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Brewer Aims to Improve His Driving
Corey Brewer answered the question directly when
asked what he needs to improve to become a better basketball player. “I
think I can put the ball on the floor a lot better,” Brewer said in a
conference call after being drafted. “I gotta create my shot and get
things done.”
The
6-foot-9 Minnesota Timberwolves No. 1 draft choice can use the
off-season to improve going to the basket and preparing for his first
season in the NBA. Part of that schedule is participating in a series
of Wolves games this week in the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. Monday
night Brewer was the team’s second leading scorer with 16 points (Craig
Smith had 25) as the Wolves defeated New Orleans in overtime.
Brewer made an overtime drive that was the key field goal in the win,
according to nba.com. It’s that kind of clutch play that the
Timberwolves can use next season as they try to change their reputation
for not closing out games with wins.
With
Brewer, who also tied Smith with a game high eight rebounds, the Wolves
have a player who enjoys pressure moments and can do different things to
help his team win. Dubbed “Mr. Versatility” by
Dick Vitale on draft night, Brewer isn’t likely to dazzle with his
box score stats, including shooting, but is likely to make a timely
basket, steal or rebound.
“He
can really guard people,” Vitale said on ESPN. “He’s got to improve his
range as a shooter and his handle.”
Brewer was asked about his jump shot. “I feel like my jump shot is good
now,” he said. “I am working on it and hopefully by the time the season
starts it will be consistent.”
Brewer, who started at small forward Monday night, said it “doesn’t
matter” what position he plays. He’s comfortable, too, with guarding
players who play different positions. “I can play shooting guard or
(the) small forward position, whatever is needed,” he said. “Hopefully,
I can step in and make the team better.”
Brewer admires Tayshaun Prince of the Detroit Pistons, a
6-foot-9, slender player similar in build to the Wolves rookie. Prince,
too, is versatile in skills and he’s earned praise with his defense
against Kobe Bryant and Tracy McGrady.
Yesterday Brewer scored eight points and was the Wolves leading
rebounder with 13 as the team defeated San Antonio, 70-68. The Wolves
have three additional summer league games including today against the
Los Angeles Clippers. The last game is Sunday, July 15 against Phoenix.
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