The Minnesota Timberwolves finally fired Kurt Rambis and as such, they’ve begun the search for a new head coach—preferably someone with a ‘fast break gameplan’.

The search is underway and the Wolves have interview their first candidate: Terry Porter.

Terry Porter—a former player, played 17 seasons in the NBA—the former 24th overall pick in the 1985 NBA Draft, he went to the Portland Trailblazers till 1995.  From 1995-98 he played for none other than the Minnesota Timberwolves, 1998-99 for the Miami Heat and his final years from 1999-2002 with the San Antonio Spurs.

Also on Porter’s resume—a 2-time NBA all-star in 1991 & 1993 as well as the J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award in 1993.  His career statistics in his 17-year career include: 15,586 points, 3,872 rebounds and 7,160 assists.

Porter is also experienced on the pine as well.  His coaching career includes stops as a head coach for the Milwaukee Bucks from 2003-05 and with the Phoenix Suns from 2008-09.  His overall record in those three years is 99-116 (.460).

Porter’s skills and experience as a point guard make Porter an ideal fit for the Timberwolves who just added point guard Ricky Rubio as the Wolves.  According to President of Operations: David Kahn, will look to ‘run’ this season, which would obviously contradict Porter’s hard nosed-defensive mindset (which is something that many (including myself) believe the Wolves REALLY NEED).

Other candidates for the head coaching job includes: Don Nelson, Rick Adelman & Bernie Bickerstaff as well as Memphis assistant: Dave Joerger.  None of which have gotten interviews—though according to the Star Tribune Don Nelson talked with David Kahn on the phone for over 40 minutes and they’ll talk again.

That’s all for now, as the lockout goes on and the coaching search moves forward stay tuned all year round for the up-to-date TWolves news, information and updates—lockout or not!  Thanks for reading and GO WOLVES!

Yesterday the Minnesota Timberwolves decided to let go there coach of two years: Kurt Rambis after a tumultuous two seasons that resulted in a 32-132 record. 

As such, the Timberwolves are again on the coaching hunt and names have begun to surface recently.

The first of course being Bernie Bickerstaff.  We’ve had a few different stories on Bernie, but that idea can basically be scrapped.  The idea was that the Wolves would hire Bernie and keep his son J.B. (already an assistant in Minnesota), in hopes that after a few years Bernie would throw the reins to his son, however news broke today that J.B. Bickerstaff had accepted an assistant coaching job with the Houston Rockets under Kevin McHale.

Now, yet another name has surfaced.  Don Nelson-formerly of the Golden State Warriors (before he was basically forced out, then they hired Keith Smart—fired him this summer and now analyst Mark Jackson is the new Warriors head coach).  Don Nelson is reportedly showing interest in this Timberwolves roster that is loaded with young talent.  There are a few big questions on Don Nelson.  1.) Is he the right fit?  Anyone who has won the most games as a coach in NBA history should be the right fit for any team…right?  Well, the bigger question is—at 71 years of age, is Nelson the right coach for such a young inexperienced team?  2.) How much money is Nelson going to demand?  Glen Taylor is already having to shell out the remaining salary on the remaining 2 years of Rambis’ contract, so the thought is—they’ll likely look for a cheaper option…unfortunately!

Nelson became the most winningest coach in NBA history late in the 09-10 season and has an overall record of 1,335-1,063 (.557) as he’s coached in Milwaukee, New York, Dallas and of course Golden State—which links him to two current Minnesota players—Anthony Tolliver & Anthony Randolph who both spent a year with Nelson before he was let go.

Of course Don Nelson isn’t the only veteran coach the Timberwolves could/should look into—Rick Adelman (formerly of the Rockets), Larry Brown (formerly of the Charlotte Bobcats—was fired earlier in the 2010-11 season) and Jerry Sloan (formerly of the Utah Jazz and currently retired in the midst of the 2010-11 season). 

The sad truth is that David Kahn will make a move that he’ll love as he leaves the entire organization and fan base left, scratching our heads.  Beaming with pride he’ll introduce him and puzzled we’ll continue to question why Glen Taylor lets him call the shots…

That’s all for now, the coaching list is likely to grow in the coming weeks and we’ll be here to bring you all the updates as it’s likely there won’t be much else TWolves news to discuss.  Thanks for reading and check back daily for all TWolves news and updates.  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

The 2011 NBA Draft is just over two hours away and today we’ll be bringing you the last mock draft update of the summer.  You can find the other two parts with the links provided below, offering different perspectives at different times.

PART ONE: http://minnesotatimberwolves.tumblr.com/post/5875278610/nba-mock-drafts-around-the-net

PART TWO: http://minnesotatimberwolves.tumblr.com/post/6468597688/nba-mock-drafts-around-the-net-part-ii

In this update, unlike the last 2, everyone taking Arizona forward Derrick Williams and as usual the 20th pick is different at every turn.

Below each name in bold, you’ll find the link to their websites for their full mock drafts…

Chad Ford: ESPN NBA 

http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/draft2011/insider/columns/story?columnist=ford_chad&page=MockDraft-110623

#2: Derrick Williams, PF, 6-9, 249lbs., 20, Arizona

#20: Iman Shumpert, PG, 6-6, 221lbs., 20, Georgia Tech

Derrick Williams is the consensus pick in almost every mock draft out there today.  Whether he’s a trade chip or if he’ll actually be with the TWolves next season, remains to be seen, however, Enes Kanter or Kyrie Irving are also options here, depending on how the first pick goes.

Chad Ford of ESPN has Iman Shumpert going to the Wolves at #20.  Shumpert doesn’t make much sense to me.  Shumpert is seen as a great defensive player that can guard both guard positions.  Defense is definitely a team need, but he’s not the player I see the Wolves, taking, however with Kahn running the draft for the TWolves—drafting another point guard seems almost inevitable.

DraftExpress

http://www.draftexpress.com/

#2: Derrick Williams, PF, 6-9, 249lbs., 20, Arizona

#20: Alec Burks, SG, 6-6, 193lbs., 19, Colorado

Derrick Williams is the consensus pick in almost every mock draft out there today.  Whether he’s a trade chip or if he’ll actually be with the TWolves next season, remains to be seen, however, Enes Kanter or Kyrie Irving are also options here, depending on how the first pick goes.

Alec Burks worked out for the Wolves in early June and the Wolves were reportedly impressed with his workout as he went head-to-head with Providence guard Marshon Brooks.  Most mocks have Burks off the board by then some as high as #10 to the Bucks.

nbadraft.net

http://nbadraft.net/2011mock_draft

#2: Derrick Williams, PF, 6-9, 249lbs., 20, Arizona

#20: Marshon Brooks, SG, 6-5, 195lbs., 22, Providence

Derrick Williams is the consensus pick in almost every mock draft out there today.  Whether he’s a trade chip or if he’ll actually be with the TWolves next season, remains to be seen, however, Enes Kanter or Kyrie Irving are also options here, depending on how the first pick goes.

Like myself, nbadraft.net has the TWolves drafting Marshon Brooks at #20.  Brooks has been compared to Kobe Bryant, lofty expectations for the 22-year-old.  The shooting guard position is a need for the Wolves, whether Brooks would start over Wes or back him up—Wayne Ellington isn’t a great 2nd option at the 2-guard.  Brooks would need to work on his defense, but I like where he’d fit with this young team.

SportingNews

#2: Derrick Williams, PF, 6-9, 249lbs., 20, Arizona

#20: Alec Burks, SG, 6-6, 193lbs., 19, Colorado

Derrick Williams is the consensus pick in almost every mock draft out there today.  Whether he’s a trade chip or if he’ll actually be with the TWolves next season, remains to be seen, however, Enes Kanter or Kyrie Irving are also options here, depending on how the first pick goes.

SportingNews—like DraftExpress has the Timberwolves taking Colorado guard Alec Burks.  The 2-guard is a need for the Wolves as is the center.  Burks will probably be off the board by #20 though.

Hoopshype

http://hoopshype.com/draft.htm

#2: Derrick Williams, PF, 6-9, 249lbs., 20, Arizona

#20: Jordan Hamilton, SF, 6-9, 229lbs., 20, Texas

Derrick Williams is the consensus pick in almost every mock draft out there today.  Whether he’s a trade chip or if he’ll actually be with the TWolves next season, remains to be seen, however, Enes Kanter or Kyrie Irving are also options here, depending on how the first pick goes.

A new name at #20-Jordan Hamilton.  The Texas forward is talented, however the wing position isn’t the biggest need if the Wolves grab Derrick Williams at the one and keep Wes Johnson, Anthony Randolph, Kevin Love, Martell Webster and Michael Beasley.

NBA.com

http://www.nba.com/2011/news/features/david_aldridge/06/23/mock-draft-3/index.html?ls=iref:nbahpt1

#2: Derrick Williams, PF, 6-9, 249lbs., 20, Arizona

#20: Reggie Jackson, PG, 6-3, 208lbs., 21, Boston College

Derrick Williams is the consensus pick in almost every mock draft out there today.  Whether he’s a trade chip or if he’ll actually be with the TWolves next season, remains to be seen, however, Enes Kanter or Kyrie Irving are also options here, depending on how the first pick goes.

This one doesn’t make much sense to me.  Reggie Jackson is yet another point guard—someone that David Kahn is probably considering—therefore.  Most mock drafts have Jackson going #31 to the Miami Heat, others at #27 to the Nets, he’s not an option to me, especially considering he hasn’t done any workouts for anyone and has had a major knee injury in the past.

minnesotatimberwolves.tumblr.com

#2: Derrick Williams, PF, 6-9, 249lbs., 20, Arizona

#20: Marshon Brooks, SG, 6-5, 195lbs., 22, Providence

Derrick Williams is the consensus pick in almost every mock draft out there today.  Whether he’s a trade chip or if he’ll actually be with the TWolves next season, remains to be seen, however, Enes Kanter or Kyrie Irving are also options here, depending on how the first pick goes.  I personally like Enes Kanter, but I believe if the Wolves really want him, they need to trade down to get him, he’s been called either the biggest BUST or the player with the biggest reward.

Like I said before, I really like Marshon Brooks.  Watching an interview he seems like he’d be a nice fit personality and talent wise for the young TWolves team.  His offensive capabilities would be extremely valuable and if the Kobe Bryant comparisons ever become true, taking Brooks at 20, would be the steal of the decade.

This is the last draft update until tonight, when we’ll be updating a post by the minute with the latest picks, trades and chatter around the League.  Look for that to start at 6pmCT right here on minnesotatimberwolves.tumblr.com

Thanks for reading and GO WOLVES!

UPDATE: Another candidate that’s being thrown out their is Portland assistant Bernie Bickerstaff—the father of current Wolves assistant J.B. Bickerstaff.  The idea being J.B. would take over in a couple years with help from his father. 

UPDATE: Lorenzo Romar reportedly didn’t want to speak to the Wolves about the job when asked about it.  ”I love Seattle.  My wife loves Seattle and it’s a place that when we first got there—even though some were skeptical—I thought it was a place where we could be successful.  It’s awkward, maybe, more than flattering.  For one, there is a current coach there.  So that makes it awkward.”  Romar told the Seattle Times—obviously before word of Rambis’ firing ‘broke’.

According to Yahoo! Sports, league sources have said: David Kahn has decided to fire head coach Kurt Rambis!

It’s expected Kahn will not make this official until after tomorrow’s NBA Draft, however, he’s apparently already begun looking at replacements.

One such candidate is apparently: Lorenzo Romar (coach from University of Washington).  However, the Wolves are behind after numerous other teams have hired replacements, it may be slim pickings-LA Lakers: Mike Brown, Raptors: Dwayne Casey (a coach the Wolves were VERY interested in having return), Warriors: Mark Jackson, Rockets: Kevin McHale (Kahn wouldn’t be dumb enough to re-hire him after firing him 2 years ago…right?), Indiana making Frank Vogel their official coach and also, with the Pistons still looking at coaches like Kelvin Sampson, Mike Woodson & Lawrence Frank.

I would really like to see the Wolves take careful looks at such candidates as: Kelvin Sampson, Lawrence Frank, Mike Woodson, Patrick Ewing, Sam Mitchell and/or Mike Budenholzer.  Information on all these coaches can be found within the link at the bottom of this post.

Kahn has wanted Rambis to be more of a communicator with the team as well as with him and apparently their relationship had seriously deteriorated this past year.  Kahn also wanted Rambis to change his offensive & defensive systems, giving the Wolves a more open-court system for their new point guard Ricky Rubio, to roam free in, rather than the complex triangle—that reportedly, not all the players even learned—AFTER TWO YEARS!  His uneasy relationship with Kevin Love—the Wolves current ‘face of the franchise’ doesn’t help his cause either.  Neither did the 32-132 record!

As stated before, Kahn isn’t expected to make this official until after tomorrow’s draft, but it looks as though Kurt Rambis’ time in Minny has come to an end.

ALSO!!!  If you haven’t seen the April 23rd post on this site of possible coaching options for the Wolves, you should definitely check it out, link is down below (of course a few of those names have found destinations already).

http://minnesotatimberwolves.tumblr.com/post/4851796107/possible-coaching-options-for-the-wolves

That’s all for now, get ready for tomorrow’s draft as we’ll have up-to-the-minute updates throughout the night.  Thanks for reading and GO WOLVES!

UPDATE: A recent report from ESPN NBA, has the likeliest trade for the Wolves’ #2 will be to the Phoenix Suns for the #13 and Marcin Gortat.

The Minnesota Timberwolves have been shopping the #2 pick, quite hard the since the NBA Draft Lottery. They’ve been in talks with a number of teams looking to move up in this week’s draft (6/23).

As you look through past posts you’ll find dozens of trade rumors that continue to pop up nearly everyday. Today, the same team, but a different player has emerged: the Los Angeles Lakers’ Andrew Bynum.

The Wolves have been adamant that they want a veteran big man in return for the #2 pick and Bynum would obviously fill that role.

The Wolves & Lakers were reportedly in talks earlier this week about Spanish big man: Pau Gasol as Kahn is looking for some Spaniards to put around Rubio. However, the Lakers were asking for the #2 pick and Kevin Love as they’re looking to accumulate a lot of young talent. David Kahn has refuted that rumor saying that Kevin Love will be playing for the Timberwolves next season—that’s a promise!

However, Jim Buss of the LA is a big supporter of Bynum and likely wouldn’t let him go, unless they were absolutely blown away by an offer.

Bynum has struggled the past couple years with knee problems, so the Wolves are reportedly hesitant.

The Pacer we’re referring to is not Danny Granger, as his name has been mentioned before, but rather 7-2 Roy Hibbert. The Pacers reportedly offered Hibbert and the #15 for the #2, but the Wolves didn’t bite.

Other veteran big man that have shown up on the TWolves radar recently include: Milwaukee’s Andrew Bogut & Washington’s JaVale McGee. However, both of these teams have made it clear they have no intention of trading their young centers. Another is Phoenix big man Marcin Gortat.

That’s all for now, the draft is now just days away as trade chatter is sure to persist. Thanks for reading and GO WOLVES!

The 2011 NBA Draft is just 6 days away and the Timberwolves are still drawing interest for their #2 pick.  

There are a number of different trade scenarios that have emerged since the May Draft Lottery.  From Indiana the Pacers reportedly offered Danny Granger for the #2 & Beasley.  The Wizards were another team that are interested in the #2 pick and a trade that featured JaVale McGee & the #6.  The Phoenix Suns are yet another team that is reportedly ‘very’ interested in the Wolves’ #2 pick.  The Wolves are interested in the veteran point guard: Steve Nash.  Suns’ big man: Marcin Gortat is another interest for Minnesota.  The Raptors reported offer of DeMar DeRozan and the #5 for Jonny Flynn & the #2 were yet another.

Today, another couple trade rumors emerged.  The Los Angeles Lakers reportedly are offering Pau Gasol to Minnesota for Kevin Love and the #2 pick.  Pau Gasol’s name has come up before, but this is the first time the Lakers have actually expressed interest in All-Star Kevin Love-who played his college basketball at UCLA and whose hometown is just North in Oregon.  Jerry Zgoda of the Star Tribune says that the TWolves are certainly interested in Pau, but definitely not for Love and probably not for the #2.

The other rumor that seems to have emerged today is from the Milwaukee Bucks.  The Bucks are apparently interested in obtaining the #2 pick and rumor is that the Bucks are offering center Andrew Bogut and the #10 for the #2.  However, Frank Madden stated via Twitter that if the Bucks had initiated these talks with Minnesota, the deal would already be done as Bogut & 10 for 2 would be a no-brainer for Minny.  There’s no doubt that when Andrew Bogut is healthy he’s one of the top 2-3 centers in the NBA.

As we wind down the final days till draft night, these rumors will continue to circulate and I’m sure more will emerge.  Remember to stay tuned for daily updates on all TWolves news, information & updates all year round.  Thanks for reading and GO WOLVES!

According to Tom Powers of the Pioneer Press, David Kahn and Kurt Rambis are expected to meet soon and Rambis is expected to be fired.

Powers adds: “I don’t know the exact date for the Kahn-Rambis meeting, just that there definitely is one scheduled and that it’s coming up pretty quickly.  Kahn should be careful about the timing of the dismissal, however.  It’s probably a good idea to first get all the I’s dotted and T’s crossed on Ricky Rubio’s contract.  The way the NBA works today, Rubio’s agent, Dan Fegan, a pushy type, might try to get involved in the hiring process if he sees an opening.  You know, to protect Ricky’s interests.”

Rumors recently suggest that if Rambis is fired former Wolves assistant and current NBA Champion Dallas Mavericks assistant Dwayne Casey would be the frontrunner for the job.  Kelvin Sampson, the Bucks assistant is also a viable option, but he’s also get a close look from the Pistons.

That’s all for now, as usual, this isn’t the last update on the Rambis situation as it’s continued to drag on now for months.  Thanks for reading and remember to check in daily for all you TWolves news, information & updates all year round.  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!

The shooting guard position is a slot the Timberwolves definitely need some help at.  They currently have Wesley Johnson and Wayne Ellington on the roster, but they certainly need some help.

The following is a list of the shooting 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 shooting guard free agents and isn’t necessarily a list of a 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.

-Ray Allen (PO): Ray Allen is arguably the best pure shooter in the NBA!  With a player option for the championship-contending Boston Celtics, I think you can be almost 100% certain that he’ll be back with the Celts next season.  Hypothetically Allen would bring veteran-leadership and a dominant shot from any spot on the court.  Allen would be a HUGE acquisition for the Wolves, but he’ll be back in Boston next season.

-Leandro Barbosa (PO): Barbosa was traded this last offseason from the Phoenix Suns to the Toronto Raptors.  He has a player option for next season at over $7M.  He certainly wouldn’t be able to get that much in free agency and with the CBA lingering, I’d expect him to be back, north of the border next season.  Barbosa could bring a solid combo guard scorer as well as a good shooter, but a mediocre defender.

-Charlie Bell (ETO): Bell, a Milwaukee Buck before a trade along with Dan Gadzuric to the Golden State Warriors for Corey Maggette.  Bell is a veteran point guard with an early termination option.  It seems likely that he’ll stick in Golden State as a reserve guard.  With the CBA and his sub-par ‘10-‘11 season, he won’t be leaving the city by the bay.  

-Shannon Brown (PO): Shannon Brown has a player option to return to the Los Angeles Lakers next season.  Brown is a capable starter in the NBA, but has been a reserve now for quite some time, behind Kobe.  I’d say there is a good chance, Brown could decide to move onto another team.  If that’s the case, I’d hope the Timberwolves “come knocking”.  He’s an athletic young guard with a solid perimeter shot.  He’s a quick and capable defender and could be just the guy the Wolves could use.

-Arron Afflalo (R): Afflalo is a talented young scorer, currently a member of the Denver Nuggets.  Afflalo is the Denver starting guard and I’d expect him to remain just that.  Afflalo is a restricted free agent and as long as an offer from another team isn’t ridiculous, I’d expect the Nuggets to retain him.  However, to the Wolves, he could bring a sharp shooting touch and a go-to scorer (beyond Beasley) in the final minutes of a game.

-Nick Young (R): The Washington Wizards have two very talented young shooting guards: Jordan Crawford and Nick Young.  The Wizards have said that Crawford’s play won’t effect them re-upping Young.  Young made tremendous strides this season after Gilbert Arenas was shipped off to the Orlando Magic; he became the starting 2-guard.  Young is seen as nothing more than just a scorer, he doesn’t play defense, his primary weapon is his scoring.  The Wolves could certainly use another scorer, but his inability/”non-desire” to play defense would just hurt the TWolves.

-Jason Richardson: In a recent report, the Orlando Magic talked about the future of their current starting shooting guard.  J-Rich became the starter after the Magic swapped Carter and Gortat to the Suns for Richardson and Turkoglu.  The Magic have said that it greatly depends on the CBA as to whether they’ll even be able to offer Richardson a contract.  If the new CBA has a mid-level exception clause, they could potentially offer him that, but nothing more.  The Bulls have been a possible destination for the NBA journeyman as well who’s made stops in Golden State, Charlotte, Phoenix and now Orlando.  Richardson would bring veteran leadership, athleticism and a probably 15-20 points a night.

-Jamal Crawford: Jamal Crawford was left off the list for Hawk extensions.  Al Horford and Joe Johnson both got extensions and Crawford was vocal about hoping they could come to an agreement.  It could all depend on how far the Hawks make it this season as to whether he’ll be offered an extension.  Crawford is a great shooter who, like a lot of great shooters, doesn’t play great defense.  Crawford is a solid 6th man-type player, I wouldn’t be surprised if he hops onto another, better championship contender for a run at a ring.

-Mike Dunleavy: Dunleavy is a proven veteran who has struggled in recent years due to a variety of different injuries.  I don’t expect the Pacers to re-up the veteran shooter.  Dunleavy is just a role player at this stage in his career.  I wouldn’t be surprised if he ends up playing for a team like the Celtics or somewhere where he’ll get some minutes off the bench as a scoring punch.

-Sasha Vujacic: Vujacic was traded from the Los Angeles Lakers to the New Jersey Nets earlier this season.  He went from a deep reserve on a contender Laker team to a starter for a lottery bound Nets.  He, like most shooting guards is nothing more than a scorer and he’s “gained fame” for not even being a great scorer.  The Nets have basically said that he isn’t in there long term plans and most likely will not be back.  I could definitely seeing the Wolves making him an offer as a reserve guard off the bench for that scoring punch.  If not the Wolves, Vujacic will most likely sign with a team that isn’t of elite-caliber, so he can get some play time and contribute.

-Michael Redd: Michael Redd made a return to the hardwood after a long rehab on injuries and re-injuries for well over a year.  The lifelong Buck played in just 10 games last season, 18 the year before that and 33 the year before that.  He’s a good scorer with a solid all-around game, but there’s no doubt he’ll never be the player he once was.  The Bucks have said they have intentions to resign Redd to a contract, wanting to keep the lifelong Buck, a Buck for his career. 

-DeShawn Stevenson: DeShawn’s career has been resurrected since being traded two seasons ago from Washington to Dallas.  He’s the starter for the contending Dallas Mavericks.  I’m not certain as to whether he’ll be back with the Mavs next season though.  He’s a talented shooter and an capable defender.  He would certainly be a welcome addition to the TWolves.   

-Anthony Parker: Parker is a veteran shooting guard for the Cleveland Cavaliers, but I’d expect him to be on the move this offseason.  The Cavs are going younger and there are plenty of contenders who would be interested in his services.  However, Parker has said that he could potentially retire if there is indeed a lockout.  Parker won’t likely look to jump from the second-worst team in the NBA (record-wise) to the worst (Wolves/record-wise).  I could see Parker as a Bull, a Celtic or somewhere like that.

-Willie Green: Green moved from the Philadelphia 76ers to the New Orleans Hornets before the beginning of this past season.  He was the main guard off the bench for the Hornets and if split some time in the starting gig with Marco Bellinelli.  I wouldn’t be surprised, if he isn’t asking too much, if the Hornets decide to re-up the veteran guard.  He brings a solid scoring punch, defense and athleticism.

-Sasha Pavlovic: The former TWolf, Celtic, Hornet, Maverick, Sun and just about every other team.  Pavlovic is nothing more than a deep role player/bench warmer.  I wouldn’t expect any team to come looking to sign him this offseason as he’ll likely be a free agent signed to multiple 10-day contracts with multiple teams again.

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!