the minutes and he struggled with his position change, but he could easily improve with some serious work.  

-Did Kevin Love miss Big Al in the middle?  Well, let’s take a look…Love finally got the minutes he deserves and he performed incredibly: leading the Wolves in scoring and the NBA in rebounds and rebounds per game as well as making the Western Conference all-star team and winning the Most Improved Player of the Year Award.  Did he miss Big Al?  I think the answer is obvious…NO!

-After a 17-win season (just a 2-win improvement from ‘09-‘10), GM Kahn hasn’t yet begun yet another makeover, but I don’t think the Wolves are in the clear from that.  They do have a nice core: Beasley, Love, Randolph, Rubio? (maybe someday), as well as the #2 pick in the 2011 NBA Draft.

The TWolves are an organization that has been in turmoil for far too long.  However, with Love & Beasley leading the way, the Wolves could seriously contend; even in the loaded West.

If you honestly read through all this, thank you, I suppose :)  As always you can always find your NBA Wolves news and information on this site all summer long.   Stay tuned, thanks for reading and GO WOLVES!

Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kevin Love may have beaten out a Northwest Division counterpart, in LaMarcus Aldridge for the All-Star game, but LA has edged him out as a member of the All-NBA Team(s).  

There was of course a lot of controversy after Commissioner David Stern chose the Wolves’ Kevin Love over LaMarcus Aldridge for Yao Ming’s All-Star injury replacement.  A lot of people were upset, the argument being: LA is actually playing for and practically carrying a winning team, whereas Kevin Love had incredible numbers playing for, what would eventually be: the worst team in the NBA (record-wise).  Zach Randolph was also looked over as he was putting up his usual and impressive 20-10 numbers for the Memphis Grizzlies (who, if you’re watching the Playoffs are doing simply: AMAZING, lead by?…Z-BO!).  

Aldridge & Randolph have exacted their revenge, though I highly doubt that either one sees it that way, they’re just playing the game in search of a ring.  

Both LA & Z-Bo are members of the 3rd All-NBA Team.  The teams stack up as follows…

FIRST TEAM: Derrick Rose (CHI), Kobe Bryant (LAL), LeBron James (MIA), Kevin Durant (OKC), Dwight Howard (ORL)

SECOND TEAM: Russell Westbrook (OKC), Dwayne Wade (MIA), Dirk Nowitzki (DAL), Amar’e Stoudemire (NYK), Pau Gasol (LAL)

THIRD TEAM: Chris Paul (NOH), Manu Ginobli (SAS), LaMarcus Aldridge (POR), Zach Randolph (MEM), Al Horford (ATL)

That’s all for now.  Stay up to date will all your Minnesota Timberwolves news from around the League right here all summer long!  Until then, thanks for reading and as always GO WOLVES!

The following is a list of the power forward free agents.  Some, have early termination options (player & team), others are restricted free agents (any team that makes them an offer can be matched by their current team) and lastly unrestricted free agents.

This is a look at all the possible power forward free agents and isn’t necessarily a list of players that the Timberwolves need to target, but rather a list of the potential free agents and what they could bring to the table for Minnesota.

-Tim Duncan (ETO): Tim Duncan in any other color besides black, white & silver!?  I don’t believe it!  You shouldn’t either.  Duncan does have an early termination option and there’s a good chance he could opt out of his contract this summer.  The aging superstar was knocked out of playoffs early last week after his Spurs were defeated by the Memphis Grizzlies.  The big man could opt out, much like Richard Jefferson did last summer: to sign a long(er) contract for more money.  I wouldn’t expect to see the ‘Old Fundamental’ playing anywhere else next season.

-David West (ETO): West has an early termination option this offseason as well.  I don’t see that happening however.  West had that season-ending injury late last season, putting him out for the playoffs, where the Lakers beat the Hornets in 6 games.  Before the injury, the thought was that West would almost certainly opt-out, however, since that injury his value has decreased substantially.  The Hornets have said they want to bring him back and that’s what you’ve got to expect.

-Boris Diaw (PO): Diaw of the Charlotte Bobcats is a solid versatile forward.  He’s a solid three-point shooter who has the ability to bang on the block and shot from the outside.  A lot of his teammates say he has a very easy-going attitude, maybe to easy-going, saying, if he was a little more dedicated he could potentially be a star in this League.  There is no doubt however, that he’ll pick up his player option worth over $9M.  He will be a Bobcat for at least one more season.

-Louis Amundson (PO): Amundson a former-Phoenix Sun signed with the Golden State Warriors last offseason and this summer he’ll have the opportunity to re-up with the Warriors or opt-out.  Amundson is a solid role player, nothing really special.  He plays hard and makes plays.  I’d expect him to resign with the Warriors, if he doesn’t, I’m sure there’ll be a plethora of teams looking for a stretch 4-5 guy.

-Brian Cook (PO): Brian Cook also has a team option for next season for the Los Angeles Clippers.  Cook isn’t a great player by any means, he’s a bit of a shooter, but beyond that, there’s nothing.  If he does decide to opt-out, I don’t see to many interested teams waiting in the wings.

-Jeff Green (R): Jeff Green is a restricted free agent this summer and you can be certain that if the Boston Celtics don’t resign the swingman to a lengthy deal, the town of Boston may riot (after they gave up fan-favorite Kendrick Perkins to acquire him).  Green is supposed to be one of the integral parts of their rebuilding process.  Green is a young swingman with a lot of talents as a point forward.  However, being a restricted free agent, you better believe he will get more than his far share of offers from various clubs around the League.

-Carl Landry: Carl Landry has made two NBA Trade Deadline moves in the past two seasons.  He was traded from the Houston Rockets to the Sacramento Kings two seasons ago and this past season he was traded from the Sacramento Kings to the New Orleans Hornets.  He’s a talented, still youthful forward with a knack for getting it done in the paint and mid-range.  Landry will certainly get some other offers, but the Hornets have been vocal in saying they hope to retain him.  He’s a good player, but he just wouldn’t fit with the players the TWolves currently have.

-Kenyon Martin: Kenyon Martin, the former #1 pick is a free agent this offseason.  The Nuggets could certainly look to renew his contract with the team and continue starting him at the 4-spot.  However, there’s no doubt he won’t be making the near-$16M he did last season.  Martin is a physical power forward, he can handle the best in the paint.  Known mostly as a banger as well.  Martin is a veteran big that will garner some interest and I definitely see him moving elsewhere this summer.  The Nuggets are going younger and he’s not the answer at the four.  Expect him to jump somewhere like New Jersey [this is a possibility, but this is the team he was drafted by just under a decade ago (as the #1 pick)].  

-Troy Murphy: Troy Murphy was traded to the New Jersey Nets and then thrown to the inactive list for the majority of the season.  Before the Trade Deadline he was traded to the Warriors and then waived, later signing with the Celtics.  He’s got minimal minutes, but he’s a great shooter especially for a big man as well as a capable rebounder.  He could be a starter for a lot of teams, but he’s currently a third-string forward for the Celts, needless to say, I see him signing elsewhere this offseason.  The Wolves?  It’s a possibility, but not a very likely one, the Wolves already have Love, Randolph & Tolliver at the 4, Murphy wouldn’t see much more play time for Minnesota.  I could see him in Miami?  LA Lakers?  All possibilites.

-Kris Humphries: I wrote an article a few weeks back discussing Kris Humphries, the Minnesota-native, possibly coming to play for his hometown-TWolves.  Humprhies basically said that he likes playing for the Nets and they’ll be moving to Brooklyn and they’re getting a new arena and he wants to be a part of that, head coach Avery Johnson wants him to be a part of that, and the Nets organization wants him to be a part of that.  I think the indications are pretty obvious, I’d expect you to see Kris back with the Nets for long-term.

-Glen Davis: Glen Davis is a young forward for the Boston Celtics.  This is the third Celtics power forward free agent this summer!  Clearly they can’t keep them all, however, Glen Davis should be back in Bean Town for a lengthy contract.  The big young forward is a HUGE spark off the bench and could even be a starter for some of the teams around the League.  Glen Davis will likely be a Celtic long-term.

-Vladimir Radmonovic: Radmonovic, the power forward shooter.  A deep reserve for most teams, Vlad is currently a member of the Golden State Warriors.  He’s a below-average player in almost every facet of the game.  However, his shooting is valuable, that along with his size, will certainly get him an offer this summer, most likely, not fromt the Warriors, or the TWolves, but some team.

-Solomon Jones: Jones is currently and Indiana Pacer, I haven’t seen him play much and I do watch a lot of NBA games.  He’s a young player who actually got some significant minutes this season and last.  With Tyler Hansborough for most of two seasons ago and Troy Murphy gone this past season, Solomon has gotten some bigger more minutes, however, I remember reading something that Head Coach (at the time) Jim O’Brien said, that he wouldn’t be starting anymore because of his inability to rebound the basketball.  If, however, he was playing significant minutes for a playoff team, he could certainly get a contract offer [granted the Pacers were the worst team in the playoffs (record-wise)].

-Josh McRoberts: McRoberts, another Pacer power forward will also be a free agent this offseason.  If you remember, the Pacers nearly traded McRoberts and one of their draft picks to the Memphis Grizzlies for…O.J. Mayo!!  Mayo is quite obviously MUCH more talented than McRoberts.  I could see Josh resigning with the Pacers this summer.  He’s a big guy with a solid inside game, nothing great, but a valuable reserve for any squad.  I anticipate Indiana to keep him as a 2nd-stringer behind Hansborough.

-Reggie Evans: Evans, the biggest threat to Kevin Love for the rebounding title last season before he broke his foot.  He’s an great rebounder, beyond that, NOTHING.  Evans could certainly garner some interest because of that, but I don’t know how many teams are interested in a big man who can rebound and do nothing else.  

-Jared Jeffries: From New York to Houston and back to New York once again.  That’s the story for Jeffries who was a part of the Houston-New York deal that sent Tracy McGrady to New York and Jordan Hill & Jared Jeffries to Houston.  Jeffries was waived around this past season’s trade deadline after the Rockets had to free up roster spots for Smith, Thabeet, Carroll etc.  Jeffries then hopped back onto the Knicks and even started a few games at center, of course the Knicks were swept in the 1st round by the Celtics.  Jeffries could resign to a few places, but I’d expect him to stay in New York, however, wherever he goes, he won’t get a whole lot of playing time.

-Leon Powe: Leon Powe was waived by the Cavs and later signed with the Memphis Grizzlies.  He’s a great young player who has been part of a few championship-caliber teams: Boston & Cleveland.  Leon garnered some interest after he was waived and I would expect the same this summer.  Wherever he goes, I’d expect him to sign with a solid team that’ll give him some play time, but not likely a team of championship-caliber, the Grizzlies?  Perhaps, however, they’re looking more championship-caliber every game out in these playoffs (currently 1-1 against OKC).

-Steve Novak: Novak, like Radmonovic a tall three-point shooter and nothing else.  He’s had stints mostly with the Los Angeles Clippers, Dallas Mavericks and the San Antonio Spurs.  Beyond three-point shooting Novak wouldn’t be in the NBA.  I’d expect him to catch on as a bench warmer for some team, but I couldn’t tell you who.

The Minnesota Timberwolves’ starting frontcourt are likely done for the season.  Kevin Love is still currently nursing a groin injury that has kept him out of 7 of the Wolves’ past 9 games.  Darko Milicic has missed 3 of the Wolves’ past 4 games, though he did return for 10 minutes in the game vs. the Suns before re-injuring his ankle.

The Timberwolves have tried a number of different lineups in an attempt to fill the void: Anthony Tolliver, Anthony Randolph and Michael Beasley have all started at some point for the Wolves in Love’s absence and Nikola Pekovic has absorbed the majority of the starting minutes in Darko’s absence.

According to Jerry Zgoda of the Star Tribune, neither of the Wolves starting frontcourt players will play Monday vs. the Suns and therefore, there would be no point in them returning for the Wednesday night finale vs. the Rockets back at the Target Center.

Minnesota has got some better contributions from Michael Beasley as well as from their reserves in Love’s absence.  In all 9 of their past games, Michael Beasley has scored in double-figures every night and has scored 20+ points in 5 of those 9 games.  In the past 5 games reserve Martell Webster has scored in double-figures in each game, playing between 20-35 minutes in those games.  Reserve forward Anthony Randolph got two starts, but in those 9 games he’s scored in double-digits 6 of those games.  As well as a new career-high 31 points, in his first start of the season vs. Dallas.  Reserve forward Anthony Tolliver has also seen a bump in minutes and he got two starts at the 4-spot and in the 9 games he’s scored in double-figures in all but 3 of them.

The biggest thing that’s been missing in Kevin Love’s absence has been the team’s rebounding.  Without the All-Star pulling in 10-25 a night, the Wolves have certainly struggled.  They aren’t the same team as the stats say: 1st overall in the NBA with 44.4rpg.  In fact in the seven games without Kevin Love the Wolves stats look like this: vs. DAL: 38-43DAL, vs. OKC 40-40, vs. BOS 42-49MIN, vs. MEM 34-44MEM, vs. NJN 46-37MIN, vs. PHO 44-38PHO, vs. DEN 38-49DEN.  In 4 of those games they’ve been out-rebounded and the Wolves have reached their 44.4rpg average or more just twice!

Overall, this may be good/bad news.  The Timberwolves are currently tied with the Cleveland Cavaliers for the worst record in the NBA: 17-63, which gives them a 22.5% chance of securing the top pick in June’s draft.  If they end with the worst record they’ll have a 25% chance and if they do better than the Cavs they’ll have a 19.9% chance of the top pick.  Obviously without their starting frontcourt, they have a decreased chance of losing games (pretty pathetic when you have to word it like that!).

The Timberwolves play Monday night versus the Phoenix Suns.  You can expect Darko and Love watching from the sidelines.  Tipoff is set for 9pmCT and a full-gameday preview can be found in the previous post on this site; a full gameday recap can be found here, following the final horn.  Thanks for reading, enjoy the game and GO WOLVES!

UPDATE: The Denver Nuggets were defeated by the Oklahoma City Thunder earlier tonight, 104-89.  It was for the second time THIS WEEK.  (UPDATE: Friday April 8th, 11:10p.m.)

UPDATE: Both Kevin Love and Darko Milicic will travel with the Wolves on this 2-game road trip, however both are listed as doubtful for tomorrow’s game in Denver, furthermore neither player practiced today.  Kevin Love said after sitting out practice, that if he doesn’t play tomorrow night, then he’ll most likely shut it down for the season.  (UPDATE: Friday April 8th 2011, 2:11p.m.)

Saturday night the Minnesota Timberwolves will square off at the Pepsi Center with their division rivals the playoff-bound Denver Nuggets.  This will be the first-time the Wolves will get a chance to play the new-look Denver Nuggets since that blockbuster Carmelo Anthony deal.

The Timberwolves are currently skidding on a 12-game losing streak and are the NBAs worst team as the Cavaliers sit a 0.5 above them.  Wolves: 17-62, Cavaliers: 17-61.  The Timberwolves continue to face the NBAs elite teams and without K-Love, it makes it all the harder to compete.  After the Nuggets game, they have two more: @Phoenix on April 11th and their last game, back at the Target Center vs. the Houston Rockets on April 13th.  The Cavaliers on the other hand will face the Bulls, the Bucks and finish out the season against two beatable teams: the Washington Wizards and the Detroit Pistons.  If the Wolves maintain the worst record in the NBA, they’ll have the best mathematical chance at the #1 pick (25% chance).

The Nuggets on the other hand are playoff-bound as they currently hold the 5th seed in the bracket and will be looking to add to their win total as they currently sit at 48-30.  As of right now, by the current standings, the Nuggets will be facing the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round.

The Timberwolves are coming off a loss Wednesday night to the Phoenix Suns as they were defeated 108-98 at the Target Center.  They were without All-Star Kevin Love, still dealing with a groin injury.  Also, Darko Milicic had originally injured his ankle in the game against Miami, but re-injured it 10 minutes into the game Wednesday night, no word yet on whether he’ll be able to play.

The Nuggets are playing the Oklahoma City Thunder tonight, in what could be a preview to their playoff matchup.  Tipoff for that one is set for 7pmCT.

The key players for Minnesota will be: Michael Beasley-with Kevin Love, most likely out he’ll need to continue his solid play, but he’s also got to remember to get his teammates involved, to often he tries to put them on his back and doesn’t trust his team, one of the many problems for these Young Wolves this season.  Wesley Johnson-we know he’s got it in him to be a solid offensive contributor, but since his 29-point eruption against the Lakers, he’s faded and isn’t helping them out at all on the scoreboard.  THE BENCH-they’ve been solid lately, headlined by Martell Webster, Anthony Tolliver and Anthony Randolph, these guys are good enough to combine for 50pts a game off the pine.  I wouldn’t be surprised if they are all well into the double-digits by the end of the night.

The key players for Denver will be: Wilson Chandler: Chandler has been one of my favorite players this season, he’s really improved his game and is a threat on both ends, he is their sixth man, but he’ll see plenty of time against the Wolves’ forwards.  DEN’s PGs Ty Lawson and Raymond Felton: These are two young and quite talented point guards that split time as the floor general, Ridnour and Flynn need to step up their game to deal with these two.  Nene-with Darko possibly out, Pekovic will be matched up against Nene, in what should be a very physical and fun matchup to watch, Nene’s a beast on the block and is tops in field goal percentage in the NBA.

Tipoff is set for 8:30pmCT from the Pepsi Center Saturday night.  A full-gameday recap can be found on this site following the final horn.  Until then, thanks for reading, enjoy the game and GO WOLVES!

Anthony Tolliver and Anthony Randolph reserve forwards for the Minnesota Timberwolves have made the most of Kevin Love’s absence.  With Kevin Love out for 6 of the Wolves last 8 games, reserve forwards Anthony Randolph and Tolliver have stepped up to fill the void left on the boards and on the offensive end.

Anthony Randolph has started 3 of those 6 games Kevin Love has missed.  The first against the Dallas Mavericks, the next against the Dallas Mavericks and the last against the Boston Celtics.  In those first two games Randolph shined bright.  Against Dallas he dumped in 31 points (a new career-high) and added 11 rebounds.  Against Oklahoma City he contributed 24 points and 15 rebounds.  Then came the Boston game and with it some intense defensive prowess by that group of talented veterans.  They knew what Randolph did in the previous two games and they made it a point to stop him at every opportunity.  The Celts held Randolph to just 17 minutes as he got into foul trouble and he had just 3 points and 4 boards on the night.  Since then, he’s returned to the bench as a sixth man and the past two games, he’s been a big contributor.  Randolph went off for 20 points and 10 boards in 30 minutes in a narrow loss to the Nets.  Then the next night (yesterday) against Phoenix he scored 19 off the bench in 28 minutes.

Anthony Tolliver hasn’t let this opportunity go by the wayside either.  In those 6 games Love has recently missed the past few weeks.  Tolliver has stepped up, mostly in a reserve role for the T’Wolves.  He really stepped up in that game against the Celtics when Randolph had to sit with foul trouble.  Against Boston, Tolliver played 36 minutes and contributed 16 points and 15 rebounds.  The next night against Chicago Tolliver was once again a big contributor off the bench.  In 24 minutes he added 14 points on 5-of-7 shooting.  Against the Grizzlies he added 12 points and the following game against New Jersey he played 30 minutes and had 14 points and 5 boards.  Then came last night’s game against the Phoenix Suns, which marked Anthony Tolliver’s first start of the season for the Timberwolves and his 30th start of his career (last year he started 29 of 44 games he played for the Warriors).  In 39 minutes against Phoenix he had 10 points, 9 rebounds and 3 assists.  Kurt Rambis said he needed someone to match up with Channing Frye and someone with a lot of mobility: Tolliver.

Both of these Anthony’s are somewhat of NBA journeymen in their short NBA careers.  Tolliver is only 25 years old and the Timberwolves mark his 4th NBA team in 3 years.  From ‘08-‘09 he played a small role for the Spurs (just 19 games) in ‘09-‘10 he played 44 games for the Warriors and 2 for the Portland Trailblazers, as well as spending some time in the NBA D-League.  Randolph is just 21 years old and is playing for his third NBA team since being selected 14th overall in the 2008 NBA Draft.  After two seasons and 96 games with the Golden State Warriors, Randolph was traded this summer to the New York Knicks along with Kelenna Azubuike and Ronny Turiaf for forward David Lee.  He quickly fell out of favor with Mike D’Antoni and was “banished” to the bench, playing minimally and in just 17 games.  Then, he came to the Timberwolves along with Eddy Curry (later waived and is currently in talks with the Heat to sign for the playoffs) in that blockbuster Carmelo Anthony deal, that sent reserve center Kosta Koufos to the Nuggets and Corey Brewer to the Knicks (later waived and signed by Dallas).  Since then he’s played in 20 games, starting 3.  Most people think, he’s got great potential and could/should be the Wolves starting center next season (in place of Darko Milicic).  A small sidenote, both of these players (Randolph & Tolliver) know each and have played with each other: last year with the Golden State Warriors!

Needless to say, both of these talented and young individuals have proven themselves to be valuable assets to the Wolves and should only get better!

With Love, who they say will most likely be held out the last 3 games (whether it’s for lottery sakes or not), I’d expect Tolliver and Randolph continue to split minutes and make the most of the opportunity.

The T’Wolves are back in action Saturday night versus the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center, tipoff is set for 8:30pmCT and you can expect a full-gameday preview to be found on this site before then.  Until then, thanks for reading and GO WOLVES!

The Minnesota Timberwolves will be facing another playoff-bound team (the #1 seed in the East): the Chicago Bulls.

The Timberwolves are coming off a Sunday night loss to the Boston Celtics at the Target Center.  The full gameday preview can be found in a previous post on this site.  The Timberwolves were able to overcome an early 25-point lead, they were able to tie it up in the fourth quarter, but eventually lost by just 3 points dropping their seventh straight game.

The Chicago Bulls are coming off a 97-85 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday night.  The 76ers couldn’t stop Derrick Rose, who scored 31, but it didn’t matter.  After the game Derrick Rose was clearly frustrated and a reporter stated, “I’d hate to be the Timberwolves Wednesday night!”

The Timberwolves have been without All-Star Kevin Love for the past three games.  There’s no word yet on whether he’ll be able to go against the Bulls Wednesday night.  In his absence Anthony Randolph has filled in for Love in the post.  Randolph started those first two games (against Dallas and Oklahoma City) he had games of 31-11 and 24-15.  Then came the Boston Celtics game in which he got in early foul trouble and the Celtics gameplan was clear: to muscle him on the inside and don’t let him have any good looks and get him frustrated early.  Randolph ended with just 3 points and 4 rebounds in 17 minutes of play.  Chances are, Kevin Love will return Wednesday night vs. the Bulls.

The key players for the Timberwolves will be Michael Beasley: who’s coming off a 28-10 game vs. the Celtics, anytime Beasley has a 25-30 point night, there’s a good chance the Timberwolves could get a W.  Kevin Love: if he’s able to return, his rebounding and offensive production will be welcomed back.  Darko Milicic: In Love’s absence Darko has been more active on the offensive end and on the boards, if Love returns he probably won’t be as productive.  Anthony Randolph: If Love isn’t able to go, I’d expect Randolph to get the start again and make the most of the opportunity and turn things around from his 3-point outing on Sunday night.  Wesley Johnson: Wes has struggled to score or do much production on either end of the floor.  In the past 4 games he’s scored just 28 points combined, compared to the 29-point outing vs. the Lakers on March 18th.

The key players for the Bulls will be Derrick Rose: he’s the likely MVP of the 2010-11 season and has orchestrated one of the best defensive and offensive teams in the League, against a weaker backcourt of Ridnour, Flynn and Johnson, Rose should be in for a big game.  Luol Deng: he’s been a great offensive player for the Bulls, against a weak(er) defensive player like Beasley, Deng should have a good offensive output.  Carlos Boozer: a solid player on both ends, should give the Wolves frontcourt quite a bit of trouble.  Joakim Noah: Noah is a great defensive player and I’d expect him to see some time against Love and Randolph in the low-post.  

Tipoff is set for 7pmCT on Wednesday at the Target Center.  A full-gameday recap can be found on this site following the final horn.  As always thanks for reading and GO WOLVES!

WESLEY JOHNSON, starting shooting guard

Wesley Johnson has certainly had an up and down rookie year.  There have been games where he’s scored 25-almost 30 points and others where he’ll make one or two buckets.

His best game of the season came on March 18th in a loss to the Los Angeles Lakers.  Going up against probably the best shooting guard, if not player, in the League, right now: Kobe Bryant.  Wes dumped in a career-high 29 points on 11-of-21 shooting, he also added 4 rebounds and 3 steals.  

In a post-game report Wesley Johnson stated that this offseason he met with Kobe Bryant a number of times to work on his game.  Their connection was sharing the same agent and Wes wanted to meet his idol.

In the three games since that Lakers game, Wesley has turned in some sub-par performances.  The following game against the Kings, Wes scored just 2 points in 22 minutes on 1-of-5 shooting (the Wolves subsequently lost by 32!).  The next, was a game against the Dallas Mavericks.  Wes had just 11 points on an awful 3-of-12 shooting.  Lastly, the game last night, versus the Oklahoma City Thunder.  Johnson had just 10 points on 40% shooting (4-of-10).  The last three games he’s had less points (23) than that one game against one of the best players and team in the League.

Season-highs: 43 minutes (12-8 vs. OKC & 2-25 vs. NOH), 8 rebounds (2-22 vs. MIL), 5 assists (11-2 vs. MIA & 12-15 vs. PHO & 12-29 vs. DEN & 2-7 vs. NOH), 4 blocks (2-8 vs. HOU), 4 steals (2-27 vs. GS), 29 points (3-18 vs. LAL)

Season Averages: 26.2mpg, 3rpg, 1.9apg, 9.2ppg in 70 games (starting 54)

LAZAR HAYWARD, reserve small forward

Lazar Hayward has struggled to get any minutes recently since Martell Webster has returned from his back problems.  Martell returned against Dallas and before that he was averaging 10-20 minutes a game, since then his minutes have been sporadic at best.  

Watching Lazar his potential seems pretty good, but his talent is very raw.  At 6’6” and 225 pounds he’s a bit of a tweener, he needs to commit to playing one position very well if he wants to be anything more than a reserve forward buried at the end of a bench.  

Season-highs: 26 minutes (2-11 vs. IND), 6 rebounds (3-4 vs. PHI & 2-23 vs. MEM), 3 assists (11-14 vs. ATL), 2 steals (11-9 vs. LAL), 16 points (3-2 vs. DET).

Season Averages: 10.4mpg, 1.8rpg, 3.7ppg in 36 games

NIKOLA PEKOVIC, reserve center

Nikola Pekovic is a big physical center.  He’s been getting consistent minutes in a reserve center role for the T’Wolves behind Darko Milicic.  

Pek has had his ups and downs this season, but he’s had a solid rookie season in a reserve role.  He could be a solid starting center someday, however he doesn’t have the luxury of being as young as some of the other rookies in the League (25-years-old).

Pekovic is currently out with a strained hip injury that he suffered against the Oklahoma City Thunder.  He’s been ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Boston Celtics, however he could still return this season.  

With the emergence of the stellar play of Anthony Randolph, if Pek is to return this season, he could see less minutes a game.  

The biggest thing he needs to work on this offseason is his post moves and his low-post defense in an effort to be able to play without fouling against the Bigs.

Season-highs: 29 minutes (2-12 vs. PHI), 11 rebounds (11-7 vs. HOU), 2 assists (2-12 vs. PHI), 4 blocks (12-11 vs. CHI), 16 points (3-4 vs. PHI)

Season Averages: 13.3mpg, 3rpg, 5.2ppg in 58 games (starting 6)

The Wolves have just 9 games left this season, hopefully our trio of rookies can end on a high note.  That’s all for now, thanks for reading and GO WOLVES!

The Minnesota Timberwolves will be without reserve rookie center Nikola Pekovic.  He injured his hip in last night’s game against the Oklahoma City Thunder.  Without Pekovic Darko, Randolph & Tolliver will all see more time in the frontcourt.

Kevin Love is practicing wit the team today, since his groin/knee injuries.  He’s still questionable for tomorrow’s game vs. the Celtics at the Target Center.  If he’s able to come back I’m sure his injury will slow him down a bit and Randolph will most likely see some extended minutes (even more so, with Pekovic now out).

Michael Beasley has been a little hampered since the hard fall on Andrew Bynum’s flagrant two foul and subsequent suspension from that March 18th game.  He should be fine and will obviously be able to play.

The T’Wolves face the Celtics tomorrow night at the Target Center, tipoff is set for 7pmCT and a full-gameday preview can be found on this site before then.  Thanks for reading and GO WOLVES!

Wesley Johnson throws down on Serge Ibaka in the March 25th matchup

With All-Star Kevin Love currently out of the lineup for the Wolves they’ve turned to their mid-season acquisition in the starting role and he’s certainly not disappointed.

In two outings in the starting role (against two playoff bound teams: currently the 3rd seed Dallas Mavericks and the 4th seed Oklahoma City Thunder) Randolph has turned out some stellar performances.

Against the Dallas Mavericks AR dumped in a new career-high 31 points (previously 28 points) and pulled down 11 rebounds in 36 minutes of play.

Then, still without Kevin Love the T’Wolves travelled to Oklahoma City to face the young and extremely talented Thunder.  Against the defensive big men of OKC: Serge Ibaka and Kendrick Perkins, Randolph had 24 points and grabbed 15 rebounds in 37 minutes of play.

Through 17 games with the New York Knicks earlier in the season, Anthony averaged 7.5mpg, 2.3rpg and 2.1ppg.  Through just 14 games (2 of which were starts) Randolph is averaging 18.4mpg, 5.1rpg, 1.4apg and 10.6ppg.

Fans have been clamoring, since his acquisition that Randolph get in the starting lineup, but now the question is what happens when/if Kevin Love returns this season?  Some believe he’d be the perfect 6th man off the bench, others feel Darko has no place in the starting lineup and Randolph should start at the 5.

Randolph’s production has many fans dreaming of a starting lineup next year that features Rubio at the point, Wes at the 2, Beasley at the small, Love at the 4 and the athletic Randolph at center.

The hope is, according to the Wolves coaching staff, that AR needs to pack on some pounds of muscle, getting bigger and stronger, if he can, there’s no doubt that he’d be the perfect complement to Love and Beas.

Just as Darko Milicic and Michael Beasley before him, the Minnesota Timberwolves, will no doubt give Anthony Randolph a second (or third) chance and hopefully like Darko and Beasley before him, he’ll be able to make the most of it.

Last night was the last time this season the Minnesota Timberwolves travelled to Oklahoma City, which is obviously not too far from Kansas where forward Michael Beasley played his college ball.  

Throughout the crowd there were a number of No. 30 Kansas State jersey(s) as well as his No. 8 Minnesota Timberwolves jersey(s).

Michael Beasley had a rough game: he did score 20 points and grab 8 rebounds but he had 7 of the team’s 19 turnovers in the game!

The Timberwolves face the Boston Celtics back at the Target Center tomorrow night (Sunday) tipoff is set for 7pmCT and a full-gameday preview can be found here before then.  Thanks for reading and GO WOLVES!