Foye Foils Bucks
April 16, 2008

Fans knew this was not going to be an ordinary night when, during the halftime show, the celebrated and always-perfect Red Panda troupe acrobat failed to balance her crockery and began dropping bowls onto the Target Center playing surface like a drunken busboy.

The game script called for the Minnesota Timberwolves to lose to the favored Milwaukee Bucks in the last game of the season to cement their 28th place standing in the 30-team NBA and thereby enhance their chances of using the lottery draft to get either Michael Beasley of Kansas State or Memphis’ Derrick Rose.

In the first half, the Bucks took a 53-45 lead and visions of extra ping-pong balls began dancing in the heads of Wolves’ management members. In the third quarter, Milwaukee led by a 65-49 margin, and many in the fan appreciation night crowd of 17,459 eyed the exits.

Then something strange happened. Randy Foye and substitute Corey Brewer began to play for the Timberwolves as if they had rocket packs strapped to their backs. In 1919, infamous Black Sox players outfielder Joe Jackson and third baseman Buck Weaver knew the fix was in but could not help playing their hearts out. Last night, Foye and the rookie Brewer became Jackson and Weaver, diving for loose balls, leading fast breaks, and hitting jumpers. Foye, in particular, was in a zone of his own. His 19-foot jump shot cut the Milwaukee lead to 92-90 very late in the fourth quarter.

Foye’s driving lay-up kept Minnesota within 94-92 with 55 seconds remaining. Then Brewer hit a pair of free throws to send the game into overtime. This was to be only the second time all season that the Wolves had experienced overtime action. The only other occasion for OT resulted in a 111-108 loss to Seattle, the 29th worst team in the NBA.

In the overtime period, Minnesota coach Randy Wittman chose to place his best player, Al Jefferson, in a sitting position at the far end of the team bench. Big Al, it seemed “lacked energy,” according to his coach, who selected seldom-used Michael Doleac to guard Milwaukee’s high scoring center Andrew Bogut. If Wittman’s excuse is to be believed, it reflects a shocking lack of confidence in the ability of his go-to guy to play any type of defense in a clutch situation.

No matter. Foye simply took over the court in OT, hitting two three-pointers and a pair of two-pointers as the Wolves waltzed to a 110-101 victory.

Before the game, the Timberwolves announced its “Pay the Pick” promotion, providing fans with the opportunity to purchase season tickets for the price of the team’s draft position.

The scheme works like this: Fans could pay as little as $1 per game ($43 for season tickets) for the 2008-09 season, depending on the team’s lottery fortunes. The price fans will pay per game will match the team’s draft pick number, which will be determined on May 20. With the Number 1 selection, the seats will cost $43 each. With the Number 2 selection, the same seats will go for $86, etc. Those interested need to put down a $43 deposit (non-refundable) before the draft lottery.

“As we turn our attention to the future, we want to reward our fans with a unique and exiting opportunity,” said Timberwolves president Chris Wright. “As we continue to build our young team, we realize how much our fans are anticipating the upcoming NBA draft.”

While the fans and team management are anticipating the draft, they might do well to examine the status of current players (in alphabetical order):

Corey Brewer. First player drafted by Wolves in 2007 draft. Probably drafted too high. Needs to find a legal way to bulk up before he can be counted on in a starting role.

Greg Buckner. Acquired in a 2007 trade from Dallas. Just a body needed by Minnesota to fill out its roster. Highly expendable.

Michael Doleac. Acquired in a 2007 trade from Miami. In the twilight of an insignificant pro career.

Randy Foye. Acquired in draft-day trade with Portland. Despite his sterling April 16 performance, remains a question mark. Most likely to never be voted to play in an all-star game.

Ryan Gomes. Acquired in Kevin Garnett trade from Boston. This one’s a keeper. He would start for most of the current NBA teams.

Marko Jaric. Acquired in 2005 trade with Clippers. Marko should have never left the green, green grass of home (Serbia).

Al Jefferson. Also acquired in Garnett trade. Supplies Wolves with one true thing (and it isn’t defense).

Mark Madsen. Signed as a free agent in 2003. His free throw last night was probably the last point he will score in an NBA game. Apparently, Wolves hired him to serve as an expensive cheerleader.

Rashad McCants. First round pick in 2005 draft. He needs to overcome inconsistently to be a prototype sixth man.

Chris Richard. Second round draft pick in 2007. Never started in college, not likely to start in NBA.

Craig Smith. Second round pick in 2006 draft. Too short for any frontline position he plays (whichever position that is).

Kirk Snyder. Acquired in 2008 trade with Houston. Kirk has all the characteristics of a professional hanger-on.

Sebastian Telfair. Part of Garnett deal. Mysterious ankle injury put him in Wittman’s doghouse. Future here highly questionable.

Antoine Walker. Management’s message: Please go away.

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