What Minnesota Timberwolves' Interest in Anthony Tolliver Means

Several reports have linked the Minnesota Timberwolves with a move for Anthony Tolliver, who is currently out of contract with the Golden State Warriors.

Reading between the lines, regardless of whether or not this deal occurs, we can start to see Kurt Rambis and David Kahn’s strategy for this season a little more clearly.

There had been some speculation about who the starting power forward would be.  Most understood that with Al Jefferson’s trade to Utah, it would be Kevin Love taking the reigns.  However, the acquisition of Michael Beasley, who has played power forward so far in his tenure in the NBA, put that into some doubt.

With the apparent pursuit of another forward for the team after trading away backup center Ryan Hollins, the Wolves actually appear to have clarified how they see a few other players on the team.

First of all, trying to bring in a backup power forward would seem to indicate that Rambis and company do not see Michael Beasley as a starting power forward, but rather as their starting small forward.  Tolliver measures in at 6’9” and has regularly played at power forward.  If Beasley were to be used as a power forward, this move would simply be an unnecessary purchase for a team that is quickly becoming known for limiting salary cap expenditures.

Therefore, it would seem that Michael Beasley will be playing the majority of his minutes as a small forward for the Timberwolves.  This fits well with what Beasley himself said at his introductory press conference at the Target Center; that he is defensively more comfortable playing as a small forward than as a power forward.

Now, seeing as it appears that Beasley will fill the 3 spot on the court, Kevin Love should be in line to take the place that has been left to him by Jefferson’s departure, putting the small Love vs. Beasley debate to rest.

Love recently made the first cuts of the Team USA camp in Las Vegas, and stands a good chance to play at the World Championships this year, held in Turkey.  The tournament will begin in late August, and if Love is included, that may be a bonus for the Wolves.  Having an in-form Kevin Love to start out the season will be of great benefit in helping the lineup gel early in the season.

Now, the starting personnel the Timberwolves will likely put on the floor come opening night will look something like the following:

Luke Ridnour

Wesley Johnson/Corey Brewer/Martell Webster

Michael Beasley

Kevin Love

Darko Milicic

At this point, as shown above, the only true unknown element is who will start at shooting guard.  The candidates here are rookie shooter Wesley Johnson, fourth year defensive specialist Corey Brewer, and young veteran Martell Webster.

As we can see, the Timberwolves’ roster is starting to take shape after what has been a tumultuous summer of 2010.