Tonight the Minnesota Timberwolves head to Chicago for a preseason match up with the Bulls.
Rashad McCants wore a white sleeve on his right arm, in practice yesterday, after hyper-extending his elbow in the first half of Friday’s loss to Denver. Center Calvin Booth and Craig Smith practiced Monday after sitting out the past two-preseason games. Forward Mike Miller tweaked his ankle at Monday’s practice x-rays were negative.Travis Heath/Hoopsworld on rookies that have done well in the preseason.
No, Love hasn’t been the most athletic or physically talented rookie this preseason. However, he has been solid and smart. There will be moments this season like the one in last Friday’s preseason game in Denver where he gets embarrassed by athletic veterans like Kenyon Martin. There will also be moments where he throws a great pass from the high-post down to Jefferson in the low-post or where he stretches the defense with his outside shooting ability that leave Wolves’ fans optimistic about what the future might hold. His ability to position rebound and throw quick pinpoint outlet passes might not make the highlight reel, but these skills will certainly benefit his team.
The T-Wolves actually have the prospect of being significantly improved. Al Jefferson is an explosive, albeit somewhat selfish interior scorer. Randy Foye is a legitimate talent. Mike Miller can shoot the lights out. Perhaps Corey Brewer will prove that his bummed-out rookie year was a necessary component in his learning process. Calvin Booth and Craig Smith are adequate frontcourt subs. Rodney Carney is a streak shooter. Rashad McCants doesn’t possess a steady handle, but he’s well-cast as the go-to point-maker for the second unit.
Kevin Love, meanwhile, will undoubtedly suffer his own growing pains. Unless he has somehow gained a few extra steps, he’ll often be left in the dust even though the T-Wolves will mostly try to play a slowdown style. And although Sebastian Telfair lacks shooting range and defense, he is quick and takes good care of the ball.