Wolves show their potential in victory

By Jerry Zgoda, Star Tribune

Last update: October 26, 2007 - 10:18 PM

The Timberwolves received the first true look at their completely remade team on the final night of their preseason schedule. Friday's 106-85 victory over Milwaukee revealed these things:

• New forward Al Jefferson, if he stays healthy and if the Wolves can sign him to a long-term contract extension, will make July's Kevin Garnett trade look decidedly lopsided within five years. His 24-point, 12-rebound performance completed an impressive preseason in which he demonstrated he is the foundation of the team's rebuilding. Jefferson averaged 17.9 points,13.4 rebounds and 31 minutes in eight games.

• Randy Foye and Sebastian Telfair -- the team's top two point guards -- returned to the lineup together for the first time since the Wolves played in London more than two weeks ago. Their presence was felt immediately when the Wolves burst to leads of 13-4, 23-9 and 41-21. One or the other led the team's offense all night until the game's final minutes. Telfair played 28 minutes, with six assists and seven points.

• Wednesday's trade that sent Ricky Davis and Mark Blount to Miami in a five-player deal for Antoine Walker and a conditional first-round pick creates space for players such as Rashad McCants, Corey Brewer and Gerald Green. On Friday McCants exploited the opportunity by starting at Davis' guard spot and delivering a perfect 8-for-8 shooting night. He finished with 20 points and four assists.

• Veteran forward Juwan Howard's absence throughout the preseason -- Friday's Did Not Play-Coach's Decision was his fourth in eight games -- suggests he will be gone by Monday's roster deadline if the team can swing a deal.

• Even with Foye and Telfair back, the Wolves committed 30 turnovers. They averaged 22.2 in the preseason.

See 'em for free

The Timberwolves will hold a free public scrimmage at Target Center today from 5 to 7 p.m., part of a 12-day marketing campaign that leads to Friday's season-opener.

Jerry Zgoda • jzgoda@startribune.com

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