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Minnesota Timberwolves 2010-11 Preview:

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Darko Milicic

Minnesota Timberwolves 2009-10 Facts:
  • Western Conference: 15th Place
  • Northwest Division:  5th Place
  • Record:  15 Wins  67 Loses
  • Playoffs: No Playoffs

Key Moves:
Incoming
  • F Michael Beasley
  • G Luke Ridnour
  • F Wesley Johnson
  • G Martell Webster
  • C Nikola Pekovic
  • F Lazar Hayward
  • C Kosta Koufos
  • G Sebastian Telfair
Outgoing
  • C Al Jefferson
  • G Ramon Sessions
  • F Ryan Gomes
  • C Ryan Hollins
                
                   A Revamped Minnesota Timberwolves are looking to make some noise in the Western Conference this season. Trading away there centerpeice in Al Jefferson means the focus for the next couple of years will be on Kevin Love. We know Love can rebound and score, but he needs to focus on guarding power forwards if he wants to become an all-star. Michael Beasley will look to have a breakout season and if he plays hard could average 20-10. Beasley also needs to work on his defense and start rebounding more. In a contract year I look for Beasley to definitely break out and put up all-star like numbers. Rookie Wesley Johnson is a sharp shooter and will get major minutes this season. If Johnson can guard shooting guards look for him to start the year there. Everyone is complaining about the contract the T-Wolves offered Darko Milicic, but I don't see the problem. Milicic is a solid defender who is 25 years old and can still grow on offense. Channing Fyre and Drew Gooden got a lot better contracts then Milicic and they won't be nearly as good this season. Jonny Flynn will likely be traded because he doesn't fit the offense that coach Kurt Rambis is running. Flynn is a speed point guard who can change the pace of the game and that's not what Rambis is looking for. The T-Wolves are hoping Martell Webster has a breakout year and I definitely see that happeing. Webster can shoot and this season will finally be able to show he can attack the basket. Luke Ridnour is a solid point guard who should be able to show Ricky Rubio the ropes next season.

  • Back Court:
Luke Ridnour will start at point guard and will definitely be an upgrade over Jonny Flynn. Flynn likes to play uptempo and reckless at times, while Ridnour will rarely has turnovers. Look for Flynn to be traded to make room for Ricky Rubio next season. Wesley Johnson is a solid shooter and will likely start at shooting guard. Martell Webster will be the sixth man this season and I can easily see him averging 18 points. Webster can shoot and drive and on the T-Wolves they need a guard who can create for himself. Corey Brewer is the best defender on this team, but shoots way to much. Even though Brewer has stepped up on offense he needs be role player defender. Wayne Ellington hasn't shown much and I don't see him playing a lot.

  • Front Court:
The T-Wolves have a lot of options in the middle because they can pass out of the triangle offense that they are running. Darko Milicic will man the middle and he's a solid rebounder and shoot blocker. Kevin Love will be the go to player and he can shoot the ball and spark the break with an outlet pass. Love needs to show that he's an all-star this season and that he's the future of the franchise. Nikola Pekovic will be the back up and he's shown a lot of toughness during preseason. Pekovic is a psyical player who can play down low and rebound. Anthony Tolliver will be a chance of pace power forward who can knock down shots from anywhere. Michael Beasley will be the player everyone is watching for. Beasley can be an all-star in the NBA, but has yet to show that he wants it. In a contract year look for Beasley to put up big numbers.

  • 2010-11 Predictions:
  • Center: Darko Milicic
  • Power Forward: Kevin Love
  • Small Forward: Michael Beasley
  • Shooting Guard: Wesley Johnson
  • Point Guard: Luke Ridnour
  • Sixth Man: Martell Webster
Bench: Corey Brewer, Wayne Ellington, Jonny Flynn, Lazar Hayward, Kosta Koufos, Nikola Pekovic, Sebastian Telfair, and Anthony Tolliver.

  • All Star Player: Kevin Love
  • Best Veteran: Darko Milicic
  • Best Asset: Kevin Love
  • Best New Addition: Michael Beasley
  • Key Player: Martell Webster

  • Western Conference: 15th Place
  • Northwest Division: 5th Place
                I don't see the T-Wolves making noise this season, but they could slide up to a little in the conference. They have a lot of young talent who will play hard every night and thats a nightmare for other teams. Look for Kevin Love and Michael Beasley to become stars this year.