Tom Ziller @ BallHype: NBA Festivus Northwest Edition do yourself a favor and click this link.
The Old Logo on Tuesday's game and the free throw struggles of the Wolves.
Charley Walters @ the Pioneer Press. Glen says that the team is going to be fun but young. The thing about "fun but young" is that when the "young" is more prevalent fans get exceedingly frustrated. If the "fun" is a couple dunks, then that's just not going to cut it. I think Minnesota sports fans, given the choice, tend to prefer the hard-working, team-oriented image (see Twins, Minnesota) over the razzle-dazzle. This from Taylor: "I wasn't patient last year. I've got to be patient this year." What about the fans' patience? If Buckets and Blount turn into pure chuckers or sour the air, patience will wear thin. Walters also speculates that Al's extension should be in the "five-year...$50 million range." That's not news. Nor does it seem reasonable given that shooting guard Kevin Martin got more than that and there's a premium on size. Jefferson's agent isn't that stupid. If the Wolves lock up Al for 5 years and $60 million, they should consider themselves lucky. Apparently Al's going to buy Dwane Casey's townhouse in Minneapolis too.
Rick Alonzo @ the Pioneer Press: Greg Buckner could be a victim of Minnesota Timberwolves' youth movement. After cutting John Edwards the Wolves will have 16 guaranteed contracts. That's one too many for NBA regulations. Veteran guard Greg Buckner said Wednesday he would understand if the Timberwolves want to buy out his contract and that he wouldn't fight the issue. But his agent said a buyout is unlikely and that the Wolves shouldn't expect Buckner to take less money than he's owed. It would be sad if Buckner was bought out. He and Howard have been positive influences on the youngsters. Moving possible locker room problems should be the priority. Buckner says he wants to be her, which is different from some*cough*marko*players*jaric*cough on the team. But, of course Marko's mammoth contract to production ratio causes a problem. At least we know for sure that the player movement excitement isn't over.
Kent Youngblood @ the Star Tribune: Youthful Timberwolves Learning Some Hard Lessons Early On. Wittman's using the sink or swim method with the kids this preseason. I don't blame him and actually, I agree with him. Just don't give your kids to Witt for swim lessons: "I think that's how they teach kids how to swim now. They throw them into the deep end." As Youngblood points out, though, the youth infusion in the early fourth quarter last game led to a 10-minute scoring drought.
Timberwolves.com: Wednesday Wolves Roundup.
Kyle Weber: Low-balling Jefferson Would Be Stupid. Couldn't agree more.
Hoops Fantasy gives a run-down on the Wolves' outlooks this year.
Guy Lake @ FourLetter.com has more fantasy insight on the Wolves.