Rashad McCants

Minnesota's 2005 first-round draft pick played just 37 games last season after returning from microfracture surgery on his right knee. A dynamic scorer in college, he was just coming into his own at the end of his rookie season (averaging 16.1 ppg in April and 13.4 ppg in 14 games as a starter) before the knee injury. He could win significant minutes at shooting guard now that his knee is said to be back at full strength.

The 2005 first-round draft pick had microfracture surgery on his right knee in June and may not return until January, and there's a chance he may not pay at all this season. It was a bad break for the T-Wolves as McCants was coming on strong late last season. He got little playing time in the first half due to concerns over his defense, but seemed to come on strong the final two months, averaging 16.1 ppg in April and 13.4 ppg as a starter (14 games). When healthy, McCants is an outstanding athlete with a a deft scoring touch. His combination of strength and quickness make him adept at posting up smaller players or driving around larger defenders.

McCants is a rookie wildcard that is in a nice position to produce this season. A stocky 6-4 with extremely long arms, McCants was widely considered one of the most talented scorers in the draft. He has excellent range on his jump shot, which he hits at a very high percentage. McCants graded out as the top athlete among shooting guards at the Chicago Pre-draft combine, and his combination of strength and quickness make him adept at posting up smaller players or driving around larger defenders. McCants is currently behind Trenton Hassell on the Timberwolves’ depth chart, but with shooter/scorers Sam Cassell, Latrell Sprewell and Fred Hoiberg all gone this year, Minnesota will need McCants to contribute right away whether in the starting line-up or off the bench. It would not be surprising for McCants to put up scoring numbers similar to Ben Gordon’s last season as a rookie for the Bulls.