The fifteenth man

As the new season grows nearer by the minute, we look forward to a full season riddled with potential; but as the fresh blood brings newfound hope, the other side of the blade wanes in the moonlight. In other words, our team is bound to be hit by injuries and that's why we need extra bodies. Winding down an 82 game season can be the perfect time for a bench warmer to show some skills and catch some minutes. But who and what would fit the wolves' needs?

Turmoil from the end of the 2011-12 season brought the young, run-and-gun, Timberpuppies to a halt. Instead, Kahn decided to go for improvement in free agency, and the crop was good. Unfortunately, with a new off-season comes new lay-offs, and transactions were plentiful in the Minnesota front office. Beasley gone-Kirilenko signs, Ellington gone-Shved signs, Wesley J. gone-Brandon Roy signs, etc. To this point, the wolves are 14 players deep.

When one realizes the the lack of space and the team need and thinks for just a flicker of a moment; Prestes is the guy that comes to mind. Another goon, down-low to defend the big guys. Very similar to Nikola Pekovic, Prestes would bring some much needed size and intimidation to the Wolves front-court. The signing of Stiemsma was a step in the right direction, but one more step is needed to solidify the Timberwolves front court; Prestes may just be the right man to take that step.