Andre Iguodala, F, Sixers: Iggy has some hops, and with C-Webb in town now to show him ropes of being a NBA forward, he might develop ahead of game. He’s our choice for a breakout star from this class in his sophomore campaign --- it’s certainly a gamble, but Wade’s game this season (while always there) flourished because of dominance of those (i.e. Shaq) around him. If AI and C-Webb become a major 1-2 punch in generally punchless East, AI2 could be good for 18 points and 8 boards a night.

Josh Smith, F, Hawks: Smith’s sophomore ascent is questionable --- Hawks are horrific, and with few sure-fire prospects in 2005 Draft, he probably won’t be surrounded with much talent. If he becomes man in Hotlanta --- which seems likely --- he’ll eventually begin drawing double-teams, limiting his possibilities. However, as Smith matures, he could be charismatic presence needed to lift Atlanta back into Eastern Conference respectability. He needs to diversify his game beyond his show-stopping dunks, and improve his 15-footer over summer, but watch for this kid to break out a little bit more next year.

J.R. Smith, F, Hornets: Confused? Two Smiths, yet they’re not related. However, their situations are similar --- New Orleans is a floundering franchise, and J.R. has been getting some good minutes down there. With few veterans to learn from, Smith is going to have to grow up alongside some other projects such as Dan Dickau, David West, et al. If he can hit weights this summer and slice lane more, he could be one to watch --- not at caliber of any 2003 guys in their second year, but building towards a decent, mid-level career.

Al Jefferson, F, Celtics: The Celtics are using considerable youth in their run to Wacklantic Title. Al Jefferson, HS product from Mississippi, might be best of bunch. He’s big, pretty strong, and has plenty of room for improvement --- and a coach, in Doc Rivers, willing to give him that time. Jefferson, though, bears some resemblance to Jermaine O’Neal, and it took him about four seasons to rise up towards superstar level. Bet on Jefferson to break out big same time that Howard does, providing a potential new big man rivalry on Eastern seaboard.

The Wolves’ current roster presents some serious challenges for any coach. McHale had to know he was playing with fire by obtaining Latrell Sprewell, and it’s coming back to burn him. Sprewell has become an aging two guard who can’t feed his family on $14+ million a year. Sam Cassell was brilliant last year but is suddenly an aging point guard, and he followed Spree’s opening with his own contract demands. Then there’s Michael Olowokandi, who must have finally realized his NBA gravy train is parked on a side track, given his recent auditions as a closing time nightclub act and a boxer. McHale made this bed, and he has less than two weeks to extricate himself before trade deadline. All three players need to go, but with contract and cap issues, can you move them, and what can you get in return to salvage Wolves’ season? McHale’s cell phone better be charged, with extra batteries in his pocket, because this task is going to require a lot of talking, much of it from sides of his mouth. The best guess is McHale probably can’t make kind of changes needed by trade deadline to right Timberwolves. He no doubt realized this, and figures his best chance is to try and coach a turn around with talent he has.

Which brings us to McHale’s ace in hole, MVP Kevin Garnett. The Wolves are often referred to as “Kevin’s Team”, and many are quick to cite what a great leader he is. Garnett may be best all around basketball player on planet, but great leaders don’t ever let their teams implode. Saunders let KG run show, which lately has meant far too many no and one pass possessions. Maybe Garnett has lost confidence in his teammates abilities, or maybe he is just playing for his own stats. If McHale can get Garnett on his page, both on floor and in locker room, Wolves have a chance to make playoffs, perhaps a draw with San Antonio in first round instead of conference finals.

That’s a long way from lofty expectations, and probably means Timberwolves will have a chance to warm up quickly - on golf course.