Forget the Lakers, Celtics, Magic, and Cavaliers. Anyone who follows the NBA can tell you what the previous four teams have been up to for the past year. But what on Earth have the Minnesota Timberwolves been doing? I would be surprised if one person who is reading this article outside the state of Minnesota could accurately name the starting lineup for the Wolves last season.
The Timberwolves story of the future began last year in the 2009 NBA Draft. With the fifth pick in the draft the Wolves selected 6'4" Ricky Rubio, a point guard from Spain. They also had the sixth pick. Many were expecting the team to select a forward or center, but instead Minnesota picked the 6' 0" point guard Jonny Flynn from Syracuse. Two point guards with the fifth and sixth picks? What could Timberwolves president David Kahn be thinking? Is he mad? No, he's a genius.
Fast forward through the Wolves dismal season that consisted of only 15 wins. Now the draft is here again! Many expect Minnesota to take either small forward Wesley Johnson or DeMarcus Cousins. They need to take Johnson and forget about the front court. The Wolves already have two more than capable starters for those positions that will be discussed later. Johnson would bring a versatile type of ballplayer to Minnesota's roster. With his long body, he could stretch the floor from behind the arc to the post. This is the type of player that an organization builds a team around.
Now to address the issue of the Wolves' front court. Kevin Love and Al Jefferson are both 6'10". Love can shoot the three ball which would also extend the floor. Put him at the power forward position. Al Jefferson lives in the post. He's a very dangerous player when he has the ball in his hands, and he also effectively moves without the basketball. He's the center for the team. Minnesota's front office needs to realize the talent that their front court possesses. Let them play together. Both have improved defensively, and are no longer liabilities on that end of the court.
Fast forward to three seasons from now. What's the lineup?
Point Guard: Jonny Flynn
Shooting Guard: Ricky Rubio
Small Forward: Wesley Johnson
Power Forward: Kevin Love
Center: Al Jefferson
This is assuming that the Wolves actually improve this year, and they will. Ricky Rubio will play for Minnesota because the Wolves have built an organization that he can thrive in. Forget his tendencies as a point guard. He's more than capable of playing the shooting guard position, and will also handle the ball from time to time. This is a team that can compete. Who knows? Maybe another lottery pick in the next two years could have me mentioning the Timberwolves instead of the Lakers, Celtics, Cavaliers, or Magic once the team is complete.
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Not a chance Love and Jefferson will play together. One will be traded on draft day
ReplyDeleteI would honestly be surprised if one of them was traded. Love can stretch the floor as a shooter, while Jefferson is a dominant post player. Look at the Eastern Conference Champion Boston Celtics. Kevin Garnett can shoot, while Kendrick Perkins is a post player. While Love is no where near the caliber that Garnett was and still is, Jefferson is much better than Perkins. I think both players need to be given the opportunity to test the lineup...at least 15-20 games.
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