Yesterday we looked at the eight Timberwolves with below average grades. We likely need a few of those eight guys to step up in the second half of the season for the Wolves to make a playoff push. Today we’re going to dive into the players that have actually helped us match last year’s win total at the halfway point of the season.
For anyone unfamiliar, here is how the grading scale works:
A = Excellent
B = Above Average
C = Average
D = Below Average
F = This kid should take your roster spot
JJ Barea – Grade: C
Career Averages: 7.3 PPG, 43% FG, 35% 3PT, 1.3 TOPG
2011-2012 Averages: 10.8 PPG, 39% FG, 36% 3PT, 1.9 TOPG
The only member of the Wolves with an NBA championship ring has been a bit of an enigma so far this season. He’s had a handful of games where he’s been really effective, and some games where he is simply trying to do too much. He is at his best when he can drive into the lane and use his quickness to get open layups or floaters. The problem is, he tries to force the issues too often, which results in blocked shots or turnovers. He’s still figuring out his role on the team, so I can’t fault him too much. Plus, it’s hilarious to watch him get the “he just elbowed me in the face” flop call at least once a game. As a backup PG/SG, Barea can be successful once he begins to feel comfortable. If his 22-point game against Utah last Wednesday was any indication, we should see more of the good and less of the bad from him in the 2nd half of the season.
Derrick Williams (Rookie) – Grade: C+
2011-2012 Averages: 7.3 PPG, 44% FG, 25% 3PT, 4.2 RPG
Over the last 10 games, the “caged lion” has begun to be released, averaging 19.5 minutes on 47% shooting from the field. The biggest question is how he fits on the team–is it at SF or PF? Over the last few games he’s seen the majority of his playing time at the PF position, with Love at C and Beasley at SF. He has looked lost at times on defense, but that’s to be expected from the majority of rookies. I would expect to see more of DWill as the season progresses. You just can’t keep that kind of athletic ability from a #2 pick caged up for too long.
Michael Beasley – Grade: B-
Career Averages: 15.5 PPG, 45% FG, 36% 3PT, 5.8 RPG
2011-2012 Averages: 12.2 PPG, 42% FG, 43% 3PT, 5.3 RPG
Beasley began the season starting at SF, but has been coming off the bench as of late for the Wolves. Having Beasley come off the bench has been a move that has worked for the Wolves so far. Shot selection and concentration have been concerns since his time in the NBA, but it appears he is starting to “get it.” He has been shooting a respectable percentage from the field and is by far the Wolves most consistent 3PT threat this season (43%). He’s having a more effective season than many give him credit for and is the only true versatile scorer on the team. He is an integral part of the team if the Wolves hope to make the playoffs. Steady improvement is the key for Beas.
Luke Ridnour – Grade: B
Career Averages: 9.7 PPG, 43% FG, 36% 3PT, 1.7 TOPG
2011-2012 Averages: 11.3 PPG, 45% FG, 33% 3PT, 1.5 TOPG
His buzzer beater put the Wolves at .500 going into the All-Star break, and aside from the occasional bone-headed turnover or shot selection, he is having an extremely productive season. He’s started at SG for the majority of the season, which isn’t his ideal position in my opinion. He is an ideal backup PG (providing a scoring punch on the 2nd unit), but until the Wolves find a legitimate SG option, he’s their guy for the foreseeable future.
Nikola Pekovic – Grade: B+
Career Averages: 7.5 PPG, 55% FG, 4.2 RPG, 77% FT
2011-2012 Averages: 12.5 PPG, 58% FG, 7.2 RPG, 78% FT
I know I may get a bit of flak for only giving The Godfather a B+ (and frankly I’m a bit afraid I may find a horse head on my pillow), but that is only because he wasn’t given tons of minutes until recently. He has been simply phenomenal over the past 10 games, averaging 17.2 PPG while shooting 56% from the field, and averaging 1.4 BPG. If he can keep up this level of play, the Wolves have undoubtedly found their Center of the future. He also makes things a bit easier for Love by being an intimidating presence in the middle. Where in the world is Nikola Pekovic? In Minnesota. And Wolves faithful could not be more pleased.
Ricky Rubio (Rookie ) – Grade: A-
2011-2012 Averages: 11.3 PPG, 38% FG, 35% 3PT, 8.4 APG, 2.4 STLPG, 3.4 TOPG
Ricky Rubio has undoubtedly been one of the most electric players in the first half of this NBA season. He has room for improvemen–turnovers and developing a consistent shot–but his production this season has been remarkable. His court vision is unparalleled and he is a true leader on the floor. His defense has been surprisingly good–2nd in the league in steals–and his shooting is better than many anticipated. I’m a bit concerned about him hitting the rookie wall with all the games and minutes he’s been playing, but I expect him to get better as the season progresses, if he can keep his legs decently fresh.
Rick Adelman – Grade: A-
Adelman has taken a team with a combined 32 wins in the past 2 seasons, and turned them into a team with a legitimate chance to make the playoffs. He’s even gotten the team to play defense for the first time in years (17th in points allowed). The only reason for the minus part of the grade is his decision to keep starting Wes Johnson, who has had a horrible season. However, Adelman has 962 more wins than I do, so I’ll try not to second-guess him too much.
Kevin Love – Grade: A
Career Averages: 16.3 PPG, 46% FG, 37% 3PT, 12.0 RPG
2011-2012 Averages: 25.0 PPG, 45% FG, 35% 3PT, 14.0 RPG
Mr. Love has been spectacular this year–2nd in the NBA in RPG (14) and 4th in the NBA in PPG (25). Wolves fans can breathe a sigh of relief as the 2-Time All Star (and reigning 3PT champion) signed an extension earlier this season. His defense and post moves are noticeably improved, and he has developed into the clear-cut leader of the team. He leads the league in minutes per game (39.9), which is the only cause for concern. The Wolves are going to need to lean on him heavily in the 2nd half of the season and Love has shown he is capable of being the go-to guy for this Wolves team.
Overall Team Grade: B
At 17-17, the Wolves are better than a vast number of teams in the league, and are decidedly above average. They still have some huge holes to fill–SG and SF mainly–but they are managing to win while still finding their identity and defining their individual roles. They are a piece/deal or two away from being a legitimate perennial playoff contender. This year could very well be the first of many playoff runs to come.
Steven Shega is a Radio/TV Major at Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall, MN. He is the host of Sports Roundup for KSSU TV and the color commentator for SMSU Mens basketball. You can follow Steven on Twitter: @StevenShega.
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This team doesn’t deserve JJ Barea. If you check his production over his minutes per game, you will see a player waaaayy over that bluff Ricky blondie. Give JJ one night with 39 or 40 mins (that’s the less Rubio is playing this season) and then tell me who deserves the A+. Trade JJ to the lakers, they will give him what he deserves.
Better Trade… Kobe to the Timberwolves for Michael Beasley. Yup.
Very good job of distributing the grades. ” The only reason for the minus part of the grade is his decision to keep starting Wes Johnson, who has had a horrible season. However, Adelman has 962 more wins than I do, so I’ll try not to second-guess him too much.” That’s exactly how I feel. I hope he knows something we don’t.