Random Notes From Juwan Howard Press Conference

As one of huge crowd of media members--actually, it was only Kent Youngblood, Rick Alonzo and myself--I had a front row seat for tonight’s press conference. Juwan Howard did not have to answer many questions at his introductory press conference, partially due to Youngblood and Alonzo having already spoken with him. The lack of questions for Howard may also be due to the remaining media members not in attendance realizing how virtually unimportant this move is for the future of the Timberwolves.

Myself? I just wanted to be in attendance in case a last minute trade happened and Kevin McHale would announce that Kevin Garnett has been traded…and that he would be handing the franchise over to Fred Hoiberg effective immediately.

Well, that didn’t happen.

Here are a few interesting tidbits from Howard and McHale…

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Q: So, are you in negotiations for the number 5?

JH: Well, I’m a 13-year veteran and I think this will be Craig’s, well, he’s still a rookie right now. So, him and I have to get together and see what can we do to work on that jersey number 5.

KM: Juwan coming here starts an entire trading of numbers amongst a lot of people, so it’s just starting a bad domino effect. McCants is going to move and then Craig wants number 1. There are a lot of people who want different numbers.

JH: Well, then number 5 will be available.

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SL: As an opponent last season and watching film on the Timberwolves, what are your thoughts on the young trio of Randy Foye, Rashad McCants and Craig Smith?

JH: This team has some exciting young player and, of course, have a very good future ahead of them. If they continue to work on their games, play hard and be aggressive out there on the floor, I mean, the sky’s the limit.

I think Randy (Foye), of course, showed a lot and surprised a lot of people coming in as a rookie. He came in and was well-polished, played with poise, held the team together and, at times, won some games for the team. I was totally impressed with him and, not only that, was happy for his success.

Craig Smith…he hurt us. When I was playing for Houston and Craig came in the game, he was like a game-changer. Very aggressive, strong, active, very active ball player. Not only that, but he can put the ball in the hole. Being undersized, he certainly has a big heart. He’s a fearless competitor.

McCants…he had an injury, of course, last year and didn’t play much, but before that injury, the guy was a skilled player, athletic, he’s a champion, he won on the college level--and that shows you right there that the guy knows how to win--and a big time scorer. I’m pretty sure this summer he’s working very hard because he has a lot to prove next year.

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McHale on how Howard’s addition might effect their decision in the draft…

KM: I think at seven, you’re going to try and take the best possible player. Juwan’s addition does balance out our lineup. We needed another veteran big, no question. We were probably overloaded at the guard spot and being able to move Mike (James) and Justin (Reed) that has opened up a spot. It opens up some more time for Randy to play a little bit more one and two and some different things. ‘Shaddy’ now can probably go back in the backcourt. I think it balances out our roster a lot.

As far as the draft goes, I mean, I think some of the big mistakes we all make in the draft are when we start going for need, as opposed to just the best player available. I think you go need later on in the draft. At seven, if we determine the best player is a point guard and you think that guy is going to have a 15-year career and be a multiple year All-Star versus a guy you think is going to be a nice role player next year? For me and for our team, I think we’re lucky because some of our needs match up with some of the players that are in this draft. Hopefully, it will be a good night next Thursday.

Howard on Kevin Garnett trade rumors…

JH: Well, I think you touched on it. The most important word you said was ‘rumors.’ As of right now, all I’ve heard is just rumors. I’m excited to have an opportunity to play with him. This is his team and knowing that he’s going to be here, I’m enthused. When I got traded here, I knew I was going to play with a warrior, a guy that brings it night in and night out. So, I’m looking forward to having the opportunity to play with one of the young stars--I still consider him a young player, even though he’s 30-years old or whatever. He’s still young and in his prime, plays with a lot of excitement and a lot of energy. Being a guy that’s played against him many, many years, all you can do is appreciate a player like that, so I’m looking forward to playing with him.