Vikings – Page 24 – David Shama's Minnesota Sports Headliners

Quartet of Local Stars Reminds of 4 Greats 20 Years Ago

Posted on June 5, 2024June 5, 2024 by David Shama

The sensational return of third baseman Royce Lewis to the Twins’ roster yesterday and the announcement of a new contract for Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson on Monday is a reminder that this town’s four major pro sports teams each has a superb young player who likely will entertain fans for years to come.

Lewis, Jefferson, shooting guard Anthony Edwards of the Timberwolves and wing Kirill Kaprizov of the Wild are cornerstones for their teams, and prompt memories of the best foursome who ever played at the same time in this area for Minnesota’s big four teams. Twenty years ago, Minneapolis-St. Paul lit up with star power having Marian Gaborik from the Wild, Kevin Garnett of the Wolves, Joe Mauer from the Twins and Randy Moss of the Vikings.

Mauer goes into the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum this summer, while Garnett and Moss are already enshrined in the basketball and football halls. Only Gaborik isn’t enshrined in his sport’s hall of fame.

Jefferson and Edwards look like they’re on track to be hall of famers for sure. Lewis has flashed the potential to be mentioned among baseball’s best players in today’s game. Kaprizov brings fans out of their seats in anticipation of what he might do but he has to build on his success to become a hall of famer.

Lewis, who turns 25 today, has played in just 72 games (counting 2024) over three seasons as the injury gods have been cruel to him and his adoring fans. But, oh my, what anticipation the gifted hitter has set for all who follow him. Last October he became the third player in MLB history to homer in his first two postseason at bats. He set the stage for the dramatic during the regular season by hitting four grand slams in a 20-game span as he helped the Twins win the AL Central Division title. Last night after his return from a severe quadriceps strain, all he did was produce one of only two Twins hits in their loss to the Yankees, hitting a home run and making a terrific play in the field.

Jefferson, 24, is a three-time Pro Bowler who in his first four seasons set an NFL record for receiving yards with 5,889. He has produced four consecutive seasons of 1,000-plus receiving yards. In 2022 he became the youngest player in NFL history to lead the league in receptions (128) and receiving yards (1,809). His new deal, reportedly for $140 million, makes him the highest paid non-quarterback in league history.

Edwards, 22, is already a two-time All-Star Game selection. This spring he was named second team All-NBA for the first time in his four-year career. An explosive scorer, he emerged this season as the alpha on the team averaging a career-high 25.9 points per game. He became the first player in franchise history to average 25-plus points per game, and five-plus rebounds and assists. He was often brilliant in the playoffs as the Wolves reached the Western Conference playoffs for the first time in 20 years.

The electric Kaprizov, who turned 27 last month and is a three-time All-Star, easily broke Gaborik’s franchise rookie record of 36 points. The Russian native had 51 points to lead all NHL rookies in 2020-2021. In Kaprizov’s second season, he broke the franchise record for goals (42) held by Gaborik and Eric Staal. His 47 goals were part of his 108 points season (100 points a first in franchise history) while helping the Wild to a record number of wins at 53.

Worth Noting

Dawson Garcia, who led the basketball Gophers in scoring last season at 17.6 points per game, has a Name, Image and Likeness deal with Dakotah Sport and Fitness in Prior Lake. The former Prior Lake all-state player grew up working out at the facility.

Charles Barkley’s TV commentary on the Timberwolves’ playoff games this spring prompted a favorite memory from Dave Mona. He recently wrote about it on Facebook reminiscing about how his company had produced a lithograph honoring the 50 greatest players in NBA history. It was back in 1997 that Mona and his wife Linda were in Cleveland charged with obtaining signatures from the players—including Barkley—on all 250 lithographs.

“About halfway through the signing it was clear he was starting to tire,” Mona said on Facebook. “He was cracking his neck and flexing his fingers. Linda, who was standing over his right shoulder, started to give him a back rub and it was obvious he loved it.

‘Can you come up to my hotel room after we’re done here,’ he suggested. ‘You’d have to ask my husband,’ she said. ‘He’s the one handing you the sharp pencils.’

Mona wrote that Barkley smiled and said: “He can come too.”

Rob Fornasiere, the longtime assistant coach to Golden Gophers head baseball coach John Anderson, emailed several eye-catching stats about his former boss who retired at age 69 this spring. The statistics, gathered by Joel Rippel from the Star Tribune, include these gems: Anderson coached in over half of all games the baseball Gophers have ever played—dating back 136 years—and his 1,390 wins is 49 percent of the program’s total victories.

Anderson took over as Minnesota’s head coach in 1981 and since then there have been 55 other Big Ten coaches. He and Fornasiere coached together for 1,943 games over 33 seasons, winning 1,164 games.

Minnesota sports and entertainment icon Dick Jonckowski will emcee next Monday’s tribute for the late Jim Carter, the well-known South St. Paul and former Golden Gophers athlete. At Minnesota Carter played hockey but was best known as a physical running back who was a key contributor to the 1967 Big Ten title team and captained the 1969 football Gophers. The tribute, organized by former football teammate Jim Brunzell, will be held at 7 Vines Vineyard and Winery in Dellwood, and will be attended by former Carter teammates and other friends. Carter passed away in California last November.

Per a news release yesterday from the University of Minnesota Athletic Department, Golden Gophers athletes continue to excel academically. The cross country, men’s golf, gymnastics and women’s hockey programs earned a perfect academic progress rate score for the 2019-20, 2020-21, 2021-22 and 2022-23 school years.

Twelve programs earned a perfect APR score in the most recent reporting year of 2022-23: men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s cross country, football, men’s golf, gymnastics, women’s hockey, softball, women’s swimming, women’s tennis and volleyball. https://gophersports.com/news/2024/6/4/athletics-minnesota-continues-to-shine-in-academic-progress-rate

Belated Happy Birthday to Lou Nanne who turned 83 Sunday. Over a period of 25 years Minnesota’s Mr. Hockey was a player, coach, GM and president of the NHL North Stars.

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NFL Authority: J.J. McCarthy to Start for Vikings in 2024

Posted on May 15, 2024 by David Shama

A trusted Sports Headliners source, a former front office personnel leader with NFL teams, is optimistic about playing time in 2024 for Vikings rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy who for now is behind veteran Sam Darnold on the early depth chart.

“I expect him to be the starter, maybe not week one, but I would say certainly by October I think he’ll have taken over for Darnold, and I think he could beat him out in training camp. That they (the coaches) may just say hey, we’re going to go with the more talented guy here,” said the source who asked not to be identified.

Darnold, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 draft by the Jets, has bounced around, also playing for the Panthers and 49ers without establishing himself as a key performer. The source describes Darnold, who the Vikings signed as a free agent in March, as “good insurance” until McCarthy is ready.

Darnold, who turns 27 in June, has been inconsistent in past pro stops since leaving USC. Never say never, but the source believes it’s “hard to think that things will change dramatically” for Darnold who has 63 career touchdowns and 56 interceptions.

McCarthy, 21, was the No. 10 overall pick last month in the first round of the NFL Draft. The authority refers to the former Michigan national championship QB as a potential franchise changing player. He sees a lot to like in the 6-foot-3, 219-pound McCarthy, describing him as motivated, athletic and able to “make all the throws.”

A criticism of McCarthy before the draft was he didn’t have to do all that much in Michigan’s run-focused offense that was loaded with talent. However, the insider said when McCarthy “had to make plays he did.” He added McCarthy was “very efficient on third and long, whether it was throwing or running.”

The Vikings are into spring activities and practices which will provide a first look at the QB who was 27-1 as a starter with the Wolverines. “I am excited to see him in camp. I think it was a huge move just for the excitement factor for the franchise and get…the fanbase kind of cranked up,” the source said. “Now they’ve got a guy that could be considered a future franchise quarterback and potentially make people forget about Kirk Cousins.”

What criteria will the Vikings use to evaluate their rookie and potential future leader in the immediate days and weeks ahead before training camp starts in July? The authority, who has been part of leading drafts for NFL teams, said the Vikings coaches will want to see how effectively McCarthy is learning the offense and making the right decisions on the field. “To just see where he’s at and how he’s coming along. I think he’ll progress quickly, will be my expectation for him.”

Kevin O’Connell image courtesy of Minnesota Vikings

Head coach Kevin O’Connell knows it’s a challenging learning experience for a rookie quarterback but not surprisingly is upbeat his No. 1 draft pick who will wear No. 9 just like former Viking QB Tommy Kramer. “…This guy (McCarthy) is a process-driven guy and understands that there’s a long road ahead of him. That we’re just trying to make incremental gains that will be solidified as part of how he plays quarterback for a long time. So, I’ve been really impressed with him so far and look forward to get another full day tomorrow,” O’Connell said last Friday.

Optimism about a college phenom preparing for a first season in the NFL can eventually change for varied reasons including lack of surrounding support. But McCarthy’s environment with the Vikings is part of what fuels the insider’s positivity about him finding success early on.

The offensive personnel are a roster strength. All-world Justin Jefferson leads a superb group of pass receivers. Tackles Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill are two of the best on one team in the league. Off-season signee and veteran Aaron Jones gives the Vikings a proven playmaker at running back.

O’Connell is an offensive guru and former NFL quarterback. His staff includes new quarterbacks coach Josh McCown who played 18 seasons in the league. O’Connell said McCown “has absolutely been awesome from day one,” praising his assistant for his ability to communicate information and knowledge to others.

Viking teammates and coaches—the supporting cast—are probably the best that any quarterback from the 2024 draft is going to have. It’s an environment the Sports Headliners authority said could contribute to McCarthy starting “sooner, rather than later.”

In July and August McCarthy figures to play as much or more in practice and preseason games as Darnold. Part of the process will likely involve a scrimmage or two against another NFL team and that will be an opportunity for McCarthy, too. “…That’s where he’ll get really the valuable reps against first team defenses and so forth,” the insider said.

How will the coaching staff evaluate McCarthy before the season starts in September? “They want to see progress,” the source said. “They want to see confidence. They want to see that he is going to be capable to make plays whenever they put him in the lineup whether that’s opening day, or week six, or week eight, or after the bye week. Whatever they do.”

It looks right now like a two-man race for the starting job, with no additions expected to the quarterback roster. “They’re not going to sign another quarterback,” the source said. “They need to put their money toward that interior offensive line and also I still think they could use another corner, another veteran corner.”

The authority knows predictions are often dicey, but it seems unlikely Darnold can flip a switch in his career development. “Anything is possible, but I think the likelihood is that they want J.J. to be the guy. And be the guy as soon as he’s ready.”

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Unflappable Finch: Calm Voice for Frustrated Timberwolves

Posted on May 13, 2024May 13, 2024 by David Shama

It was typical Chris Finch last night at his presser following Minnesota’s 115-107 loss to Denver. There had been a roller coaster of emotions at Target Center among fans, players and coaches–including Finch’s frustrated Timberwolves—but if there were expectations for a ranting head coach, that didn’t happen.

Not too high, not too low describes the team’s three-plus years bench boss. With an inexperienced playoff team and having lost two straight to the Nuggets, that looks like the right approach and what everyone has come to expect from the steady leader who could be granted a pass for some orneriness after surgery earlier this month to repair a ruptured patellar tendon in his right knee.

Finch, of course, was hardly a happy camper about his team’s performance but his demeanor fit the situation of the game and playoff series that is now tied and continues Tuesday night in Denver. Asked about his team’s postgame emotional state Finch said matter-of factly:

“They’re frustrated but they’re fine. We’re two-two. We got a three-game series (best of seven) going on. We never thought this would be a quick series. …”

Finch wasn’t at a loss for critical words in describing his team’s play Sunday night when he spoke at his news conference that was also broadcast on KFAN Radio. “These are inexcusable plays you can’t make right now,” he said about a couple of key parts of the game.

At times during the pivotal game (the Wolves led only once), Finch found fault with the offense, analyzing that his players “lost our composure a little bit, just kind of rushing things.” The coach added he didn’t like the offense’s structure and lack of ball movement.

Anthony Edwards scored a franchise playoff record 44 points, but the Wolves had a “Big 1” in their All-Star shooting guard, while the Nuggets countered with a “Big 3” of Nikola Jokic, with 35 points, Aaron Gordon, 27 and Jamal Murray, 19. The Wolves aren’t going to win the series without a “Big 2,” or “Big 3,” and expectations start with Karl-Anthony Towns whose career performances in playoff games is often MIA.

Among the NBA’s better paid players at more than $30 million this season, Towns scored 13 points last night on five of 18 shooting and two free throws. “Rushed a lot of things,” Finch said. “I thought physicality (the Nuggets) kind of got him off his spot a little bit. He kind of rushed it.”

The 28-year-old veteran falls into lapses where he makes too many physical and mental errors including unnecessary fouls, careless passes, ill-advised shots and bulldozing to the basket. Tomorrow night the Wolves will need performances from KAT like his contributions in Minnesota’s May 4 and 6 wins in Denver: 20 and 27 points.

Maybe for focus and calm KAT can channel his inner-Finch.

Worth Noting

Nuggets coach Michael Malone at his presser last night: “…We have to go home and protect our home court. We can’t allow them to get a third win at Ball Arena. That’s a message to our fans to come out and make that place an absolute zoo come whatever night we’re playing. I don’t even know what day it is anymore. Good win for us, but we got a long way to go.”

The Wolves only led once in the game, allowing the Nuggets to often silence the raucous sold-out crowd of 19,583 that was potentially ready to explode with every positive move by their hometown favorites.

Celebrities at the game included Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell and Twins star Royce Lewis.

Word is a prominent national company that was a Wolves Target Center suite purchaser during the season turned down the opportunity to rent space for $29,000.00 at last Friday night’s Game 3 between Minnesota and Denver.

The Wolves had over 160 reservations for media space for last night’s game.

Dr. Sheldon Burns has been with the Wolves since their inception, now celebrating 35 years as a team physician. “Third employee hired,” he told Sports Headliners.

ESPN.com reports this afternoon former Golden Gopher Antoine Winfield Jr., a former second round draft choice, has reached agreement with the Bucs on a deal making him the highest paid defensive back in NFL history. The deal is four years, $84.1 million.

The Twins, who have won 17 of their last 20 games, will start right-handed pitcher Chris Paddack tomorrow night at Target Field in the opener of a three-game series against the Yankees. Paddack, 4-1 with a 4.34 ERA, opposes Yankee left-hander Carlos Rodon, 3-2 with a 3.56 ERA.

Paddack is trying to extend his career-high four-game win streak. In his last four starts he has a 1.93 ERA, giving up three walks, 28 strikeouts and two home runs. He is tied for first with Ronel Blanco, Tarik Skubal and Cole Irvin for the longest active win streak in the American League.

Sam Vecenie’s NBA mock draft yesterday for The Athletic has Golden Gophers’ freshman guard Cam Christie going to the Trail Blazers at No. 34 in the second round. That might surprise Gopher fans, but the smooth shooting and athletic Christie is a solid prospect in a very average NBA Draft. If an NBA team chose to, they could offer Christie guaranteed money—something second rounders don’t automatically receive.

Vecenie projects the Wolves taking Wake Forest guard Hunter Sallis at No. 27 in the first round and Connecticut guard Cam Spencer at No. 37 in the second.

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