Randy Foye
Randy Foye's heart is on the right side of his chest according to some league sources. "The doctors say it's like looking in a mirror," says an Eastern Conference executive who received a briefing on Foye's condition.
Cardiologists told Foye's camp that "the rare condition posed no physical risk."
Steve Aschburner says Foye "could ooze street cred from every pore but chooses, instead, to walk away from it."
Sid Hartman on the draft:But Foye was Kevin McHale's choice. The Wolves might have picked up as much as $1 million by tricking Portland into thinking they were going to keep Roy, whom Portland wanted badly, and were able to work a trade to get Foye and the money. The Wolves' scouting report concluded Roy was a solid player, but team officials thought Foye was quicker and more explosive. Foye, who wore #2 at Villanova,
will be wearing #4 with the Wolves as Malik Sealy's #2 is retired.
Wolves Updates 6/30
From Peter Vescey/The New York Post:I don't care what you've heard or read, the Timberwolves have no intention of trading Kevin Garnett at this time. Every GM that's called to inquire about what it would take to get him was told the same thing - take a hike. Minnesota's position is not expected to waver unless the team gets off to a sickly start next season.Vincent Grier will be playing for the Heat's summer league team while former Iowa basketball player
Greg Brunner will be playing for the Wolves in the summer league.
From the Strib:Before McCants' mother got to town to help him mend from the June 16 surgery, the Wolves guard stayed for a few days at Kevin Garnett's house. "That was more heart-warming for me than anything, because he didn't have to do it," McCants said. So did the perennial All-Star fetch lunch and ice bags? Said McCants: "He didn't like none of that. He kind of kicked me out after a couple of days, like, 'Nah, I'm not gonna be doing this all day.' "Loukas Mavrokefalidis, one of the Wolves second round picks, is expected to continue playing in Greece for one more season.
More On Grffin's Accident
Click here to watch a surveillance video of Griffin and the cops after the accident.
The Pioneer Press has more on the incident:The owner of the damaged car, Jamal Hassuneh, and his brother, Lindsey, are suing Griffin, saying he was drunk and tried to bribe them into canceling a 911 call to police...They say their rights were violated because officers Anderson and Lindquist improperly investigated the accident, specifically because they did not give Griffin a field sobriety test despite "conduct that made clear to witnesses at the scene that he was under the influence of alcohol."Griffin told the Pioneer Press a day after the accident that he crashed his car because he was reaching for a cell phone that had fallen off his lap. The complaint, filed in St. Paul District Court, alleges the crash occurred because he was "under the influence of alcohol" and masturbating while watching pornography on a TV set in his dashboard.
McCants On His Surgery
McCants hopes to be playing by mid to late December."The past guys who have had (microfracture surgery) and didn't come back as strong tried to rush back," McCants said. "The mind can play tricks on you in rehab and you can get hurt.""Being great friends with Kevin Garnett is more of a bonus than anybody knows," McCants said. "He took care of me for a couple of days. That was more heartening for me than you could ever imagine. ... I appreciated everything he did for me. It was kind of like a dream come true. It's just special."
Eddie!
Poor Randy Foye. Dude had to put on three different rookie hats in less than half an hour before someone finally told him where he was going. Now he's going to be ignored for a few days because of the following allegations which seem almost unbelievable. No one in my office can figure out why you'd tell that stuff to anyone, especially after you'd just hit a parked car.
A lawsuit was filed Thursday against Minnesota Timberwolves forward Eddie Griffin and the Minneapolis Police Department in connection with an accident involving Griffin in late March. Interim Police Chief Tim Dolan ordered an internal investigation of the incident after the WCCO-TV I-TEAM contacted him last week about the crash.The lawsuit alleges Griffin was visibly drunk when he crashed his Cadillac Escalade into a parked Chevy Suburban in front of a store in southeast Minneapolis. It also claims Griffin told a witness he was watching pornography and masturbating as he drove that night. Witnesses said the two officers who handled the incident did not test Griffin for alcohol. Instead, they gave him tickets for driving without a license and inattentive driving and also drove him to his home in St. Paul.
Wolves Updates 6/29
According to the
Charley Walters/Pioneer Press, KG has become a consultant to the Wolves.
"I know he's met with some of our players, that he's met with some of our staff, that he's concerned about next season already," (owner Glen) Taylor said. "He's been very involved, and it's been very positive. He's asking the same questions we're asking, 'What were we missing last year, how can we better it this year, who's available in free agency, if we can get a guy, do you have any problems?' And he'll say yes or no.
"Kevin is right in tune with everybody else, and that is that we'll have to do a number of things to make our team better next season, and we're going to work on them all. And he's going to be part of that."Walters also says to "look for the Timberwolves to sign" Vincent Grier soon.
From Strib gossip maven CJ:Word is that Kevin Garnett has been telling folks that he's been summering in these parts because work is being done on his Malibu estate. Now, this is a plausible explanation for why he's here. Regarding yesterday's
rumor of Chicago trying to make a play for Garnett, Bulls GM John Paxson "categorically denied" it.
McHale on McCants' surgery:"Dr. [David] Fischer was optimistic, and usually he's very middle-of-the-road," McHale said. "He did say he felt very comfortable about [McCants]. It was in a spot where -- it's a bad injury to have -- but it was small and in a decent place."
Glen Taylor on why he still employs McHale:I just like to stay with people. You trust their integrity. And I would say there is one thing with Kevin, you trust his integrity. Kevin doesn't question, he says 'Yeah, I made a mistake there and we could have done better.
The Wolves go to Vegas on Monday for the summer league.
Wolves Get Randy Foye
The Wolves selected Washington's
Brandon Roy with the 6th pick in last night's draft.
The Celtics, who had traded their pick to Portland, chose Villanova's Randy Foye with the 7th pick.
In a deal set up before the draft pending the remaining players, the Trail Blazers then traded their rights to Foye along with cash considerations to the Wolves for Roy.
Foye's salary will be reflective of being the #7 pick.
Foye described the experience as
"just nerve wracking." In the words of Robert Pollard, that's the beauty of the draft.
From Bill Simmons draft day diary:8:35 -- Tony Bennett reports that Minnesota and Portland are swapping draft picks -- Roy to Portland, Foye to Minnesota. That's it? That's the trade? None of the ESPN guys seem remotely fazed. I knew Kevin McHale couldn't just pick the best guy in the draft without somehow screwing it up. I would have bet my Ndudi Ebi rookie cards on it."We were split," said coach Dwane Casey, who got to know Roy well in his 14 years as an assistant with the Sonics. "We've been up there arguing all day. I've known Brandon and I like Randy Foye, so I could have went either way.""Randy Foye is NBA-ready," Casey said. "There's going to be some things he has to learn as far as being a point guard. But athletically, mentally, physically, he's a young man who has come through a lot." Patrick Reusse thinks Foye is going to be the team's starting point guard.
Foye on his predraft workout and coming to Minnesota:
"Kevin Garnett was there and watched most of the workout and I talked to Kevin McHale and when I went there and played, I just impressed them," Foye said.
"I did a lot of things that they probably think that I couldn't do. I'm just happy to be a Timberwolf right now."
Wolves Second Round Picks:
#36- Craig Smith (Boston College)
#37- Bobby Jones (Washington)-traded to the Sixers for a future second round pick and cash considerations.
#57- Loukas Mavrokefalidis (PAOK)
Wolves Updates 6/28
Draft Party at NBA City tonight.Coach Casey carries a rabbit's foot that brings him no luck.
From the Pioneer Press:McHale said he doesn't expect to trade the No. 6 pick, although it's possible the Wolves could trade down. Minnesota has a $4 million trade exception, and that would allow the Wolves to receive a player and plug him into that slot while flip-flopping picks with the team moving up in the draft, McHale said.Eddie Griffin will be in Vegas practicing with the summer league team but might not play in many of the games.
Timberwolves coach Dwane Casey, who recently chatted with unrestricted free-agent point guard Marcus Banks: "He's playing his cards right and will listen to offers. He understands we gave him his chance to start."
But, Casey added, he received no indication, one way or the other, whether Banks will re-sign with the Wolves.
Draft Updates
True Hoop promises to have extensive draft coverage tomorrow.
Coach Casey says the Wolves will use the
"take-the-best-player-available philosophy" for the draft.
According to the
Pioneer Press, "word is" the Wolves want Brandon Roy, a player whom Casey has known since Roy was in high school.
NC State's Cedric Simmons had a workout with the Wolves this past weekend.
The Wolves conducted a
predraft interview with Tyrus Thomas who was unable to workout because of an injury.
Coach Casey says there is no truth to rumors that Rudy Gay's workout with the Wolves went badly.
Garnett has shared his opinions on what the Wolves should do in the draft and free agency, Casey said. Garnett hasn't singled out a player to draft but wants the team to add veteran free agents in an effort to return to the playoffs.
From Sam Smith:Some Minneapolis newspaper columnists are calling for Kevin Garnett to be traded. Though the Timberwolves say they won't make a deal, don't be surprised if several teams take a last shot at Garnett before Wednesday. The Timberwolves are said to like Foye and could trade down from No. 6. Houston, with Luther Head, has been mentioned as a possibility.
If he can get a flight out of Canada,
J.E. Skeets/The Basketball Jones is going to be covering the draft from MSG.
Wolves Updates 6/27
Carnival Of The NBA #31 is up at CelticsBlog. Coach Casey on McCants possibly missing all of next season because of his knee surgery:
"That's a scenario that's there, that's real, and we have to be prepared for that. Hopefully it won't be for the whole season, but we're not going to put a timetable on it and rush him back."McCants spent the first few days of his
recovery from the surgery at KG's house.
Casey on KG:This guy's a superstar, and to even think about him not being here... you'd have to put me in a straightjacket.
Garnett is one of the players about whom
the Celtics have inquired.
The PiPress says "there is no truth" to rumors the Wolves are angling for Kenyon Martin or Brevin Knight.
The team has to make a decision by Friday on what to do about
Bracey Wright. The Wolves are selling
season tickets for $199. The ad has been the front page of their site for the past two days. The fact that a deal as good as that is still up is bad news for the newly expanded sales department.
Jaric won't be playing in the FIBA World Championships in Japan this summer.
Wolves Over The Weekend
Maybe he should have gotten his lasik surgery sooner:Two police officers called to the scene of Eddie Griffin's car accident are under investigation for possibly neglecting to give Griffin a ticket for drunken driving and for taking him home after the accident. Griffin crashed into a parked car in March and callers to 911 and other witnesses described him as being intoxicated.
According to the Star Tribune, an employee of a convenience store that Griffin went into after the accident said that Griffin "kept telling employees that he was drunk, he didn't have his license and couldn't go to jail" and offered to buy the owner of the car he hit a new vehicle.
From Sid Hartman:The hot rumor in the NBA is that the Timberwolves are talking to the Denver Nuggets about a trade that would bring forward Kenyon Martin to Minnesota for Marko Jaric and somebody else, maybe Ricky Davis.
From Draft Express:DraftExpress was informed by multiple sources that Tyrus Thomas also conducted a "very private meeting" with the Timberwolves on Wednesday at the Target Center, further confirming the notion that he is still searching for a floor if the Bulls decide to go in another direction with the #2 pick.Jim Souhan says it's time to trade Garnett.
From the Pioneer Press:The Timberwolves will sign a free agent this summer, although he won't be a big name because no big names are expected to be available. And although the Wolves will explore trade options for their No. 6 overall pick in the NBA draft Wednesday, they likely will retain the pick.Timberwolves guard Trenton Hassell, who is playing in the Howard Pulley pro-am summer league in St. Paul, said Wolves guard Bracey Wright has been exceptional during individual offseason workouts.
Green Room Invites
Draft Express has the list of those who received Green Room invites for next week's draft.
This is an exclusive list of players that the NBA has done its due diligence to confirm that they will be drafted in the lottery or not far after, compiled from a poll of NBA GMs conducted by Stu Jackson. Being invited to the Green Room means the player will sit with his family at the front of the theater in front of the commissioner, have his name called [hopefully] early in the draft, given a hat with his new team's logo on it, and then brought up to the podium to shake David Stern's hand.
Here's the list:
Adam Morrison, Tyrus Thomas, Rudy Gay, LaMarcus Aldridge, Andrea Bargnani, Brandon Roy, Marcus Williams, Randy Foye, Patrick O'Bryant, Shelden Williams, Ronnie Brewer, Cedric Simmons, Rodney Carney, J.J. Redick, Hilton Armstrong
Draft Express also has lists of the players who were invited to the Green Room for the drafts from 2003-2005.
Mad Dog Shows Off His Moves
Mad Dog was dancing with Viking Ryan Hoag and "putting on a good show" at a fundraiser last weekend. You've got to give the dude credit. He knows his moves are fodder for multiple jokes yet he'll still get up on stage and dance in front of a bunch of people while completely sober.
The Dog also took some time to post
his thoughts on Mark Cuban:I'm also glad that Mark Cuban is part of the NBA. I look at what Mark Cuban has done for the Dallas Mavericks franchise and it is nothing short of miraculous. When we go to the American Airlines Arena in Dallas, it feels like a college atmosphere with people painting their heads, bands playing, and a bunch of "texas" people on the front row with big old cowboy hats and boots. It's an awesome place to play with great fans and I think Cuban has been a big part of that. The Wolves are partnering with BOB 106 FM, the station that also carries the Lynx games. I turned on the station just in time to hear a Patty Loveless song. Their tag line is "Total Country, Bob 106."
Mick Anselmo, the Clear Channel exec who runs former Wolves radio partner KFAN, says that Chad Hartman won't be allowed to both host his show on KFAN and continue doing the play-by-play for Wolves' games on a different station.
Wolves GM Jim Stack on rumors that he's going to be an assistant to Isiah Thomas:
"I'd like to be here. The Timberwolves are aware that I have a relationship with Isiah," Stack said. "But my focus is here."Killer Crossover Mock Draft Day 4 with picks 13-6 is up at Hoops Addict. The blogs making these picks are
HornetsCentral.com,
The City,
Give Me The Rock,
Killer Crossover,
HoopsAddict , and this site choosing the 6th pick for the Wolves.
Wolves Updates 6/22
The Wolves, looking for a low cost provider, are
ending their 17 year relationship with KFAN. I admit,
I love reading C.J. but rarely put any stock into what she says. Regardless, here's her take on Garnett hanging out in town this summer:
I think he's being fattened up for a trade, and I'm not alone.Fred Hoiberg is going to Capitol Hill to help get the word out about advances in healthcare. Hoiberg is part of a photo exhibit consisting of people whose lives were helped by medical devices.
The Wolves have expanded their sales department in a move to become "very aggressive from a sales and marketing standpoint."
Day 3 of the
Killer Crossover Mock Draft podcast is up at Hoops Addict. Selections 18-13 were made by
Fantasy BasketBlog,
HornetsCentral.com,
Passion and Pride and
The Association.
Wolves Updates 6/21
The Woelfel World Of Sports says that "it is believed" the Bucks assistant coach Bob Oceipka will be hired on by the Wolves.
Former Timberwolf and current Raptors coach
Sam Mitchell talks to Steve Aschburner about McCants and mircrofracture knee surgery.
"Dr. [David] Fischer called me a 'walking miracle,' " Mitchell said in a telephone interview Tuesday. "Because I played again. Most guys don't play again after having that surgery."Ascburner points out that because Mitchell was 35 when he had the surgery, his "recuperative powers" may not have been up to par with 21 year old McCants.
Ndudi Ebi took part in a workout for the Celtics.
Marko Jaric was not selected for the Serbia & Montenegro national team in favor of "some new guys, youngsters."
HoopsAddict has posted the podcast for Day 2 of the Mock Draft. Selections 24-19 were made by
End of the Bench,
Gatorade Dump and
SacTownRoyalty and come with YouTube videos of the players.
Killer Crossover Mock Draft Podcast
Ryan from Hoops Addict and
Justin from Celtics 17 asked several NBA bloggers to participate in a mock draft. Every day this week they'll be releasing a podcast in which they'll reveal the picks in reverse order and have the bloggers explain the reasons behind their selection.
Today's Killer Crossover mock draft podcast: 30. Portland pick by
TrueHoop: James Augustine
29. Knicks pick by
Killer Crossover: Alexander Johnson
28. Mavericks pick by
Maverick Moneyball: Leon Powe
27. Suns pick by
Gatorade Dump: Shawne Williams
26. Lakers pick by
Showtime:Kyle Lowry
25. Cavs pick by
Cavalier Attitude: Sergio Rodriguez
Wolves Updates 6/20
Draft Express is, as always, a wealth of information today. According to the site, the Wolves allowed Danny Ainge and Chris Wallace from the Celtics to watch Sunday's workout with Brandon Roy, Rudy Gay, Thabo Sefolosha, and Marcus Vincius Viera de Souza. In return, the Celtics are supposedly inviting McHale and the Wolves to a workout in Boston on June 23.
Consistent information out of Minnesota says that the #1 player on their board is combo guard Randy Foye , as he had one of the most impressive workouts they've conducted this far and are enamored with his toughness, perimeter defense, shooting and all-around attitude. Minnesota also supposedly has the option of moving down in the draft, as an offer is on the table from the New Orleans Hornets to trade the #6 pick in return for the #12 and #15 picks. Information we received today says that as many as six teams are currently in the hunt to trade up for the #1 or #2 pick, and that it?s likely Adam Morrison that they covet. The six teams are Minnesota, Boston, Houston, Phoenix, Portland and Charlotte.
Hoopsworld/Stephen Litel has an article on possible changes the Wolves might make before the season.
The Top 10 'Basketball Superstar and Rap Icon' Duo's of All-Time From The "Dunkadelic Era" In America, 1984-Present
7. Kevin Garnett and Snoop Dogg, KG and Snoop Dogg are both part of the old school, but still is a major player with the new school. KG and Snoop have that laid back attitude with style and charisma. When KG was calling sports announcers "My Dawg" Snoop was dropping the "Shizzle Fizzle My Nizzle." KG and Snoop are linked because both bring a Cool and Chill mentality to "Basketball and Hip-Hop."
McCants Out For At Least 4 Months
A loud "Uff Da" was heard coming from the Target Center as The Wolves announced that
Rashad McCants had undergone microfracture surgery on his right knee on Friday and is expected to miss the next 4-6 months.
For reference, this is the same surgery that caused Amare Stoudemire to miss the bulk of last season.
In other words, this is not good news, especially considering that McCants was one of the team's top scorers, holder of the franchise rookie record from the 3 point range, and a player who showed considerable improvement by the end of the season.
Since this more than likely decreases his trade value, I hope that the "4-6 month" rehab time means that it'll be an extra special Thanksgiving for the Wolves. I won't hold my breath, though.
In other news:
The 30th Carnival Of The NBA is up at
Raptors Blog. According to
Draft Express, Thabo Sefolosha "reportedly had an outstanding workout, only losing one of four games in the one on one competitive portion against the two likely top 10 picks."
Mad Dog is rooting for the Heat because he wants Shaq to win.
Wolves Over The Weekend
From the Pioneer Press:
The Wolves, however, have had no definite trade talks with other teams. So unless something intriguing materializes, the best bet is that Minnesota keeps its No. 6 pick for the June 28 draft.According to Sid Hartman, both Hoiberg and Coach Casey think that ex-Gopher Vincent Grier, who had a workout with the team, could be a second round pick.
"Grier is a very athletic player, a very good defensive player," said Hoiberg, the former Wolves guard now involved in the team's front office. "He is a guy that you know what you're going to get from him. He is going to give you 100 percent every time he's on the floor, and guys like that, I like. You can find a spot for guys that give it to you every time they're on the court."From the Denver Post:Don't put too much into reports that Minnesota Timberwolves scout Rex Chapman could be the Nuggets' next GM. Chapman hung out with various Nuggets personnel at the recent predraft camp in Florida and has a connection with former Kentucky player Bret Bearup, a close confidant of Nuggets owner Stan Kroenke. But the Nuggets aren't expected to pick up steam on their GM until after the draft.
Wolves Updates 6/16
According to Sid Hartman, the "word is that Wolves free agent point guard Marcus Banks is headed for the Los Angeles Lakers."
Hartman also believes that the Wolves might try for a higher draft pick in order to get Adam Morrison.
Along with Patrick O'Bryant and Torin Francis,
the Wolves will be holding workouts today with some "foreign prospects."
From the New York Post:Look for Timberwolves GM Jim Stack, a Pacers assistant under Isiah Thomas, to assume a lot of the same duties in New York when Brown leaves and the team president takes over as coach.Paul Pierce on how he would use the Celtics draft pick:"I'd find a way to use that seventh pick to get a guy like a Kevin Garnett, a Jermaine O'Neal, somebody. At least explore it."Coach Casey on J.J. Redick's DWI:"I don't think that's going to hurt him," Casey said of Redick's arrest. "From what I know, he's a good kid."
Garnett Hangs With The Draft Prospects
In a move that will hopefully dispel any ridiculous trade rumor and somewhat answer the question of why he's still in town, Kevin Garnett took potential draftees Randy Foye, Rodney Carney, Ronnie Brewer, and Bobby Jones out to dinner and a Lynx game on Wednesday night.
The above crew worked out today and afterwards, Fred Hoiberg referred to them as "the best group we've had in so far" and said that "These are really the guys we are going to consider with our top pick. These and the ones who come on Sunday."
The "ones who come on Sunday" are, according to
Draft Express, Rudy Gay, Thabo Sefolosha, Shawne Williams, and Brandon Roy.
The Star Tribune reports that those are the last of the pre-draft workouts, with Patrick O'Bryant and Torin Francis working out tomorrow.
Town Hall Meeting, Chapman Rumors
McHale, Hoiberg, and Mad Dog met with season ticket holders in a Town Hall meeting at the Target Center today.
The Timberwolves site has the fairly unremarkable highlights of the forum. Regardless, here are a few:
-Mc Hale says he doesn't want to move ahead in the draft but would consider moving back.
-The team wants some veteran players who can have an immediate impact.
-McHale plans on drafting the best possible player available regardless of team needs.
-McHale calls Bargnani "interesting" and says that he really likes Morrison.
-T-Hud is still rehabbing but "he's confident that he’s going to play again."
-Excuses are made for Jaric's poor play this season.
-Everyone loves McCants.
From The Arizona Republic:Ric Bucher of ESPN reports that former Suns guard and executive Rex Chapman, who is working as a scout for the Minnesota Timberwolves, could be the next general manager of the Denver Nuggets.
We checked with some of our well-placed spies, and we hear there is substance to the report, but nothing is likely to happen until after the upcoming NBA draft.
We're guessing that's because the Nuggets have to pay the team's former GM, Kiki Vandeweghe, until his contract is up in July.
Wolves Updates 6/15
The Pioneer Press reports that the Wolves will be holding workouts on Thursday with Randy Foye, Ronnie Brewer, Rodney Carney, and Bobby Jones.
Draft Express lists a scheduled workout with J.J. Redick today but
that's probably not happening. Also from Draft Express, today's KG trade rumor:
A trade rumor that has been gaining some steam since the conclusion of the NBA pre-draft camp, this potential trade would send the disgruntled Kevin Garnett to Sacramento in return for whoever Minnesota wants with the #19 pick, Brad Miller, Kenny Thomas, and a newly signed and traded Bonzi Wells.The Association links to a Portland radio station's
"Draft The Stache" campaign to get the Blazers to select Adam Morrison. The songs submitted by listeners are by far the best part.
Good ole C.J. labels Garnett's choosing to be in Minnesota this time of year as "suspicious behavior." Unless he's watching the pre-draft workouts or getting ready to sell his house, I can't figure out why anyone with a place in Malibu would hang out in Mpls in the summer. Twins president Dave St. Peter suggests, "Maybe he's a baseball fan."
Wolves Updates 6/13
After yesterday's dismal performance by the US Soccer team,
The Realests have launched a "Put Garnett In Net" campaign to have keeper Kasey Keller replaced by KG. (Via
Mr. Irrelevant)
Hoopsworld has an interview with McCants from late last season in which he discusses trash talking and playing with KG:
"We're similar as far as our passion for the game and our determination to win," McCants stated. "Coming from very close neighborhoods, we both have that same mentality of no fear and just being very competitive. And I think his caliber of play helps me."
Call Him!
My buddies at Boofda ran into Garnett at one of the Twins games this weekend. JJ (who, despite the sign he's holding, did not drive 150 miles for his first Twins game) stopped to talk to KG on his way out.
JJ: We need to get Iverson. (Mutters something about McHale)
KG: Call him (referring to McHale)! What do you think we need?
JJ: Big guy, veteran
KG: (Says something in the affirmative)
JJ: We also need AI.
KG: Call him. Call him!
KG then pounded his fist on JJ's and gave him a hug before leaving.
Wolves Updates 6/12
According to Sam Smith, The Wolves
are said to be looking to move their No. 6 draft pick for a veteran to complement Garnett, though it's hard to imagine they could get someone significant at that level in this draft.
The Boston Herald reports that the Pacers may be in talks with the Wolves regarding a Jamaal Tinsley for Ricky Davis trade.
The Philadelphia Inquirer on Duke's Shelden Williams:Sources said that Williams has pulled out of scheduled workouts with teams in the second half of the top 10 - including Minnesota, which picks sixth - indicating that a team in the top five has made a commitment to Williams that it will take him.Sid Hartman writes that according to Glen Taylor-Rob Babcock will return to his job as an assistant to McHale.
-Randy Wittman will be Coach Casey's top assistant while Johnny Davis will not be coming back.
-Rex Chapman's status with the Wolves after his one year contract expires "has not been decided."
-Taylor would allow GM Jim Stack return to the Knicks as an assistant to Isiah Thomas though Stack is still under contract.
Wolves Updates 6/9
The Orlando Sentinel reports that the Magic (No. 11) is trying to trade up in the draft and the Wolves' pick (No. 6) is one in which they might be interested.
SI.com pairs sports stars with characters from Lost.Garnett is matched up with Jack Shepherd:
Dr. Jack has been a leader from Day 1; his combination of skills (from medicine to marksmanship) are unmatched. Still, he's a control freak. The talented KG is the Timberwolves' franchise player and hardest worker. While his public persona is friendly, ask former teammate Wally Szczerbiak what happens to those who don't toe his line.The Wolves Dance Team is holding auditions next month. Passing a drug test seems to be part of the deal which gives me much more respect for these ladies. It never occurred to me that the enthusiasm they displayed was completely second nature.
From The Pioneer Press:Timberwolves general manager Jim Stack will be a head coach at a European tryout camp in Italy. Former Gopher J.B. Bickerstaff, who is an assistant for the Charlotte Bobcats, will be an assistant at the Italy camp.The Seattle Times on Brandon Roy:He also has a workout scheduled with Minnesota (No. 6) on June 18. Timberwolves coach Dwane Casey is thought to be a big fan of Roy since his time as a Sonics assistant.
First Manute, Now Klosterman
Carnival Of The NBA #29 is up at
Page 4 Hoop.The 2006 NBA Pre-Draft camp starts today in Orlando.
Manute Bol was in town this past weekend promoting NBA City's "Fast Break Lunch" program. The restaurant is donating 10% of its proceeds this month to the Wolves FastBreak Foundation.
The Cavalier at YaySports has a "Which set of NBA stars could go over there and win the World Cup?" team and lists Garnett as the keeper.
True Hoop has a link to Chad Ford's post-workout report on Thabo Sefolosha.
Sefolosha is set to workout with the Wolves on June 18.
Chuck Klosterman is teaming up with Mpls musician Mark Mallman on Saturday, June 17 in the 7th St Entry in what is being billed as a one time event. The writer will be reading from his new book "Killing Yourself To Live" while Mallman will be performing a "musical illustration" of the passages.
McHale Updates
Steve Aschburner interviews McHaleQ When other GMs call up and ask about Garnett, how do you respond?
A We're not trading Kevin Garnett.
Q You say that before you hear what they're offering?
A Well, yeah, because the teams that would call up have nothing I would trade him for anyway. We're not going to trade Kevin Garnett.
Q When you fired Flip Saunders, one of the reasons cited was that a coach can wear out his message over an extended stay. Can a GM?
A I think so. That's why I've got to look at it and see, if new blood and new ideas come in, if it's time to step down. My competitiveness is, we're close enough. But I have no problem, when the time comes, in going to [owner Glen Taylor] and saying, "This isn't working. It's time for you to make a change."
If I felt that, I would leave.
The Boston Herald does a "Where Are They Now" piece on former Celtics:
KEVIN McHALE - Once considered the greatest post scorer in the game, McHale returned to his native Minnesota shortly after retirement to take over basketball operations with the Timberwolves. He oversaw development of one of the game’s biggest stars - Kevin Garnett - but 11 years at the helm may be wearing him down. McHale recently blamed this season’s collapse on himself. The Pioneer Press poses some non-basketball related questions to McHale.
You make choices,and then you stick with them, and it doesn't always work out the way you'd like. I very seldom make just willy-nilly choices. I think about things quite a bit, and then I do it. Hopefully it works. Sometimes it does, and sometimes it doesn't.
Draft Prospects
UK's Rajon Rondo, who recently worked out with the Wolves, drove a Denali while in school, is rep'd by McHale's college roommate, and likes Steve Nash.
The Wolves have
workouts scheduled withRudy GayBrandon RoyThabo SefoloshaShawne WilliamsRealGM looks at players the Wolves should draft.
Wolves Over The Weekend
The Boston Globe talks to Wally Szczerbiak who says that it wouldn't surprise him if Garnett were traded:
``KG has a burning desire to win. He desperately wants to win a title," Szczerbiak said. ``And if he can't do it in Minnesota, then he'll want to try and do it elsewhere.
``Looking at the situation there now, I think there's more of a chance than when I was there. KG can't play forever."Hartman says the Wolves are "no doubt"
looking to unload Marko Jaric and his big contract.The Minnesota Lynx's
Tamika Williams asks KG for help:"I begged him to help me get on the list for that white Louis Vuitton that Jessica Simpson was wearing. He told me to ask his wife." She did, and that overpriced carryall now sits in her closet with around 30 others.From The Pioneer Press:Coach Casey talked to free-agent Marcus Banks and "was left with the impression" that remaining with the Wolves was one of his top choices.
Tix to the Lynx (seeing Seimone Augustus play seems more exciting than watching the Wolves of late last season) and a meeting with McHale and Hoiberg are being offered as incentives to season ticket holders to renew for next year.
Currently a consultant, Rob Babcock eventually will become a full-time employee again for the club.
Marbury ain't coming back.
Wolves Updates 6/2
In their latest Killer Crossover podcast,
Hoops Addict and
Celtics 17 interview Coach David Thorpe, the executive director of the Pro Training Center in Clearwater, FL, on what he does to get players ready for the draft as well as his methods for improving players already in the NBA.
Hartman says that the fact that Marcus Banks won't be playing for the Wolves summer league team is a good sign that it won't be easy for the team to re-sign him.
Banks will be playing in a celebrity hoops event tomorrow along with AI and Starbury as part of a weekend of "urban entertainment" in Grand Rapids planned by boxer Floyd Mayweather.
Wolves Updates 6/1
Hoopsworld has some of its writers comment on what the Timberwolves should do in the offseason.
NBADraft.net writes up a "State of the Cap" for each team in the league. Grading is based on a the number of bad contracts a team has, its success, how far over or under the salary cap the team is, and how quickly the team can change its fortune. Under this criteria, the Wolves were awarded a D+.
DraftExpress has
Allan Ray and
Nick George scheduled to workout tomorrow.
Despite Stephon Marbury's declaration of wanting his ashes sprinkled on MSG,
Sid Hartman says the Wolves would have a better chance of acquiring Marbury if Larry Brown remains the Knicks head coach.
