NBA 2006-2007 Preview: Minnesota Timberwolves

Minnesota Timberwolves
Coach: Dwane Casey, 2nd Season (33-49)
General Manager: Kevin McHale
’05-’06 Record: 33-49, 4th Northwest Division


Key Additions: PG Mike James (UFA – TOR)

Key Subtractions: PG Anthony Carter (UFA); PG Marcus Banks (PHX)


2006 NBA Draft
Round 1 – PG Randy Foye (7th overall – from BOS), Villanova
Round 2 – SF Craig Smith (36th overall), Boston College; C Loukas Mavrokefalidis (57th overall), International - Greece


Projected Starting Lineup ('05-'06 Stats)

PG – Mike James (w/TOR: 20.3 ppg., 3.3 rpg., 5.8 apg.)
SG – Ricky Davis (36 games; previously w/BOS: 19.1 ppg., 4.6 rpg., 4.8 apg.)
SF – Trenton Hassell (9.2 ppg., 2.8 rpg., 2.6 apg.)
PF – Kevin Garnett (21.8 ppg., 12.7 rpg., 4.1 apg.)
C – Mark Blount (10.2 ppg., 4.8 rpg., 0.8 apg.)


Positional Breakdowns

Guards
Mike James comes over from Toronto and gives the Timberwolves another scoring threat in the backcourt. James averaged a shade over 20 points per game last season with the Raptors. He might not score as much this season, but not because of a decline in talent but because he won’t be looked on to do as much of the scoring as others will be. James is a scorer first, he is only thinking about making a good play or setting up the offense where there is something not favorable staring in his eyes. That’s when he takes a drive to White Castle or gets away from it all to eat exotically in all sorts of locales. James, however, might not be the best point guard to run the offense. James will tend to forget about sets and plays because of his inclination to take his own shots and make his own plays. He’s going to need to work on trusting his teammates more, because here in Minnesota he has viable passing options. He’s never been known for his defense, although he will work hard and get through this without much strain. He’s just nothing more than an average working man.