2010-11 NBA Season: Various Minnesota Timberwolves Photos Part 1 of 2

2010-11 NBA Season: Minnesota Timberwolves Starting Power Forward: Kevin Love

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!

October 2006—At Basketball City, while practicing for the Elite 24 HS All-Star Game at Rucker Park—Kevin Love throws a full-court pass to Michael Beasley for a 360 slam.

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!

Kevin Love & Ricky Rubio

The new-look Minnesota Timberwolves, workout-Ricky Rubio, Derrick Williams, Malcolm Lee, Michael Beasley, Kevin Love, Anthony Randolph, Wesley Johnson and Martell Webster at the TWolves practice facility!

Jonah Ballow catches up with Minnesota Timberwolves all-star forward Kevin Love to discuss the offseason and teaming up with new acquisitions: Derrick Williams & Ricky Rubio

Wolves David Kahn talks with the media during the 2011 NBA Draft about: Derrick Williams, their young roster, the Wolves’ ‘untouchable’ players, the future in Minnesota, free agency discussions and the dire need of veteran leadership

The heads of Minnesota TWolves fans are still spinning as they attempt to decipher who exactly the Wolves drafted and who will be playing in a TWolves uniform next season. I’ll do my best to clear the air, if anyone is still left dazed and confused.

First off, the easy one, with the #2 pick in the 2011 NBA Draft the Minnesota Timberwolves selected Arizona forward Derrick Williams. Williams will be thrown in with the bevy of forwards the Wolves already posses—Michael Beasley, Martell Webster, Wesley Johnson, Lazar Hayward, Kevin Love, Anthony Randolph & Anthony Tolliver. Tonight, David Kahn made clear to the media that Derrick Williams will be playing for the Wolves next season and that Michael Beasley ‘supported’ the Wolves selecting Williams. With that being said, Williams could still be moved for a GREAT offer, but it would take some/a special player(s) in return. Furthermore, Michael Beasley could be on the move, though David Kahn stated that Beasley isn’t going anywhere…time will tell.

After the #2 pick things got INCREDIBLY murky for the Wolves.

The next pick Minnesota had was #20 which they acquired before the draft via the Memphis Grizzlies. With the 20th overall pick, the TWolves selected Donatas Motiejunas…though he won’t be a Minnesota Timberwolf. The Minnesota Timberwolves then turned around and sold his rights to Houston, along with Jonny Flynn for Rockets big man-Brad Miller as well as the 23rd & 57th pick(s).

That’s right Wolves fans, Jonny Flynn has played his last game for the Minnesota Timberwolves—though, he may not even play for his new team: the Houston Rockets, as they’re reportedly already looking to move Flynn (the idea being that they shed Miller’s $9M contract for Flynn’s $3M contract).

Then came the Wolves 23rd pick, which they had just acquired from the Rockets. With the 23rd overall pick, the Minnesota Timberwolves selected…Nikola Mirotic…for the Chicago Bulls! That’s right, Mirotic’s rights were promptly sent to the Bulls for their 28th & 43rd overall picks in the draft.

With that, the Wolves’ next pick was at 28 where they selected…Norris Cole…for the Miami Heat! AGAIN, the Wolves moved the pick to Miami and in return, received the 31st overall pick in the draft as well as a future 2nd rounder and cash considerations. How did the Heat have the 31st pick in the draft you may ask?! Oh, that’s right, it was sent to Miami from Minnesota in the Michael Beasley deal!

All right, the Wolves next pick was then the 31st overall. If you haven’t realized yet, the Wolves have now selected at 2, 20, 23 & 28 and so far have just new rookie on their roster: #2 overall pick: Derrick Williams! With the 31st overall pick, the TWolves selected…Bojan Bogdanovic…for the New Jersey Nets! Is anyone else sensing a pattern? That’s right, the Wolves selected this pick for the New Jersey Nets and in return received…cash considerations.

At this point you may be wondering: “Why do the Wolves keep trading away all their picks for $.” Well, if you’d been on Twitter, the rumor circulating would’ve been, that, since Kurt Rambis had been fired, the Wolves had to finance his buyout because the minority owners didn’t want to pay for it! David Kahn quickly refuted those rumors while talking to the media, but because most fans refer to Kahn as a “Little Weasel”, does that make you want to trust him? Does the way he dragged out the Rambis situation and treated Kurt extremely unprofessionally, make you want to trust him?

Anyway, back to the draft. The Wolves then selected 43rd. This was a pick acquired from Chicago via the Utah Jazz, the Minnesota Timberwolves selected UCLA guard Malcolm Lee…for the…Minnesota Timberwolves. Wait, is that right?…THAT’S RIGHT! David Kahn took and intends to keep Malcolm Lee.

Finally, with the last pick in the draft for the Minnesota Timberwolves the Wolves had the 57th pick. This was acquired in an alternate trade. The Blazers and the Mavericks swapped some picks/players-Rudy Fernandez went to Dallas, the Blazers got the 57th pick and the 26th pick (Jordan Hamilton). Then they sent Hamilton along with Andre Miller to the Nuggets for point guard Raymond Felton! All Wolves fans need to know, we got the 57th pick and with it…Tanguy Ngombo a forward from Qatar. Pete Philo—a scout for the Wolves reported has seen him play more than once and is very high on him. Though Ngombo will stay overseas for a year or two. I, myself have never heard of him, so I had to do a bit of research and rather than regurgitate what I found, follow the link below for an excellent story as well as video highlights of the Wolves’ newest international player.

http://www.asiabasketballupdate.com/1/post/2011/06/targuy-ngombo-qatars-nba-hopeful.html

A small sidenote: the trades that I’ve discussed above are those pertaining to the Minnesota Timberwolves, there were more trades that took place, but I’ve only listed the ones that are relevant to Minnesota!

Well, hopefully we’ve helped to clear the air! I’ll be around as always providing you with daily updates on TWolves news & information. Any questions, comments or concerns about tonight’s draft or anything TWolves feel free to message me or find me on Twitter: @donnycersado27 for clarification. Thanks for reading, GO WOLVES and GOOD NIGHT!