Wolves Updates 10/7

From NBA.com: 2009-10 GM Survey Results: Rookies/International Predictions
Who will win the Rookie of the Year?
1.     Blake Griffin, L.A. Clippers     79.3%
2.     Jonny Flynn, Minnesota     10.3%
3.     Tyreke Evans, Sacramento     6.9%
4.     Stephen Curry, Golden State     3.4%

Carr is the latest in a list of seven or eight coaches — former Wolves Darrick Martin and Tony Campbell have already been in — being interviewed and brought to practice for a day’s work for a position Kurt Rambis hopes to hire by the regular-season opener.

That coach solely will be responsible for working with players of every position at home and on the road, anytime day or night, on a course David Kahn set last summer when he said he had an “epiphany” that the Wolves can become the league leaders in making the players they already have better.

The hire is another step in Kahn’s effort to remake a franchise that hasn’t made the playoffs since 2004. Now that he has completely reconfigured the roster, hired head coach Kurt Rambis and five assistants, Kahn has the team aimed at hiring a player-development specialist and another person who will work with players and their off-court concerns as well as upgrading the team’s weight and film rooms and players lounge before the Oct. 28 opener.

“We’ve told the players we want be a first-class organization, do things in a first-class way,” Rambis said. “We’ve told them we want to give them the optimum situation for them to develop their skills. That’s what David and I are trying to establish here.”

–Love’s demeanor on the court can only be summed up in a word: determined. The power forward does not crack a smile during practice while pounding the glass with a perceived chip on his shoulder. Love recorded a sparkling stat line on Sunday night with 17 points and 13 boards in 21 minutes. He is expected to be one of the most efficient players in the league this year and displays a relentless attack on a nightly basis. However, do not sleep on the skill set that Love possesses. At 21 years old, Love has not unleashed his ability to hit outside jumpers and find open teammates in the half court offense. Love connected on a strong jump hook just outside the lane over the fingertips of Jefferson. The two big men will battle one another in practice everyday, which should only increase their confidence and chemistry this season.
Rambis isn’t sure how much he will play Love and Jefferson together this season, but both forwards would like to pair up more to give the Wolves a strong inside tandem.

“I’ve thought about it a lot,” Jefferson said. “Kevin has improved his game in a lot of ways. He can score, pass and rebound. He makes it a lot easier on me. From my understanding, me and Kevin are the future big men of this team.”
(Via MNSportsFans) From an ESPN chat with John Hollinger:
Tim (Minneapolis)
The wolves have three strong players according to your PER, do you see them putting up more wins than last year as a result?
John Hollinger  (3:46 PM)
I see the Wolves as fringe playoff challengers, probably settling in the low-to-mid 30s in wins. Not great, but a lot better than most expect from them I believe. Upgrading from Telfair to Sessions is a huge, huge, HUGE difference.
Fans and critics say losing Rubio was a huge embarrassment for team president David Kahn. Sources close to the Wolves explained this week that while it surely wasn’t ideal the way things played out, Kahn was hopefully optimistic they could get Ricky this summer – but when he drafted him it was about the future.
Also from Kyler:
So where does that leave Ricky? Sources said the team will continue to monitor Ricky’s progress. They will be scouting his games with Barcelona and offering guidance and support, knowing when and if Ricky decides to come to the NBA they retain his rights.
From Steve Aschburner/NBA.com: Mankato: Wolves’ owner Taylor stays grounded, gives back
From Bethlehem Shoals/The Baseline: Your Final Pocket Guide to Summer of ’10
Minnesota Timberwolves: Do not sleep on Minny. This team will surprise you.
From TrueHoop: How Not to Make a YouTube Highlight Reel
Arrow to top