Roster - Minnesota Timberwolves

As if out of a fairy tale, the Minnesota Timberwolves shocked the NLL with news of a trade that landed All-star Tim Duncan in the great Lakes area. The deal, which was consummated in the early hours of the 26th of February, was a surprise to many in the organization. “I am very excited about being able to have a player of Tim’s caliber on our squad”, exclaimed GM LJ Maverick, “I am confident that we will surely be able to contend now.”

The deal’s specifics were that Minnesota would take on the contracts of Duncan, PF Reggie Evans and PF Chuck Hayes, and San Antonio would get Josh Howard, Anderson Varejao and Samuel Dalembert plus the team’s 1st round pick in this year’s draft. “The toughest thing is seeing Josh go”, proclaimed newly starting SF Jamison, “He will be missed.” GM LJ Maverick was clear on the intentions once the deal was done. “We are clearing loads of cap space for the summer of 2010. A deal like this helps us in many ways, and we did not have to part with Antawn. Dalembert’s contract was holding us back, and I have been diligently trying to trade Sammy for quite a bit to no avail. We lose two youngsters in Josh and Anderson, but we gain a HUGE All-star in Tim. With Tim’s comtracts, Larry’s contract and the fact that we will unload James’ contract, the 2010 off-season looks great for us. Duncan is expected to make his Minnesota debut next week and in no better time as the hobbled Timberwolves, once the cream of the crop, are struggling for wins lately

The new week has brought many a die-hard Timberwolves fan to cringe as news of starting combo guard Jason Terry will be joining backcourt mate Larry Hughes on the IR with a broken finger on his non-shooting hand. The prognosis? Terry will be out of the line-up for up to 3-6 weeks. This is news that the Minnesota front office as well as teammates did not want to hear. “He is the heart and soul of this team”, exclaimed Antawn Jamison, “without JET, we’re mediocre at best.”

Jamison as well as Josh Howard will have to man a new starting line-up that includes starting center and outstanding rookie, Brook Lopez, and sharp-shooting swingman, Nick Young, as well as the versatile Anthony Randolph, who has seen his fair share of starts this season. “I am very confident with my team”, explained Terry, “in every way, shape and form. These guys have gone through battles before without me, before I was here. I know they can continue with our goal. I’ll be front and center cheering them on.”

The sentiment out of the Great Lakes area is that the Minnesota fans have been quite content with the job their Timberwolves have done the past few seasons. They have not missed the playoffs in six years. They have manufactured countless great victories against Western Conference foes. But is that enough? GM Javijoe resonates the other sentiment in Minnesota, “No!” The addition last year of All-star Antawn Jamison along with the additions of sharpshooter Jason Terry and youngsters Brook Lopez and newly popular Anthony Randolph have brought a different swagger about the Minnesota locker room. One of resilience and determination. Determination to go further in the NLL playoffs than they have ever gone before.

In the years of covering the Minnesota Timberwolves, no one has seen a team so determined to gut out every play of every game than this year’s squad. They have not had the pleasure to have a healthy team out on the floor since day one, yet, at the NLL winter break, they hold the league’s best record at 11-1. “Are we ‘happy’?”, joked PF Jamison, “Well, wouldn’t you be? I mean don’t get me wrong, I don’t think we’re even the best team in the league right now. We have had some lucky breaks here and there, no doubt. But, after this small break, we get to full-strength…which means Josh is back. Which means a lot of good for T-wolves fans.”

Starting SF Josh Howard has been sidelined all season with a high ankle sprain but expects to be 100% by the Timberwolves next game. GM Javijoe: “We are elated that Josh is coming back to us, but at the same time, we are at a place that is very difficult for us. What to do about a starting squad that has won 11 of 12? In talking to the coach, there is a possibility of maneuvering players around to keep the core of the bright spots intact.” Early indications out of Minnesota have the T-wolves moving Howard to the SG spot and leaving rookie SF Anthony Randolph at his position due to his outstanding play, athleticism and pure length.

It was no secret that GM Javijoe and star PG Baron Davis had a strained relationship since the UCLA product came to the Great Lakes Area in Christmas time of 2006. So, yesterday, GM Javijoe set loose his floor leader for all-star caliber forward Lamar Odom and sniper swingman Mike Miller. “Yes, Baron and I had our falling out, but he is still one of the best guards in this league. I was just very concerned that he would walk at the end of the season, leaving us empty-handed. I didn’t foresee us re-signing Baron. The hardest thing about this deal was letting go of yet another young talent in Al Thornton. But, to get a little you have to give a little.”

The deal involved a total of four teams: Minnesota getting Odom, Miller, Melvin Ely and Coby Karl, Miami getting Davis, Mickael Gelabale and two 2nd round picks from MIN and PHI, Philadelphia getting Thornton, Jeff Green and Juan-Carlos Navarro and Utah getting Luis Scola. In all, these teams found a way to improve their immediate situations. With Elton Brand coming back healthy next month and with the propensity of GM Javijoe to pull the trigger on a deal and the fact that he has three great caliber players manning similar positions, early reports have Brand on his way out in a similar deal. “I can’t comment at the moment, but any team would be lucky to have an Elton Brand on their team. They’d be quite lucky to have any of the big men we now have.”

Moments later, it was announced that the inevitable had happened. Elton Brand was shipped out in a 3-team trade involving the Indiana Pacers and the Phoenix Suns. "We felt that this was the one trade that was a need factor for us", stated GM Javijoe. "I did not believe in my heart that we would be able to re-sign Elton this off-season. We have geared ourselves for an interesting remainder of the season and have helped ourselves immensely for our future. I will go on record that I will not be in any trade talks for the remainder of the season. The line-up and core players we have now are absolutely what I have been looking for with this team's best interest in mind. And, while my phone will always be available to hear offers, I can say with utmost certainty that we will not be entertaining any of them."

The consumated trade was as follows: Minnesota receiving swingmen Boris Diaw-Riffiod, Devean George and Larry Hughes as well as two 1st round picks, Phoenix landing Brand, Charlie Bell, Nenad Krstic a 2nd round pick and other considerations, and Indiana receiving Gilbert Arenas, CJ Miles, Jared Dudley, Anthony Carter and a 2nd round pick. The trade definitely helped ease the mind of GM Javijoe and his maverick ways, but some question his thought process in trading like a wild man. Some around the league have gone as far as to show concern over the job security GM Javijoe holds in the twin cities. Only time will tell if articles about this maverick will continue to be written.

Gloomy days seem to have been replaced with less foreboding ones in the day and life of GM Javijoe. During the last few weeks, the ever-trading general manager of the Minnesota Timberwolves landed big-man Anderson Varejao from Milwaukee in a deal that was a surprise to many. “This deal helps us in so many ways. And, although I hated watching Thad go, I know it’ll be a move that will help us in the long run. And, once Elton gets back next month, we will be sitting pretty good with Anderson coming off the bench.” The move included a 2nd round draft pick and Varejao coming to the T-Wolves in exchange for Thaddeus Young and the contract of Othella Harrington.

In other news, the aforementioned Elton Brand has been working out his surgically-repaired Achilles tendon and looks ready to go around the NLL all-star break. GM Javijoe has envisioned a line-up that consists of C-Brand, PF-Jamison, SF-Howard, SG-Navarro and PG-Davis with the likes of Varejao, Thornton, Young and Scola coming off the bench. Varejao will be seeing some time off due to an ankle sprain in the next couple of days.

Who’s Still Here?

The days have been long and worrisome for GM Javijoe as of late. His great expectations of a serious playoff run for the ’07-’08 season have not transpired as of the first quarter of this young season. “I went about thinking that young, great talent was the cornerstone needed to be successful in this league. That is not the case.” The young GM brought in loads of rookies into a team that finished atop the Northwest division a season ago. The likes of Juan-Carlos Navarro, Thaddeus Young and Luis Scola joined draft picks Al Thornton, Nick Young and Jared Dudley in a slew of talent that will be the backbone of an already great team for years to come. That has not been the case thus far.

Elton Brand went down to an almost season-ending injury so GM Javijoe acted quickly in obtaining once all-star Antawn Jamison to play in his place while his own all-star caliber player recovers. “The bright side that comes with this is now I have Elton coming back next month. A line-up of Brand, Jamison, Howard, Navarro and Baron isn’t too shabby.” We will have to see how everything pans out. Stay tuned Wolves fans.

The day of the draft came and went, and Minnesota made a nice impression on the 2007 NLL Draft by managing to select four of the top 30 college players eligible for the draft in the nation as recognized by many professional sports mediums around the nation.

Highly touted and revered swingmen Al Thornton and Nick Young went at #13 and #15 respectively while minute-eating swingmen Wilson Chandler (#24) and Jared Dudley (#27) went later in the first round. "I am more excited about this off-season than I was at any point during my tenure here", exclaimed GM Javijoe, "and I am confident this year's draft class will be one of the most successful drafts we have ever witnessed and our picks will be great assets to our organization."

Al Thornton (6' 7", 221, PF/SF, Florida St.) brings a unique combination of shooting skill and athleticism to the table that draws comparisons to a Shawn Marion. He has a great deal of jumping ability seen mostly when he corrals rebounds over taller players. What makes Thornton even tougher to guard, however, is his remarkable first step for a 6’7 player. He is too quick for opposing power forwards to stay in front of and too skilled on the blocks for a small forward to defend. The Shawn Marion comparisons are inevitable, with remarkably similar athleticism, first steps, and quick leaping ability to go along with lack of a true position on the floor. He would be best fitted in an up and down style of play, where he would be able to utilize his athletic abilities and length to the fullest capabilities. He will most likely occupy the minutes at PF with an occasional stint at SF when needed for the Timberwolves.

Nick Young (6' 7", 206, SG/SF, USC) is pure quickness with great athleticism as well as described by many. He has a knack to run circles around opponents and "break ankles" with his ball handling/slashing ability. If his defender guards him too close, he has the athleticism (particularly the first step) and ball-handling skills to shake his man and blow right by him. His size, fantastic wingspan (6’11 ½”) and absolutely massive hands help him greatly in this area, as does his explosive vertical leap, measured at an impressive 44 inches with a running start. Young is projected to be more of a SG/PG combo for Minnesota.

Wilson Chandler (6' 8", 210, SF/PF, DePaul) is a raw talent to say the least. He has outstanding athleticism with a knack around the basket for such a great perimeter player. His dunks have drawn comparison to some of the best in the NLL even as of today. Standing somewhere around 6-8, he passes the eye test and then some, with an awesome combination of size, length, and athleticism. He has a fantastic frame and unbelievable explosiveness, being able to make at least a few plays in each game that almost no players in this draft are capable of. He will mainly be used as a SF with Minnesota.

Jared Dudley (6' 7", 219, SF/PF, Boston College) is in the minds of many the steal of the draft for Minnesota. He is a versatile player with a big frame that exudes athleticism and sheer toughness. He has a winner’s attitude about him and his tough-nosed style of play coupled with his mid-range shooting and ability to finish at the basket and get to the free throw line will allow him to make fast contributions for Minnesota, probably at the PF position with occasional back-up or trash minutes at the SF position.

Days leading to the 2007 NLLL Rookie draft, saw the Minnesota Timberwolves make two splash trades to gear up and take a top 10 pick without having to sacrifice any of their own first round picks or Baron Davis, a pending free agent that is on their priority list now. The Timberwolves dealt with two separate teams in the early hours of the morning. Sources close to the club phoned in that swingman Josh Childress had been acquired along with C/PF Joel Przybilla from Washington for Troy Murphy and the team's second round pick (#49). GM Javijoe was quoted, "I am excited about this deal more than anything because we get the swingman that we would have normally picked with one of our draft choices and a great shot blocking big man in Pryzbilla to go alongside Damp." Sources also indicated that the GM was elated that Murphy's albatross of a contract would be off their books. Murphy was due a cap-killing contract for the remaining years of the contract, all guaranteed.

The second move of the evening is the most dramatic in many minds. "It's the gamble of my tenure," stated GM Javijoe. "I wouldn't be such a maverick without gambles like this." The deal brought over sharp-shooting guard Anthony Parker and Detroit's first round pick (#9 overall) to Minnestota for Tayshaun Prince, Jason Maxiell and Jordan Farmar. "This was a tough deal for me to make, explained GM Javijoe, "The cornerstone of our defense was Tay and we lost two up and coming youngsters as well." Many around the league were shocked that only Prince was used in the deal. Many had heard the team would have to let go of promising young star Thabo Sefolosha, last year's first rounder, and/or Baron Davis.
"Now we have three of the top twenty-seven picks in this year's draft, and two of the top fifteen. Of course I'm excited. We won't really know what direction we're going to go with those picks now that these trades have changed our landscape. Just wait and see, I guess."

With the looming prospect that free-agents to be Elton Brand and Baron Davis may not be returning the Great Lakes area, GM Javijoe "The Maverick" has many questions going into the off-season after a grueling seven-game series loss to the Dallas Mavericks. One is how will he fill the voids left with the possibility of the two all-stars leaving for greener pasteurs.

"We have two of the first 27 picks in this year’s draft and a respectable second round pick as well. Of course I want to try to have an insurance policy if we decide not to bring back either Elton and/or Baron, but I'm not sure what kind of impact those picks would make although it is such a deep draft. Of course we want to compliment the style Josh brings us in a no-nonsense player. We will be open to trade talks as well. I'm known to be a guy that loves a good trade. And I'll agree with that, but it has to benefit my team first and foremost." When asked if anyone on the team is untouchable, GM Javijoe stated, "Outside of Josh? I don't really know. But I want to thank the endearing fans of Minnesota for their undying loyalty to this team. We will be even stronger next year. This, I promise."

Down to the last week of the season, the Minnesota Timberwolves led by Elton Brand and Baron Davis clinched the Northwest Division by means of a loss by the Portland Trailblazers to divisional rivals Utah Jazz earlier today.

A sigh of relief could be heard all across the Great Lakes region having witnessed an underachieving and mediocre season to this point by standards of Minnesota fans. "We have fought hard all season, stated starting SF Josh Howard. "All this through all the injuries and adversity, I think we did fairly well, and now it's time to take it up a notch."

All agree that this has been an unusual season for the team, and the playoffs will test the will of this great team. "All the negative talk about trades that were second-guessed are non-paramount at this point, exclaimed GM Javijoe "The Maverick". "We came up huge with the players we received and the picks we have are making other teams fall ill at this point I'm sure. I'm just thankful it all worked out for us. This will be a great playoff run for us and an even better off-season for sure!"

The return of Baron Davis and Devean George to the Minnesota line-up could not have come at a better time. The team has seen hard times fall upon them with injuries this season. Still atop the Northwest Division by the slimmest of margins, the Timberwolves looked poised for a major run.

"There are rumblings around the league that we have not performed up to par with past Minnesota teams", claimed GM Javijoe "The Maverick", "but we have more surprises in store for this league. We get trumped on and talked about with disregard to the hard work put forth by our players. We're not fighting for a lottery spot here. Last time I checked we hadn't spent one day lower than first place in our division." The eccentric general manager had been second-guessed at times with some of his more elaborate moves. "I get comments that warrant no response when asked about our Christmas 2006 mega deal. Last time I looked, we got the better end of the deal. We brought in two all-star caliber players, two great youngsters and what turns out to be two first round draft picks for a guy that doesn't look like he was going to re-sign with us and demanded trades. The ignorance in thought process around this league manifests ideas that this is the only season that matters, when, in fact, we looked into the future. This is where you truly have to gauge that trade. Now, who won again? Get back to me on that one."

Coach Wittman has advised this column that the team is going a different route when Davis comes back. Some debate around the league about multiple position players gave an idea to Wittman. He has decided to run a more "small ball" team to cater the faster, smaller and more athletic version this game offers this year. "I'm starting Baron at the 2 guard leaving Jordan running the point." Many around the league are pleasantly surprised with how first year player Jordan Farmar has led the team since Davis' injury. The team has also moved Tayshaun Prince to the starting PF position, Josh Howard to the starting SF position while benching Troy Murphy for more of an impact off the bench. Elton Brand also moves up to his familiar C position.

Just days before the NLL All-Star break, GM Javijoe "The Maverick" pulled off yet another trade that may eventually turn out to be the best trade he has presided over in his short tenure. Minnesota acquired Troy Murphy from the Utah Jazz and sent PF/C Shareef Abdur-Rahim and C Jamal Sampson back to the Salt Lake region. This is Abdur-Rahim's second stint this season with the Jazz.

It had been widely reported that Abdur-Rahim was unhappy with his role with the team and he had come to major blow-ups with Coach Randy Wittman. "He wanted out. It's pure and simple logic that got him out of Minnesota," exclaimed GM Javijoe. "We are ecstatic to have such a rising star in return with Troy. I'm sure Randy is exited as well especially since we have Elton [Brand] out for the coming week. He should fit in nicely."

When asked if yet another trade would yet again disrupt team chemistry, GM Javijoe added, "How much worse can we get at this point? I don't believe in quitting, and I'm sure not going to commence that way of thinking now."

In other Timberwolves news, Baron Davis was selected as a reserve for the 2007 NLL All-Star game, but a knee injury will force him out of the mid-season festivities. The Timberwolves would also like to take this time to congratulate former Timberwolves stars, Kevin Garnett and Chauncey Billups, on their selections to the All-Star game.

The latest debacle has the Timberwolves sitting atop their division by a mere one game over the surging Portland Trailblazers and many have been calling for the resignation of GM Javijoe "The Maverick". "There is no way I am letting go of such a fine asset to this organization", claimed the Timberwolves owner. "The firing of Dwane was already in the mix well before GM Javijoe was brought in."

Many around the league speculate that last week’s firing of coach Dwane Casey after 1 1/2 seasons marked the end of GM Javijoe. The team has played at or around .500 ball since a major trade involving long-time mega star and current Minnesota resident Kevin Garnett. "The pieces just haven't meshed well", continued the owner. "We might have to make one more trade to see, but I'll leave that to my trusted GM. Listen, to make an omelet, you have to break some eggs!"

GM Javijoe "The Maverick" was not available for comment.

The meshing of a super team is almost complete. The newest additions to the Timberwolves family are playing to the abilities everyone expects them to but are not quite yet considered an elite team in the NLL. "We are definitely contenders, said GM Javijoe "The Maverick". "But only for a playoff spot. In no way are we as good as we first thought we would be. But that will change. Right now, we're just happy being in the division lead after the first quarter of our 82-game season."

The additions of Baron Davis and Elton Brand have added a different yet exciting aura to the Target Center and for the team's fans. Davis has been playing lights out basketball: case-in-point last night's 41 point, 16 assist and 9 rebound game. "He was one board away from a triple-double last night", Josh Howard was quoted. "He is unbelievable on the open floor. And he has helped me open up my perimeter game as well." Brand is playing "Brand" basketball...rugged under the boards and playing with a tenacious defense. He has averaged a double-double since coming over from Miami. Added Howard, "And E-Brand is the 'truth'”. You can't stop this guy when he's on. And don't think you'll get a board away from him either. He's a mad man on the boards."

In other Timberwolves news, the team has announced that they have traded the 1st round pick attained in last month’s blockbuster deal with Miami to Memphis for a pair of 1st rounders. Is there yet another deal in the works? Wait and see.

In what many around the league have placed as a not-so surprising move, The Minnesota Timberwolves officially parted ways with what has to be the best player in the franchise's history - F Kevin Garnett.

The deal came down late on the 23rd of December and was immediately welcomed by mixed reviews in the Great Lakes area. "In one of the hardest decisions I have had to make thus far in my tenure with this club, I felt it time to move our reigning NLL MVP and franchise cornerstone", said GM Javijoe "The Maverick". He continued, "Kevin came to me with his dissatisfaction for not being more of a player in the Allen Iverson trade talks and it all went from there. More than four squads called and inquired about Kevin. We had to finally pull the trigger with Miami on a deal that was too good to pass up."

The breakdown of the deal is as follows: MINNESOTA gets Elton Brand, Baron Davis, Thabo Sefolosha, Jason Maxiell and Miami's 2007 1st rounder...MIAMI gets Kevin Garnett, Jamaal Tinsley, Fred Jones, Lawrence Roberts and Hassan Adams.

"The additions of Elton and Baron automatically places us above our own expectations for this season, said Coach Casey. "And with the youngsters in Thabo and Maxiell, our defensive game just got an upgrade."

In other Timberwolves news: The team and GM Javijoe "The Maverick" announced the trade of little used, but overpaid PG Anthony Johnson and rookie PF Walter Herrman to the Boston Celtics for swingman Devean George and highly touted swingman CJ Miles.

"I'm ecstatic to announce the arrivals of two great talents to the Timberwolves organization, said GM Javijoe. "Myself and coach Casey have been greatly anticipating a chance to acquire CJ Miles for some time now. He shows great potential to be a mid-level star in this league and will be given every opportunity to do so." Continued the GM, "We are also very excited to have brought Devean to our home and his heralded championship experience."

This move, according to sources, was a paving for a much greater deal that may be in the works. Please, stay tuned, Wolves fans!

In a surprising turn of events, a day after talks between the teams that would have consummated a trade that would have brought Allen Iverson to the twin cities, the deal appears to be dead.

"I am very confident that the two sides are not in talks right now, and any chance of [Iverson] to come to Minnesota are without a doubt...slim to none.", said GM Javijoe "The Maverick". "We could not come to an agreement as of the hour that would help out both sides, and with his contract being so large, any package deal would have had to include large contracts in return. This was the main sticking point," continued the prolific GM.

Stay tuned for any further developments. Kevin Garnett, the perennial MVP candidate and all-star, could not be reached for comment.

At first glance a 2-1 start is not anything that turns heads especially since the team is counted on to play much better basketball. What is surprising though is the play of Josh Howard. "He has come out and really helped me and my game", announced reigning NLL MVP Kevin Garnett. "What he can do on the floor even surprises me at practice!" Since being assigned as the teams target 2nd go-to-guy, Howard has amassed an early approval by his peers and upper management. GM Javijoe "The Maverick" has been elated to say the least with the play of his young superstar. "I saw in [Howard] a young embodiment of NBA potential and future MVP qualities." Continued GM Javijoe, "What he brings to the table each and every night is the hustle and dedication only wished for by all organizations for most of their players. We can count on Josh to help us bring a ring in the near future."

Tonight witnessed Howard leading the team in scoring while being rested by the head coach for most of the second half. He led all scorers with 28 points in 16 minutes of play.

The team has noticed a better feel to the atmosphere in Minnesota as of late. The winning traditions that once were obscured in the past failures of this team have risen again with much anticipation. Championships are not won within the first week of the season, but all indications point to a very prosperous season ahead.

As expected, some moves were made yesterday by GM Javijoe "The Maverick" to shore up a decimated bench and get Josh Howard and reigning NLL MVP, Kevin Garnett, much needed help.

The team announced the re-signing of Chauncey Billups (who will now man the 2-guard spot)to a one-year contract with a player option. "The most important thing I had going this off-season", exclaimed the Mark Cuban-esque Javijoe, "was getting Chauncey back in a Timberwolves uniform. He brings to the table what is needed by most teams around the league...and that's a leadership quality second to none." Billups was not available for comment.

In other Timberwolves moves, Nate Robinson was dealt to the New York Knickerbockers for more of a floor leader in Chris Duhon, who will undoubtedly play a key role for the team to spell Billups and newly acquired and new starting point guard Jamaal Tinsley at both guard positions respectively. Tinsley and Shareef Abdur-Rahim came over yesterday in a deal that sent oft-injured Bob Sura and Wally Szczerbiak to the Utah Jazz. Eric Williams, the teams defensive specialist off the bench, excersized his player option for one more year. The team signed their two 2006 draft picks, Jordan Farmar and Hassan Adams, yesterday as well. Neither is projected to contribute any major minutes this season. GM Javijoe also announced that three front court players, Joe Smith, Pat Garrity and Marc Jackson were not extended contracts and will not be brought back this year.

Excitement filled the air all this week in Minnesota as the NLL draft was completed.

GM Javijoe went on record saying that he was ecstatic that Jordan Farmar lasted as long as he did in the first round of the NLL draft and how surprised he was that some teams in need of a quality PG would pass him up. "Our immediate needs were not given form as we luckily landed Jordan; and, I realize the potential logjam at the position especially with Chauncey Billups returning, but Farmar was an asset we could not pass up." GM Javijoe went on, "We actually have an accord that Chauncey may permanently move to the 2-guard position to better utilize his shooting skills while not diminishing his on-the-floor leadership. And we are not done in the 'dealing' game, trust me." As it stands, the Timberwolves have Nate Robinson (last season's top pick), Bob Sura, Anthony Johnson and Beno Udrih under contract that play the PG position. And the possibility of Chauncey Billups, Jordan Farmar and 2nd round pick, Hasaan Adams being under contract by this next Fall, that would give the Timberwolves no less than seven players that are apt at the PG position. "One or more if not all of the above mentioned players under contract may not be wearing a T-Wolves uniform next year. We'll just have to see."

In other exciting news, Kevin Garnett was again crowned NLL MVP for his outstanding play during the '05-'06 season. "I am really excited of this individual accolade, but I want to concentrate in getting us back to the playoffs and winning a championship," embraced Garnett. Side note: Kevin Garnett made NBA history in becoming the only MVP to ever win the award with a team that did not win 50 games in that season.

With what is being called one of the biggest playoff flops in recent memory, the Minnesota Timberwolves, as expected, announced major changes in the off-season. GM, Javijoe, who will be in his first full season with the reigns of a world-class organization, made no secret of a complete overhaul of his foundation. With no less than 5-6 potential free-agents on the team, Minnesota is no doubt going to be a big factor on the trade lines and later free agency.

GM Javijoe went on record that he has tinkered with the thought of surrounding young talent, Josh Howard, with able, athletic players to compliment NLL MVP hopeful, Kevin Garnett. "My main concern right now is to extend a well-deserved contract to my starting point guard, Chauncey Billups, and", continued GM Javijoe, "to see where we might fit in the scheme of things come this off-season."

Prohibited to speak about upcoming free agents until the season is over; GM Javijoe did accentuate his disappointment in his big men during the playoffs. With large contracts looming for big men, it is unforeseeable that either Joe Smith or Marc Jackson will be invited back, and Rasho Nesterovic has most likely worn out his welcome as well. A healthy Wally Szczerbiak may be on the see-saw roller-coaster that is sure to be an exciting off-season for this storied franchise. Only time will tell if Szczerbiak will still be in a Timberwolves uniform.

In the midst of a playoff push that has the Minnesota Timberwolves fighting for one of the lower-seeded playoff spots, rumors are abound that this will be Kevin Garnett's last stand with the organization.

Sources close to GM Javijoe went on record that he has played with the thought of bringing in one or two players and draft picks in exchange for Garnett to help better the club. "We're a great team with KG. We will see how for our MVP can take us and ride his cape to a championship. I have no further comment."

Asked about such rumors, Chauncey Billups, a free agent at the end of the season, stated, "This new GM has not tinkered once with the team. I, for one, believe he does what he does for the betterment of the organization. My thoughts are to remain here for the rest of my career and to play alongside KG for years to come." Kevin Garnett was not available for comment.

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