The latest on Kurt Rambis and the Minnesota Timberwolves.  Word came today, that Pres. David Kahn wants to reassign current head coach Kurt Rambis (who has yet to get the “axe”).  

The initial story was that just days before the 2011 NBA Draft, news broke that the Minnesota Timberwolves would be firing Kurt Rambis and had already begun the search for potential replacements.

However, earlier this evening, the TWolves are now proposing that they want to reassign Rambis to the front office for the remaining 2-years $4M.  

However, sources say that Kurt Rambis has no desire whatsoever in teaming with Kahn in the front office—something that reportedly holds little to no appeal for Kurt.  

Honestly, can you blame Kurt Rambis?  He’s been strung along since mid-April when the Timberwolves season mercifully came to an end riding a 15-game losing streak and now, the beginning of July and there’s been no official announcement firing him or intentions to keep him around.  

Yahoo Sports have said that this is being seen as more of a concept than a formal offer by David Kahn to Kurt, as there’s been little to no communication between Rambis and the Wolves front office in quite a few days.

On June 22nd, the informal news broke that Rambis wouldn’t return as Wolves head coach, but again, no official announcement has been made.  The idea being that the Wolves will pay Rambis through the NBA lockout as it is cheaper, right now, than firing him and having to negotiate an expensive buyout—AS WELL AS hiring a replacement.

Kahn has reportedly been searching for replacements the past few weeks and among the names include Portland Trailblazers assistant Bernie Bickerstaff.  Bernie of course is the son of current Wolves assistant coach—J.B. Bickerstaff.  The obvious idea being that the Bickerstaffs would come in and work together with Bernie as the head coach and after a few years would turn the team over to his son—J.B.  Other candidates that Kahn has shown interest in include: U of Washington coach Lorenzo Romar, Rick Adelman and Sam Mitchell (though Rick and Sam aren’t being looked at as closely as Bernie and Lorenzo).  

The Timberwolves—with newly signed Ricky Rubio have stated that they want to ‘run’ next year—utilizing a fast break offense to coincide with the talents of Ricky, Wes, Beasley, Love, Williams, Randolph etc.

The chance of Rambis accepting this is extremely low, but for now, it’s a wait and see situation.

Thanks for reading and remember to check back daily for all the up-to-date TWolves news, information and updates all year round (lockout or not!).  GO WOLVES!

The Minnesota Timberwolves selected Derrick Williams with the #2 overall pick in last month’s draft, however after July 1st, the NBA locked out it’s players after failing to negotiate a new labor agreement (Collective Bargaining Agreement-CBA).

William—like all rookies, was hoping to sign a big contract, but that won’t happen anytime soon, so with no money-what are the options for Derrick this summer and likely well into the fall?

Williams has stated that he’ll get money from his agent, trading card company, or by other means.  ”If I do that, I ought to be good.  If I need more, I can take out a line of credit or whatever, but it’s not like I’m going to need much,” Williams told the Los Angeles Times.

Williams is represented by the same agent as Kobe Bryant—Rob Pelinka (as is Wolves guard Wesley Johnson).  Kobe Bryant is reportedly trying to organize a team of NBA players for a “barnstorming” tour around China for non-NBA exhibition games—this of course is a possibility that could land the rookie a paycheck.

Williams has also stated that he may go back to school (in Arizona) and work towards his bachelor’s degree—in business—which is a promise he made his mother (to go back to school and get his degree).

Williams will also likely host a number of basketball camps around California where he grew up.  

And he’ll likely be playing pickup games and working out for, WHENEVER the 2011-12 season begins.

That’s all for now, thanks for reading and remember to check daily for all your Timberwolves news, information and updates all year long.  GO WOLVES!

On April 12th 2011, Jerry Zgoda of the Star Tribune made Wolves President of Operations David Kahn—a checklist of what he (Zgoda) feels need to be done this offseason for the Wolves to be successful in the future.  Below you can find the original link to the article, but today we’re going to look at Zgoda’s five checkpoints and see how David Kahn has done/is doing.

http://www.startribune.com/sports/wolves/119742374.html

1. DETERMINE COACH KURT RAMBIS’ FUTURE—Well, let’s see, this article was written almost 4 months ago and we still do have affirmation on the future of Rambis.  However—the situation with Rambis is, the Wolves are keeping him through the lockout, simply because it’ll be much cheaper than firing Kurt—negotiating a buyout—and hiring a new coach.  David Kahn, however, should’ve had this situation resolved in the month of April OR May!  It’s dragged on, and it’ll keep dragging on! (0/1)
2. SIGN RICKY RUBIO—David Kahn finally got his man.  After two years of visits, persuasion and coaxing, Ricky Rubio is finally going to play for the Minnesota Timberwolves and he’s certainly created a lot of hype and buzz—but can he live up to those expectations?  It may take a while to find out as the NBA Lockout could wipe out part of OR the entire NBA season!  (1/2)
3. PURSUE VETERAN LEADERSHIP—Zgoda mentions the Wolves trying to acquire Steve Nash from the Phoenix Suns.  I think we know the Suns aren’t going to trade their former MVP for anyone on the Wolves roster and he’s extremely ‘tight’ in that organization, if he wants out—the Suns are going to ask him where he’d be willing to go—guaranteed Minnesota wouldn’t be on that short list.  However, with the Lockout, free agency hasn’t been able to begin and as such it makes it quite difficult for the Wolves to pursue veterans for their squad with that going on.  However, the Wolves have acquired one new piece.  Big man Brad Miller was sent to Minnesota in a draft night deal that sent Jonny Flynn to Houston.  Kahn did acquire on veteran, however, this isn’t the all-star center he was back in his Sac-Town days and he’s nearing the end of his career, with some injuries the past few, I’ll go out on a limb here and say he won’t contribute much. (1.25/3)
4. WAIT—Zgoda is pleading for Kahn to wait to sign Kevin Love to an extension until after a new labor agreement is reached.  Well, good news, the labor agreement is being negotiated right now and it’d be impossible for the Wolves to offer Love an extension—so Kahn wins this one, however it’ll be a matter of how much he pays Love—what he’s offered, when it comes time.  Zgoda also says WAIT on offering Anthony Randolph and Michael Beasley extensions, until they get another year to ‘prove their worth’.  (2.25/4)
5. SAY GOODBYE—to PG Jonny Flynn.  Zgoda—AND EVERYONE ELSE—knew that Jonny Flynn wouldn’t be back with Minnesota as they’ve been looking to trade him ever since the weeks leading up to the NBA Trade Deadline, earlier this year.  Jonny Flynn has been traded to the Houston Rockets and there’s a chance he may be traded again (once the new labor agreement is negotiated).  (3.25/5)

Not to bad Mr. Kahn 3.25/5 and we still have plenty of offseason left.  However, the way you’ve handled this coaching decision and the way you’ve treated Kurt Rambis (no matter how many games we lost with him the last two seasons) is simply inexcusable!  Many people would say—too bad Kahn won’t fire himself, another couple slipups like this and hopefully Glen Taylor will show him the door.  Until then, we’re stuck with him (really though, the ONLY reason I don’t like him is because of the way he’s dealt with Kurt Rambis—I can’t imagine having a guy like that (someone who loves to have his “hand on the button”) be my boss).

Thanks for reading and remember to stay tuned all year round for your up-to-date TWolves news, information and updates.  GO WOLVES!

The 2011 NBA Offseason has been going for quite a few months for the Minnesota Timberwolves after they failed to reach the postseason—yet again.  Today, we’ll take a look at where some of your favorite Timberwolves are and what they’re doing this offseason and during the current NBA lockout!

• Kevin Love had his jaw broken in May during a medical procedure to correct his bit.  He’s been cleared to return to the basketball court at the start of June, but he wasn’t able to fully participate in full-contact pickup games when he was in Minnesota in late June to play with new Wolves acquisitions: Ricky Rubio & Derrick Williams.  Kevin Love has spent the majority of the offseason in California—taking some time off, because of the long summer.  He’s recently begun to get back in the gym to work on his “game” and is currently in Oregon—where he grew up.  He’s also been doing a few endorsements (I’m sure you’ve all seen “Love in the Shower”—Right Guard).

• Anthony Tolliver is the Minnesota Timberwolves’ union player representative.  He attended the bargaining sessions in New York City in late June, however when the League imposed the labor lockout just a few days ago (June 1st—12am), Tolliver was in Bora Bora in the South Pacific-on his honeymoon.

• Michael Beasley has been working out in Los Angeles with teammates Wesley Johnson & Derrick Williams.  He’s also been worked out regularly and probably mentored by former NBA star Norm Nixon.

That’s all I’ve got right now, however with the offseason likely lasting longer than wanted (with the NBA lockout) this could be the first update of many.  Thanks for reading and check back daily for your up-to-date TWolves news, information and updates all year round.  GO WOLVES!

Two premier big men: Tyson Chandler and Nene Hilario have decided to test the FA waters this offseason as both will hit the market.

The deadline to reach a new deal is midnight tonight (6/30) in order to be under the current CBA rules—however they would only be able to sign with their teams from last season (Dallas & Denver).

Tyson Chandler has said that there has been minimal conversation between him and the 2011 NBA Champion Dallas Mavericks, making an extension by tonight—highly unlikely.

As for Nene, he has already notified the Denver Nuggets that he will opt out of the final  year of his contract and hit the market this summer.

The Minnesota Timberwolves are in dire need of a quality center to place alongside Kevin Love.  

David Kahn has said he’s been looking for athletic veteran big men to run the floor with their new point guard—Ricky Rubio, something that Chandler could very well do.  However, the question is, does he want to go from contender to rebuilding…again?-NOT A CHANCE!

Nene is another option.  There’s no doubt he’s an incredible center and one of the very best in the League.  However with the gameplan seemingly being fast-break/run-and-gun offense next year (if there is a next year/season), Nene wouldn’t be the right option.

These two big men definitely have to be options for the young Wolves looking for an upgrade at the 5—over Dako Milicic.

Thanks for reading and stay tuned all year round for your up-to-date TWolves news, information and updates.  GO WOLVES!

As of 3:30pmCT the National Basketball Association has officially ‘locked out’ the players.

Union chief Billy Hunter said Thursday “its obvious the lockout will happen tonight” after the owners and the players failed to reach a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) today.

This of course could be the ENTIRE 2011-12 NBA season in jeopardy!

The current CBA expires tonight at midnight and the two sides (owners-players) are said to be extremely far apart on a new deal.  David Stern has said that the NBA may unfortunately be forced to impose a lockout—the first since the 1998-99 season.

The Summer League—held in Las Vegas has already been cancelled, preseason games in Europe were never scheduled.  The players will also have to decide whether they want to risk playing in this summer’s Olympic qualifying tournaments.  The risk being—the NBA won’t secure insurance in case of an injury.

Training camps normally open the last week of September to which the NBA regular season begins around a month later.  With news of this lockout—a shortened NBA season or NO NBA season may happen!

Thanks for reading and stay tuned all year round for TWolves and NBA news, information and updates.  GO WOLVES!

David Kahn has yet to fire Kurt Rambis and he may not have too.  The Minnesota Timberwolves may retain Rambis for this season…if there isn’t a season!

It’s much cheaper to keep Rambis and pay him a portion of his salary if there’s no season then to fire him, negotiate an expensive buyout and then have to hire a replacement.

Hence the reason Mr. Rambis is still the head coach—because everyone expects a lockout.

The biggest question of this ‘fiasco’ is when the TWolves will exactly fire Rambis and when they’ll hire a replacement before the end of the lockout—giving him enough time to prepare for the season with his new team.

The deadline is fast approaching—July 1st for the players and the owners to come to an agreement—they’re slated to meet on Thursday, just hours before the current CBA retires.

More on this as we go, thanks for reading and stay tuned all year round for TWolves news, information and updates.  GO WOLVES!

The Minnesota Timberwolves have decided to pick up contract options on three of their players—Wesley Johnson, Wayne Ellington & Lazar Hayward.

Wes was a rookie last season averaging 9ppg, 3rpg & almost 2apg.  He also set a franchise record for made-threes by a rookie with 103.  Wes will likely be the Wolves starting shooting guard next season, unless they find someone else in free agency—seemingly unlikely.

Wayne Ellington will be picked up for his fourth year in Minnesota.  In his time, he’s been a serviceable backup at the 2-guard.  Providing a deadly mark from 3.

Lazar was also a rookie last season as he played sparingly behind Michael Beasley & Martell Webster.  He’ll likely be the fourth option now at the small forward—since the addition of Derrick Williams throws that off a bit.  Beasley & Williams will receive most of the minutes at the 3, Martell will likely get some time at the 2-guard, leaving Lazar as the last option.

The decision(s) to retain these three players has come just two days before the potential labor lockout (7/1).  Which could—potentially, wipe out all of next season!

Thanks for reading and stay tuned all year round for your daily TWolves news, information & updates—GO WOLVES!! 

UPDATE: The Minnesota Timberwolves have confirmed that Rubio will join them for the 2011-12 season.  The Wolves will have a formal press conference at the Target Center on Tuesday (6/21).

According to sources, the future point guard of the Minnesota Timberwolves: Ricky Rubio has reached an agreement for a buyout from his team: Regal FC Barcelona and is all set to join the TWolves in the NBA.

Tomorrow (Friday, June 17th), Rubio is expected to announce his departure at a press conference in Spain.

Rubio, the Wolves & Barcelona were able to meet the May 31st deadline for Ricky to be paid his rookie salary.  Had he not signed by the 31st, he would have been under the new rules of the Collective Bargaining Agreement-whatever they may be…

In order for Rubio to come play he had to be granted permission from his, now former, team-Barcelona, who had to get approval from FIBA which had to be sent to NBA Commissioner David Stern who had to sign off on the entire ‘thing’.

After all that and two years of waiting, Wolves fans and the rest of the NBA will finally get a chance to see Ricky Rubio in action.

Ricky has been compared to Pete “Pistol Pete” Maravich, for not only his physical attributes, but also his flashy passing, ballhandling skills & floor vision.  Rubio stands at 6-4 and has a wingspan of 6-9 as he’ll turn just 21 years old in October.

According to sources, David Stern still has to give his approval, but they’re saying that’s simply a formality: “It’s done!”

Stay tuned all year round for your TWolves news, information & updates, remember to tune in daily.  Thanks for reading and GO WOLVES!

UPDATE: May 31st 5:11pmCT.  Jon Krawczynski an AP Sports Writer for the TWolves added a few notes to the Rubio situation.  First off, according to Jon, David Kahn has been telling season-ticket holders that Rubio will be in a TWolves uniform next season (for the ‘11-‘12 campaign).  Second, the Wolves have been working on a local package of endorsements to cover the costs of Rubio’s buyout.  He also added, that just because the TWolves haven’t announced anything today, that doesn’t mean they haven’t signed him already, they may be waiting for the end of his season in Europe.  

Yet another story involving Ricky Rubio and the Minnesota Timberwolves…

The TWolves are at the deadline for Ricky Rubio to sign a contract that would allow him to sign at the current rookie scale.  That deadline is today (Tuesday May 31st) at the end of the business day.

Under the new collective bargaining agreement, Rubio would have had to sign today to avoid the new CBA that could cause a lockout this summer and for part or even all of next season: one reason, I’m sure, that Rubio is hesitant (to say the least) to come over.

A spokesman for the Wolves says that the team will most likely not be making any comments on the Rubio situation until his season in Europe ends (sometime in June).

This, obviously won’t be the last we hear about Rubio and the Timberwolves, stay tuned all summer long for updates and news & information.  Until then, thanks for reading and GO WOLVES!

The Minnesota Timberwolves’ #5 pick in the 2009 NBA Draft: Ricky Rubio still has some ‘obstacles’ to hurdle if he’s going to be in a Wolves uni for the ‘11-‘12 campaign (whenever that may start).

The TWolves were hoping to have a buyout negotiated and a contract signed with Rubio earlier this month, but that has yet to happen.  If Rubio wants to avoid the new rules of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, he has until May 31st to sign with the Wolves, otherwise he’d have to sign a contract under the new rules of the CBA (most likely: a lot less money).

One source with knowledge on the situation, put the chance of Rubio coming over to the Wolves for next season at 90%, however there is still a very good chance he could spend another year over in Spain.

According to a source, Ricky has ‘warmed up’ to playing for Minnesota after the Timberwolves representatives have made numerous & regular trips to Spain, since he was drafted in 2009.

Rubio has been coming off the bench for Barcelona and according to this source, they’re looking at making some ‘personnel’ changes and they think it may be time for Rubio to move on.

If Rubio comes over, there’s a very good chance he could be the TWolves starter for next season.  Before that happens however, he’d need to negotiate a buyout with Barcelona, which would cost him $1,000,000, half of which the Timberwolves organization could/would pay ($500,000).

That’s all for now, thanks for reading and remember, you can find all your up-to-date TWolves news and information right here all offseason long.  GO WOLVES!

The following is a list of the potential center free agents come summer.  Some, have early termination options (player & team), others are restricted free agents (any team that makes them an offer can be matched by their current team) and lastly unrestricted free agents.

This is a look at all the possible center free agents and isn’t necessarily a list of players that the Timberwolves need to target, but rather a list of the potential free agents and what they could bring to the table for Minnesota.

-Nene Hilario (ETO): Nene is, without a doubt the biggest NBA center free agent this summer.  However, he has an early termination option and could still be with the Denver Nuggets for another season or sign an extension for long-term.  Nene has been linked to such teams as: the Miami Heat, Houston Rockets, Portland Trailblazers & New York Knicks.  Miami & New York both would have to trade other pieces to be able to sign him to a contract he’d accept.  Houston & Portland could potentially work something out, however Minnesota seems like it could be a destination as well.  I’m not quite sure that the best free agent center is going to leave a contender (Nuggets) to join a continually struggling squad (Timberwolves).  I would expect the Nuggets and Nene to work out a long-term contract that’ll keep him in Denver, after all, that’s where he wants to be.

-Ronny Turiaf (PO): Ronny Turiaf, currently a member of the New York Knicks and their current starting center.  Turiaf is an undersized center and isn’t exactly a top-notch option for most teams.  I think you can be assured that Turiaf will remain with the Knicks and accept his $4M+ option.

-Shaquille O’Neal (PO): Shaquille O’Neal has had a season plagued by injury.  A lot of leg problems for the 39-year-old dominant big man.  Shaq, has proven that even in limited time can still be a force on both ends of the floor.  That being said, do I think he’ll be back for another season in Bean Town or anywhere for that matter?  I really don’t think so.  The old timers, time is winding down and I do believe this ‘10-‘11 season will be his last.

-Ryan Hollins (PO): You better believe that this young big man will be accepting his player option for another season in Cleveland.  Ryan Hollins (the former Timberwolf) has a player option for $2M+ and you and I both know he won’t be able to grab that kind of money in free agency.  He’s an athletic center who can jump out of the gym, however, beyond that, well….there is no beyond that.

-Zydrunas Ilgauskas (PO): Z!  The 7-3 big man is currently a member of the Miami Heat.  He’s gotten a few starts, but has gotten some significant time off the bench as well.  No matter the end result of the Heat’s playoff run, Z will be back in the League for another season and I guarantee you, if that’s the case, it’ll be in Miami, on a contender, in quest for a ring!

-Aaron Gray (PO): Aaron Gray of the New Orleans Hornets is one big man!  A 7-foot 270+lb.  There’s really nothing beyond his size though.  He’s a role player and always will be.  The Timberwolves have Pek as their backup center, but may be in search for a 3rd string big, Gray could be their man.  The Hornets could have him back and I could see him re-upping with the Hornets however.

-Marc Gasol (R): After Nene, Marc Gasol is the next best free agent center.  Considering he’s a few years younger than Nene and could still become even better, you could argue he’s the biggest free agent center name.  Gasol is a restricted free agent and the Grizzlies seem to have every intention of matching any offer Gasol receives.  The Knicks seem to be the most interested team in his services.  I know a lot of Wolves fans ‘salivate’ (if that’s the correct word) at the thought of a Love-Gasol frontcourt.  

-DeAndre Jordan (R): DeAndre has made some bounds this season along with his buddy Blake Griffin in the Clippers frontcourt.  Jordan has become a solid low-post defender.  At just 22 years old, he’d be a great option for any team to pick up.  However, the Clippers have made it clear that they have every intention on Jordan being their center of the future after starting him over Chris Kaman (a former All-Star).  I’d expect the Clips to match any offer.  Now, turning to the Wolves, looking at a Love-Jordan frontcourt would be offense-defense, old school-athleticism, young potential-young potential.  It’s certainly a interesting option.

-Greg Oden (R): Greg Oden is another name that has had some mumblings throughout the TWolves community.  Oden has had an injury-riddled career.  The former #1 pick has proven he can be a difference-maker for his squad when healthy, however, his knees haven’t been able to hold up.  Oden will be a restricted free agent and the Blazers are expected to match any offers, however the Wolves may be able to acquire the 7-footer.  When healthy he would bring a defensive force to the Wolves next to Love on the frontline.

-Tyson Chandler: Yet another big name the Wolves could certainly look to acquire.  Tyson Chandler is currently a member of the championship-contending Dallas Mavericks who just swept the Lakers 4-0 on their way to the Conference Finals.  Chandler and he Mavs will likely come to some sort of contract agreement to keep the lengthy defender next to a perfect counterpart (Nowitzki).  Hopes are high that Chandler would be an equally impressive center next to Love in the frontcourt.

-Samuel Dalembert: A veteran shot-blocker with the ability to change games with his interior defense.  Dalembert is a veteran big man, who beyond his defense isn’t a great asset in the frontcourt.  However his defense would be a welcome addition to Love and Beasley as well as the Timberwolves lackluster team defense overall.  Dalembert is a name that is on more than a few radars and I’d expect him to sign for a bargain with the New York Knicks as their startin center next to Amar’e in their frontcourt.

-Yao Ming: The tallest player currently in the NBA at 7-6 has struggled with foot injuries in the past few years.  His enormous frame is damaging his feet, just like others before him: Bill Walton.  Yao, when healthy, is a changes the game for his squad.  His massive frame clogs up the middle and is not only a low-post defensive force, but his interior offense is probably the best of any center free agent.  Yao is also one of the League’s best free throw shooting big man.  Yao will likely sign for a small contract to stay in Houston, but I guarantee he’s an option the Wolves will consider.

-Nenad Krstic: A small piece of the Boston-Oklahoma City trade that featured Jeff Green, Kendrick Perkins & Nate Robinson.  Nenad is currently a reserve center for the Celtics, but I wouldn’t expect they’ll take him back.  Nenad will likely jump on with another team as a 2nd or 3rd string center.  He’s not an option for the Wolves that makes sense unless he’d be a deep bench warmer.

-Joel Pryzbilla: Pryzbilla was vocal in stating, that before the Trade Deadline, he wanted to stay in Portland for the remainder of the season and possibly his career.  That didn’t happen, Pryzbilla was a part of the deal that sent Gerald Wallace to the Portland Trailblazers.  Pryzbilla didn’t play much at all and was shut down with injuries.  He could be back as a center for the Bobcats in the future, but before he was traded he said that in free agency, he would also possibly consider offers from the Bucks (where he started his career) or the New York Knicks who are desperate for some quality big men.

-Chuck Hayes: The 6-6 center Chuck Hayes started his career and he will end his career in Houston.  Hayes wants to remain in Houston long-term as do the Rockets.  Hayes is a physical defender and center but is simply a reserve.  Hayes is a Rocket and will continue to be a Rocket.

-Jeff Foster: The Indiana Pacers 2nd string center (behind Roy Hibbert) Foster is a free agent this summer.  Foster is a veteran presence in the locker room and a quality reserve center for any team.  His name has been linked to the New York Knicks mostly.  Foster isn’t an option that makes sense for the Wolves, but Jeff will likely garner a lot of interest of contenders in search of a quality backup.

-Nazr Mohammed: Nazr was traded from the Bobcats to the Thunder just before the Trade Deadline.  Mohammed is a quality veteran, not a starter-quality big man, but a reserve big man that can make a difference with his overall play.  He’s the kind of big man that is solid overall, but doesn’t really do anything special altogether. 

-Erick Dampier: Erick Dampier was picked up as the 5th center for the Miami Heat earlier in the year.  After some time he secured a role as the starting center.  Dampier is a big body in the post.  A very physical center.  More of a defensive player, who will occasionally get involved on offense.  He fits well with the Heat as they don’t expect a whole lot from him.  A few boards, low-post D and just a rough physicality.  I’d expect him to be back in Miami next year.

-Dan Gadzuric: Gadzuric was traded from the Bucks to the Warriors and from the Warriors to the Nets in a matter of just over half a year.  Gadzuric is a reserve center that won’t get a lot of time, but is an insurance big man.  Dan may get an offer from a contender, but the Wolves won’t be a team that comes knocking.

-Alexis Ajinca: Ajinca was traded from the Mavericks to the Raptors earlier this year.  He’s likely the worst available free agent center.  The 7-footer will likely catch on with another team, simply because of his young age and possibility of being able to improve.  Ajinca won’t be an option for Minnesota though.