The Kid still dreams of making it to the second round of the playoffs -- keep dreamin'.

WHERE WERE WE?
Let's see, Wally Z was going to be dealt for someone who could get along better with Kevin Garnett. They were going to change a team chemistry that always fizzles in the playoffs. Unfortunately for the T-Wolves, neither plan panned out. So KG is left to deal with the same old problems: not enough physical help, no connection to the second-leading scorer and no chance of reaching the second round of the playoffs.

STARTING FIVE
They're still the KG 5. The puzzle for GM Kevin McHale remains the same: who to put around his superstar. Rubik's Cube is easier.

Midwest Division

1. Mavericks

2. Spurs

3. T-Wolves

4. Jazz

5. Rockets

6. Grizzlies

7. Nuggets

Scouting Report Index

Joe Smith, PF: They risked the franchise for his 10.7 ppg/6.3 rpg?
Kevin Garnett, SF: The Big Guy can do it all. Problem is, should he have to?
Rasho Nesterovic, C: Big body, long name, small numbers
Wally Szczerbiak, SG: More TOs (1.9 a game) than assists (1.6) for career
Troy Hudson, PG: 11.7 ppg in Orlando in 2001-02 was a career high

BENCH
Journeyman Kendall Gill, Gary Trent, Anthony Peeler and Marc Jackson. Late signee Rod Strickland or Terrell Brandon (when healthy) will replace Hudson.

GLOBAL VIEW
Nesterovic (Slovenia) was only C
to start all 82 games last year.

FREEWHEELIN' WITH WALTON
Will somebody please explain to me why KG is not the center.

This article will appear in the November 11 issue of ESPN The Magazine.