Enemy Lines

an opposing team's scout sizes up the Timberwolves

" Terrell Brandon is the key. They don't play well when he's out because William Avery can't get it done and Chauncey Billups is more of a two guard. If Brandon is healthy, he's one of the premier points in the league, but that's a big if....

They made two good moves. Drafting Loren Woods will work because Flip Saunders will find a way to make it work, like he makes everything work. He'll move Woods around a lot, make sure that he doesn't get overpowered. And it's not as if Woods has to come in and take over in the middle, because Rasho Nesterovic is O.K. He just doesn't have one thing that makes him stand out. He needs to develop something-some unstoppable inside shot-that would take him to the next level....

The other good move was picking up Gary Trent, who's an animal down on the blocks....

Wally Szczerbiak is O.K., but he's not really a two and they would've been better off trading him and getting someone really athletic at that position. Overall, they have average athleticism besides, of course, Kevin Garnett....

Garnett is getting better and better, able to step out and make shots, learning how to defend several positions. A guy like Joe Smith, who is an average player, looks really good playing next to Garnett; anything starts to go wrong, KG will cover....

Saunders and Kevin McHale have created a nice atmosphere in Minnesota, and they have a great working relationship. But, ultimately, this team probably won't get higher than Number 5 in the West."