NBA 2011: One Thing Each Minnesota Timberwolf Must Improve Upon

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The Minnesota Timberwolves, with a 17-65 record, had the worst win-loss percentage of any team in the association during the 2010-11 season.

No one can deny they were a bad team then, but the future seems bright for the team that plays in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.

Heck, they already have an All-Star to go along with many other young pieces. Assuming the roster is set (which, in all reality, it probably won't be), I will be talking about the 13 guys I think will make the everyday roster and what they must improve upon.

With all that mind, here one thing for each of those 13 players to work on before next season commences.

 

Follow Joseph on Twitter @JosephFafinski.

Michael Beasley: Hands

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Every negative thing about Michael Beasley can be attributed to his hands. Whether their driving a car that gets pulled over, putting a fist to someone's face (like he did in NYC) or passing poorly, it's all in his philanges. 

When it comes to his game, Beasley is a pretty solid player. His main weaknesses, however, seem to be ball control. Like Derrick Williams, Beas has some difficulties when set up in the point-forward position, namely relinquishing the ball by way of steal or lost control.

Many fans like to point to Beasley's defense as the main negative, but the fact is that the team was three points better per 100 possessions when he was on the floor. As long as he keeps flailing his arms and giving an effort on D, his hands will be the number one question mark.

Nevertheless, if Beasley wants to develop into the star that I know he can be, he needs to shut up both of his hands.

Wayne Ellington: Anything but Shooting

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Wayne Ellington is an interesting case.

He suffers from "I-was-awesome-in-college-but-now-I-suck-in-the-NBA-itis", a plague that has also taken the likes of J.J. Redick, Adam Morrison, Sean May, and many other players. 

After two seasons of showing hardly any extra potential, Ellington, the 2009 NCAA Final Four MOP, can be considered a bust.

Sure, he's shown signs of potential, but what does he do outside of shoot? Like, seriously. Someone help me out.

To Ellington I say this—improve at anything other than your stroke and maybe you'll become a mainstay on the Timberwolves' roster.

Lazar Hayward: Shot Control and Quickness

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Lazar Hayward sees less action than a white crayon. It's as simple as that.

Only 6'6'', Hayward is considered a forward with the makings of an offensive-minded shooting guard.

The one thing Hayward must improve upon if he wants to become a catalyst in the Timberwolves' lineup is his shot control. There were times last season when Hayward would just aimlessly huck up random shots. Sure, they were in garbage time, but if the Marquette alum really thinks he can do this time after time he's mistaken.

The 35.7 field goal percentage he sported last season doesn't help his case.

Another thing he needs to better is his overall quickness. Is it really plausible to believe that he can guard any sort of wing? There's really no question—he can't.

Wesley Johnson: Consistency on Both Sides of the Floor

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Wesley Johnson had about as flippy-floppy of a rookie season as one can imagine.

Just as I am desperately in need of a haircut, Johnson yearns for perpetual consistency. We all know he's a lockdown defender when he puts his heart in it, and he can light up the scoreboard on occasion.

As of right now, we are fairly uncertain in regards to Wes' ceiling. Is he DeMar DeRozan-esque, or will he fall into the not-so-lucky bust department?

For now, one game on March 19th defines what Johnson can do. In that game, the Syracuse product outplayed the legendary Kobe Bryant. Bryant, who is still regarded as a solid defensive player, could not stop Johnson and was outscored 29-18.

The point is that consistency can lead to bigger and better things.

Kevin Love: Defense

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Kevin Love is terrible on defense. It's a topic that has garnered copious amounts of chatter.

So why hasn't anything been done?

Love has the mold of a superstar (he can shoot and rebound excellently), but if he doesn't make an effort on D soon I will unleash my inner Hannibal Lecter (and not the nice, helpful Silence of the Lambs version, either).

Darko Milicic: Becoming an Offensive Presence

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Darko Milicic is about as absent-minded offensively as they come.

Notorious for being an ultra-bust, Darko is still only 26 and could have many years ahead of him. One way of proving himself is by developing an inside offensive game.

He wasn't absolutely horrendous last season under the hoop, but buckets that came via Darko seemed less than rare.

Brad Miller: Keeping Any Youthfulness He Has Left

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If David Kahn had acquired the Brad Miller of '04, we'd be having an entirely different debate.

However, that isn't the case. Miller is 35 and, at this point in his career, a role player at best. He still did average better than six points, four rebounds and two assists last season, but for a guy with an 11, seven and three lifetime average, that's a mediocre season at best.

If Miller is to become a contributor for the Minnesota Timberwolves, he needs to rediscover some of the magic he possessed in his late 20s. It isn't likely, but stranger things have happened under the helm of David Kahn.

Anthony Randolph: Learning the Center Position

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If you're a passionate T'Wolves fan like I am, you are and have been afraid of Darko Milicic being the starting center.

What does this have to do with Randolph? Well, since there's already a logjam at the forward positions (Kevin Love, Derrick Williams, Michael Beasley, and Anthony Tolliver all have to share 96 minutes), he needs to take on some minutes as the big guy down low. At this point in time, it's not unrealistic to say that Randolph needs to bulk up a bit (he's 6'11'' and just 225 pounds) if he wants the center spot. Besides, he's far more talented and athletic than the incumbent Darko Milicic.

While we have no idea where Randolph's ceiling stands, one thing we do know is that he is an ultra-talented player with a future.

Another thing he needs work on is his defense, but that's a whole different story.

Luke Ridnour: Lateral Quickness

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Luke Ridnour had an okay season last year with the T'Wolves. There's not much else you can say. Averaging 11 points and five assists is something that a middle of the line point guard will do year after year.

One thing that is not shown through statistics is defense. It is in this aspect that Luke is, well, awful. There might as well be a big green highway sign that says "Two points are just 15 feet away" since Ridnour's lateral quickness is weaker than a Jonas brother.

Simply put, he needs to improve.

Ricky Rubio: That Shot

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Do I even need to explain this one?

Ricky Rubio has been under more scrutiny than anyone not named LeBron James as of late.

Even if Rubio becomes a solid starter, I'll be happy. At least he'll be an upgrade over Frodo and the bust.

Anthony Tolliver: Durability

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In four seasons, Anthony Tolliver has played about 150 games with a career-high of 65 last season that still made Robert Parish wince.

The one thing Tolliver must improve upon is staying healthy. The team might need him if they let go of Nikola Pekovic or Darko Milicic.

In other news, Tolliver is the best defender on the Wolves. That in and of itself is an accomplishment considering Kurt Rambis preaches defense as often as he sees Halley's Comet.

Martell Webster: Defense

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If I were LeBron James in this picture, I'd execute a simple crossover before driving to the lane for two easily-earned points.

I've already educated you about the story of my anonymous friend (I called him "Mike") who said Webster would be a solid starter for the Wolves. To much dismay, though, Webster absolutely folded in any sort of pressure-filled situation. When the former Blazer was on the floor the team gave up five points more per 100 possessions than when he was sitting on the bench.

Martell is practically absent-minded defensively, and that is something that needs to change.

If he can improve in this facet in any way, shape or form, I'd recommend we keep his talents in the Gopher State. If not, give him the boot. Not even his offensive prowess can erase all that he has done poorly defensively.

But then again, I major in hating Martell Webster, so what do I know?

Derrick Williams: Limiting Turnovers

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Derrick Williams is a solid overall player. No one is questioning that. That is why it makes this slide so much easier.

The one part of his game that isn't average or better is how well he controls the ball. Many times during isolation, defenders could reach out, seemingly at will, and snatch the ball from him. If he wants to succeed at the professional level, he has understand ball control, as well as accurate passing (sort of like the way Michael Beasley struggles, but in worse).

He also has the tendency to hold onto the ball for extended periods of time. The NBA is much more of a team game and because he will have to earn his spot as one of the best (whereas at Arizona he was the best upon arrival) the likelihood of him being the go-to guy is low, especially in a place like Minnesota that has already has an established star.

In summary, let's keep Williams away from the point-forward position.

 

Follow Joseph on Twitter @JosephFafinski.