Minnesota Timberwolves Seating Chart

The Minnesota Timberwolves came into the season hoping they could at least improve to the point where the playoffs were in the back of their minds, but things didn't get off to a good start.

It didn't take long for the team to fire head coach Randy Wittman, and general manager Kevin McHale reluctantly stepped into the role. McHale has shied away from coaching in the past, but he has done a decent job with this squad.

The team has suffered a couple of huge blows this year, as star power forward Al Jefferson tore ligaments in his knee and is out for the season. Corey Brewer also tore ligaments in his knee and is out for the year as well.

Jefferson came over to Minnesota in the trade that sent Kevin Garnett to Boston, and he certainly hasn't disappointed. He has established himself as one of the best power forward in the game and was averaging 23.1 points and 11.0 rebounds per contest at the time of the injury.

Brewer had a disappointing rookie season but the team had high hopes for him during his sophomore campaign.

To make matters worse, shooting guard Rashad McCants has also missed significant time due to injury and illness. The team was really excited about McCants heading into the year but the missed time has taken its toll.

Despite both devastating injuries, McHale has managed to keep this group afloat. While their record remains well below .500, they are on pace to gain more wins this year than last season.

Guard Randy Foye will shoulder the scoring load without Jefferson, so expect his 16.2 points per game average to continue to climb. He is also receiving some help from veteran Ryan Gomes, which tells you how far away this team is from competing for a playoff spot.

Rookie center Kevin Love has been solid so far this year, averaging 9.4 points and 8.7 rebounds per game. About the only good news surrounding the Jefferson injury is that it will give Love a significant increase in playing time.

It's too bad we couldn't have seen what a Timberwolves team with Jefferson and Brewer could have accomplished. Then again, injuries are part of the game and every team has to deal with them at some point or another.