MEET THE TEAMNikola PekovicPostion: C/PF
Age: 25
Height: 6'11
Weight: 243 lbs
Years Pro: 2
The big Serb is entering his sophomore year and is in for a big one. Early tips say that Peko has a shot at starting for the Wolves where he would thrive. After averaging 5.5ppg and 3.0rpg last year, Nikola will be hoping to bring his A-game to increase his productivity and hopefully nail down a starting spot. The prospect is reportedly thrilled to be in Minnesota, and sources say that at the moment he will re-sign with the Wolves when his contract is up in two years time. Here's hoping that Nikola can have a big season in 2011/12!
Brad MillerPostion: C
Age: 35
Height: 7'0
Weight: 261 lbs
Years Pro: 14
Brought to Minnesota in a draft-day trade that sent Jonny Flynn packing to Houston, Brad Miller is the only real veteran of the team. He is an ex-all star who averaged 15.9ppg, 9.0rpg and 3.4apg in his prime. However, Brad "Mac" miller is really getting on, no matter how you look at it, 34 is not young. He wil most likely be seldom used, however he should contribute nicely when used. Whatever you do, don't add Miller to your fantasy team.
Lazar HaywardPostion: SF
Age: 24
Height: 6'6
Weight: 225 lbs
Years Pro: 2
Hang on, he's still playing for the Wolves? Don't get used to Hayward as he very well might not be around for long. Last year Kevin Love set the record for most consecutive double-doubles, maybe Lazar can set the record for most consecutive DNPs?
Wayne ElingtonPostion: SG
Age: 23
Height: 6'4
Weight: 200 lbs
Years Pro: 3
Ellington has been a solid role player for the Wolves since being drafted in David Kahn's infamous '09 draft day. He is always a threat from downtown however he struggles to be consistent. He is still very young and has ages of time to develop as a player, and I believe he should be around for future Timberwolves' plans. However he should be really fighting for minutes, and shouldn't expect much with the new acquisition of Ricky Rubio to take up more space. I'm tipping a solid year for Wayne, however he will not improve drastically.
Anthony TolliverPostion: PF/C
Age: 26
Height: 6'9
Weight: 243 lbs
Years Pro: 4
Tolliver is a decent player caught in the crowd of big men in Minnesota. He is currently in his contract year and has tweeted that he wants to return to 'Sota next year. He really needs to earn an extension though, because there's folks like Beasley and Love are runnin' 'round, Tolliver needs to be the best PF in town! Hopefully he has a good year, I guess we just have to wait and see.
Darko MilicicPostion: C
Age: 26
Height: 7'0
Weight: 275 lbs
Years Pro: 9
Fan favourite Darko Milicic is still a Wolf and will be pumped to have a shot at improving again. Averaging a career-highs in the form of 8.8ppg, 1.5apg and 2.0bpg in 2010/11, Darko is in the best form of his career and will hope to build on last season's efforts. The artist formerly known as the Human Victory Cigar has really turned it up recently, and will hopefully get it up in the coming season.
Sebastian TelfairPostion: PG
Age: 26
Height: 6'0
Weight: 175 lbs
Years Pro: 8
It's a bit of a shame to see Telfair most likely have a reduced role due to the arrival of Spanish phenom Ricky Rubio, however whenever Telfair gets on the court he will be dangerous. The little guy can show some fight, and will be looking forward to playing with Kevin Love and Michael Beasley again.
Ricky RubioPostion: PG
Age: 21
Height: 6'4
Weight: 180 lbs
Years Pro: R
Basketball fans all over the globe have been looking forward to the arrival of Ricky Rubio. As everyone is aware, the Spaniard was drafted in 2009 along with a plethora of point guards but has only just come over. The pass-first player will be looking to make an immediate impact in America and will more than likely do so. He will be the 6th man for atleast the first game, however I don't think that it will take too long for Rubio to be starting over Luke Ridnour. All the best to him.
Luke RidnourPostion: PG
Age: 30
Height: 6'2
Weight: 175 lbs
Years Pro: 9
Ridnour has been apart of the NBA for as long as Darko Milicic, and was picked 14th in the famous '03 draft class.Now at the age of 30, and with a decent career behind him, Ridnour will be think about chasing a ring. He doesn't necessarily want out of the Wolves, it's that he is not opposed to being traded. Sure to lose minutes to Ricky Rubio, will Ridnour have enough? Or will his loyalty shine through as he battles on the Wolves' bench? Time will tell.
Anthony RandolphPostion: PF/C
Age: 22
Height: 6'11
Weight: 225 lbs
Years Pro: 4
Randolph was brought to Minnesota in the blockbuster Carmelo Anthony trade, and has really shone in Minny. He has quickly won over the fans hearts, however he is amongst the massive logjam in the T'Wolves' front court. In his contract year, Minnesota will definitely want him back for years to come and hopefully he agrees. My tip is that Randolph is in for a MASSIVE year.
Wesley JohnsonPostion: SG/SF
Age: 24
Height: 6'7
Weight: 205 lbs
Years Pro: 2
Wes J is coming back for round two with the Wolves in his sophomore year. He has brought crowds out of their seats many-a time and will continue to do so. Remaining as a starter, he will be a big factor in the success of the young team so if he's firing, the Wolves are firing. There have grumblings that Johnson is slightly discontent in Minny, however he is not too bad. Cheers to Wesley - great young player with plenty of talent. Here's hoping he can put it to use.
Martell WebsterPostion: SF/SG
Age: 24
Height: 6'7
Weight: 235 lbs
Years Pro: 7
He goes alright.
Michael BeasleyPostion: SF/PF
Age: 22
Height: 6'10
Weight: 245 lbs
Years Pro: 4
B-Easy had a breakout season after being traded from the Miami Heat. Starting at 3 for the first game, Beasley has got to be pumped for a big season alongside Kevin Love.His only issues are his personal problems, drugs, alcohol and females. As well as a lack of dedication. If he is psyched, he will have a monster season and will cement his spot as apart of the T'Wolves' future.
Kevin LovePostion: PF/C
Age: 23
Height: 6'10
Weight: 260 lbs
Years Pro: 4
Coming off the back of a marvelous 20/15 season, Mr. Most Improved Player wants another big year. Much like Beasley and Johnson, if Love is hot than the Wolves will be hot. Love is in his contract year and states that he desires to return, a massive bonus for Minnesota. Unquestionably the team leader, Love is expected to once again be an all-star, however he may suffer the infamous "MIP curse" (
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/955906-kevin-love-and-the-nba-most-improved-player-curse) which will put a massive dent in the Wolves' aim of improving. Fire up K-Love, you're in for a big one.
