Coach: Dwane Casey (1st season, former assistant in Seattle)
Last season: 44-38, missed playoffs.
Projected Starters: C Michael Olowakandi, F Kevin Garnett, F Wally Szczerbiak, G Rashad McCants (r), G Marko Jaric.
Key Subs: G Troy Hudson, F Mark Madsen, F Nikoloz Tskitishvili, G Trenton Hassell, F Eddie Griffin
New Faces: G Richie Frahm, G Bracey Wright (r), C Dwayne Jones (r), Jaric, McCants, Tskitishvili.
Key Losses: G Sam Cassell, G Fred Hoiberg, F Latrell Sprewell, C Ervin Johnson.
Strengths: KG, KG, KG! Okay so that’s not all they’ve got, but it’s a good start. Word is Garnett has added 25 pounds of muscle to his frame, which only compounds the problems defenders already have trying to guard him. “The Kid” is still one of the most dangerous players in the League. Marko Jaric may just be the right kind of point guard for this team (and a wicked Damon Albarn look alike to boot) and Wally Szczerbiak is a solid complimentary scorer.
Weaknesses: This team is as deep as a conversation with Paris Hilton. Rashad McCants is likely to start not so much because he’s earned the job, but who else is there? He may turn out to be a great third option. New acquisition Skita has yet to emerge as a real NBA player just yet. With Olowokandi being their only serviceable center, the Wolves may miss back-up Ervin Johnson as the season wears on.
Outlook: It’s déjà vu all over again. Garnett has to carry the team mostly by himself, Szczerbiak is mentioned three times a week in a trade rumors, rookie McCants inherits the title as “headcase most likely to erupt” and Michael Olowokandi is still Michael Olowakandi. Last season’s team just missed the playoffs and this version isn’t as good. Believe it or not, by the all star break fans will be longing for the days of the Sprewell era. At least they still have the Vikings. Oh… sorry.
Sure Sign of Trouble: The Garnett Trade Demand. One day it’s bound to come and when it does, look out. If you’re going to lug a team around on your back while always underachieving in the playoffs, you may as well do it in the California sunshine.
