A Season on the Brink

The result last year was the most sustained and satisfying display of teamwork the Wolves have ever executed. On offense, the deference provided by whichever two role players were on the court allowed Minnesota's three genuine stars (Kevin Garnett, Latrell Sprewell, and Sam Cassell) a comfortable abundance of scoring opportunities. With the "MV3" generating 64 percent of the Wolves' points (a higher proportion than that of any other trio in the league), Minnesota ranked second in both field goal percentage and fewest turnovers.

But the most dramatic upgrade was on defense. Signed as a free agent on the opening day of the season after being dumped by the dunderheaded Chicago Bulls, Hassell was a godsend, joining Garnett as one of the league's top 15 defenders and specializing in shutting down the other team's best small forward or shooting guard. Sprewell and Johnson remained well above average in both individual and team coverage schemes, and even Cassell showed steady improvement over the course of the season. Throw in the floor-burn-laden hustle of Madsen and Hoiberg, and you understand how the Wolves shaved a remarkable six points per game off their opponents' scoring total last year. They also finished fourth in the NBA in lowest field-goal percentage allowed, despite playing at a rapid pace that risks yielding easy baskets in transition.

So, with all these principals returning for another season with a year's experience playing together under their belts, what's not to like about the Wolves' championship prospects? Two things: a preseason of discontent that may yet disrupt team chemistry, and a renewal of the dilemma about how to incorporate Hudson, Szczerbiak, and Olowokandi into the club's rotation without eroding last year's synergy at both ends of the court.

Cassell, who has two years remaining on his contract at nearly $6 million per season, boycotted the Wolves' media day event and the first day of practice to dramatize his desire for a two-year extension. Sprewell, who is making $14.6 million this season in the final year of his deal, also wants an extension, and has told the daily papers he might ask to be traded if the situation isn't resolved soon. And two weeks ago, Szczerbiak popped off to Strib beat writer Steve Aschburner, expressing dissatisfaction over being bumped from the starting lineup last year and enduring constant criticism from the coaches.

Cassell's situation is the least problematic of the three. He underwent hip surgery in June and will turn 35 this November, but his style of play relies on guile more than quickness. Under league rules, if the Wolves extend his contract, they can only bump his wages 15 percent above the salary he'll make on the final year of his existing deal, which is below-market value for a player with his skills and leadership. Knowing this, the ever-voluble Cassell is lobbying hard for Spree's extension. Sources say the pair would like to go out together at the end of the 2007-08 season, when Sprewell will be 38 years old.

Last season, Sprewell maintained his reputation as one of the NBA's most noble competitors, capping a stellar year with a scintillating playoff performance that made it hard to say whether he or Garnett was the club's postseason MVP. The Wolves love his ability to push the pace, which opens up the floor on offense and provides Cassell with room to score from the perimeter while trailing on the fast break.

But unlike Cassell, Spree signed his current contract for the maximum amount allowed by the league at the time, a figure that probably overvalues his services in today's tighter market. Sprewell is also unlike Cassell in that hard-nosed athleticism is vital to his style of play, and he's approaching an age when even a rigorous fitness regimen isn't likely to compensate for the ravages of time. Precious few NBA players can endure the more than 32,000 minutes of full-court intensity Spree has already logged. One unfavorable gauge of Spree's potential future value is Gary Payton, a kindred warrior and former perennial all-star who is approximately two years ahead of Sprewell in both age and playing time. Last year, at the age Sprewell will be next year, Payton's capabilities were severely diminished for the first time in his career.

When it comes to rewarding his marquee players, Taylor has proven to be a reliably soft touch. Even he likely won't countenance a pay increase for Spree, however. Ultimately the number of years and dollars that are structured into his offer, and the question of whether it includes performance incentives, could affect Sprewell's approach to the team this year.

The Wolves coaches don't think that will happen. "Sam and Spree are competitors. When they step across the line I know they'll concentrate on winning games," says assistant coach Jerry Sichting. "And number 21 isn't going to let anyone have an attitude."

"Guys are motivated by winning and maintaining a loyalty to their teammates," says Saunders when the issue of contract extensions is raised. "People need to take care of their family, sure, but I also don't think it's bad to have people stay on edge a little bit and not become complacent. It drives them a little bit."