Smith is key asset in reserve

By KENT YOUNGBLOOD, Star Tribune

Last update: March 13, 2008 - 9:13 PM

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Much has been made of Rashad McCants' contributions off the bench for the Timberwolves. But what about Craig Smith?

Smith has proven, almost from the moment he came in as a 2006 second-round draft pick, that, given the right matchup, he can score in the paint. He scored 20 points in his second NBA game.

But lately his game has gone up a level. Entering tonight's game in Seattle, Smith is in the midst of the most consistent stretch of his career. He has scored in double figures in a career-best six consecutive games, during which he is shooting better than 70 percent. His assist totals are up, too.

"He's playing with great confidence right now," Wolves coach Randy Wittman said. "We're getting him the ball in good spots, but his points in the paint? That's where he's living right now."

And that's OK -- for now.

There are a few things Wittman still wants to see out of Smith. The first is for Smith -- who has a knack for scoring over bigger defenders near the hoop -- to bring his game farther away from the basket at times.

"[But] his main thing is stamina," Wittman said. "Keeping himself in top shape. He can't afford to let that get out of hand, because his play sinks when it does. Dramatically."

Smith came to camp last fall in very good shape after an offseason of Pilates training and strict dieting. But a couple of ankle injuries this season -- including one early in camp -- made staying in shape difficult at times.

When he's healthy and in game shape, though, Smith has improved. During his recent six-game stretch, he has averaged two assists per game, up from his season average of 0.7.

The Wolves don't want him to leave the paint. But they want Smith to work on a midrange jumper that would serve him well when he's on the floor with Al Jefferson. There are times, Wittman said, when the two of them can get in each other's way in the low post. Wittman would like to see Smith hit the midrange shot or create a little off the dribble against bigger defenders.

"That's going to be the next step," Wittman said. "It will have to be. ... He has to be able to go to the pinch post, the high post area. Then, if they double-team Al, he has to knock that shot down. And his free throw shooting has to become better, because he draws fouls a lot."

Smith already has that on top of his to-do list this summer.

"I'll definitely be working on the 15-, 16-foot jumper," he said. "And I'll be working on my ballhandling as well. I have to be a threat on the outside as well as the inside."

More opportunity

Since coming to the Wolves in trade for Gerald Green, Kirk Snyder has impressed Wittman with his ability to defend against physical small forwards.

But he wants to see more from Snyder on the offensive end.

"He has to become a guy who can hit the open shots," Wittman said. "We're going to try to get him more opportunities there."

Snyder has been logging regular minutes since the trade, averaging 27.8 with the Wolves. But in eight games -- five of which he has started -- he is shooting 39.1 percent from the field.

Etc.

• Sebastian Telfair's sore ankle continues to improve, but don't look for him to start practicing until late next week. He did not accompany the team to Seattle.

• Forward Antoine Walker did not travel with the team.

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