Winning Now vs. Building for the Future

After this summer's exile, which saw Ricky Davis, Mark Blount, Juwan Howard, Trenton Hassell, Troy Hudson, Mike James, and Kevin Garnett all come-and-go, it was widely believed that Minnesota was ready to start fresh and rebuild with young, exciting players. Through six games, Minnesota stands at 1-5 with their only win taking place at home against the 2-6 Sacramento Kings.

Some may say it is too early for a team to throw in the towel on a season and begin exclusively playing young players. In Minnesota, I say it is time to do so. Attempt to package Theo Ratliff's $11,666,666 salary with Antoine Walker ($8,547,000 with one year after this remaining). Look to move Marko Jaric (about $27,000,000 over the next four years) to a team looking for scoring from the point guard position. If they cannot move Walker, then it is time to buy him out. Minnesota should target a young wing player who can score or a legitimate center that can help them in the future.

Among the team leaders in minutes played, Ratliff, Greg Buckner, and Marko Jaric all fall in the top seven. Why? Why is Walker getting more than 15 minutes per game? The Timberwolves have put together a nice, promising core that needs experience and growth. Al Jefferson, Sebastian Telfair, Ryan Gomes, Randy Foye, Rashad McCants, Corey Brewer, Craig Smith, and Gerald Green are all promising players all 25 years old or younger.

The coaches and management need to let these kids play together for extended time. This way, after the season, Kevin McHale and the rest of the management can accurately access what they have. Each one of these players have questions around them, but if they do not get extended time this year, then they will not be able to answer them:

• Can Jefferson be a superstar or more of a second leading scorer?
• Can Telfair run an NBA team
• Is Gomes more than just a hustle player?
• Is Foye a point guard or undersized shooting guard?
• Will McCants ever be more than what he is today?
• Can Brewer be counted on to score consistently in the NBA?
• Do Smith's abilities extend beyond rebounding and post defense?
• Is Green a potential 20 point per night guy?

However, if Minnesota continues to play some of their veterans significant minutes, then the team will not be able to determine what they have and what they need. This is an important season for Minnesota in the start of their rebuilding and they cannot waste it away.

Without KG, What's Left in Minnesota?

This week, Minnesota traded superstar Kevin Garnett to the Boston Celtics for forwards Al Jefferson, Ryan Gomes and Gerald Green, center Theo Ratliff, guard Sebastian Telfair and two future first round NBA draft picks. After giving up Garnett, Minnesota clearly got a lot of players in return, but what do they really have left?

Players Coming Off the Salary Cap After This Season:
Theo Ratliff - $11,666,666
Ricky Davis - $6,817,500
Eddie Griffin - $2,900,000
Ryan Gomes - $770,610
Craig Smith - $687,456

Comments: Minnesota will most likely look to bring back Gomes and Smith. Minnesota will have more than $20,000,000 come off their payroll after this season since they certainly will not bring back Ratliff, Davis, or Griffin.

Veterans Minnesota Will Try To Move:
Juwan Howard - Two years and more than $13,000,000 remaining
Mark Blount - Three years and more than $20,000,000 remaining
Marko Jaric - Four years and more than $26,000,000 remaining
Mark Madsen - Three years and more than $7,000,000 remaining

Comments: Now that Garnett is gone, there is certainly no need for Howard and Jaric. I would look for Minnesota to be successful in trading Howard soon. Blount is productive enough to probably stay with the Timberwolves. Madsen will most likely be included in a trade at some point.

Building Blocks for the Timberwolves:
Randy Foye (23)
Sebastian Telfair (22)
Corey Brewer (21)
Al Jefferson (22)
Rashad McCants (22)
Gerald Green (21)
Gomes (24)
Smith (23)
2008 Boston Celtics First Round Pick
2008 Boston Celtics First Round Pick (originally Minnesota's pick, which was dealt to Boston in the Wally Szczerbiak-Ricky Davis trade last year)

Comments: Minnesota clearly has a number of young players to start their rebuilding process. They are two deep at both guard sports and the small forward position. They need to add one more young big man to put next to Jefferson, which they should be able to do with the pick they acquired that was actually originally their own. If Minnesota has the type of season many expect them to do, they could be in the running for one of the top picks from a draft which should include: Michael Beasley, Darrell Arthur, Roy Hibbert, Kevin Love, Brook Lopez, and Hasheem Thabeet.

Overall, Minnesota is in a great space to quickly rebuild. With four first round picks over the next two seasons, more help will certainly come. General manager and Kevin McHale and the Timberwolves need to move some of his veterans who still have a few years left in their contracts. With a few moves, Minnesota will be in position to add one of the top free agents that will be available next year including: Baron Davis, Corey Maggette, Shawn Marion, and Antawn Jamison. Although they have lost their superstar, the Timberwolves should be able to rebuild quickly and get back to become a Western Conference competitor.