Wolves seek explosive strength with new trainer

Steve Aschburner reports that the Minnesota Timberwolves have already began workouts for next season with strength coach Jay Schroeder. A trainer who has worked with athletes in numerous sports, but got acclaim (and caught Saunders' eye) after his work with St. Louis Rams safety Adam Archuleta in 2001.

So the Wolves were eager to gauge the basketball value in his program, long on plyometric exercises intended to build explosive strength.

They were eager, too, simply to get on the court and focus on next season. Though the Wolves' 50-32 finish was solid, a 20-22 mark after Jan. 21 and another first-round playoff elimination were not.

Saunders said the plan is to hold as many as five more sessions this summer, either to work on conditioning or changes in his playbook. Under union rules, players cannot be required to attend. "When you have a guy like Wally, who's an All-Star, make the effort to be here, that's a real credit to him," Saunders said.

Unfortunately one player noticeably missing was All-NBA Second Team Member, Kevin Garnett. Although Andy Miller, agent for Garnett, said Wednesday the Wolves' leading scorer (21.2) and rebounder (12.1) planned to work on his game this summer. "I've talked with Kevin about hiring a personal trainer for the first time," Miller said.

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Minnesota Timberwolves

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It might be tough to find good deal for Szczerbiak

With the NBA playoffs reduced to four teams, the Timberwolves find themselves in the familiar position of spectator. As it stands, they will also be on the outside looking in when the NBA draft is held next month.

At this late date, there is nothing the Wolves can do about petitioning their way into the playoffs. Yet a working theory is that there might be a way not only to barge into the draft, but make the lottery.

Here's how it goes: The Bulls have the No. 2 pick in the lottery. The Bulls, tired of being in rebuilding mode, want a player who can step right into the lineup..

The Bulls have expressed their intrigue with Wolves All-Star Wally Szczerbiak on numerous occasions.

Bulls General Manager Jerry Krause calls Kevin McHale and offers the No. 2 pick for Szczerbiak.

With that pick, the Wolves take Duke All-America guard Jay (previously Jason) Williams. Point guard problem solved. Anti-Wally wing of locker room placated. Wolves head in a fresh new direction.

Of course, it's rarely that simple. The fatal flaw to this theory is that the Bulls, now committed to Jalen Rose, are no longer are as hot after Szczerbiak, another limited defender. Certainly not hot enough to give up the No. 2 pick in the draft if they choose to trade it.

There is also this complication: The Rockets, picking No. 1, might choose to trade the pick, and if they do, most of the teams moving up would want to take Williams.

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Szczerbiak on the block

Peter Vescey reports in his latest column for the New York Post that All-Star forward Wally Szczerbiak of the Minnesota Timberwolves is certainly available, but there is a catch. To acquire the sharp shooter you must also take on the contract of Marc Jackson, all 5-years for $21.2 million. Vescey reports that at least one dozen teams, including the Knicks, have been contacted regarding their interest.

In other news both the Knicks and Wolves are trying to acquire Suns point man Stephon Marbury, the latter of whom is dying to reunite him with Kevin Garnett. The Suns meanwhile would love to re-acquire Antonio McDyess from the Nuggets but according to Vescey that is the last place Antonio would consider playing. San Antonio remains an options.

Finally Vescey reports that the Knicks, Blazers, Warriors and Clippers are bombarding the Bulls and Rockets with all sorts of tempting offers for the draft's top two slots. The Knicks have eyes for Yao Ming while the others all covet Jay Williams. Both teams are expected to stand pat.

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