MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: Al Jefferson. The only real reason to believe in the future, Jefferson proved he could place a franchise upon his shoulders and carry it with a 20-plus point, 10-plus rebound night nearly every time out. Whether he makes the next step forward next season that he did this one will depend on whether his focus on shot-blocking and passing late in the season was just a passing fad.
MOST DISAPPOINTING PLAYER: Corey Brewer. Wolves' fans hoped the rookie, seventh overall pick and 2007 NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player would prove to be the sleeper of the draft. He demonstrated flashes of great athleticism and enough length and ability to defend the other team's best player many nights. But he also couldn't shoot a lick, averaging 5.7 points on 37.5 shooting for the season. So skinny, Brewer must get stronger and relax with his shot. BIGGEST NEEDS: The Wolves would like to add a big, talented center so they won't have to play undersized Al Jefferson so much at that position. That's probably why every mock draft you'll see will list Stanford center Brook Lopez as the Wolves' third pick overall. That's a logical solution to a pressing need, but certainly not a foregone conclusion. They also need to upgrade their perimeter defense.
FREE AGENT FOCUS: The Wolves might make a modest move if the right veteran comes along, but the Wolves' braintrust has structured its salary cap so the team can make a big splash in the market in 2009.
PLAYER NOTES:
--Former Florida teammates Corey Brewer and Chris Richard, rookies last season, will join the team's draft picks on the Wolves' Las Vegas summer-league team in July.
--F Craig Smith, due to be a restricted free agent on July 1, will practice with the summer-league team and might play a game or two, if he is re-signed by then.
--G Randy Foye likely will practice with the team's top draft pick and the Wolves summer-league team to grow familiar with his new teammate but is not expected to play in Vegas.
