After the Timberwolves made an eight player deal around midnight they made headway in balancing their roster and determining a starting lineup. They also took a risk that O.J. Mayo won’t become a superstar playing for Memphis and add to the Wolves’ tradition of trading away on draft day players they should have retained (see Brandon Roy and Ray Allen).
A lot of fans are describing the Wolves’ move as midnight madness. No one complains about dumping veterans Marko Jaric, Antoine Walker and Greg Buckner as part of the Memphis deal. But Mayo, a consensus pick as the third best player available in last night’s NBA draft, is a potential all-star, if not a superstar. The 6-4 guard has a variety of offensive skills and is a respected defensive player.
Almost any trade is a gamble, though, and this one could help the Wolves. With Mayo, the Wolves had five guards, and only one, Sebastian Telfair, is a point guard. Former first round picks Randy Foye and Rashad McCants, along with Jaric, all play the same position, shooting guard. The same spot that Mayo is best suited for.
The Memphis trade is an apparent show of faith that Telfair, 23, will be the team’s point guard. Last season, his first with the Wolves, he showed potential; averaging 9.3 points and 5.9 assists per game. With Telfair at point guard, Foye can play his more natural position of shooting guard and (cross your fingers) stay away from injuries and live up to his potential.
The Memphis trade brought two likely starters in small forward Mike Miller and power forward Kevin Love, the No. 5 pick in the draft. Miller’s outside shooting is exceptional and Love’s passing deserves the same description. Veteran forward Brian Cardinal and center Jason Collins don’t have starter type skills but they add size to a roster that has been too guard heavy.
All of this fits around the team’s only star, center Al Jefferson, who averaged 21 points and 11 rebounds last season. He will enjoy playing with teammates who make him the center of attention with their passing and unselfish play.
This rebuilt Wolves roster looks like one better balanced between guards, forwards and centers, even if it’s far from ideal (needs remain at point guard and power players at forward and center). The starting lineup will provide effort and unity. That will bring satisfaction to Wolves basketball boss Kevin McHale, owner Glen Taylor, and perhaps a skeptical fan base that will be watching the home town team, and also a 20-year-old rookie in Memphis.