The Timberwolves play in Cleveland tomorrow night (Friday) and then don’t see the Cavs again until April 3 when LeBron James and teammates come to Minneapolis.  For Trenton Hassell and the rest of the Wolves that may well be soon enough to see “King” James, the 21-year-old man-child deemed by many as the successor to Michael Jordan’s throne. 

James finished third in the NBA in scoring last season at 31.4 points per game.  He also finished second in minutes played at 42.5, meaning the Wolves figure to see plenty of him on the court Friday night.  As the team’s designated stopper, Hassell was asked about James earlier this week. “If I can hold him under 40% shooting from the field I did a good job, and keep him from the free throw line as much as possible,” Hassell said. 

Hassell is 6-foot-5, about 200 pounds.  James is “6-9, 6-10, 260,” and strong, Hassell said.  Oh, yes, athletic, too.  And, yup, versatile, including a relatively new added skill of making three point shots. “He’s improved that big time,” Hassell said.  “He’s nailing threes down like his lay ups, so he’s got the total package.  You just got a put a hand in his face, rely on help, maybe trap him (with another player) a couple of times, whatever you can do to make it hard for him.” 

Asked how James is as a defensive player, Hassell said he didn’t know.  Then he indicated his limited role in the Wolves’ offense doesn’t test James or other players defensively.  “I just sit in the corner and wait until it (the ball) swings over there,” Hassell said.  “I am not really involved in the offense that much. …”

Wolves second year guard Bracey Wright, who has played two minutes this season, talking about his future: “Before it’s all said and done I am going to be an all-star.  I understand how to play.  Once I get into a situation I can master, I am going to be an all-star.  It’s all about waiting for the right opportunity and making the most of it.” 

Michigan State football coach John L. Smith talking about the much anticipated Michigan versus Ohio State game on Saturday: “Michigan has some tremendous fronts (offensive and defensive lines).  Both of their fronts are as good as there is in the country.  My belief is Ohio State has a little bit better capability of making plays when they really don’t have a play. …I think the advantage would have to go to Ohio State just because they are at home.” 

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said earlier in the week while here for a series of meetings that there is a “great commitment” from ownership and throughout the organization to make the Vikings a “world class franchise.” 

Former Viking coach Dean Dalton writes about pro football on espn.com and provides analysis on KSTP TV, Fox Sports North and Sirius Satellite Radio.  “Simplifying explanations” has been a challenge in transitioning from coach-speak to TV work, Dalton said. 

Steve Erban said his Creative Charters company will organize travel to a Gopher bowl game if Minnesota defeats Iowa on Saturday.

Zygi Wilf said on Monday he’s “not frustrated” with the process for a new stadium and reiterated he’s not threatening to “move the team.” The Vikings’ owner met briefly with the media following a local news conference with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell.  The new commissioner said he held a “productive” meeting regarding the stadium process earlier in the day with Governor Tim Pawlenty. 

“The governor made it clear he understands the Vikings’ need for a new stadium,” Goodell said.  While the governor made no commitments, Goodell said Pawlenty “indicated” the Vikings are “up next” in the stadium derby now that new facilities have been approved for the Minnesota Twins and the Gophers. 

Goodell stated that the Viking stadium issue is “urgent” but declined to talk about deadlines.  “I don’t normally operate on deadlines,” he said. 

The Vikings have been dialoguing with state leaders for about 10 years, explaining that the Metrodome doesn’t allow the franchise to generate anywhere near normal NFL revenues.  The team’s lease at the dome expires in 2011 but Goodell wouldn’t be drawn into a what-if stadium scenario if nothing is done about a new stadium by that year.  He also said the NFL continues to have discussions about returning pro football to the Los Angeles market, long speculated about as a possible home for the Vikings. 

While in town Goodell, who became commissioner in August, also met with local business leaders, and Vikings ownership, players and coach Brad Childress.