It’s been a while since we’ve said that most fans are expecting big things out of the Minnesota Timberwolves this season. Yes, that’s right, I said BIG things from the Timberwolves.
After signing the formerly amnestied Brandon Roy and multi-talented Andrei Kirilenko away from his homeland Russia for another run in the NBA to help surround All Star Kevin Love with more talent. Couple that with the further development of 2nd year players Derrick Williams and Ricky Rubio, the Wolves are now maturing into full grown grizzled veterans that could surprise a few teams out West in 2013.
Of course, they probably won’t be at full strength until Ricky Rubio and Kevin Love return from injury, but the time is now for several of the Wolves’ young core, especially for Williams, the 2nd overall selection in the 2011 NBA Draft.
After struggling to find playing time by splitting minutes with Michael Beasley, Anthony Randolph, and Wes Johnson at both forward positions, then being just mediocre when time was available, the future success of the franchise may hinge on just how quickly Williams finds his groove on the NBA level.
As an ultra athletic dunking and rebounding former collegiate star at Arizona, Williams already has his own shoe line with Under Armor, but he and management need to decide on which position suits the 6’9 big man better going forward, either SF or PF.
On a lighter note, and in gearing up for is 2nd NBA season, Williams made a trip to his favorite tattoo parlor to get some new ink for inspiration…..or should I say mural……….
Allen Moll has been a lifelong NBA and NCAA College Basketball fan who watches and studies games religiously, and coaches youth basketball in his native Lehigh Valley region of Pennsylvania. Allen has also provided content to Bleacherreport.com, Upperdeckblog.com, Cleveland.com, CSN Philly.com, Buckets Magazine, in addition to being a tenured NBA and NCAA columnist for TheHoopDoctors.com.
