by brutusbrutus » Wed Jun 08, 2011 2:53 am
Point Guards
1. Travis Tennell: Tennell has wowed people and gained many supporters from good pre-season and summer league play. The only question mark for Tennell would be his shot selection. Tennell's defense isn't great for a point guard either but its already better than anyone else on the Timberwolves roster.
2. Luke Ridnour: A capable backup with a good 3 point stroke and the ability to limit turnovers. Ridnour is also a capable mentor for Tennell.
3. Daniel Gibson: Look for Gibson to be traded at some time during the season, he won't be better many minutes this year.
Shooting Guards
1. James Whitfield: Whitfield is a big question mark, he may be the weak link on an inexperienced and raw roster. His size puts him at a disadvantage as a two guard, at this point however he is the best the Wolves have. Whitfield will be thrown in the fire this year.
2. Anthony Parker: A veteran who hasn't played major minutes in a few years, his capabilities are diminished, but he should be a good mentor and backup for Whitfield.
Small Forwards
1. Shang-de Teoh: The franchise truly believes that Teoh will be a good player one day and even though he isn't starting material, they want him to get used to being a starter. Look for Teoh to refine a post game and play some back up power forward as well.
2. Rasual Butler: Butler will be a defensive mentor and backup for Teoh. Butler has never really been that efficient of a scorer, he will fill the role Corey Brewer filled last year.
3. Sam Young: Young will try and break through to grab some minutes after a solid year in the D-League last year.
Power Forwards
1. Antwan Jamison: Jamison will start the year off as the teams moral leader, he has stepped up in recent years to try and really help the younger players and keep everyone motivated. Jamison is no longer a productive player in many respects, but sometimes he shows flashes of his old self.
2. Craig Smith: Smith will have to compete for minutes he was overlooked in free agency and the franchise hope the chip on his shoulder will motivate him to compete.
3. Kosta Koufos: A player most people do not know is actually in the NBA, Koufos has done nothing but warm the bench for years.
Centers
1. Justin Henderson: Henderson brings some limited but effective offensive tools and rebounding to the team. Henderson's lack of athleticism may really hurt his abilities to ever become a productive defender. Rumor has it that the team is already considering trading Henderson as his value is very high.
2. Nikola Pekovic: All off-season the Timberwolves worked on conditioning Pekovic and yet he continues to have problems with exhaustion and fouling out. When he is on the court this year he will be the Timberwolves best big man.
3. Anthony Tolliver: Tolliver had a remarkably inefficient season last year, look for his role to be diminished this year.
4. Hasheem Thabeat: Thabear isn't even worth his rookie contract he will see little time on the floor for the Wolves.