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Minnesota Timberwolves Midseason Awards

By Nolan Schmidt

Jan 19, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kevin Garnett (21) celebrates with forward Tayshaun Prince (12) during the second quarter of a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 19, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kevin Garnett (21) celebrates with forward Tayshaun Prince (12) during the second quarter of a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 12, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Tayshaun Prince (12) against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Target Center. The Thunder defeated the Timberwolves 101-96. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 12, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Tayshaun Prince (12) against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Target Center. The Thunder defeated the Timberwolves 101-96. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /

Biggest Surprise: Tayshaun Prince

Shabazz Muhammad no doubt had a serious case for this award, and I wouldn’t be in total disagreement if you were to say he is the biggest surprise. The thing about Muhammad is that we knew he was at least somewhat capable of what he’s doing now for the Wolves.

We knew that he was an uber-aggressive wing, who will attack the rim at any given time. We knew he was capable of shooting the three, although the attempts are in higher demand this season than they were last season. There is no denying Muhammad’s worth on this team, and he has been a great energy player for Minnesota off the bench.

However, Tayshaun Prince gets this award based on what he’s doing, and at the age he is doing it. At 35, Prince is obviously not the youngling we saw in Detoit early in his career. He has no doubt lost some of his “mojo” as does every aging player.

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What makes Prince remarkable is his ability to still be a contributor on a team full of young, able bodies. It’s worth noting that Prince has played in every single game this season at small forward, and started 33. In a league where we see veterans take consistent time off to rest their worn down frames, Prince has decided to forego that option and play every single night. That has to be commended, does it not?

Along with that, although Prince’s stats are no longer eye-popping he is still able to contribute when called upon. He is darn near automatic in the corner, unless it’s a three point attempt.

I know, he’ll catch a lot of flack for not shooting threes, but you have to realize that the three-pointer has never been a focal point in Prince’s repertoire throughout his entire career. It was there mildly at the beginning of his career, but since leaving Detroit in 2012 he has done away with it. It’s also a product of the offense, which is an entirely different animal to tackle, at a different time.

Coming into the season, I don’t think anyone expected this good of a season from Prince. I think that warrants him getting this award.

Next: Biggest Disappointment

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