Team Expert/Cool Girl: Lil Dice from I Heart KG where it is obvious there is love for the whole team and not just Kevin Garnett. Although, there's a lot of that too.
Questions and Answers:
1. Is the free-agent acquisition of Mike James and the drafting of
Randy Foye enough to push the T-Wolves back into the playoffs? Will
Foye take away time from Ricky Davis and eventually be the starter?
The team is hoping James will have a repeat performance of his career season in Toronto. Getting James and Foye will be enough to end the year with a better record than the dismal one from last season. The lack of depth and a big man in the frontcourt, however, will be hugely detrimental to any playoff hopes.
Foye's performances in training camp and the first preseason game weren't as stellar as the reports about him from the summer league. Also, if his treatment of last year's rookie Rashad McCants is any indication, Coach Casey isn't going to rush Foye so it might be a while before he does anything but come off the bench. Regardless, there is no doubt that he'll start. The only question is when. Davis will have to get used to fewer minutes but Coach Casey believes he's more productive in that type of situation.
2. If Kevin Garnett is unhappy with the team's performance and the
team really is not performing well by the trading deadline, would the
T-Wolves trade Garnett? How likely or unlikely is this?
If Garnett's not happy, it means the team's not doing well. If the team's not doing well now, they can't expect to unless they make some major changes. Garnett's salary and few other assets handicap the team in terms of making an overhaul. If the season goes poorly, trading KG wouldn't be at all surprising, just depressing.
3. If the T-Wolves fail to make the playoffs again, is this VP of
Basektball Operations Kevin McHale's last season in charge?
Glen Taylor recently said that McHale would be with the team as long as "it's fun." Not making the playoffs for a third consecutive year is anything but good times. According to Taylor, naming former Timberwolf Fred Hoiberg, along with Rob Babcock, an assistant GM is a backup plan in case McHale decides to leave. Chances are if the team's record is anything like last season, McHale will step down.
4. Is there anything else you want to say about the T-Wolves?
The team is banking on a healthy, quick (but not rushed) return for Rashad McCants who ended last season on a high note. Both he and Foye, possibly along with a surprisingly impressive Craig Smith, are the hope for the future.
5. Who wins the NBA Finals this coming season (besides your team, that is)? Just give me a team name at least.
Phoenix Suns.
Lil Dice, thanks for sharing the love for the Minnesota Timberwolves and showing us what’s coming up for the T-Wolves. And because you helped out, I Heart I Heat KG.
MY TAKE - Things Go Right If These Three Things Happen:
1. Kevin Garnett is happy and what makes him happy? Winning.
2. Mike James and rookie Randy Foye prove to be very successful acquisitions for the T-Wolves, helping complement Garnett's post game with very good perimeter players.
3. Ricky Davis comes out from the shadows and is recognized as a player who has matured from his Cleveland Cavaliers days and one of the better all-around players in the league.
MY TAKE - Things Go Wrong If These Three Things Happen:
1. The T-Wolves lose. KG doesn't like losing and that just might be the impetus for Garnett's exit from Minny.
2. Brandon Roy proves to be the star many predicted him to be and wins the Rookie of the Year award... with the Portland Trail Blazers. Roy was originally drafted by the T-Wolves, but was traded for Foye.
3. Mike James simply cashed in on a career season.