Wild – Page 10 – David Shama's Minnesota Sports Headliners

Hall of Famers Lavish Praise on Wolves’ Anthony Edwards

Posted on May 5, 2024 by David Shama

Anthony Edwards, 22 years old and in his fourth NBA season, is leaving no doubt about achieving superstar status this spring. His latest statement was scoring 43 points yesterday to lead the Timberwolves to a 1-0 advantage in their second-round NBA Western Conference playoff series with the Nuggets.

Edwards (22 years, 273 days) is the fifth youngest player in NBA history to record three or more 40-plus point playoff games, joining Amar’e Stoudemire, LeBron James, Kevin Durant (three games each) and Luka Dončić (five games). The latter three players, all still active, are one day headed to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

“The Ant man is here to stay,” Hall of Famer Charles Barkley said on TNT’s postgame show. Dirk Nowitzki, enshrined in Springfield last year, was asked on the show about the Wolves’ shooting guard who is drawing early comparisons to legends Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant.

“I mean his poise at that age,” Nowitzki said. “He’s an unbelievable athlete…(and) he’s got the skillset with him. He’s the complete package.”

In Minnesota’s 106-99 win over the Nuggets in Denver, Edwards had seven rebounds, three assists, one turnover, two blocks and one steal. A second half left-handed block of a shot attempt by Denver’s Michael Porter Jr. was a showstopper.

During the nationally televised game TNT analyst and Hall of Famer Reggie Miller raised the question of whether Edwards isn’t the best two-way player in the NBA now. “I am saying he is,” Miller said.

Yesterday morning, Trent Tucker talking on KFAN Radio, said Jordan, his former teammate and old friend, has taken notice of Edwards’ ascent to elite status. Apparently, No. 23 likes what he sees in No. 5.

Edwards, who scored 25 points in the first half, made an impressive variety of shots during the game, converting 17 of 29 field goals. “When I came in the league, the thing was that I couldn’t shoot,” he said at the postgame news conference.

Then Edwards explained how hard he worked on his shooting during past summers. There were days that 2,000 practice shots were part of his effort.

Nuggets’ superstar Nikola Jokic is a near consensus candidate to win his third NBA MVP Award this year. It’s not too soon to think Edwards could be front and center in that conversation starting next year and for many more.

“To be honest, of course he is a special player,” said Jokic who will one day be a slam dunk selection for Springfield. “I have a huge respect for him. He can do everything on the floor. You need to enjoy and respect your opponent and how good and how talented he is. …”

Worth Noting

Barkley talking on TNT about the second half taunting technical on Edwards called by Courtney Kirkland: “Hey, Mr. Official. Nobody came to see your ass play. Stop giving taunting technicals in the game. Nobody came to see you. You give a kid a warning. You don’t call a taunting technical in the playoffs. Don’t do that (for staring at another player).”

Owner Craig Leipold, GM Bill Guerin and others from the organization are meeting at an out-of-town site this week to make offseason plans for the Wild who missed the playoffs this spring for the first time since 2019.

Former Wild executive and WCHA commissioner Bill Robertson spoke via zoom the other day to Mike Max’s sports leadership class at the University of Northwestern-St. Paul. Max, the WCCO TV sports director, is an adjunct instructor during spring semester at the school.

Robertson, now living in South Carolina, will speak May 13 in Bluffton about the business of sports to the Athletic Club of the Lowcountry.

Outfielder Matt Wallner, who started the season with the Twins and hit 080, is batting .214 with the Triple A Saints. The 26-year-old Forest Lake native’s future may well be determined by reducing his strikeouts which have been a pro career challenge. In 56 at bats with the Saints he has struck out 24 times.

No one should be surprised if 2023-2024 freshman guard Cam Christie, now in the transfer portal while mulling NBA interest, ends up at Michigan State where brother Max Christie, now with the Lakers, played.

Put this in the 2025 prediction bucket: incoming freshman point guard Isaac Asuma will be the Gophers’ starting point guard by mid-January.

Willie R. Braziel, who was the head boys’ basketball coach at Columbia Heights and been involved for years with Minnesota AAU basketball, is the new head coach at Simley.

Joe Alt, from Totino-Grace High School, was the only Minnesota native selected in the 2024 NFL Draft. Florida had 30 players, followed by Texas 24; Georgia 23; California, 18; Louisiana, 11; New Jersey, 11; Alabama, Maryland, North Carolina and Ohio, all with 10 each.

J.J. McCarthy and his Michigan teammates received four rings last month to commemorate their 2023-2024 success: Big Ten championship, Rose Bowl, College Football Playoff and National Championship.

Condolences to family and friends of former Gophers’ fullback Dick Borstad who passed away April 25. He played in the mid-1950s and later was an assistant coach on the 1960 national championship team. The Detroit Lakes High School alum was the 1954 Mount Olivet Minnesota State Athlete of the Year.

With Borstad’s passing, assistant coach Dick Larson is the only living coach from the 1960 championship team. A Gopher quarterback from 1955-1957, Larson turns 88 in August and remains a treasured link to great teams of the past.

Bob Parsons, founder of sports equipment company Parsons Xtreme Golf and a “golf nut,” has a book out about his life story including the entrepreneurial success that made him one of the wealthiest people in the world. The Vietnam veteran, best known as the founder of GoDaddy, will be at an event Friday open to the public at the Minneapolis Club to talk about his book FIRE IN THE HOLE! The Untold Story of My Traumatic Life and Explosive Success. Mpls Club welcomes Bob Parsons, Founder of PXG & GoDaddy. Tickets, Fri, May 10, 2024 at 12:00 PM | Eventbrite

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J.J. McCarthy Might Give Vikes Second Best QB in Draft

Posted on April 7, 2024April 7, 2024 by David Shama

Daniel House studies more film of prospective NFL quarterbacks than any media person I know. He analyzes game films of college quarterbacks not just from 2023 but dating back in some cases to before the pandemic.

And guess what? In this 2024 quarterback rich NFL Draft he agrees USC’s Caleb Williams has the most upside, but his No. 2 may surprise you. Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye often receive more praise as prospects, but based on what House refers to as “projection” he thinks J.J. McCarthy is No. 2.

“Soley based on the fact that his ceiling is the highest of these quarterbacks. …He really wasn’t able to showcase everything that he could do because of Michigan’s style of play and how they completely dominated teams up front,” said House who offers his football insights on Mnvikingscorner.com and Gophersguru.com.

“When he was asked to do things within the system, to showcase his strengths, he executed those things. And when he gets in an NFL system that builds around what he does best—you put him in a good situation—I think he’s really going to forge and take off based on his talent.

“I don’t think people give him enough credit for his athleticism. This guy is very, very athletic. He’s slippery. He can extend plays but he’s not one of those guys that is going to hold onto the ball too long and back himself into some poor decisions.”

McCarthy has been linked to the Vikings since last fall, with the notion GM Kwesi-Adofo Mensah and head coach Kevin O’Connell were focusing on the former five-star recruit who helped Michigan to the 2023 national championship. Back then and for a while this winter speculation was McCarthy could be available in the middle of the first round or later.

That seems to have changed, with talk now McCarthy might be selected among the first six picks in the April 25-27 NFL Draft. Four quarterbacks going in the first five or six selections? It’s possible and that scenario would mean the Vikings trading up to be positioned for McCarthy or another high QB prospect.

Trade capital could mean the Vikings offering their No. 11 and No. 23 first round picks, and more, to be in a prime draft spot. McCarthy could be the target because of his skills and how those physical and mental attributes fit the Viking offense that favors play-action and passes over the middle of the field.

Daniel House

“I think he fits Kevin O’Connell’s offense the best (compared to Daniels and Maye) and he’s got the highest ceiling overall when he gets into an offense that fits his strengths—the play fake, the ability to suck defenders up, doesn’t get frustrated when things aren’t available. He’s a great improv, off-schedule quarterback when he needs to be,” House said about the 21-year-old who is the youngest among the four quarterbacks ballyhooed in the draft.

“The thing I notice is how he loves to give receivers hand signals, and then just redirects them and knows where to put the ball to give them a chance or draw a flag. Flashes the ability to move defenders with his eyes, and pump fakes, and really shines throwing over the middle of the field which I think is something Kevin O’Connell really is looking for in his next quarterback. …”

If the Vikings stay at No. 11 in the first round, McCarthy is unlikely to be available, but Bo Nix from Oregon and Michael Penix Jr. of Washington could be. In a league where successful quarterbacks have been found not only in the first round but even as free agents, the Vikings might find their man at No. 11 or later.

House refers to Nix as “a great athlete,” praises him for his throwing accuracy and pump fake that fools defenders, and for having a high football IQ. He said Nix’s pro success will depend on the system he plays in. “If he ends up with someone like Kevin O’Connell, I think he could do quite well.”

House praises Penix’s improvement during his college career and likes the quarterback’s ability to find openings in the secondary. “He’s more of a gunslinging type of quarterback where he’ll drive it into the tight window because he’s got such a strong arm and the ball really jumps out of his hands differently.”

House said Penix can make all the throws, his processing is better than he is given credit for and he thinks “someone is going to really fall in love with him as their quarterback.”

Of course, every prospect has elements like processing that evaluators are uncertain about. For a detailed look at the top quarterbacks in this month’s draft google their name and the NFL.com/prospects.

Worth Noting

Good guy Dalton Risner, the Vikings left guard who signed a one-year deal with the club last year but now is a free agent, switched agents recently in what seems to be a slow-moving contract process. Could Blake Brandel, who the Vikings re-signed last month, change from a utility backup role to a starter at left guard?

A controversial call in the closing seconds of Friday night’s Women’s Final Four cost UConn an opportunity to tie or win their semifinal game against Iowa but afterward former Hopkins superstar Paige Bueckers said one play doesn’t determine the outcome and she could have played better. Her former high school coach, Brian Cosgriff, texted this last night:

”No excuses. Even after one of the toughest losses ever. It’s what makes Paige special off the court, too!”

Quote on X last week from Robbinsdale Cooper LB Emmanuel Karmo —the top-rated class of 2025 state of Minnesota prep football prospect by 247Sports —after visiting Ohio State: “Had a great time in Columbus yesterday (April 1). Love the facility and the people and can’t wait to get back down on campus.”

A timely program on NIL’s impact on college sports featuring Gophers athletic director Mark Coyle will be the topic for the Capital Club’s April 24 breakfast at Mendakota Country Club. More information about the club is available from Patrick Klinger, patrick@agilemarketingco.com

With the Timberwolves facing salary cap challenges in the next offseason, forward-center Karl-Anthony Towns could be traded. If so, his absence may create a bigger role for center Luka Garza who recently saw his two-way contract converted into a standard NBA contract. Now in his third NBA season, Garza scored a season-high 16 points last week against the Raptors in just under 10 minutes. A skilled offensive player, Garza averaged 36.7 points in three G League games this season with the Iowa Wolves.

Anthony Edwards has at least one steal in 17 consecutive road games and can continue the streak in Los Angeles tonight against the Lakers. The club record is 24 set by Terrell Brandon in 2000.

That was Nebraska head basketball coach Fred Hoiberg, presumably in town for recruiting last week, seen at the Original Pancake House in Eden Prairie.

7 Vines Vineyard and Winery in Dellwood will be the site on Monday, June 10 for a tribute by friends and former teammates of the late Jim Carter who passed away in California last November. The celebration of life for the former Gopher football captain (1969) is being organized by former teammate Jim Brunzell.

The Wild, looking at missing the playoffs for the first time since 2019, seem likely to use minimal time in deciding whether to bring back 39-year-old goalie Marc-Andre Fleury.

The Twin Cities chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers Association is nominating Wild center Marco Rossi for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy presented annually to the player best exemplifying perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey.

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Wolves Comeback Kids in 2023-2024

Posted on April 3, 2024April 4, 2024 by David Shama

Enjoy a Wednesday notes column.

The Timberwolves trailed the Rockets by 11 points early in the second quarter last night but came back to win 113-106 at Target Center. It was the 15th double-digit comeback win of the season, further establishing a franchise record (previous best 12 in 2017-2018).

The Wolves are tied with the Bulls for the second-most such wins in the NBA this season (Thunder 16 wins). The comeback victories are a key reason Minnesota is in position to finish first in the Western Conference for only the second time in franchise history.

It could be a nod of things to come when Chris Paddack makes his first pitching start today since the spring of 2022 for the Twins, who have at least two uncertain spots in their starting rotation. Paddack, who had Tommy John arm surgery in 2022 and 2016, will pitch against the Brewers in Milwaukee when the Twins try to end a two-game losing streak where they have produced just seven total hits in 11-0 and 3-2 losses to the Royals Sunday and Brewers yesterday.

Paddack was tagged “The Sheriff” because of his Austin, Texas roots when he pitched for the Padres. Fans attended games wearing cowboy boots and badges with “Paddack’s Posse” inscribed on them while cheering for the right hander. He was acquired by the Twins in 2022 and made five starts before needing Tommy John surgery.

The Vikings have scheduled voluntary Organized Team Activity (OTA) practices on these dates at Twin Cities Orthopedic Performance Center: May 20, 21, 23, 28, 29 and 31, June 10, 11, 12 and 13. The mandatory minicamp at their Eagan training center will be June 4, 5 and 6.

Word is Ari Peterson, the daughter of former Vikings great Adrian Peterson, will transfer from Providence Academy to Minnetonka for the next school year. Ari, probably the best eighth grader in the state last season, already has a college offer from the Gophers and would join a Skippers team that is expecting three returning starters and is the 2024 Class 4A champions.

Former Viking Chad Greenway’s daughter Maddyn plays at Providence and will be one of the best players in the state next season as a junior. Don’t be surprised if all four of Greenway’s athletic daughters go to Iowa where Chad and his wife Jenni went to school.

Sources speculate former Gophers center Pharrel Payne, now in the transfer portal, will receive Name, Image and Likeness compensation well into six-figures at his next stop.

MLB.com recently asked 88 baseball authorities to vote for their choices for 2024 division champs and the World Series winner. The Twins, the popular choice to win the AL Central, host the Dodgers next week in a three-game series and Los Angeles was voted to lose in the World Series to the Orioles.

Twins’ front office executives Derek Falvey and Thad Levine make their annual speaking appearances before the Twin Cities Dunkers April 10. St. Paul native and retired MLB umpire Tim Tschida speaks to the group April 24.

Twins president Dave St. Peter found it “refreshing” how the national media regarded Joe Mauer’s career as a catcher and how that view helped him to be voted into the Hall of Fame in the St. Paul native’s first year of eligibility. “I was pleasantly surprised (at his election),” St. Peter told Sports Headliners.

St. Peter said Mauer was “underappreciated” in Minnesota because of his mega contract, team performance in his later years, injuries and switching positions from catcher to first base. “Those 10 years (catching) really stack up against any catcher that’s ever played the game. I think Joe is getting his due because of that. And that’s really special and I am so excited for him, and I am excited for the Twins. It’s a big deal for our franchise.”

Joe, along with brothers Jake and Billy, will be inducted into the Mancini’s Sports Hall of Fame May 13 at Mancini’s Char House. Others being inducted are Bart and Brad Buetow, Bob Hill, Jerry Kline and Bob Nicosia posthumously. Tony Ruiz will be recognized with a special award for his community work. Charley Walters will emcee with Dick Jonckowski also speaking.

The Gophers’ Mark Crawford, participating in spring practice as he prepares for his final season as the team’s No. 1 punter, is seven years older than Viking punter Ryan Wright. The 30-year-old Australian has lettered four years with the Gophers and was All-Big Honorable Mention last year as selected by the media.

There will be a benefit from 6 to 8 p.m. April 14 at the Cottage Grove Ice Arena in Cottage Grove raising funds to help offset medical costs and living expenses for Cole Basset, a 41-year-old hockey coach and skills instructor for Park High School who is battling a rare form of cancer. Attendees can enjoy skating, a silent auction, food and beverage offerings and more at the event for Basset whose playing career included four years at Minnesota State. His GoFundMe site is https://gofund.me/73da1f8e

The Wild plays a rare pair of matinees Saturday and Sunday, hosting the Jets for a 3 p.m. home game and then playing the Blackhawks in Chicago in a 2:30 p.m. start. The Jets are 3-0 this season against Minnesota, with the Wild dominating the Blackhawks in recent seasons winning 11 consecutive times dating back to 2020.

The Wild stopped a five-game Senators win streak last night with a 3-2 victory behind goalie Marc-Andre Fleury. He is one of two active NHL goalies (Frederik Andersen is the other) to have at least 50 wins while playing for three or more franchises.

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