Steve Aschburner reports that the Minnesota Timberwolves have already began workouts for next season with strength coach Jay Schroeder.  A trainer who has worked with athletes in numerous sports, but got acclaim (and caught Saunders' eye) after his work with St. Louis Rams safety Adam Archuleta in 2001.

So the Wolves were eager to gauge the basketball value in his program, long on plyometric exercises intended to build explosive strength.

They were eager, too, simply to get on the court and focus on next season. Though the Wolves' 50-32 finish was solid, a 20-22 mark after Jan. 21 and another first-round playoff elimination were not.

Saunders said the plan is to hold as many as five more sessions this summer, either to work on conditioning or changes in his playbook. Under union rules, players cannot be required to attend.  "When you have a guy like Wally, who's an All-Star, make the effort to be here, that's a real credit to him," Saunders said.

Unfortunately one player noticeably missing was All-NBA Second Team Member, Kevin Garnett.  Although Andy Miller, agent for Garnett, said Wednesday the Wolves' leading scorer (21.2) and rebounder (12.1) planned to work on his game this summer.  "I've talked with Kevin about hiring a personal trainer for the first time," Miller said.