Talented youth headlines 2008-2009 T-wolves roster
Despite a sub-par start to the season, the Timberwolves look to third-year budding star Al Jefferson and rookie Kevin Love look to return them to their playoff form of the early 2000's
By: Jack Wickham
Issue date: 12/5/08 Section: Sports
The 2007-2008 NBA season was a breakout year for Al Jefferson. As the Wolves' starting center, Jefferson improved drastically from the previous season, averaging 21 points and 11.1 rebounds a game, one of only four players in the league to average 20 points and 10 rebounds. The team quickly adjusted and built its offense around him, and even though they did not have great success concerning wins and losses, they showed their potential in close games with San Antonio, Boston, and Phoenix, all strong teams.
The 2008-2009 team also has good potential on its roster. The tone was set after a blockbuster trade on draft night. Minnesota traded highly rated rookie, O. J. Mayo, along with three other players for three Memphis players and Kevin Love, another highly touted rookie. In addition to Love, Minnesota also received Mike Miller, an NBA veteran known as an exceptional outside shooter.
For this season, it looks again like Jefferson will be the cornerstone of the team's offense. Though the team's record is still a weak 4-12, the team has again shown promise with close matches against Portland and Denver. Perhaps Jefferson and the new team will be the next step in bringing the Timberwolves the respect in the NBA that it once had.
The 2008-2009 team also has good potential on its roster. The tone was set after a blockbuster trade on draft night. Minnesota traded highly rated rookie, O. J. Mayo, along with three other players for three Memphis players and Kevin Love, another highly touted rookie. In addition to Love, Minnesota also received Mike Miller, an NBA veteran known as an exceptional outside shooter.
For this season, it looks again like Jefferson will be the cornerstone of the team's offense. Though the team's record is still a weak 4-12, the team has again shown promise with close matches against Portland and Denver. Perhaps Jefferson and the new team will be the next step in bringing the Timberwolves the respect in the NBA that it once had.
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