If the Minnesota Timberwolves are to improve from last season’s 33-49 season and return to the playoffs they will need to rebound better. The Wolves finished 27th in the 30 team NBA in total rebounds. In offensive rebounds they were 29th.
The Wolves lowly totals came despite having the league’s leading rebounder, Kevin Garnett at 12.7 rebounds per game. Not being able to rebound effectively can be particularly troublesome in close games when every possession of the basketball may impact the game’s outcome. Last season the Wolves were 1-5 in overtime games, 4-10 in games decided by three points or less.
As fans track the progress of the Wolves in the pre-season and early season, attention will be paid to forwards Eddie Griffin and Craig Smith, and center Mark Blount. Among the three, Griffin is the most intriguing. On and off court problems have characterized his four year pro career but the 24–year-old Griffin has sometimes shown exceptional promise.
He was second to Garnett in rebounds per game last season at 5.6. He ranked 10th in the league in blocked shots per game at 2.11. Although he had the worst scoring and rebound totals of his career last season, his 17 point, 14 rebound, six blocked shots game against Indiana in January teased teammates and others with his potential.
Wolves center Mark Madsen thinks the team is capable of improved rebounding and that Griffin can be a major contributor. “Eddie is a very gifted player,” Madsen said. “He’s a special talent. He blocks shots on the way up. He blocks shots at the zenith and he’s a great offensive rebounder. He can shoot the three ball. He’s a guy who can change a game in short order.”
Can he be an all-star? “With Eddie the sky’s the limit,” Madsen said. “I think he’s gotten himself into phenomenal shape. He absolutely can be an all-star.”
Smith tore a ligament in his left wrist in late March. He needed an operation and his recovery time meant he couldn’t showcase his ability for NBA teams before the draft. Without the wrist problem, Smith might not have been available to the Wolves as the 36th pick in the June draft.
The 6-7, 250-pound Smith averaged 18.1 points and 8.6 rebounds during his career at Boston College. He is the school’s leader in total rebounds. In pre-season games and practices with the Wolves he has shown energy, muscle and hustle. He describes himself as a guy who can “play physical, make plays.”
Small forward Ricky Davis, who played with Blount in Boston, said the Wolves 7-foot center is a “big key” to rebounding this season. Playing last season in both Boston and here, Blount averaged 4.5 rebounds per game. Not only is Blount not considered an aggressive and effective rebounder, but he also frequently experiences foul trouble, limiting his availability. He said he expects his rebounding numbers to go up this season.
For improvement in rebounding, the Wolves will, of course, look beyond Griffin, Smith and Blount. “It’s not going to be one guy that is going to step up and take that load, I think it’s going to be a team situation,” assistant coach Randy Wittman said.