McHale, the vice president of basketball operations, took a risk on draft night trading hyped shooting guard O.J. Mayo of USC to Memphis (20.7 points per game at USC, 15.3 in preseason). But the Wolves aren’t desperate for scoring and Mayo is no more a sure thing than is Love. The Wolves will produce points behind center Al Jefferson (21 points per game last season), Rashad McCants (15.7), Miller (16.4 in Memphis), and others, probably including Love.
What the Wolves need is defense. Last year they gave up 102.37 points per game, the 10th most in the 30 team NBA. That does raise the question of a small defensive center in Jefferson with an undersized power forward in Love. The Wolves will try to figure out some answers with their interior defense and their transition defense, too.
This is a team that will be better than last year, perhaps a lot better, like a 15 game improvement or so. Why? Because the talent and intelligence has been upgraded. If Love plays regularly he will be the team’s second leading rebounder after Jefferson. He could be the most unselfish player on the team, setting up teammates with passes and screens. He can average double figures in points with a good outside shot and some inside baskets.
Miller is one of the league’s best three point shooters. At 28, he’s experienced and talented. Jefferson is only 23 but he has played four NBA seasons already and finished fifth in league rebounding last year at 11.1. McCants had an impressive pre-season offensively, his specialty, averaging 13.3 points. He’s a sharp outside shooter with a quick first step who can drive to the basket and score over much taller players. Role players like forwards Corey Brewer and Ryan Gomes should be better after playing a first season with the Wolves last year.
How much the Wolves improve will have a lot to do with Randy Foye. To have a bright future the Wolves need a quality point guard and in year three of his NBA career Foye has the opportunity to prove he can do the job. So far there’s no decision.
And finally there’s this. With personable leaders like bench warmers Kevin Madsen, Brian Cardinal and Kevin Ollie, and nice guy newcomers Miller and Love, this might be the most likeable bunch of Wolves ever. Yes, I know you will like them more if they win.