Click here for the forum’s thread for tonight’s game against Denver
Game previews:
From Kevin Arnovitz/TrueHoop: Profiles in Frustration: Al Jefferson
Whether it’s because he’s feeling undue pressure to carry his impoverished team or because he feels hindered by his not being at 100 percent, Jefferson’s body language stood in stark contrast to those hungry calls for the ball we witness when he’s healthy. When Jefferson is well and fully confident, it’s as if he can’t wait for the next touch, can’t wait for the next opportunity to deke his defender, or simply overpower him.
Whether it’s because he’s feeling undue pressure to carry his impoverished team or because he feels hindered by his not being at 100 percent, Jefferson’s body language stood in stark contrast to those hungry calls for the ball we witness when he’s healthy. When Jefferson is well and fully confident, it’s as if he can’t wait for the next touch, can’t wait for the next opportunity to deke his defender, or simply overpower him.
But last night, Jefferson’s work in the post seemed like that — work. And to the observer, Al Jefferson doesn’t look like he’s enjoying his job very much.
From Benjamin Polk/City Pages: Al Jefferson walks the long road
Rookie Wayne Ellington has not played two of the past three games, and played fewer than four minutes in that third game. Rambis said sending Ellington to the NBA Development League to get him some playing time is an option. “There’s benefits for being around and practicing with an NBA team,” Rambis said. “There’s also a value in playing as well. Those are things that are open for discussion.”
From Britt Robson/SI.com:
Then there is Brewer, who qualifies as the most pleasant surprise in a year of unremitting woe for the Timberwolves. With Brewer sidelined with a torn ACL after just 15 games last season following a disappointing rookie year, doubts grew about whether he could be part of an NBA rotation. He has responded by leading the hapless Wolves in minutes while ranking third in scoring and fourth in rebounds and assists. More significant, Brewer has been a disruptive force on defense, not only filling the passing lanes enough to tie for third in the NBA with 2.14 steals, but also using his quickness and 6-9 length on the perimeter to jam up penetration
As Minnesota welcomes the high-flying Phoenix Suns, the first 5,000 fans will receive a free pair of replica Rambis playing glasses courtesy of KSTC-TV Channel 45. Fans also have the opportunity to donate a new or used pair of eyeglasses to the Target Center that night to receive a pair of tickets to the Wolves-Clippers contest on December 16. The eyeglasses collected will be distributed to the Disabled American Veterans who will issue them to Minnesota Veterans Homes for veterans who cannot afford to purchase new glasses.
From City Pages: Hecker, Petters, and Pawlenty: Turkeys of the Year 2009
The silver lining in the whole Rubio mess was that it gave another promising point guard the opportunity to step up. Rubio takes our Turkey, but we’ll happily share a drumstick with Jonny Flynn.
From an ESPN Chat with Chad Ford:
Justin Rothstein (St. Cloud, MN): Are the Timberwolves going to play like this the whole season? or do they progressively get better?
Chad Ford: I think so. But Kevin Love’s return will help a bit.
Teams from the Pittsburgh Pirates and Minnesota Timberwolves to the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer got a head start on giving thanks for the holidays—in the form of open letters to their fans. Many of these come with appeals for season-ticket renewals; others cop to just plain old poor play.
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