MVN: Most Valuable Network

Star Tribune staff writer Brian Stensaas had a few good notes worth posting on Jerry Zgoda's blog from Tuesday's practice:

Good day. And that's not just a greeting. Those were the exact words Timberwolves coach Randy Wittman described today's practice, a day before taking on the Sixers at home. Wittman said, despite a 1-8 record, the mentality of the team remains positive.

The Wolves went through the usual motions today, allowing the media in to see a little bit of scrimmaging and then some after-practice individual work.

- Brian Cardinal and Mark Madsen did a good bit of running.

- Kevin Love worked on perimeter shooting.
- Corey Brewer, Ryan Gomes and Randy Foye did some quick pass, quick shoot work.
- Rashad McCants lifted weights.

This a day after the team pretty much worked on its own. No official practice was held Monday.

Love worked on perimeter shooting?  I believe Kevin McHale's masterful teaching ability on low post technique should take precedent.  We need somebody with a good drop step more than a player who can play with versatility on offense that can give defenders something to worry about.

Maybe the biggest problem is that when practicing fourth quarter defense, we're going against our own inept offense that suffers from poor shooting, inability to adapt to what the defense is showing, and some old fashioned bad luck.  It's hard to get an idea of what it's like to go against the top flite teams when you're scrimmaging with players that aren't starters on a 1-9 team - the only way to get better is to go out there and do it against real competition.

I'm glad that the Wolves had a "good day", let's just hope it translates into a good result after Wednesday night's game.  The Wolves will have their hands full against a 76ers team that is on a three game winning streak and just made mince meat of the Thunder.  They don't have anyone that particularly scares you, but Thaddeus Young is coming off two really nice games in his second NBA season and leads the team in scoring this year.  He was drafted 5 spots ahead of Corey Brewer, who played for just 8 minutes against Denver.  Another McHale blunder?  Probably.  I really can't wait until KG comes to town soon to stick it to Glen Taylor just one more time.