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!

Former GM and head coach of the Minnesota Timberwolves-Kevin McHale was hired as the new Houston Rockets head coach-replacing Rick Adelman.  McHale has now begun filling out the remaining assistant coaching spots.

Kelvin Sampson (former Milwaukee Bucks assistant) and J.B. Bickerstaff (former Minnesota Timberwolves assistant).

Kurt Rambis was officially fired earlier today and the Timberwolves have already begun to search for replacements—J.B. & Kelvin were both early candidates for the head coaching gig, but it doesn’t seem likely now.  Kelvin was also a candidate for the Houston job before Kevin was hired, he was also being considered for the Detroit head coaching job.

The Minnesota Timberwolves were rumored to be looking to interview current Portland assistant—Bernie Bickerstaff, for the Timberwolves head coaching gig, then retaining J.B. as the main Timberwolves assistant—the idea being that after a year or two, J.B. could take over as the head coach of Minnesota from his father.

The main news here is: You can take two solid coaches from the list of potential candidates for Minnesota.

That’s all for now.  Thanks for reading and remember to check daily for news, updates and information on your Minnesota Timberwolves.  GO WOLVES!

Stay with us all night as we bring you the 2011 NBA Draft updates.  Updated every minute!!!

ROUND ONE

#1 Cleveland Cavaliers (via Los Angeles Clippers)

-Kyrie Irving, G, Duke

#2 Minnesota Timberwolves

-Derrick Williams, F, Arizona

#3 Utah Jazz (via New Jersey Nets)

-Enes Kanter, C, Turkey/Kentucky

#4 Cleveland Cavaliers

-Tristan Thompson, F, Texas

#5 Toronto Raptors

-Jonas Valanciunas, C, Lithuania

#6 Washington Wizards

-Jan Vesely, F, Czech Republic

#7 Sacramento Kings (traded to Charlotte Bobcats)

-Bismack Biyombo, F-C, Congo

#8 Detroit Pistons

-Brandon Knight, G, Kentucky

#9 Charlotte Bobcats

-Kemba Walker, G, Connecticut

#10 Milwaukee Bucks (traded to Sacramento)

-Jimmer Fredette, G, BYU

#11 Golden State Warriors

-Klay Thompson, G, Washington State

#12 Utah Jazz

-Alec Burks, G, Colorado

#13 Phoenix Suns

-Markieff Morris, F, Kansas

#14 Houston Rockets

-Marcus Morris, F, Kansas

#15 Indiana Pacers

-Kawhi Leonard, F, San Diego State

#16 Philadelphia 76ers

-Nikola Vucevic, F, USC

#17 New York Knicks

-Iman Shumpert, G, Georgia Tech

#18 Washington Wizards (via Atlanta Hawks)

-Chris Singleton, F, Florida State

#19 Charlotte Bobcats (via New Orleans Hornets) (traded to Milwaukee)

-Tobias Harris, F, Tennessee

#20 Minnesota Timberwolves (via Memphis Grizzlies) (traded to Houston Rockets)

-Donatas Motiejunas, F, Lithuania

#21 Portland Trailblazers

-Nolan Smith, G, Duke

#22 Denver Nuggets

-Kenneth Faried, F, Morehead  State

#23 Houston Rockets (via Orlando Magic) (traded to Minnesota, then moved to Chicago)

-Nikola Mirotic, F, Spain

#24 Oklahoma City Thunder

-Reggie Jackson, G, Boston College

#25 Boston Celtics (traded to New Jersey Nets)

-Marshon Brooks, G, Providence

#26 Dallas Mavericks

-Jordan Hamilton, F, Texas

#27 New Jersey Nets (via Los Angeles Lakers) (traded to Boston)

-JaJuan Johnson, F ,Purdue

#28 Chicago Bulls (via Miami Heat) (traded to Minnesota) (then to Miami)

-Norris Cole, G, Cleveland State

#29 San Antonio Spurs

-Cory Joseph, G, Texas

#30 Chicago Bulls

-Jimmy Butler, F, Marquette

ROUND TWO

#31 Miami Heat (via Minnesota Timberwolves) (traded back to Minnesota) (then traded to New Jersey for cash)

-Bojan Bogdanovic, G, Croatia

#32 Cleveland Cavaliers

-Justin Harper, F, Richmond

#33 Detroit Pistons (via Toronto Raptors)

-Kyle Singler, F, Duke

#34 Washington Wizards

-Shelvin Mack, G, Butler

#35 Sacramento Kings

-Tyler Honeycutt, F, UCLA

#36 New Jersey Nets

-Jordan Williams, F, Maryland

#37 Los Angeles Clippers (via Detroit Pistons)

-Trey Thompkins, F, Georgia

#38 Houston Rockets (via Los Angeles Clippers)

-Chandler Parsons, F, Florida

#39 Charlotte Bobcats

-Jeremy Tyler, C, San Diego/Japan

#40 Milwaukee Bucks

-Jon Leuer, F , Wisconsin

#41 Los Angeles Lakers (from Golden State via New Jersey Nets)

-Darius Morris, G , Michigan

#42 Indiana Pacers (traded to San Antonio Spurs)

-Davis Bertans, F , Latvia 

#43 Chicago Bulls (via Utah Jazz) (traded to Minnesota)

-Malcolm Lee, G , UCLA

#44 Golden State Warriors (from Phoenix via Chicago Bulls)

-Charles Jenkins, G, Hofstra

#45 New Orleans Hornets (sold to New York for $750K)

-Josh Harrelson, C, Kentucky

#46 Los Angeles Lakers (from New York Knicks)

-Andrew Goudelock, F, College of Charleston

#47 Los Angeles Clippers (from Houston Rockets)

-Travis Leslie, G, Georgia 

#48 Atlanta Hawks

-Keith Benson, C, Oakland

#49 Memphis Grizzlies

-Josh Selby, G, Kansas

#50 Philadelphia 76ers (from New Orleans Hornets)

-Lavoy Allen, F, Temple University

#51 Portland Trailblazers

-John Diebler, G, Ohio State

#52 Detroit Pistons

-Vernon Macklin, F, Florida

#53 Orlando Magic

-DeAndre Liggins, G, Kentucky

#54 Cleveland Cavaliers (from Oklahoma City via Miami Heat)

-Milan Macvan, F, Serbia

#55 Boston Celtics

-E’Twaun Moore, G, Purdue

#56  Los Angeles Lakers

-Chukwudiebere Maduabum, F, Bakersfield (NBDL)

#57 Dallas Mavericks (traded to Portland) (then traded to Minnesota)

-Tanguy Ngombo, F, Qatar

#58 Los Angeles Lakers (from Miami Heat)

-Ater Majok, F, Sudan

#59 San Antonio Spurs

-Adam Hanga, G, Hungary

#60 Sacramento Kings (from Chicago Bulls via Milwaukee Bucks)

-Isaiah Thomas, G, Washington

Two former Minnesota Timberwolves have finally attained the Championship Gold in the NBA.  Brian Cardinal played for Minnesota in ‘08-‘09 & ‘09-‘10 and Corey Brewer who started his career in Minnesota and played for the Wolves earlier this season.

Brian Cardinal got his first ring after 11 years in the NBA-playing for: Detroit Pistons, Washington Wizards, Golden State Warriors, Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves and finally the Dallas Mavericks.

Corey Brewer was drafted in 2007 by the Minnesota Timberwolves with the 7th overall pick.  Through 4 years he’s got his first ring with the Champion Mavericks.  He was traded in the Carmelo Anthony deal from Minnesota to New York.  The Knicks later waived the great defender and the Mavericks later signed him to a 3-year deal.

Cardinal played in 8 of the Mavs’ postseason games, averaging 3.1mpg, 0.4rpg & 0.9ppg.  Not an integral part of the Mavs’ postseason run.  However, after Brendan Haywood went down with an injury, he saw his minutes increase in the Finals provide a lot of hustle, hard work and defense for Dallas.

Brewer saw even less time in the postseason.  He played 6 games, averaging 3.8mpg, 0.7spg & 1.5ppg.  However, unlike Cardinal, Brewer didn’t play at all in the Finals.  In fact, the last game he played in the Finals was 5 minutes in the 1st game of the Playoffs Semi-Finals against the Thunder.

Even though, neither were big contributors for the Mavericks this season or postseason, but nonetheless they’ve both got their rings.

Thanks for reading and remember to stay tuned for all the up-to-date TWolves news, information and updates all offseason long.  Thanks for reading-CONGRATS MAVS & GO WOLVES!

The 2011 NBA Draft is just 19 days away. The Minnesota Timberwolves have teetered back-and-forth on whether they plan on keeping the #2 pick as well as the #20.

At one point there were rumors of the Wolves trading the pick to the Pacers along with Rubio & Beasley for Danny Granger. A week or so later, it was a three-team trade involving the Cavaliers & the Pistons (which eventually fell through, because the Pistons needed more out of it) that would sent DETs Rip Hamilton & their #8 pick to CLE, then MIN would send their #2 pick to CLE for their #4 & #8.

In a scenario (THERE WERE NO TALKS OFFICIALLY ABOUT THIS) Star Tribune reporter Jerry Zgoda came up with a potential trade for the Wolves. Because they’ve been looking for an athletic center, Zgoda thought that the Wolves could send the #2 pick to the Wizards for young athletic center JaVale McGee as well as their #6 pick (the Wizards are reportedly very high on Enes Kanter, who really wants to play in D.C.).

However, the Minnesota Timberwolves still hold the pick and at this point it seems likely by most, that they’ll be keeping the pick and whoever they draft with the pick.

Yesterday Assistant GM Tony Ronzone said that the team, for now, is not trading the #2 pick. “I say, right now, we’re keeping two and we really like where we’re at with 2,” Ronzone reiterated.

Although most in the TWolves “brass” say the team intends on keeping the pick (including owner Glen Taylor), most “observers” believe the Wolves will make a move before draft night.

Stay tuned for more updates, news & information all offseason long. Thanks for reading and GO WOLVES!

UPDATE (Sunday June 5, 2011 @1:55pmCT) A report from Sports Illustrated has the two teams most interested in Flynn as the Sacramento Kings and the Toronto Raptors.

UPDATE (Friday June 3, 2011 @2:05amCT).  According to a report, there are a few other teams, also interested in Flynn.  Toronto does seem like the likeliest destination as they’re looking for a young talent to run the squad and Flynn is actually from Niagara, which is quite close to Toronto.  Other possibilities include the New York Knicks (if Chauncey Billups is traded (there have been reports he’s on the block) the Knicks could target Flynn).  Phoenix is also another possible destination as noted below, but there’s also been a report (that most call highly unlikely) of a trade for Phoenix’s All-Star and former MVP point guard: Steve Nash, who would come over to be the Wolves starting point guard and more importantly-a mentor to the young Ricky Rubio.

Big news was leaked yesterday as it seems on Tuesday (5/31) the Minnesota Timberwolves and their #5 2009 NBA Draft pick: Ricky Rubio had indeed signed to join the team for the ‘11-‘12 campaign.

With this news, the rumor mill has begun to churn as it now appears the #6 pick in the 2009 NBA Draft: Jonny Flynn will be traded.  This isn’t the first time we’ve heard Flynn’s name come up in the trade rumors.  The TWolves tried more than once to swing a deal with the Rockets for Aaron Brooks (who eventually was traded to Phoenix for a pick and Goran Dragic).  

It is likely that Ricky Rubio will be the starting point guard for the Wolves next year, moving veteran Luke Ridnour to a reserve role which leaves Flynn the odd man out.

Possible destinations have been listed, as of now: the Toronto Raptors (they’re looking for an upgrade over Jose Calderon/Jerryd Bayless), Detroit Pistons (they don’t have a true point guard, Flynn would be a good fit), Sacramento Kings (they’re looking for a young star to complement Evans in the backcourt, he could certainly be a big piece for Sac-Town next to Cousins & Evans), Portland Trailblazers (they’ll be looking for a starting point guard if Andre Miller doesn’t return and possibly a backup for Miller when he eventually does retire), Phoenix Suns (Steve Nash is getting in up there in years and he won’t be around forever, Aaron Brooks is down there, but many believe he won’t be the future point of Phoenix).

This isn’t the last we’ll hear of this until he’s playing for another squad.  It could be likely that the Wolves could decide to move Flynn during the draft for another pick (or what have you).  That’s all for now, thanks for reading, stay tuned all offseason long for your up-to-date TWolves news and information.  GO WOLVES!

Today, we’re taking a look back at the late-October issue of Sports Illustrated, which was their 2010-11 NBA Preview issue.  On the cover are scoring champion Kevin Durant, defensive swingman Thabo Sefelosha & big man Nenad Krstic.  The title reads: Lakers & Heat BEWARE, THUNDER BALL: Kevin Durant & Co. are growing up Fast.  No doubt the Thunder did a lot of growing up moving past the Denver Nuggets and the Memphis Grizzlies on their way to the Western Conference Finals where they were ousted on May 25th by the Mavericks in 5 games.  Enough about the cover, let’s take a look inside…

The first part of the NBA Preview is a story on the OKC Thunder.  Actually a pretty good read (by Lee Jenkins).  Of course the picture has Jeff Green, Thabo Sefelosha, Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook & Nenad Krstic in it.  It would now, have KD, Russ, James Harden, Serge Ibaka & Kendrick Perkins as they made some offseason moves.

The second section of the NBA Preview is…a real shocker!!!  A story about the Miami Heat!  I’m sure you haven’t seen to many of those since “The Decision”!  I honestly didn’t read it, because I didn’t/don’t care!  

The next section of the Preview is the outlook of all the teams and where they’ll end up when all is said and done.  In the Eastern Conference, they had the Milwaukee Bucks, Detroit Pistons and the Charlotte Bobcats all making the playoffs.  In their place: the Philadelphia 76ers, Indiana Pacers & the New York Knicks all made the playoffs.  For the Western Conference, they had the Phoenix Suns, Houston Rockets & the Utah Jazz all making the playoffs.  In their place: the New Orleans Hornets, Denver Nuggets & the Memphis Grizzlies all made the playoffs.  One thing they did get right, they had the Minnesota Timberwolves finishing 15th in the West, that they did.  They were, obviously the worst team in the NBA (record-wise).  The Conference Finals in the East were the Heat over the Celtics and in the West it was the Lakers over the Spurs.  Well, the Heat eliminated the Chicago Bulls in 5 games and are going head-to-head with the Mavs (once again: 2006!!) in the NBA Finals.   In the West however, the Lakers and Spurs were both eliminated as the Dallas Mavericks moved on to the Finals.  Their finals of Lakers over Heat obviously won’t happen either.

Moving on now, to what Sports Illustrated saw at the beginning of the season for the TWolves.  Let’s see if they were right…

The starting lineup and key reserves were listed as follows: PG: Jonny Flynn, SG: Martell Webster, SF: Michael Beasley, PF: Kevin Love, C: Darko Milicic.  Reserves: Wesley Johnson, Luke Ridnour, Corey Brewer.  Well…the backcourt obviously was a little off.  Both Jonny Flynn & Martell Webster had preseason surgeries to fix some injuries.  For Martell it was a back injury, that allowed him to play just 46 games in the ‘10-‘11 season.  For Jonny it was offseason hip surgery that allowed him to play just 53 games.  The difference of course, when Martell came back he was a big contributor for the Wolves off the bench.  When Jonny came back, his play was simply…horrendous!  

The next part of the TWolves preseason analysis is a section on a rival scout “sizing” up the Wolves.  The first statement this rival scout makes: “Kevin Love may not be their best player, but he’s certainly their most marketable.”  This one just didn’t make sense.  The fact is, before Jefferson was traded, Love had to come off the bench and never got the big minutes.  The bigger question is…if Love wasn’t their best player going into the preseason, WHO WAS!?  It certainly wasn’t Beasley: who had big struggles in Miami and had been somewhat written off, by a lot of folks.  If he thought it was Darko…HA!  Flynn?  Ridnour?  Brewer?  Webster?  Who was better?  Anyway…moving on.  He also added that Love isn’t a back-to-the-basket kind of player.  That is without a doubt, TRUE!  Love is definitely a jump shooter (face-up).  There were very few times this season where he’d receive the ball in the post and try to back down his defender using post moves and strength.  Something, that he needs to work on, along with his post D!

The next question…Who’s playing Center.  This was certainly a question that was on everyone’s minds (in ‘10-‘11 and STILL IS!).  Last summer the Wolves signed Darko to a 4-year $20M deal.  He definitely made some leaps and bounds as a player, but he still can’t be considered “starting material” he is a backup, at best!  What this rival scout thought, was that they needed a really gifted low-post scorer to play alongside Love, someone like…I don’t know…Al Jefferson?  He of course was traded to Utah for a couple of 1st round draft picks and Kosta Koufos (now with Denver).  For the ‘11-‘12 season, they definitely need to find an answer to this question that doesn’t end with DARKO!!

The next part was all about the Wolves offseason addition: Michael Beasley.  Beasley was acquired by the Wolves in an trade with the Miami Heat: the former #2 pick: Beasley for two future 2nd round picks (yes that is what we call a STEAL).  We all know Beasley was simply amazing in college and we all know that since joining the NBA he’s had more than his fair share of struggles.  Since joining the Heat in the 2008 NBA Draft (#2 pick to Miami after Derrick Rose), he’s had the opportunity to play with a superstar in this League: Dwayne Wade.  However, just as SI points out, that in his first two years it has looked as though he’s unable to play with anyone.  However, Beasley found a bit of a niche in Minnesota this season, he improved his shooting, however his rebounding was awful (as usual) obviously not too easy with the leading rebounder grabbing 10-20rpg a night (K. Love).  His defense and hist “teamwork” were notably ‘bad’ as well.  His defense wasn’t great, he played a permanently at the small forward this season, which changes where he is on the court and who he’s guarding.  He certainly isn’t the greatest ball handler (as he lead the Wolves in turnovers per game this season: 2.7).  The biggest quote that stood out from the SI preview was (in reference to Beas) that he has so much talent, but doesn’t do much with it and Pat Riley, one of the greatest GMs, coaches & players in this League couldn’t harness it or rather, just gave up on the young man.  Needless to say, if Beasley is committed to putting the work in, he could be a star in this League, if not, he’ll always be a large volume scorer, but nothing much beyond that.

The next big issue was second-year point guard: Jonny Flynn.  We’ve discussed this before and it is quite obvious, Flynn was simply awful in his second year.  With the offseason hip surgery and his struggles as he returned and couldn’t beat out veteran Luke Ridnour for his starting spot.  In his first year, Flynn was the best at getting the ball from one end of the court to the other at high speed and pushing it to the rim.  However, the biggest issue for Flynn has been the system he’s been playing.  Jonny is a pick-and-roll player and in Minnesota he’s had to run the triangle offense; something he’s been unable to accomplish efficiently.  The SI issue had Jonny having a great year, but that didn’t happen whatsoever.  I’d say, it’s a great possibility that Flynn won’t be donning the green & blue next season.

Lastly for the Wolves preview: a little best case-worst case scenario.  The following is a look at exactly what was written in the issue and we’ll see what projections actually ‘came true’.

BEST CASE: “They sort out their logjam at point guard & small forward allowing Jonny Flynn to take charge & Michael Beasley to thrive in his new environment.  Even better, they don’t make any more trades.

-Well, the TWolves did sort out their logjams at the 1 & 3 spots.  Mainly because of injury.  Ridnour took over for the starting guard last year: Flynn after he had to have offseason hip surgery.  Last year’s Wolves starting small forward was Ryan Gomes (who was traded to Portland, later waived and signed by the Clippers).  Beasley stepped up as the starter as their other offseason acquisition also had an injury that required surgery (on his back: herniated disc).  So actually Ridnour & Beasley both thrived (based on past statistics) in their new environments.

-Next, the Wolves did actually make a trade this season.  They were the third team that was involved in the Carmelo Anthony deal that sent him from Denver to New York.  The TWolves sent out their longest tenured player: Corey Brewer, to the New York Knicks and their offseason acquisition center from Utah: Kosta Koufos to the Denver Nuggets.  In return they received two New York Knick players: Anthony Randolph & Eddy Curry (Curry was bought out, shortly thereafter).  This was definitely a good trade.  They sorted out their jam at the shooting guard, sent a third string center out and snagged a big athletic forward that’s extremely versatile, whose potential is practically limitless.

WORST CASE: “Flynn cannot get the minutes he needs to develop, neither can rookie forward Wesley Johnson & Kevin Love misses Al Jefferson in the middle.  GM David Kahn picks up the phone and begins yet another makeover.

-Flynn certainly couldn’t get the minutes, his offseason hip surgery was the biggest reason and when he returned Wolves fans around the world groaned every time he checked in the game.  Wesley Johnson had to move to shooting guard to get the minutes and he struggled with his position change, but he could easily improve with some serious work.  

-Did Kevin Love miss Big Al in the middle?  Well, let’s take a look…Love finally got the minutes he deserves and he performed incredibly: leading the Wolves in scoring and the NBA in rebounds and rebounds per game as well as making the Western Conference all-star team and winning the Most Improved Player of the Year Award.  Did he miss Big Al?  I think the answer is obvious…NO!

-After a 17-win season (just a 2-win improvement from ‘09-‘10), GM Kahn hasn’t yet begun yet another makeover, but I don’t think the Wolves are in the clear from that.  They do have a nice core: Beasley, Love, Randolph, Rubio? (maybe someday), as well as the #2 pick in the 2011 NBA Draft.

The TWolves are an organization that has been in turmoil for far too long.  However, with Love & Beasley leading the way, the Wolves could seriously contend; even in the loaded West.

If you honestly read through all this, thank you, I suppose :)  As always you can always find your NBA Wolves news and information on this site all summer long.   Stay tuned, thanks for reading and GO WOLVES!

UPDATE: May 28 @6:30pmCT According to Chris Broussard an ESPN NBA Analyst, the Pistons would have to get something in return for Richard Hamilton & the 8th pick, however Cleveland seems to be pursuing this pretty hard, so I’m sure this isn’t tge last we’ll hear of it.

The Minnesota Timberwolves, the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Detroit Pistons are discussing a trade involving a lot of first round picks in next month’s draft.

The proposed trade is Richard Hamilton of the Pistons to the Cleveland Cavaliers, Detroit’s 8th pick to the Minnesota Timberwolves as well as Cleveland’s 4th pick. There is no word, on what Detroit would get (except dumping Rip’s large & lengthy contract).

The Cavs would actually buy out the remaining 2-years and $25M, allowing him to sign with another club (most likely Chicago or Boston).

The deal is just being discussed and therefore nothing is imminent.

For the Wolves, the idea is that they want the Turkish big man: Enes Kanter, who would be a stretch at the #2 pick, but would almost certainly be available at #4.

The Cavs would then have the 1st and 2nd pick and most likely draft Kyrie Irving and Derrick Williams. The Cavs feel that Irving and Williams would be the perfect building blocks as they look to rebuild after a terrible post-LBJ season in ‘10-‘11. The Utah Jazz currently own the #3 pick and in a lot of mock drafts, they have them selecting Brandon Knight.

That’s all for now, there’s no doubt we’ll be hearing more about this soon enough, STAY TUNED!! Thanks for reading and GO WOLVES!!

The Minnesota Timberwolves’ trip to the NBA Lottery had them slip down once again.  The TWolves had the best mathematical chance at the #1 pick (25%), but fell to #2 as the Cleveland Cavaliers grabbed the top spot thanks to the Los Angeles Clippers’ pick that went up 7 spots from #8 to #1.

As such, the Minnesota Timberwolves have already stated that they may trade the pick, either to trade down in the Draft or to grab a veteran player-maybe both!

The Cleveland Cavaliers have the #1 and #4 picks and it is almost certain that they will be selecting Kyrie Irving with that top pick.  The obvious next choice: talent-wise is Derrick Williams out of Arizona.  A versatile scoring forward, something they already possess in Beasley.  Other options include the Turkish center Enes Kanter & Bismack Biyombo, both have had their names linked to the Timberwolves.  With Biyombo however, the TWolves could certainly trade down in the draft and get him in the 7th or 8th pick.

Some of the names that Wolves reporters, fans and NBA analysts have been throwing out as far as possible veteran players for the Wolves include: Rudy Gay of the Memphis Grizzlies, Monta Ellis of the Golden State Warriors, Andre Iguodala of the Philadelphia 76ers, Ben Gordon of the Detroit Pistons…these are obviously just a few of the names that are being thrown around.

I’m sure we’ll have more information as we draw closer to that June 23rd Draft night.  For now, you can find all your up-to-date information and news on the Minnesota Timberwolves all offseason long right here.  Thanks for reading and GO WOLVES!

The following is the list of the point guard free agents.  Some of them have early termination options (player & team options), 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 point guard free agents and isn’t necessarily a list of a players that the Timberwolves absolutely need to target, but rather a list of the free agents and what they could bring to the table for Minnesota.

-Andre Miller (PO): Miller hasn’t been quite happy in Portland, Roy and Miller haven’t always seen eye-to-eye and some question whether or not they can co-exist on the same team.  Miller is a veteran point guard, which, veteran-presence is certainly something the Wolves lacked this past season.  His playmaking skills and basketball IQ would be a valuable asset.  However, with Ridnour and Rubio (possibly) as well as potentially Kyrie Irving (w/the #1 pick?) and Jonny Flynn on the roster (for now) there may not even been room for a player like Miller on the roster.  Miller has a player option, chances are good, with the CBA lingering, Miller will most likely return to the Blazers, at least for one more season.  UPDATE: In a recent report Miller has said that he’ll rely on his agent to handle his contract status, the Blazers have until June 30th to exercise his option.

-Goran Dragic (TO): Dragic is a solid young role player.  He was traded for Aaron Brooks to the Rockets.  Chances are, the Rockets will re-up the young international player.  However, if the Wolves are, as usual, looking at point guards, Goran Dragic could be on their radar, in the Wolves’ last game of the season (vs. the Rockets) Dragic obtained his career-first triple-double.  Like I said, the Rockets will pick up his option to keep him as a role player behind starter Kyle Lowry.

-Eddie House (PO): Like Dragic, House has a player option and will most likely be interested in returning to the Heat for another season.  House is a good combo-guard.  Mainly, just a shooter and role player and a veteran-presence.  He could be valuable for his veteran leadership (been on Celtics championship team and with the contending Miami Heat) and his ability to hit big shots.  Like Miller though, I’d expect him to re-up with the Heat, because of both the CBA and because of the chance to being able to play with a championship-contender: Miami Heat.

-Rodney Stuckey (R): Rodney Stuckey is a restricted free agent this upcoming offseason.  The Pistons will be able to match any offer that he gets from any other team.  You’ve got to believe chances are good, he doesn’t want to return to the Pistons next season, with all the controversies in the Motor City this season.  I’m certain Stuckey will definitely get more than one offer.  If the TWolves indeed decide to offer him a contract, he would most likely be moved to a more suitable position: shooting guard, a position they definitely need filled.

-Aaron Brooks (R): Aaron Brooks was a target last season for the Wolves before the Trade Deadline when he was traded to the Phoenix Suns for Goran Dragic.  I’d expect the Suns to match any offer for Brooks (any reasonable offer) as it seems he’s their point guard of the future as Steve Nash continues to draw nearer to retirement.  

-T.J. Ford: Ford hasn’t played in a long while.  He was benched and inactive for the Pacers for the majority of the season.  The Pacers were able to acquire a new starting point guard: Darren Collison.  Therefore they no longer needed Ford.  He has no restrictions and I could see him jumping on with a contender next season as a role player.  He could be a valuable combo guard off the bench.  I wouldn’t expect the Wolves to make any offer to him however.

-Sebastian Telfair: Telfair is the only Timberwolves free agent this offseason.  He was a third-string point guard for the Wolves this season.  He last played against the Indiana Pacers in the game when Kevin Love broke the double-double streak (I was actually at this game!!!).  Telfair did get a lot of playing time early in the season when Jonny Flynn was still recovering from his offseason hip surgery.  He even got a few starts when starter Luke Ridnour had a hamstring injury.  There is absolutely no doubt that the Timberwolves won’t be bringing back Bassy!

-Marcus Banks: Throughout Banks’ NBA career, Marcus has simply been a trade chip.  From Boston to Minnesota to Phoenix to Miami back to Phoenix, then back to Miami to Toronto and finally to New Orleans.  Without a doubt-an NBA journeyman.  Used mainly as a VERY deep reserve, I wouldn’t be surprised if no one comes  looking to make him an offer this season.

-Mike Bibby: Bibby was traded just before the NBA Trade Deadline this season from Atlanta to Washington.  In a deal that also featured rookie Jordan Crawford and forward Maurice Evans to Washington and Washington’s Kirk Hinrich and Hilton Armstrong to Atlanta.  Bibby was later waived by Washington after just a game and was picked up by the Miami Heat.  He’s still a valuable combo guard, but if he plays well enough in the playoffs, I’d expect the Heat to offer him another contract.

-Carlos Arroyo: Arroyo was signed by the Miami Heat this summer, but when the Heat decided to sign Mike Bibby around the Trade Deadline, he was waived by the Heat.  Arroyo was able to sign on with another Eastern Conference contender: the Boston Celtics as a reserve behind Rajon Rondo and Delonte West.  I’d expect him to be able to sign on with another team, however, like most of these free agent point guards, I wouldn’t expect the Wolves to even contemplate making him an offer.

UPDATE: The Denver Nuggets were defeated by the Oklahoma City Thunder earlier tonight, 104-89.  It was for the second time THIS WEEK.  (UPDATE: Friday April 8th, 11:10p.m.)

UPDATE: Both Kevin Love and Darko Milicic will travel with the Wolves on this 2-game road trip, however both are listed as doubtful for tomorrow’s game in Denver, furthermore neither player practiced today.  Kevin Love said after sitting out practice, that if he doesn’t play tomorrow night, then he’ll most likely shut it down for the season.  (UPDATE: Friday April 8th 2011, 2:11p.m.)

Saturday night the Minnesota Timberwolves will square off at the Pepsi Center with their division rivals the playoff-bound Denver Nuggets.  This will be the first-time the Wolves will get a chance to play the new-look Denver Nuggets since that blockbuster Carmelo Anthony deal.

The Timberwolves are currently skidding on a 12-game losing streak and are the NBAs worst team as the Cavaliers sit a 0.5 above them.  Wolves: 17-62, Cavaliers: 17-61.  The Timberwolves continue to face the NBAs elite teams and without K-Love, it makes it all the harder to compete.  After the Nuggets game, they have two more: @Phoenix on April 11th and their last game, back at the Target Center vs. the Houston Rockets on April 13th.  The Cavaliers on the other hand will face the Bulls, the Bucks and finish out the season against two beatable teams: the Washington Wizards and the Detroit Pistons.  If the Wolves maintain the worst record in the NBA, they’ll have the best mathematical chance at the #1 pick (25% chance).

The Nuggets on the other hand are playoff-bound as they currently hold the 5th seed in the bracket and will be looking to add to their win total as they currently sit at 48-30.  As of right now, by the current standings, the Nuggets will be facing the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round.

The Timberwolves are coming off a loss Wednesday night to the Phoenix Suns as they were defeated 108-98 at the Target Center.  They were without All-Star Kevin Love, still dealing with a groin injury.  Also, Darko Milicic had originally injured his ankle in the game against Miami, but re-injured it 10 minutes into the game Wednesday night, no word yet on whether he’ll be able to play.

The Nuggets are playing the Oklahoma City Thunder tonight, in what could be a preview to their playoff matchup.  Tipoff for that one is set for 7pmCT.

The key players for Minnesota will be: Michael Beasley-with Kevin Love, most likely out he’ll need to continue his solid play, but he’s also got to remember to get his teammates involved, to often he tries to put them on his back and doesn’t trust his team, one of the many problems for these Young Wolves this season.  Wesley Johnson-we know he’s got it in him to be a solid offensive contributor, but since his 29-point eruption against the Lakers, he’s faded and isn’t helping them out at all on the scoreboard.  THE BENCH-they’ve been solid lately, headlined by Martell Webster, Anthony Tolliver and Anthony Randolph, these guys are good enough to combine for 50pts a game off the pine.  I wouldn’t be surprised if they are all well into the double-digits by the end of the night.

The key players for Denver will be: Wilson Chandler: Chandler has been one of my favorite players this season, he’s really improved his game and is a threat on both ends, he is their sixth man, but he’ll see plenty of time against the Wolves’ forwards.  DEN’s PGs Ty Lawson and Raymond Felton: These are two young and quite talented point guards that split time as the floor general, Ridnour and Flynn need to step up their game to deal with these two.  Nene-with Darko possibly out, Pekovic will be matched up against Nene, in what should be a very physical and fun matchup to watch, Nene’s a beast on the block and is tops in field goal percentage in the NBA.

Tipoff is set for 8:30pmCT from the Pepsi Center Saturday night.  A full-gameday recap can be found on this site following the final horn.  Until then, thanks for reading, enjoy the game and GO WOLVES!

Darko Milicic: the starting center for the Minnesota Timberwolves has decided to auction off his 2004 NBA Championship Detroit Pistons ring.  He’ll be auctioning it off to raise money and awareness for children dealing with the terminal illness known as Batten’s disease.

Milicic will also be auctioning off the Championship belt that was given to him by Rasheed Wallace.

Batten’s disease is a neurological disorder that affects mostly children and gradually causes blindness, seizures and death.  Milicic first found out about this disease while reading a newspaper story about this disease in his native “homeland” Serbia.  

The treatments for this disease cost $35,000 and Milicic is raising this money in hopes that they’ll be able to be more affordable someday.

Darko got the idea last year when Ron Artest auctioned off his championship ring, he won with the Lakers last season for mental health programs in schools.

Anyone who is interested can purchase raffle tickets for $2 each and the raffle will be open for a few months until a winner is chosen.  He will also be giving an all-expense paid trip to the NBA Finals in June.  

Milicic won his Championship ring as a member of the Detroit Pistons.  He was a rookie and seldom-played, so needless to say this record doesn’t have much “sentimental” value to him.  He knows this is going to a great cause however the belt he was given by Rasheed Wallace was a gift and does mean a lot to him.  However, he hopes Wallace understands and knows it’s going to a great cause.