<: Ty-Lands 2k8 Association - Timberwolves [3 GAMES UP!]:

whilst I think Kwame helps inside, I personally wouldn't have thrown in a 1st Rounder....I'd preferred to have given your 2008 & 2009 1st Rounders....now you're going to have to win a lot next season to avoid the fans getting upset over that deal, which won't be easy to say the least....

the other trade is a bit of a wash....you had both Gomes & Smith, so you didn't need both....my only concern with the trade is you've already got long athletic swingmen in Brewer & Green & you've added another one....I quite like Smith as well....gives you some help inside....but you could turn out winning this trade if Tucker develops over the coming years....

so overall, alright....I wouldn't have done the 1st trade....to me it feels a bit Kevin McHale-ish, but we shall see lets see if you've got any other moves up your sleeves....

I threw in the 1st round pick to balance it out. I didn't think the Lakers would take a past his prime Walker and his large contract for Brown straight up. With Brown I get a decent defender, and an expiring contract. This way I sure up capspace to resign all the guys coming off rookie contracts and sign some quality free agents. This way I have Kwame and Ratliff coming off the books at the end of the season, I can resign one on the cheap (hopefully) and go after another big or a quality 2 guard.

With the Smith trade, I was weighing up whether to trade him or Gomes. I think Gomes has more overall potential, and is more versatile. Tucker has a fair amount of potential, can hit the midrange shot, post-up rather well and can defend. While I can play Green at the 3, he seems to get abused quiet easily. His defensive weaknesses are exploited there, where at the 2 he usually has the extra height to make up for those weaknesses. Plus he can shoot over shorter guards with ease.

As for future moves, nothing is really in mind. If I can offload Buckners contract I will, or if I get an offer for one of the 2 guards that I can't resist.

I completely forgot about the Walker contract, so the trade is a bit better than it first appeared I still don't like giving up a potential lottery pick in it though

Game 1: Nuggets @ Wolves - 2nd November 2007 (Season Opener)

DEN: 17 - 20 - 21 - 31 = 89
MIN: 23 - 27 - 22 - 25 = 97

Wolves start new era with a win
ESPN - 02/11/07

The post-KG era has begun with a victory in Minnesota. New acquisitions Al Jefferson, Ryan Gomes and Gerald Green made positive contributions against the star studded Nuggets. Last years first-round pick Randy Foye played exceptionally well, displaying skills at the point, suggesting the move from the 2-guard has been successful in the off-season.

Denver struggled offensively all game, and besides a challenge in the final term, the Wolves were comfortable in the lead. Melo contributed 23 points on 10/24fg, and AI added 22 points (9/14fg), 4 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals. Kenyon Martin and Nene returned from major injury lay-offs, and provided some support for their teammates, albeit unspectacular.

For the Wolves, Coach Whitman must be happy to see the offense click and the defence contain this offensive powerhouse.

Riots Top 3 T-Wolves:

Al Jefferson - 20 pts (9-15fg, 2-4ft), 13 rebs, 1 ast, 1 blk
Randy Foye - 16 pts (6-11fg, 1-1 3pt, 3-4ft), 1 reb, 4asts
Kwame Brown - 9 pts (4-4fg, 1-2ft), 6 reb, 3 ast, 2 blks

Game 2: Wolves @ Knicks - 4th November 2007

MIN: 26 - 17 - 21 - 31 - OT 14= 109
NYK: 15 - 26 - 25 - 29 - OT 16 = 111

Wolves drop a thriller on the road
Peter Vescey - New York Times - 04/11/07

A season where the Wolves were expected to struggle, they have started surprisingly strongly. Against the Knicks tonight they came out on fire, and while they ended up losing the game, the teams defensive tenancity and effort kept this game going to the wire.

For New York, the starting unit came out and delivered. Z-Bo, Q-Rich and Marbury played at all-star level, providing hope for Knicks fans that this year may be different than the recent few.

The Minnesota team was lead by a fantastic game from Jefferson, who was unstoppable in the post. Foye, Brown and rookie Brewer highlighted the future this team holds, contributing on both ends.

Top 3 Knicks:

Zach Randolph - 25 pts (11-17fg, 1-1 3pt, 2-2ft), 10 rebs, 3 asts, 1 stl
Stephon Marbury - 17 pts (4-11fg, 2-3 3pt, 7-8ft), 1 reb, 10 asts, 1 stl, 1 blk
Quentin Richardson - 19 pts (9-13fg, 0-2 3pt, 1-2ft), 6 rebs, 4 asts, 2 stls


Riots Top 3 T-Wolves:

Al Jefferson - 37 pts (15-18fg, 7-8ft), 6 rebs, 2 stls, 2 blks
Randy Foye - 10 pts (3-9fg, 2-5 3pt, 2-2ft), 12 asts
Kwame Brown - 10 pts (5-6fg), 11 rebs, 1 ast, 1 stl

Game 3: Magic @ Wolves - 6th November 2007

ORL: 26- 17 - 30 - 27 = 100
MIN: 24 - 19 - 15 - 28 = 86

Back to earth: Magic smash Wolves
Y! Sports - 06/11/07

Everyone was expecting a showdown between two of the leagues best young post players. While Jefferson had another big game, surprisingly Howard had a lacklustre performance. Luckily for the Magic, Lewis, Nelson and Evans played great games to crush the home team.

Coach Whittman, despite the loss, can take a few positives out of the game. Outside of Jefferson consistency and great production, youngsters Green and Brewer seem to be fitting the team. Green had his best game as a pro tonight, and Brewer is starting to come to grips to the game at NBA level. Foye continues to put up nice numbers, being the intended #2 option of the team. While Foye has been steady, some fans feel he could contribute more on the scoreboard.

Top 3 Magic players:

Rashard Lewis/b] - 20 pts (8-17fg, 0-1 3pt, 4-4ft), 6 rebs, 6 asts, 2 blks
[b]Jameer Nelson - 18 pts (9-14fg, 0-1 3pt), 2 rebs, 10 asts, 2 stls
Maurice Evans - 13 pts (3-6fg, 1-1 3pt, 6-6ft), 3 rebs, 2 stls, 1 blk


Riots Top 3 T-Wolves:

Al Jefferson - 25 pts (10-11fg, 5-6ft), 9 rebs, 2 asts, 1 stl, 1 blks
Gerald Green - 22 pts (8-13fg, 1-2 3pt, 5-6ft), 3, rebs, 2 asts, 1 stl
Randy Foye- 11 pts (4-9fg, 1-3 3pt, 2-2ft), 1 reb, 11 ast, 1 stl