The Timberwolves are having an awful season but you can’t blame that on Craig Smith or Rashad McCants. Craig Smith was a 2nd round pick last season by the T-Wolves but he’s playing like a 1st rounder. Smith has played in 31 games this season for the Timberwolves and he is averaging 22.7 minutes, 11.0 points, 4.8 rebounds and 0.4 assists per game. Smith is also shooting 54.8% from the floor this season. Smith should start to get even more playing time as he is a big part of the future of the T-Wolves. Rashad McCants finally appears healthy after missing most of last season with a knee injury and he’s showing why the Wolves drafted him in the first round a couple of seasons ago. He has played in 28 games for the T-Wolves this season and he is averaging 27.0 minutes, 14.5 points, 2.6 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game. He is also shooting an outstanding 40.8% from the three point line this season.

The Timberwolves aren’t getting much from their rookies this season and they could wind up nailed to the bench if they don’t pick up their play soon. First round pick Corey Brewer has been a bust so far this season. He has played in 26 games and he’s averaging 24.0 minutes, 5.5 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game. The most disappointing thing about Brewer’s play is his shooting which has been awful. Brewer is only hitting 31.8% of his shots from the floor, 21.4% from three-point range and 74.3% from the free throw line. 2nd round pick Chris Richard hasn’t done much with his limited playing time this season. He has played in 18 games and he is averaging 9.1 minutes, 1.4 points, 1.7 rebounds and 0.2 assists per game. He has shot well however as he is hitting 52.6% of his shots from the floor and 85.7% from the free throw line.

The Timberwolves played hard last night, but it wasn’t enough to win.