The Minnesota Timberwolves interviewed Terry Porter earlier this week (the full story on that can be found in the previous post(s)), but today David Kahn and owner Glen Taylor sat down with Mike Woodson as a potential Wolves head coach candidate.

As Kahn & Taylor sat down with Woodson, eleven of the Minnesota Timberwolves employees (on the business side of things) were laid off according to a report from the Associated Press.  Many of the 11 employees were a part of the sales department and AP also reports that teams such as Charlotte among others, have begun to do the same amidst the NBA lockout.

Back to Mike Woodson, though.  Mike Woodson is the former Atlanta Hawks head coach.  Before all that however, Mike Woodson was an NBA player spending 11 seasons in the Association.  He was selected 12th overall in the 1980 NBA Draft to the New York Knicks he played with the Knicks from 80-81, with the Nets from 81-82, with the Kings from 82-86, the Clippers 86-88, 88-91 with the Rockets and just 1991 with the Cavaliers.  

He’s only had the one head coaching job—with the Atlanta Hawks from 2004-2010.  His career coaching records stands at 206-286.

Woodson’s defensive mindset is certainly what the Timberwolves need in order to become the outstanding team they’re capable of being, but David Kahn has been adamant that he wants a coach with a real up-tempo style of playing to get Ricky Rubio and all these young athletic guys up and down the court in a hurry.—Most would disagree that this is what the TWolves should be doing—I agree they should play a little more uptempo, but if that’s the case, they need to have an incredibly strong D, ‘run n gun’ only gets you so far!

Woodson was fired (or rather not resigned) before last season (and replaced by then assistant coach Larry Drew) after the Atlanta Hawks were eliminated from the playoffs by the Orlando Magic in an 0-4 sweep.

Woodson is also one of the last two candidates for the Detroit Pistons job—taking over for John Kuester who was fired a month or so ago (Boston assistant and former Nets head coach—Lawrence Frank is the ‘other candidate’).

That’s all for now, stay tuned for all your TWolves news, information & updates even through the lockout!  Thanks for reading and GO WOLVES!

David Kahn finally manned up after stringing along Kurt Rambis for the past 3-4 months since the TWolves season ended and fired the 32-132 coach (in two NBA seasons).

“I want to thank Kurt for his contributions to our franchise and wish him the best in his future endeavors.  His arrival signaled we were serious about building a championship-contending ballclub over the course of time,” Wolves president of basketball operations David Kahn said in a statement issued by the team.  ”We have accumulated a solid nucleus of young talent with a bright future during the last two years.  I am hopeful Kurt receives his share of the credit for helping develop that talent and his contributions are not forgotten as we become a better basketball team.

“Im grateful for the opportunity that Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor has given me.  During my years working with coaches Phil Jackson, Pat Riley and Cotton Fitzsimmons, I learned about the ups and down of this sport and today is one of the down days,” said Rambis in a statement given to the Associated Press.  ”But I’m confident that my work—and the work of my staff—with our many young players over the last two years will begin to pay off for Mr. Taylor and Timberwolves fans.  Now, as important new players are added to the mix, the future of this franchise should be a bright one and I am thankful for the chance I had, to play a part in shaping that future.”

Owner Glen Taylor will not only have to pay the remaining two years of Rambis’ contract, but he’ll also shell out more money for the new head coach (a good chance that the new coach will be signed cheap).

With Kurt Rambis, now, officially out of the picture, the Timberwolves will take some time during the lockout to search for a potential replacement and go from there.  The one name that’s been thrown out multiple times—Bernie Bickerstaff (a current Portland Trailblazers assistant)—(see the previous post on this site for more information on Bernie).  Thanks for reading and remember to check back daily for all the TWolves news, information and updates all year round.  GO WOLVES!

Around 200 Minnesota Timberwolves fans and employees finally got a chance to meet their future point guard after two long years of waiting.  

Ricky Rubio arrived today at the Minneapolis-St. Paul airport escorted by Wolves President David Kahn to the cheers & admiration of Minnesota.

Donning a TWolves cap he walked through the airport signing autographs and shaking hands of the Minnesota faithful.  A chant of RICK-Y, RICK-Y broke out and as Jon Krawczynski of Associate Press put it via Twitter, it was a “Rubio Circus”.  Adding that it could really give Rubio a sense that he’s wanted in Minnesota which could ease the transition.

Ricky is going to give a press conference tomorrow at the Target Center (FSN will be live at 10am tomorrow with that), like most, I’ll have my Spanish dictionary ready as Spanish is not my strong suit or as Kevin Love put it, via Twitter: “Does anyone have Rosette Stone entry level Spanish I can use?” also adding “Happy to see MN spread love as they welcome Ricky to Minnesota.”

Ricky took to Twitter to thank the fans and employees saying: “I just arrive to the hotel here in MN.  I was so impressive in da airport.  Thanks a lot of u guys.  I feel comfortable here.  Time to rest!!!”

Pictures and video to be posted soon!  Stay Tuned!

According to Jerry Zgoda of the Star Tribune, the Wolves 5th pick in the 2009 NBA Draft is talking about his future with his current team-Regal FC Barcelona.

Barcelona won the ACB Finals yesterday (June 14th) in a sweep over Bizkaia Bilbao.  As such, there season has now come to an end and Rubio is talking about a buyout, which would cost around $1.4M, $500,000 of which the Timberwolves could pay.  The Wolves organization is also looking to local sponsors around Minnesota to finance the remaining $900,000 of the buyout for Ricky.

There have been numerous sources-the Star Tribune, ESPN, Pioneer Press, Yahoo Sports, KFAN, Associated Press etc.  that have all confirmed that Ricky Rubio and the Minnesota Timberwolves have come to an agreement to play in the Twin Cities next season.

Rubio is expected as early as Monday to come over to Minnesota for an introductory press conference, though nothing is official yet.

Thanks for reading and remember to check daily for all your TWolves news, information & updates all year round right here!  GO WOLVES!