Minnesota Timberwolves

Mejia's Offseason Grade Outside of choosing Dwane Casey to coach the team instead of early favorite P.J. Carlesimo, the Wolves haven't really done much this offseason. What has gone down hasn't been positive. Eddie Griffin was ruled to have violated his probation and spent 15 days in prison, but is expected to soon be re-signed. Grade: C-   Key Players Kevin Garnett: Garnett will do everything in his power to not let last season's disappointing season happen again. Wally Szczerbiak: The media has been trying to run Wally Szczerbiak out of Minnesota for the past two or three seasons, and yet he remains.   Role Playing Eddie Griffin, Forward K.G.'s versatile tag team partner: Unless Michael Olowokandi plans on showing up for the final year of his contract, expect Griffin to be the big man most often paired up with Kevin Garnett. His outside shooting touch adds a different dimension to the offense, and defensively, he has really emerged as a standout shot blocker. Trenton Hassell, Guard Perimeter defense: Help defense and sound rotations are at the center of Dwane Casey's coaching philosophy, so it's quite likely Hassell will be one of his favorites. The former second-round pick has carved out a niche for himself as a valuable defender who can shadow and frustrate many of the game's top wings. Rashad McCants, Guard Option No. 3? There's no doubting he can put the ball in the basket, but the question is whether he can defend well enough to stay out on the floor. If he catches on quick, the rookie can ease some of the pressure on Garnett in the post and Wally Szczerbiak on the perimeter.   Burning Question Can the Wolves recapture their swagger? Despite a 16-9 finish in the season's last two months, Minnesota won only 44 games and missed the playoffs. 2004-05 was the ultimate collective disappearing act, with players growing disgruntled with their roles and team president Kevin McHale letting go and temporarily replacing longtime coach and good friend Flip Saunders. Apparently, complacency set in once team's backcourt failed to age like fine wine, so this year's facelift starts with a younger backcourt and a re-commitment to defense under new coach Dwane Casey. Will that be enough to restore the team to its previous heights? Kevin Garnett, entering his 10th year in the league, can't do much more than he already has.

Marko Jaric was an offseason addition who'll see a lot of minutes at point guard. (Getty Images)     Team Projections Projected finish: 4th, NW Division Projected win total: 37-43 Team MVP:Kevin Garnett Leading scorer: Garnett Leading rebounder: Garnett Leading assists: Marko Jaric Top defender: Trenton Hassell   Stat Rankings Stat Rank Total Pts Scored 16 96.8 Pts Against 9 95.3 Rebounds 6 43.0 FG% 4t 45.9   PROJECTED STARTERS PG Marko Jaric Croatian playmaker comes off a quietly solid season in L.A. and should hold off Troy Hudson and Anthony Carter for the starting nod. SG Trenton Hassell Valuable glue guy will likely split time with rookie Rashad McCants. SF Wally Szczerbiak Back in the starting five, the former All-Star vows to recapture his previous form after a down season. PF Kevin Garnett You'll be hard-pressed to find anyone who cares more or plays harder. C Michael Olowokandi Has the former No. 1 pick already peaked? If so, was anyone watching? Team Depth Chart   Player Movement Movement Player Pos. Key loss Sam Cassell PG Key gain Marko Jaric PG Key re-signing Eddie Griffin SF/PF Player Movement Chart