Torn Apart

Just when the Timberwolves started earning respect, an awkward fall inveitably tore it apart.

Al Jefferson shredded ligaments in his knee Sunday night in the waning seconds of a 101-97 loss -- just the fourth of the new year -- and Minnesota is suddenly starless.

Worse, in a league full of versatile big-men, the Timberwolves now look awfully small.

"Unfortunately for us, the season is not over," said coach Kevin McHale, who has led the Timberwolves to a 13-10 record since a 4-23 start.

Rookie Kevin Love is the only 4 or 5 (power forward, center) who has logged steady minutes this season.

Only 20, the Wolves had hoped his rookie campaign would be about progress and baby steps. Whatever he contributed, the Wolves would take.

Now he must be a playmaker and scorer. Now the ball will run through him in the post. Now the pressure Jefferson felt in terms of double-teams, defenders, scoring and leading will land on Love.

He hasn't played particularly well as a starter, but there is no way around it: Love must rise to the occasion. The rest of the team must too pick up the scoring slack and the 19.7 shots Jefferson attempted per night.

Although the playoffs are out of reach, owner Glen Taylor may think about swapping one of those four first round draft picks for size before the Feb. 19 deadline to assure the remaining fans the team is still swelling and heading in the right direction.

Bigs Jason Collins, Mark Madsen and Calvin Booth are there for moral support. Among them, 21 points have been scored in 22 games.

The Timberwolves are down. They showed it in practice Monday.

Respect at stake, can they get back up?