THROUGH THE YEARS
	Year	Record	Playoffs
	1994-95	21-61	--
	1995-96	26-56	--
	1996-97	40-42	0-3
	1997-98	45-37	2-3
	1998-99	25-25	1-3
	Totals	223-155	3-9

The Present
The Timberwolves are built around the multi-talented Kevin Garnett -- the NBA's most versatile player. At 7-0, KG does it all at both ends of the floor. His current stats -- 23 ppg, 12 rpg, 5 apg and just under 2 blocks -- attest to his varied offensive skills. Add to those his ability to defend any position from point guard to center -- and do an outstanding job -- and the magnitude of his game becomes apparent.

But that's not all he does. Garnett is the team's spiritual leader as well -- on and off the court. He's the one who rallies his team vocally, and with his considerable game skills, when it's sagging and needs a boost; He's also the calming agent the team needs when emotions are at the brink; and he's the ultimate team player who does what it takes personally for his team to win.

Brandon is the quiet floor leader who gets 17 ppg, just under 9 assists, shoots 90 percent on free throws, and has one of the league's best assist/turnover ratios. Szczerbiak is growing into a complete player at small forward; Smith is a valuable frontcourt performer; and Sealy and Peeler complement each other as swingmen. Nesterovic is making noticeable progress as an NBA center; Garrett is steady, and Jackson gives effective pressure defense in back of Brandon.

Saunders makes them play as a unit. The Wolves don't play isolation offense -- where one player has the ball and everybody else moves to the weak side of the floor. They play a team game. They pass and screen very effectively -- a trait that allows them to lead the league in field goal percentage (.471) and in assists (27 apg).

At the defensive end of the floor, Saunders comes at the opposition in a number of ways. The Wolves may trap at half-court, may double team the wings or post, or they may play straight up. Saunders keeps the opposition guessing ... and that helps the Wolves to be among the top 10 defensive teams in the NBA.

The principal weaknesses of the team are that it lacks a dominant center and its perimeter shooting is erratic (21st in the league in three-point percentage). Those conditions are not going to be overcome this year. But don't sell the Wolves short. They are aggressive, confident and feisty -- dangerous attributes in the playoffs.

The Future
Kevin McHale likes his team, but is fully aware that he must keep the key elements together -- Garnett, Brandon and Szczerbiak -- and then strengthen the weak spots if the Timberwolves are to become true contenders for an NBA championship. He'll tell you that the key players must want to stay in Minnesota -- remembering all too well that Marbury and Gugliotta chose to go elsewhere.

Garnett appears to be committed to staying with the Wolves. He wants to win a championship there. That's a huge plus. It also seems that Brandon and Szczerbiak will stay on board. That's also very positive.

Regarding the shortcomings at center and with perimeter shooting? Nesterovic may surprise. He needs to bulk up and become more physical in his defensive game. But he's 7-0, has a nice shooting touch and is a good passer -- qualities that are hard to find in big men. A summer of instruction, conditioning and competition might do wonders for him.

Szczerbiak is on his way to becoming an excellent perimeter threat. Sealy and Peeler might also improve, and there's always free agency. Shooters are easier to find than centers.

The Minnesota Timberwolves have made significant progress after a slow beginning. They'd love to match the championship record of that first NBA Minnesota team -- the Minneapolis Lakers.

That would be some kind of accomplishment.