http://www.twincities.com/timberwolves/ci_6377645?nclick_check=1
LAS VEGAS - When the Timberwolves traded Mike James to the Houston Rockets
last month, the move signaled the organization's faith in Randy Foye as the
franchise's point guard of the future.
Now Foye must live up to the expectations in his second NBA season. He will
be relied upon to run the team after a promising rookie season.
"He has a great opportunity in front of him," Wolves assistant general
manager Fred Hoiberg said. "He's been working hard this summer. He looks more
confident with a year under his belt. At this point, it looks like he's
probably going to be our starting point guard next season."
Foye believes he's ready for the increased responsibility. The mere question
draws a curt response.
"What do you think?" Foye said. "You tell me what I did last year when I got
the opportunity and I played. Obviously that question is (unfounded) because
I'm more than ready. I think everybody in Minneapolis knows that from
watching me play."
That type of confidence could help Foye as he moves into the starting lineup.
His next start will be the 13th of his career.
There were times last season when his ability to penetrate into the lane and
score made him invaluable, especially late in games. Foye scored 48 percent
of his points in the fourth quarter and overtime. That aggressiveness in
clutch situations is a reason why the Wolves believe Foye will be a star some
day.
Some players don't want to take big shots and try to blend in while others
make the do-or-die plays. For the Wolves, Kevin Garnett is the player opponents must
stop. That gives Foye opportunities.
Now he will play more after averaging 22.9 minutes a game in 2006-07, which
he turned into 10.1 points and 2.8 assists. He became the franchise's first
rookie to average double digits since Wally Szczerbiak scored 11.6 points a
game in 1999-2000.
This summer, Foye has worked hard on his game. His outside shooting is
improving, Hoiberg said after Foye made three three-pointers during a summer
league game Wednesday in Las Vegas. On Saturday night, Foye scored 28 points
in the Wolves' 102-91 victory over Memphis. He is averaging about 23 points
in the summer league.
Accuracy remains a question with Foye, who tends to be streaky. He shot 43.4
percent last season, better than any of his four seasons in college.
"I think his biggest thing and what we saw out of him coming out of Villanova
was his aggressiveness and his ability to get to the hole," Hoiberg said.
"When he hits that outside shot, he's a very tough guy to guard because of
his ability to get to the basket."
Although point guard will be Foye's primary role next season, his skills will
allow him to play off the ball at times, Hoiberg said. Foye has played
shooting guard at times during the team's summer league games alongside
former NBA point guard Mateen Cleaves.
"I see a bright future for him," Cleaves said. "He asked me if I see anything
he needs to work on. That says something about his character. Some guys in
the NBA, even young guys, have a chip on their shoulder. He's willing to
learn more. If he keeps playing, he's going to get better and better."
More playing time might be just what Foye needs. The rebuilding Wolves, who
finished 32-50 last season, could benefit from playing Foye in the hopes that
will accelerate his development.
"I'm not trying to shine. I'm trying to win," Foye said. "With winning comes
shining. I'm just trying to be a team player and win. I feel like that's
where we struggled at times. Sometimes we'd be a team for three quarters and
then we'd be individuals for one quarter. I feel as though that's what hurt
us. I'm just trying to bring a team together for four quarters."
A year of experience could help him do that. As the team's starting point
guard, he must be more of a leader. It's difficult for any player to lead in
his first year when he's being called "rook" in the locker room.
A strong second season by Foye also would hush the criticism the Wolves have
endured for trading away Brandon Roy to Portland on draft night 2006 in
exchange for Foye and cash.
Roy won the NBA rookie of the year award in a landslide vote. But he
benefited from playing 35.4 minutes while starting 55 of his 57 games.
Foye wouldn't be the first point guard to blossom in his second season.
The Utah Jazz appeared to make a big gaffe when they passed on Chris Paul for
Deron Williams in the 2005 draft. But Williams turned a disappointing rookie
season into a sensational second season, leading the Jazz to the Northwest
Division title and the Western Conference finals.
Perhaps Foye will have a similar positive affect on the Wolves, who are
counting on a group of young players to complement Garnett next season, if he
isn't traded before then.
Vice president of basketball operations Kevin McHale said recently that
making trades is a priority before more seriously exploring free agency. He
said Garnett would be traded if it gave the team the "best opportunity" to
win.
Last month, the Wolves traded James, the team's starting point guard last
season for 65 of 82 games, along with little-used Justin Reed to Houston in
exchange for veteran forward Juwan Howard. That deal helped balance the
roster for the Wolves, who need more production in the frontcourt.
The Wolves consider Marko Jaric, not Troy Hudson, Foye's backup. That's no
doubt because Hudson's agent, Bill Neff, told Wolves owner Glen Taylor the
veteran wants to be traded.
The Wolves could have a difficult time finding a team to take Hudson, who
averaged just 5.9 points a game last season. He is owed almost $19 million
for the next three seasons.
"With (Jaric), he's a guy who can play some point, and he's a guy who can
play multiple positions," Hoiberg said. "There may be an opportunity to bring
in a third point guard as well."
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