From Marty Burns/SI.com:
Williams (Hawks), Felton (Bobcats), May (Bobcats) and McCants (Timberwolves) were among the 22 first-round picks from the class of ’05 who did not receive contract extensions by last Friday’s deadline. It means they will become restricted free agents next summer, able to sign anywhere (though their current clubs have the right to match)…
Rashad McCants, Timberwolves (14). The shooting guard was something of a bright spot last year for Minnesota, coming back from a bad knee injury to average 14.9 points on 45.3 percent shooting (including 40.7 from three-point range). McCants must improve his defense and passing, but his scoring abilities could make him attractive.
David Thorpe/ESPN lists Kevin Love at #6 on his current list of the league’s top rookies.
We know he’ll never be able to outjump people when trying to finish inside. But he already knows how to use his body to create contact and put his defender out of shot-blocking position.
Remember, he’s been a big man for a long time, so he’s had years of practice. A player still growing into his body is not as fortunate.
At 0-3, the San Antonio Spurs are off to their worst start in 35 years, but the Wolves say there’s no way they’ll be taking the four-time NBA champions lightly tonight at Target Center.
“They know how to play,” guard Mike Miller said. “They execute well. They’ve played with each other for a long time so their defense is going to be good. They’ll be just fine. It’s a tough league and it’s not like they’ve been playing easy teams.”