Media day for the Timberwolves came and went Monday afternoon and now basketball fans can truly start to feel their favorite sport returning to Minnesota. Training camp starts Tuesday, but did the Wolves do enough this off-season to ensure a better 2013-14 campaign?
Head coach Rick Adelman tells the Pioneer Press that he has high hopes for this team.
“I feel real good about where we are as an organization,” he said. “This job is like a lot of jobs; you’ve got to put your full energy into it.”
Here are some off-season grades, courtesy of NBA.com.
Here’s what NBA.com’s Jeff Capel thinks of the Wolves into the season.
Injuries deflated last season’s playoff expectations, but the hype is back and now it’s time for the Wolves to fulfill the promise. Rubio really regained his confidence late last season after a slow return from ACL surgery and double-double machine Love was never a factor because of his twice-broken hand. Pekovic, a restricted free agent, is still expected to be back and that’s a pretty solid threesome to begin a season.
The Wolves certainly deserve better luck in the injury department. And, knock on wood, all indications are that Adelman will again be sharply focused on his club. The pieces are in place from top (the return of Flip Saunders now in the front office) to bottom for a first playoff appearance since 2004.
Timberwolves.com’s Mark Remme will be keeping a close eye on Derrick Williams during training camp. Williams played primarily at power forward last season, but with Kevin Love returning from an injury, will Williams be quick enough this season to earn some playing time as a small foward?
#Twolves officially sign guard A.J. Price, bringing the training camp roster to 18 players. Practice #1 tmrw from 12 – 3:30 pm.
— Timberwolves PR (@Twolves_PR) September 30, 2013
