Minnesota Timberwolves 2009 Playoffs
The Minnesota Timberwolves suffered through the early architecture of an expansion team trying to build a winner right away and eventually found their savior in Kevin Garnett. Garnett was drafted in 1995 out of high school and Minnesota quickly began efforts to build a contender around him. After trying to pair him with players like Stephon Marbury and Tom Gugliotta, the Wolves found a new lineup with Garnett, Terrell Brandon, and Wally Szczerbiak led to consecutive years with Timberwolves playoff tickets. For seven seasons Minnesota went to the postseason with high hopes after great regular seasons, but each time they fell in the first round. Finally in 2004, Garnett was able to lead the team to the Western Conference Finals. There the team met the Los Angeles Lakers. Kobe and Shaq proved too great a force to beat and the Wolves went home to watch the finals on television.
Minnesota Timberwolves Background
Ever since that series the Wolves have been unable to make it back the playoffs. That struggle, partly due to Garnett’s huge contract led to a trade that let the Timberwolves start anew. This season is year two of the rebuilding effort at the Target Center. A player like Kevin Garnett is rare, so the team is beginning with Al Jefferson, a young center who has shown the flashes of potential to become a star in the post. The offense is directed by Randy Foye. The young point guard is getting to learn the ropes of the difficult position while starting. He will have some help from Mike Miller. Miller is a great shooter who will attract plenty of attention on the perimeter. The other starters are expected to be Rodney Carney and rookie Kevin Love. Carney is a slasher hoping to find room on the court in Minnesota and Love is a big body hoping to answer his doubters. He has range on his jump shot, is a tremendous rebound machine, and throws a terrific outlet pass to start the break. Timerbwolves playoff tickets are not very likely this season, and will only happen if Jefferson suddenly morphs in to Shaq and Foye figures out the point guard position. Even them, the chances are not that great. Still the regular season schedule will give fans a chance to see the future of the team in action.