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MINNEAPOLIS, MN -- Expectations have never been so high in Minnesota for the no-longer-fledgling Wolves franchise. Gone are the over-achiever labels and first-round exit predictions. Gone are Shaq and the Lakers. The Sacramento Kings seem to have missed their window of opportunity, and the Spurs - as close a rival as the geographically-challenged Wolves could conjure up - have lost their big brother psychological dominance over a Wolves team that has never looked so confident. Dallas? Too soft. Denver? Let's just say Carmelo still has a few lessons to learn. But let's face it: as tough as Minnesota can be this year, the team isn't scaring anyone... yet.

There are a number of reasons to be concerned. Even if Shaq is now tanning in Miami Beach, Michael Olowakandi is not exactly going to tear up the West. Last year, fans cringed every time he shot an ugly jump hook. It looked as if all his moves had been learned the night before. Most of the time, he didn't even seem to know where he stood offensively, and while he did have some bright moments defensively, those who watched him on a regular basis were happier to see him on the bench. There is little reason to believe Kandi suddenly learned how to play basketball in the off-season, despite Kevin McHale's likely attempts to teach him how to play the post. But whereas past Wolves' teams had questionable supporting casts, the current Wolves have skilled players backing-up every position. Even if Ervin Johnson is ninety-two years old, he proved to be worth every penny last year, showing tenacity to spare and earning valuable minutes. More importantly, his team trusted him not to do anything stupid.

At the point position, Cassell seems to have recuperated from his hip injury after minor surgery in the off-season. The return of Troy Hudson should allow Flip Saunders to preserve the aging Cassell for the playoffs in which many suspected the Wolves could have advanced to the Finals had Cassell remained healthy. Hudson and Cassell are very different players, allowing the Wolves to throw a combination of different punches from the point position. Health is key. Hudson's ankle is still a concern, and Saunders has expressed some frustration that Hudson has been reluctant to test his ankle in the preseason. But when healthy, Hudson is a speedy player capable of scoring in bunches. Cassell, on the other hand, uses his veteran savvy and high basketball IQ to constantly outplay younger and faster guards. While his defense can be suspect, the Wolves' depth allows for rotations that minimize the damage.

Signing Trenton Hassell to a multi-year contract was a pleasant surprise for fans that were accustomed to watching Hassell on a regular basis. Indeed, Hassell played last year like a man intent on remaining employed. In fact, he did enough to earn himself a fat little contract, thanks to Portland's bid for his services. But while Hassell demonstrated that he could hit open jumpers during the playoffs, he remains a defensive specialist because the Wolves have enough offense to go around.

Whereas past Wolves teams boasted characters such as Bill Curley, Stanley Roberts, or Darrick Martin, the current team is loaded with talented role players. Even if Ndudi Ebi still rides the bench as a draft bust, and Eddie Griffin remains a big question mark, the Wolves can boast the likes of three-point specialist Fred Hoiberg and Mark "Mad Dog" Madsen for hustle and energy.

And most of all, there's the reigning MVP. Kevin Garnett has improved his ability to put the ball on the floor, making him a seven-foot threat to cross you over at the top of the key. Can you imagine Tim Duncan doing that?