The Timberwolves, who are looking to replace Kevin McHale, received permission this week from the Blazers to speak with Williams about the opening. Williams, 37, has been an assistant in Portland for the past four seasons after spending one year as an intern at San Antonio.
“I’m flattered,” Williams said. “I’m someone who wants to be a part of a rebuilding process. But at the same time, I’m still a Blazer. So, there’s initial excitement, but in reality, nothing has changed. I’m looking forward to the process.”
Before that, Williams played 10 seasons as a forward for the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs before knee problems forced him to retire in 2003.
Wolves president of basketball operations David Kahn isn’t commenting on the team’s coaching search, but ESPN/ABC analyst Mark Jackson is the perceived favorite, with former Toronto Raptors coach Sam Mitchell and former Detroit Pistons center Bill Laimbeer among the most frequently mentioned interview possibilities. ESPN.com reported that Los Angeles Lakers assistants Kurt Rambis and Brian Shaw are two more possible candidates.
That sends the message to everyone that the Timberwolves are ready for good offers, but not bad ones.
The Rubio camp does still have a big hammer, though, and it’s one that has almost never been used.
Rubio can sit out a year, and re-enter next year’s draft.
The way the collective bargaining agreement works, the Timberwolves hold Rubio’s NBA rights so long as they make him an offer, and he plays professional ball in some FIBA-sanctioned league, which is just about all of the leagues he’d consider playing in.
But if he doesn’t play professionally anywhere, then he can be right back in next year’s draft.
“Hopefully, this extra month will allow our fans to get a better sense of what this team will look like come opening night,” team president Chris Wright said in a statement, “and convince them that this will be an exciting young group to watch.”
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