2020 Minnesota Timberwolves Off-Season Thread

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jamiche said:
I'm not thrilled with any of the three or four guys who are most prominently mentioned for the first pick. If Gerson could find a way to use the pick plus other assets to pick up Ben Simmons, that would be sublime. However, that's a long shot. More realistically, I could see the pick being used in some fashion to pick up Caris LeVert plus some additional draft capital. If the wolves end up with Devin Vassell somewhere between picks 5 and 10, that would be a high value. If Vassell adds 20lbs, he can be an impact player.

It's too bad that the year the wolves finally move up, there's nobody who looks like they are ready to add wins--at least right away.
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Vassell would be very good get. Perfect fit.

Simmons means say goodbye to Russell. Not happening.

Agree that 1-4 doesn't inspire any sort of confidence. Make a good trade and get a pick for 2021 is what I want.
 


JimmyJamesMD said:
Then he was trying to sell everyone on Rubio and Flynn playing together.
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I seem to remember Khan explaining that while Rubio was trying to find a way out of coming to MN, Flynn would play. Once Rubio decided to actually play for the Wolves, they would try to play them together or trade Flynn (who Khan thought would have big trade value). Nothing worked to plan of course.
 


Of course the other euros who show up like Luka d are all super stars unlike every piece of euro trash we signed.
 

tikited said:
Vassell would be very good get. Perfect fit.

Simmons means say goodbye to Russell. Not happening.

Agree that 1-4 doesn't inspire any sort of confidence. Make a good trade and get a pick for 2021 is what I want.
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I agree that Simmons is a longshot. However, for all of his talk about creating a family atmosphere, I don't get the sense that Rosas falls in love with any of his players (including KAT). If acquiring Simmons meant the departure of Russell at some point, Rosas wouldn't hesitate to do it.
 


I just saw that Jamal Murray went for 50 points tonight and read a little further to see that he's went over 40 points in three straight games in these playoffs, the first player to do so since AI in 2001 and then I remembered the lead-up to the 2016 draft and thinking that Murray was the best option for the T-Wolves picking at 5, but nope-Kris Dunn was the pick.

Every fan of franchises can do this, I suppose, but can any franchise claim such ineptitude over the course of such a relatively short history? I suspect not.
 



jamiche said:
What is Kahn up to these days?
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Not sure if you're saying this in jest, Jamiche, but Kahn popped up just this past week in the news-turns out he's living in Portland, in the same condo building as Mayor Ted Wheeler, and when protestors stopped by the condo, Kahn came downstairs to tell the protestors that Wheeler wasn't around (seems that he's friends with the mayor). Avoiding politics here and just taking the gratuitous shot-I sure hope Wheeler's not leaning on Kahn for advisement :).
 

coolhandgopher said:
I just saw that Jamal Murray went for 50 points tonight and read a little further to see that he's went over 40 points in three straight games in these playoffs, the first player to do so since AI in 2001 and then I remembered the lead-up to the 2016 draft and thinking that Murray was the best option for the T-Wolves picking at 5, but nope-Kris Dunn was the pick.

Every fan of franchises can do this, I suppose, but can any franchise claim such ineptitude over the course of such a relatively short history? I suspect not.
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I want Murray bad. Hated the Dunn pick. Always pick the elite shooter over the elite defender.
 





tikited said:
I seem to remember Khan explaining that while Rubio was trying to find a way out of coming to MN, Flynn would play. Once Rubio decided to actually play for the Wolves, they would try to play them together or trade Flynn (who Khan thought would have big trade value). Nothing worked to plan of course.
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Khan had a plan?!? ;)

That's my memory too. People also forget that until he was injured, Flynn played pretty well. Remember because I was very surprised. Just looked; 13.5 pts, 29 min, shot 45.7 from the floor, 35.8 from 3, 82.6 FT. Problem is he was injured, and had surgery, at the end of his rookie year.

After that it was over for him as a dependable NBA player.

That 2009 draft was where that pinhead Khan drafted 3 point guards, Rubio, Flynn, Ty Lawson and Wayne Ellington. Only Rubio and Ellington are still in the league.

After looking noticed that oddly enough from that James Johnson, Omri Casspi, Jeff Teague and Taj Gibson, all 1st Rounders, ended-up playing for the Wolves. Just not early enough in their careers.
 
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JimmyJamesMD said:
Doogie is so full of it. There isnt one substantial contribution he made to that
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Players like the idea of being the Number One Pick. Not exactly a scoop huh?

Doogie is a good guy and has gotten a lot of scoops. Problem is he tied his cart so firmly to Tom Thibodeau's wagon that his credibility took a hit. Thibs had a big contract, was the head coach and ran the team. It's understandable that Doogie saw him as the guy to sidle up to. Doogie kept defending Thibodeau long after everybody else figured out that giving T.T. all that money and power was just another in a long line of Taylor's mistakes.
 

Iceland12 said:
Khan had a plan! ;)

That's my memory too. People also forget that until he was injured, Flynn played pretty well. Remember because I was very surprised. Just looked; 13.5 pts, 29 min, shot 45.7 from the floor, 35.8 from 3, 82.6 FT. Problem is he was injured, and had surgery, at the end of his rookie year.

After that it was over for him as a dependable NBA player.

That 2009 draft was where that pinhead Khan drafted 3 point guards, Rubio, Flynn, Ty Lawson and Wayne Ellington. Only Rubio and Ellington are still in the league.

After looking noticed that oddly enough from that James Johnson, Omri Casspi, Jeff Teague and Taj Gibson, all 1st Rounders, ended-up playing for the Wolves. Just not early enough in their careers.
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You're back!!!
 

This almost has to be an Onion article. Dear God, please no.

Seeing some rumblings that Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam is making an attempt to buy the Wolves. How f'ng appropriate would that be... arguably the worst owner in the NFL (or pro sports) making a bid for the Wolves.

The Athletic: Haslam on Buying the Wolves

I can't believe this happens, but it's funny that it's even a possibility
 

Watching these playoff games makes me think about Russell and Towns leading this Franchise for the next 4/5 years. There intensity level better go WAY up. Unless we wanna be the team that just fires up shots and never plays any defense. Worries me too with Ryan as the coach and his inability to demand more out of the players or have the respect where these guys really listen.

Hopefully we can get some more development from Culver. I still think his work ethic can turn him into a nice player in this league. I'll be interested to watch him. If we turn into that strictly offense team I think it'll be a little tougher for him. Same with Okogie. Those guys are hard working guys that are willing to work hard on D. Would be nice to see that utilized as much as possible.
 

Ogee Oglethorpe said:
This almost has to be an Onion article. Dear God, please no.

Seeing some rumblings that Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam is making an attempt to buy the Wolves. How f'ng appropriate would that be... arguably the worst owner in the NFL (or pro sports) making a bid for the Wolves.

The Athletic: Haslam on Buying the Wolves

I can't believe this happens, but it's funny that it's even a possibility
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No!
 

skiumah1 said:
Watching these playoff games makes me think about Russell and Towns leading this Franchise for the next 4/5 years. There intensity level better go WAY up. Unless we wanna be the team that just fires up shots and never plays any defense. Worries me too with Ryan as the coach and his inability to demand more out of the players or have the respect where these guys really listen.

Hopefully we can get some more development from Culver. I still think his work ethic can turn him into a nice player in this league. I'll be interested to watch him. If we turn into that strictly offense team I think it'll be a little tougher for him. Same with Okogie. Those guys are hard working guys that are willing to work hard on D. Would be nice to see that utilized as much as possible.
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Really good post. They need Towns and Russell to grow up and be intense. Your role players can only do so much. And I am not optimistic that Towns and Russell will ever care enough to win
 

Neither Towns nor Russell gives a shit about defense and Russell doesn’t care about ball security. Russell is empty calories and will play for 4-5 more teams before his career is over. If they can use him to upgrade the roster, I’m all for it.
 

JimmyJamesMD said:
Really good post. They need Towns and Russell to grow up and be intense. Your role players can only do so much. And I am not optimistic that Towns and Russell will ever care enough to win
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Jimmy Haslam buying the team would be a very bad idea. Only thought is that he might be the only one who has the money and will honor Taylor's demand that the team stay here.

It's kinda forgotten that Taylor did try and sell the Wolves already this century but couldn't because he couldn't find a buyer that wanted to keep them here. Sadly those scumbags who bought the Seattle Sonics said they'd keep them there too. Will only give them a few brownie points after the fact for saying that yeah, they were lying about that from the get go.

As for the team itself? Towns is certainly a #1 or #2 best player on a very good team. Russell, for me at least, is a 3rd or 4th guy. Beasley might be a good #6 guy. Culver and Okogie? 7th or 8th, at best. Again, IMHO, you can't have two starters who have zero offensive game. One? Sure, often happens but two?

You're never going to be in reach of 50+ games with a team like that. Unless you're 1&2 guys can both score and defend and your 3rd guy can really light it up too if need be. The Wolves simply don't have them now.

While Thibodeau and Rosas don't have much in common, they both showed major flaws in their short Wolves tenure. Thibodeau was a terrible at drafting players. Godawful. While Rosas has been good are getting rid of players aside from Russell he hasn't brought in anybody who's a surefire NBA starter.

Hope that Beasley and maybe Hernangomez can develop into NBA level starters but until one or both do, the jury is still WAY out on the Wolves and Mr.Rosas.
 

per Sid:

• Wolves point guard D’Angelo Russell talked on NBA veteran J.J. Redick’s podcast about how he would handle it if the Wolves drafted point guard LaMelo Ball at No. 1 overall: “I wouldn’t mind it, honestly, if that’s what it was and that’s what they see in the future. Man, I’ve been in so many situations, I’d attack it like any other.”

www.startribune.com

Facing Packers will restore some normalcy for Vikings

After an ever-changing offseason, Mike Zimmer's team will welcome familiar routines.
www.startribune.com www.startribune.com

Howl Wolves!!
 

per Shooter:

Pssst: Representatives of the Straus Group that has been negotiating with Glen Taylor to buy the Timberwolves and were at Target Center the other day perusing the facilities have been debating whether it’s a positive or negative to include Kevin Garnett, who wants in.

The Haslam Sports Group, led by Cleveland Browns billionaire owner Jimmy Haslam, told Sportico it isn’t currently pursuing the Wolves, contrary to the sports business publication’s report.

www.twincities.com

Charley Walters: Vikings come out ahead in Ngakoue-Griffen swap

By not re-signing defensive end Everson Griffen, and with running back Dalvin Cook declining a contract extension, the Minnesota Vikings may have ended up with the NFL’s top pass-rushing tandem. Th…
www.twincities.com www.twincities.com

Howl Wolves!!
 

Shams Charania and Sam Amick of The Athletic:

The Kings have requested permission to interview the following candidates, sources have told The Athletic: Timberwolves executive vice president Sachin Gupta, Heat assistant general manager Adam Simon, Nuggets GM Calvin Booth, Pelicans GM Trajan Langdon, Rockets assistant GM Monte McNair and former Hawks GM Wes Wilcox.
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sports.yahoo.com

Report: Kings’ GM search includes Timberwolves, Heat, Nuggets, Rockets executives

The Kings reportedly won't keep Joe Dumars as their general manager.
sports.yahoo.com sports.yahoo.com
 

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported the NBA is considering a postponement of the 2020 Draft by a month, potentially moving it from Oct. 18 to Nov. 18.
The league has informed teams of a potential revised 2020 NBA Draft date of November 18, sources tell ESPN. The NBA and NBPA have been negotiating on that new date.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 9, 2020
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sports.yahoo.com

Report: NBA considers postponing draft to Nov. 18

The month-long pushback would allow for more pre-draft prep.
sports.yahoo.com sports.yahoo.com

 

per The Athletic:


An investment group led by former NBA player Arron Afflalo has engaged in talks to buy the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx, sources told The Athletic.

Afflalo’s team held discussions with the Raine Group, the search firm working with Wolves owner Glen Taylor to identify candidates, on Wednesday. Afflalo is partnering with entrepreneur Jay Bloom and several other deep-pocketed investors to make a run at buying the team, which first became available at the end of July. The group has not yet met with Taylor or any representatives of the Timberwolves for advanced discussions but is confident it has the financial means and long-term vision for talks to progress to that point.

The 34-year-old Afflalo played in the league for 11 years for the Pistons, Nuggets, Magic, Trail Blazers, Knicks and Kings. He has an affinity for the Wolves organization, in large part because of the Saunders family. Flip Saunders was Afflalo’s first NBA coach with the Pistons and Afflalo has strong relationships with Wolves coach Ryan Saunders and president of basketball operations Gersson Rosas, among others in the organization.

Afflalo’s group first expressed interest in making a bid for the Wolves in July, when it was reported that Taylor was looking for a successor. Taylor entered into a 30-day exclusive negotiating agreement with former Memphis Grizzlies minority owner Daniel Straus not long after, which prevented Afflalo’s group from engaging in formal talks. The exclusivity has since expired without an agreement with Straus, opening the door for Afflalo’s group to make a push.

The Straus Group remains interested in completing a deal with Taylor, sources said. As the negotiating window came to a close, there were several deal points that had gone unresolved, but the Straus Group was moving forward with hopes of finalizing a purchase this month. Taylor has an offer in hand from the Straus Group, but talks have since stalled and there are no immediate plans for further in-person meetings between Taylor and Straus.

Taylor has been vocal in his mandate that any new owner commit to keeping the team in Minnesota for the long term. Any new owner coming from outside of Minnesota would naturally bring questions about the long-term security for a team playing in the second-oldest arena in the NBA, and one that has struggled to draw fans through 15 years of mostly losing basketball.

If Afflalo’s group emerges as winners in the process, there would be a desire to become pillars in the Twin Cities community, sources said. The group has observed from afar as CEO Ethan Casson, Rosas, Saunders and the rest of the organization has thrust itself into community engagement following the death of George Floyd, which sparked riots across the country and put law enforcement relations with people of color under the microscope. The group includes several people of color who have an interest in the franchise playing a role in the discussion, sources said.

theathletic.com

Sources: Group led by Arron Afflalo engaging in talks to buy Timberwolves

No deal is imminent, but Afflalo's group is stepping in as Wolves owner Glen Taylor's negotiating window with another party expired.
theathletic.com theathletic.com

Howl Wolves!!
 


The Wolves’ secret weapon in the push to get D’Angelo Russell to the next level


There are those in the league who don’t believe Towns and Russell are tough enough for the playoffs and there are questions about their abilities to raise the level of play of their teammates. It will be months before they can respond on the court, but the work to put them in position to do just that begins now. The familiarity and trust that Prigioni and Russell share can allow for frank and honest conversations about what needs to happen to quiet that noise.

“Those two have to make the other guys better and put in the example every single day,” Prigioni said. “They gotta be the first in the gym. They gotta put in the most work. They gotta take the most shots in practice because they’re going to take the most shots in the game. That’s a lot of responsibility for (Russell) in this new challenge.”

In some ways, this will all be new for Russell. He spent his rookie season with the Lakers in Kobe Bryant’s shadow. When he was traded to Brooklyn, he came off the bench until injuries thrust him into a starting role and led to him bringing the Nets to the playoffs. In Golden State, Russell was another piece around Steph Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green, even when all three of them were in street clothes.

In Minnesota, Russell is a focal point. He was brought here to make life easier for Towns with his slick passing and shot-making. Towns is also expected to make Russell’s life easier because the point guard has never played with a big man even close to as talented. The two complement each other so well on the court that the most excruciating part of what was the longest 64-game season a team could possibly have was Towns’ wrist injury that prevented him from playing all but one of the 14 games Russell had with the Wolves before the league was shut down.

The games stopped and the players scattered to all corners of the country, but Russell has maintained close contact with coaches during the hiatus. He texts with coach Ryan Saunders frequently, especially while watching games in the Orlando bubble. Many of those texts, Russell said, come with blunt reflection on his own game. Russell has long been viewed as a liability on defense, not athletic enough to stay with the quicker point guards in the league and not strong enough to hang with the bigger wings.

During an appearance on J.J. Redick’s excellent “Old Man and the Three” podcast, Russell said one of the things that stood out the most early in the playoffs was how the good teams hunted out the weakest defenders, like Denver’s Michael Porter Jr., and mercilessly put them in ball screen after ball screen.

“I’m watching games this year and I’m talking to my coaches and I’m like, ‘I don’t want to be that guy,'” Russell told Redick. “I don’t want to say names, but I don’t want to be the guy they keep bringing in that ball screen at the end of games.”

theathletic.com

The Wolves’ secret weapon in the push to get D’Angelo Russell to the next level

As Russell tries to help the Wolves out of the dark, a key role is being played by an assistant coach he bonded with long before Minnesota.
theathletic.com theathletic.com

Howl Wolves!!
 

Updated Mock Draft per The Athletic:

No. 1 — Minnesota Timberwolves: LaMelo Ball, PG, Illawarra Hawks (Australia)
In our first version of the beat writer mock, I chose Georgia guard Anthony Edwards. I still believe he is a real possibility for the Wolves, and likely a better overall fit with D’Angelo Russell and Karl-Anthony Towns than is Ball.

For this version, I wanted to explore the option of selecting Ball, who most believe is the best passer/playmaker in this draft. I’m concerned about his shot selection, his shooting percentage from deep and some redundancy with Russell, another player who thrives with the ball in his hands.

But I make this selection with the idea that a trade could be coming, on draft night or later. Wolves President Gersson Rosas and Executive VP Sachin Gupta both made it clear they will explore all options with this No. 1 pick. If they do want to try to trade it to get a more established player, there is some belief in league circles that Ball would have more value on the market than Edwards or James Wiseman or any other option.

I tried to talk to Chris Kirschner and the Hawks at No. 4 and Mike Vorkunov and the Knicks, who I believe are high on Ball, at No. 8, but couldn’t find a dance partner. That doesn’t mean something can’t happen down the road.

Even if the Wolves don’t find a trade partner on draft night, Ball could be a big piece of a package that is put together during the season or next summer to land another star. And if Ball comes in and lights it up, shows increased defensive awareness and meshes with Russell rather than stepping on his toes, well, then the Wolves have the option of just rolling with him.

This Wolves front office likes to play chess. Edwards, a gifted scorer with All-Star potential who has also drawn concerning comparisons to Andrew Wiggins, is more of a checkers move.

I will probably change my mind 100 times between now and draft night in November. For now, my itchy trade fingers think Ball might be the move. — Jon Krawczynski

theathletic.com

Beat writer 2020 NBA mock draft, 2.0: Warriors trade pick, Wolves take new No. 1

The Athletic's NBA beat writers predict the top 10 picks of the 2020 NBA draft, equipped with trades and all.
theathletic.com theathletic.com

Howl Wolves!!
 

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