A major trade gives the Wolves an opportunity to salvage the season.
NBA Mid-Season Report
As the first half of the 2005-2006 season came to a close, the Minnesota Timberwolves took the opportunity to completely change the face of the franchise. After forty games and far from stellar 19-31 record, something had to be done to save the season. Kevin McHale’s solution: to replace Kevin Garnett’s sidekick of six years, Wally Szczerbiak with the super-athletic, yet volatile Ricky Davis. And in what can only be an upgrade, McHale also dealt Michael Olowokandi for Mark Blount and his enormous contract. Wolves also acquired youngsters Marcus Banks and Justin Reed in the deal.
All in all, it’s probably a move that makes us slightly better. Wally, although a fan-favorite, a class-act, a team-player, and a sweet-shooter, wasn’t the type of player that the Wolves most desperately needed. Davis’ play-making ability should breath some life into the Wolves stagnant offense. And hopefully he’ll develop the chemistry with Garnett that Szczerbiak was never able to acquire. Blount brings some needed offense and size to the Wolves front-court, which should hopefully discourage some double team-attempts on Garnett. And if Marcus Banks and Rashad McCants manage to mature in the coming months, the Wolves should be able to make a nice playoff run come April.
With the recovery attempt from the “failed experiment” failing itself, there was little choice but to shake things up. Only time will tell how this trade fared for the Wolves, but I’m optimistic about the direction this team’s heading. We’re still one good trade, one developed player, or one big signing away from contending. But until then, I’ll be happy to cheer on KG and Ricky as they give this season “Another Try”.
Predictions:
EASTERN CONFERENCE
Atlantic Division:
1. New Jersey
2. Philadelphia
3. Boston
4. New York
5. Toronto
Central Division:
1. Detroit
2. Indiana
3. Cleveland
4. Milwaukee
5. Chicago
Souteast Division
1. Miami
2. Washington
3. Orlando
4. Charlotte
5. Atlanta
WESTERN CONFERENCE
Northwest Division
1. Minnesota
2. Denver
3. Utah
4. Seattle
5. Portland
Pacific Division
1. Phoenix
2. Los Angeles Clippers
3. Golden State
4. Sacramento
5. Los Angeles Lakers
Southwest Division
1. San Antonio
2. Dallas
3. Memphis
4. New Orleans
5. Houston
PLAYOFFS:
EASTERN CONFERENCE:
1. Detroit
2. Miami
3. New Jersey
4. Indiana
5. Cleveland
6. Milwaukee
7. Philadelphia
8. Washington
First Round:
Detroit over Washington
Miami over Philadelphia
New Jersey over Milwaukee
Indiana over Cleveland
Conference Semifinals:
Detroit over Indiana
Miami over New Jersey
Conference Finals:
Detroit over Miami
WESTERN CONFERENCE:
1. San Antonio
2. Phoenix
3. Minnesota
4. Dallas
5. Memphis
6. Los Angeles Clippers
7. Denver
8. Utah
First Round:
San Antonio over Utah
Phoenix over Denver
Minnesota over Los Angeles Clippers
Dallas over Memphis
Conference Semifinals:
San Antonio over Dallas
Phoenix over Minnesota
Conference Finals:
San Antonio over Phoenix
NBA FINALS:
Detroit over San Antonio
