Back to Earth

Well, tonight the Wolves looked more like we expected them to this season. The "hot streak" was nice while it lasted, but it was bound to end. A couple notes of import:

  • Obviously, Randy Foye's return to the court is a huge deal. While Randy was able to knock down shots and didn't look too out of the offense, he's clearly not 100%. The explosiveness that gives him a serious advantage taking defenders off the dribble isn't there yet. (That also happens to be the same explosiveness that led to some serious blocks last year.) As long as he doesn't rush back (Witt seems to acknowledge the need to avoid this) an 80-90% Foye is great to see.
  • Losing to a Gordon-, Smith-, Deng-, Duhon-less Bulls team doesn't feel good.
  • It looks like we're shopping Gerald Green. With his recent trade request, the upcoming Dunk Contest and impending trade deadline, now's the time to give him some extra minutes and allow potential trade partners an extra look. I wouldn't get my hopes up for a great return on moving Gerald. Any team taking him on would risk giving up something of value, only to watch Gerald walk in free agency. Which makes me again wonder aloud why the Wolves didn't exercise his cheap team option for next year...
  • What's with the Sweetwater Jones commercials? Did the Wolves make 4 and play them all in the preseason? It seems that a more compelling story arc would have been drawn out across the entire season. You know, give people another little reason to tune in to watch the league's worst team. Maybe I'm the only one looking for more Sweetwater.
  • Now that Johan's been traded, I think I owe Kevin McHale an apology. I'm no baseball expert, but I'm positive that Bill Smith and the Twins got worse return for Johan than McHale did for Garnett. No consolation, but worth mentioning.

I'm no baseball guy, but

I'm no baseball guy, but that trade seems a tad insane. You either have to get a top-shelf prospect or a mlb-ready starter in return. They got neither. That didn't make a lick of sense unless Johan told them to do it.

The KG trade looks OK to me.

The KG trade looks OK to me. Getting BAJ was enough, I'm thinking. If Bassy and Gomes turn into useful parts, that's great, but the Wolves have a 23 year old stud to build around.

Indeed. Boy I hope Foye

Indeed. Boy I hope Foye works out. I saw something in tonight's game that I haven't seen yet this year: after Foye entered the ball to Big Al and made a cut, the 2nd defender went with Foye instead of staying with the double team. Amazing what one guy can do.