http://www.twincities.com/mld/twincities/sports/basketball/16618065.htm Randy Wittman believes if the Timberwolves have a chance to make their team better, they should do it. The NBA trade deadline is less than three weeks away — Feb. 22 — and the Wolves coach supports making a move if it would help the club. The Wolves have fired two coaches and made over the roster almost completely since the 2004-05 season, with the notable exception of all-star Kevin Garnett. But Wittman and the Wolves won't be afraid to tinker with the roster again if it means bringing in a player who would fit the system. "You've always got to have an eye out to improve your team," Wittman said. "I think everybody does that. I think Phoenix does that. I think the guys who are playing as well as you can play are still looking to see if there's something out there that can make you a little bit better. I think we're looking to see if there's anything there that can help us." As for Garnett, who's known to be averse to change, he openly campaigned for the Wolves to acquire Allen Iverson in December before Philadelphia traded him to Denver. Garnett said more time together for the Wolves would be beneficial, but he emphasized his desire for more experience on the roster. "With any team, you have to find some similarities," Garnett said. "You have to find some similarities in trying to keep something consistent. Then you have some younger guys. I've said from Day 1 that we need to have more vets." Fighting the bad losses: The Wolves entered Saturday night's game at Dallas with an 8-11 record against teams below .500 and 14-13 against teams above .500. Playing down to the level of competitors has led to a frustrating season for Minnesota, which has lost its past five games against sub-.500 teams. Wittman said he thinks the players get excited for games against top-notch clubs, and that's why they play better. The big crowds generally on hand to watch good teams add more energy as well. The Wolves entered the Dallas game having won 10 of their past 15 games against above-.500 teams. Slow starts: The Wolves were determined not to fall behind big again early in the Dallas game. They trailed 18-7 Friday against the New Orleans Hornets, just two nights after facing a 15-point deficit in the second quarter against Sacramento. "You almost feel like you're fighting uphill," Wittman said. "That puts an added emphasis on taking care of the ball on the road." Minnesota held its own early against the Mavericks, trailing 27-26 at the end of the first quarter. Briefly: Garnett said he thinks jettisoned forward Eddie Griffin could be a valuable piece on this roster. Griffin, who hasn't rejoined the team since violating the league's anti-drug policy last month, remains in limbo as the team figures out how to resolve his future, including a possible contract buyout. But Garnett remembers the Griffin of times past: a shot blocker and rebounder. "I think he can be a real good addition to our team," Garnett said. "We're a defensive team, and I think he fits into what we're doing, but obviously management, for whatever reason, they're doing whatever." --

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