http://www.twincities.com/timberwolves/ci_5552661?nclick_check=1 Craig Smith spent about a half-hour after Thursday's Timberwolves practice shooting jump shots by catching balls spit from a machine. He rotated spots on the court and focused on getting a nice arc. During one stretch, he shot about 45 percent on 90 shots before assistant coach Bob Ociepka turned off the machine. "No," Smith said. "Ten more." The rookie took 11 more shots from the corner and made nine. Smith has worked on his midrange jump shot all season, taking extra shots in practice several times a week and after shootarounds. Smith estimated he hoisted 300 shots on Thursday, some inside and many outside. Smith's development will be a key to the Wolves' future. He is closing the season strong, having scored in double figures in six of the past eight games. "Definitely try to extend out, be a little more versatile," Smith said, describing a goal. "I'm just always trying to add something new, especially for next year, trying to build on something." He has plenty to build upon. Smith, a surprise second-round pick out of Boston College, had a first NBA season that would have been impressive for a mid- to low first-round pick. Smith is averaging 6.9 points and 4.7 rebounds, totals that rank ninth and fifth among NBA rookies, respectively. "I'm really pleased with Craig Smith," coach Randy Wittman said. "He's had his ups and downs like any rookie is going to have. But I think he's come on strong the last two weeks here. He's givingus good minutes. He's doing things at both ends of the floor. I'm satisfied with the kind of year he's given us. The bad thing about that is he's shown me what he can do, so he needs to take that another step this summer." Smith is working on his jump shot. As a 6-foot-7 power forward, he doesn't have ideal size to score around the basket in the traditional fashion, with his back to the basket. He uses floaters and quick shots over taller players and takes advantage of opportunities when he's left open when opponents double-team Kevin Garnett. Smith sets screens, and that creates chances in pick and rolls as well. "I'm being put in situations, and I try to knock the shot down - pick and pops," he said. "All of the teams know I like to roll, so sometimes I may switch it up and try to pop, depending on how the defense is playing me at the time." Adapting to the pace of change in the NBA, from practices to shootarounds to game plans was the biggest adjustment this season, Smith said. Consistency also has been an issue. He is averaging more than 9 points and 21 minutes a game this month after averaging 4.5 points and 15 minutes in February. Smith is playing well again, and Wittman said he feels confident Smith is adapting. Much of his success depends on establishing position. "He's always in the right area," Wittman said. "He's got a sense of where the ball is coming off (for rebounds). Now at this level, with the size he has, he's got to root his guy out farther. If he relies on it become a jumping game or a reach game, he's not going to win that game in this league very often because of his size. He's got the ability with his low center of gravity to really get into guys earlier, so now he creates the space to get the rebounds that he's capable of getting. That's the most important thing for him." --

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