-The Timberwolves, who begin official practices next week in Mankato, Minn., have 14 players with guaranteed contracts. The most allowed by the NBA is 15. The team is not looking to make any trades.
Owner Glen Taylor, on expectations this season: "Last year, when we put this group together, it was a year to build, to get experience. This year is different; just because last year we let a guy play a lot of minutes, if he doesn’t produce this year, he won’t play a lot of minutes. It will be more on productivity than youth. It’ll be winning rather than getting experience."
-New Timberwolf Mike Miller conducted a free instructional basketball clinic emphasizing academics, teamwork and hard work Saturday that attracted 170 youngsters at DeLaSalle High School.
Ira Windeman/Sun-Sentinel on Shaun Livingston:
Clearly, the issue remains a delicate one, as Livingston, 23, works his way back from a devastating knee injury suffered in the middle of the 2006-07 season. And while the Trail Blazers appear to be frontrunners, the Timberwolves still maintain interest, as, possibly, does the Heat, which opens camp a week from today.
Jason Fleming/Hoopsworld on the franchise player for each Western Conference team:
Minnesota Timberwolves – Al Jefferson
It’s a tough call with the Wolves. The aforementioned Miller is the veteran, but he’s new to the team. Randy Foye is a solid floor leader. But, Jefferson is the big money player, the leading scorer, and the one player who could possibly replace the gigantic legacy left behind by Kevin Garnett. The Wolves, like a few teams on this list, have had a lot of turnover recently and their franchise player is still getting used to the role.
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