Draft day: It’s here!
Posted on June 25th, 2009 – 11:34 AMBy Jerry Zgoda
This feels really weird.
Everyone wants to talk about the Timberwolves.
Huh?
This blog is getting hundreds and hundreds of postings to every topic posting.
I got more than 1,000 questions posed to me in an hour’s live chat the other day.
Our web traffic is outdistancing Vikings stuff.
Everybody is excited, which just goes to show how much hunger there was for change with this organization.
Finally, people feel there is a reason to hope.
Now let’s see if David Kahn can deliver.
I had a Wolves source this morning tell me Kahn is “shopping everybody hard” and that Tuesday’s trade with Washington probably is just the start.
It could get crazy.
The deal to watch out for is a swap with of picks with Oklahoma City to get to No. 3 so the Wolves can take Ricky Rubio.
It’d involve their No. 5 or 6 and perhaps another first rounder better than the Wolves’ No. 18, which would require them to deal the rights to Pekovic or another asset and their 18th to get up higher in the first round.
Kahn said on the Dan Patrick radio show this morning that he will not trade Kevin Love.
He said in time it might be proven that the Wolves do have too much of one thing with both Al Jefferson and Love, but said the team needs to let those two guys play together and give the situation “time to breathe.”
He said eventually the Wolves might have to trade one of them, but “for now, I love both kids, I think they’re driven and we want them here.”
He said he thinks Love is “driven to greatness.”
The NBA has an early draft-day trade deadline today at 1 p.m. Central, so if deals aren’t done then, they won’t be until made until the draft commences tonight.
Chad Ford just posted something about the Rockets using Tracy McGrady’s massive expiring $23.2 million contract and Aaron Brooks’ buzz to get one of the Timberwolves’ lottery picks, but the Wolves would have to deal about their whole team now, wouldn’t they, to make the salaries work?
You’re gonna hear all kinds of things today, and who knows, a lot of it could come true…
I see a lot of mock drafts today have the Wolves drafting James Harden with one of their two top picks and Tyreke Evans dropping down in the draft.
No way, I say.
There are some in the basketball operations office who think Harden, Arizona State’s sophomore guard, might be the second best player in the draft, but I don’t think Kahn shares that opinion and that’s all that matters at this point.
Once projected as high as No. 2, I could see Harden be one of the guys who falls in this draft if the Thunder take Rubio third.
If I had to rank the Wolves’ wish list, I’d go this way:
1. Rubio
2. Thabeet
3. Evans
4. Flynn or Curry
I think the Wolves really like Flynn, but Curry could enter the picture because of his shooting, particularly if Evans is still there at 5.
If the Wolves keep both top picks, I think their choices will be shaped by what guards they believe will play best together.
Two players I think everybody will look back and wonder why they weren’t taken higher: Ty Lawson and Earl Clark.
207 Responses to "Draft day: It’s here!"
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/danpatrick/
Listen to Kahn, he has some good stuff.
David Kahn’s Timberwolves have four picks in the NBA draft.
AP
Minnesota Timberwolves president David Kahn joined the show to discuss the NBA draft. The Timberwolves have four first-round picks.
– Kahn said they’ve been offered trades, but won’t move their picks.
“We will not trade the fifth and sixth pick for the second pick,” Kahn said.
Kahn said two teams explored moving the No. 2 pick for their two picks. Kahn said he wasn’t sure how the two teams would obtain the second pick, implying possible three-way deals were being discussed.
– Kahn said the Timberwolves will not trade Kevin Love today. Kahn thinks Love is very young and has a huge upside.
– Kahn said he talked to Love about breaking the Kevin McHale story on Twitter. Kahn wasn’t worried about it.
– Kahn said that it was hard to fire McHale. Kahn called McHale “relentlessly optimistic.” But Kahn said McHale is not a good fit for a young team that might lose for the next few years.
Kahn said he knows the team won’t be good next year. But he wants to get fans excited about the future.
is there any conceivable way we can trade up to the early teens to get Earl Clark? Man that would be so sexy.
The link to Tyreke Evans baggage.
http://www.delcotimes.com/articles/2009 … 040531.txt
Rivera said even if Evans serves the entire two decades behind bars, he’ll still be able to walk around free when he gets out. “Marcus isn’t ever coming back. At the end of the day, they’ve come out winners.”
He also lamented that Tyreke Evans was not facing any charges as the driver.
Tyreke Evans has been in the news because he is leaving the University of Memphis to enter the upcoming NBA draft.
Jamar Evans’ sister, Timika Evans, 28, cried while on the stand in April as she asked for leniency for her brother. She stated that when (Jamar) gets out of jail, he will be living with Tyreke.
Chad Ford on ESPN has Jennings falling all the way to 19. Also, he has both Evans and Harden available at 5 & 6. (He has the Wolves taking Evans, Flynn and Mullins.) If it could happen, what do you think of getting Evans, Harden and Jennings? Evans can play both 1 and 2, maybe Harden plays a little 3. Then we can see just what Jennings can do.
I am warming up to Curry big time. He may not be a superstar but we need a consistent player with basketball in his blood. Curry is the guy at 6 if he still is around. Not sure about 5 yet.
Latest Insider Buzz
“The message coming in from rival executives — while acknowledging that everything is fluid with so much chatter in the air — is that Memphis is looking increasingly likely to keep the No. 2 overall pick unless Minnesota sends No. 5 and No. 6 to the Grizzlies.
The Wolves, by all accounts, still aren’t ready to give up that much.
The latest scenario presented to me is that the Wolves, with those back-to-back picks, are leaning toward taking Stephen Curry and Tyreke Evans.
Yet it also must be acknowledged that the Wolves are at the heart of numerous trade scenarios with the four first-round picks they possess.”
No chance in hell dream scenario… well I guess there is a chance
Rubio
Harden
Clark
Jerry,
It sounds like the Wolves are trying to trade the #18 and #28 to move up a couple of picks. Any idea who they might be targeting if they move up?
Jerry: Is there any plausible scenario in which we get Lawson? (I don’t think you implied it.) We could get him later than 5/6, but probably not at 18. If we can move 18+28+second rounders to get him, fine. Would Kahn also consider trading 6 for a pick in Lawson’s range (10 to 15?) plus a proven player? This is not an endorsement of that plan — there’s just been some buzz around Lawson, and I don’t see how it matters for us.
I’m thrilled to hear Kahn say two things: One, he won’t trade 5 AND 6 for 2. Two, that he won’t trade Love. I was getting worried that he might trade 6 and Love for 2, which is too much.
Because I do think Rubio, Thabeet and Evans are high risk picks, I’m becoming more and more convinced that we should sit tight at 5 & 6 and draft some combo of Evans, Harden, Curry, Rubio or Flynn. Use assets (Pekovic, #28, second rounders) to move-up a few spots from 18 to get the player we want there (Austin Daye, BJ Mullens, Terrence Williams, Earl Clark or even Jennings or Lawson depending on what happens at 5/6 etc).
“I am warming up to Curry big time. He may not be a superstar but we need a consistent player with basketball in his blood. Curry is the guy at 6 if he still is around. Not sure about 5 yet.”
I don’t understand this logic at all. If we are looking for a low-risk mid-tier player, then why the heck not just keep Foye?
I’ve seen enough “tweener” guards on the Wolves to last my lifetime. To me, the Foye deal only makes sense if you draft two high-ceiling players, regardless of risk.
For what Kahn has shown us until this day, I bet he won’t just sit and wait the guys we really want slip to the 5th and 6th pick. He will make a move to get Rubio. I believe he feels that he must match the expectations surrounding the Wolves.
So who are you advocating Salzy? Everybody is a high ceiling high risk in the top 10 except Curry IMO. You have 5 and 6 you better hit on something. I hate people who spout off then have nothing to offer except their whining.
Why not try to get a proven version of Thabeet in the form of Chandler from the Hornets who probably still want to dump salary. We have more than enough expiring contracts. Maybe throw in a second rd pick or the 28th and the Wolves have a 7′ player that can defend the paint. Do the trade OK didn’t. If he doesn’t work it costs us cap flexiblity but no FA will come here anyways and we would have a large trade chip next year for a team trying to cut salary.
Miller and Foye had to go, but to me the Wizards deal will only make sense if we use the 5th pick to go up and get the guy we really want.
reeves Kahn just said in that radio interview he expects this team to be lousy for some time. I don’t see how acquiring a hobbled Chandler helps this team long term.
As just mentioned here, I can see them packaging 18 and the rights to Pekovic to move up to somewhere in the 11-15 range to get another player they want. I just think Kahn thinks they’ll be not athletic enough with Jefferson, Love and Pekovic all in that frontcourt. They’re looking for athletes and shooters: Williams, Gerald Henderson, Daye, Clark all fit that bill one way or the other. I can’t get a read on what they think of B.J. Mullens, but they need size and length and he fits those parameters.
I can’t help but snicker when we obsess over the length of incoming prospects.
Forge, I agree.
Foye shot 40% in college, Curry is a much better shooter and is perfect for the pick and roll. Pretty much Mike Bibby 2.0. Why his perceived ceiling isn’t as high as Evans is beyond me, he has a quick release and is a marksman from outside, transitioned to the point this year and it did it effectively on an absolutely putrid team. Tyreke Evans could just as easily be Larry Hughes 2.0. Stephen Curry works well paired with either Harden or Evans. You may have preference between those two, but Curry is a perfect fit next to either.
Dave D’Alessandro, terrific ball writer in New Jersey has a mock draft in which MIN takes Harden, Curry and Mullins, then this gem:
28. Minnesota: Chase Budinger, small forward, Arizona
Skinny: He’ll occupy the Mike Miller role, not as timidly
Forge — that was a despicable post. Tyreke was not charged with anything. The police said there was nothing to charge him with.
Jerry:
My thoughts were they might be packing Pekovic to move up to the 11-15 range to sweeten the deal with either Memphis or OKC. OKC has been rumored to be hot for Mullens, maybe trading up for a pick from 11-15 is part of a strategy to land #2 or #3.
Chandler isn’t really proven, not when a trade gets rejected because of a bad medical report, not when he disappeared late in the season. He’s worth expiring contracts and a late pick, don’t get me wrong, but I wouldn’t trade a spry body for him.
No - Mullins please! The guy was a walking zombie and played little for the Buckeyes. Pick Sam Young @ 18.
Neumms - Chandler was option #2 if CLE had not landed Shaq.
Jerry–Is Craig Smith worth anything? We love him, but we really don’t need a third short power forward. Could he be part of a Bulls deal?
McFlea, having a convicted murderer planning to live with Evans doesnt concern you? Having Evans as the driver in a murder doesnt concern you? Speaking of despicable posts yours are atrociously terrible. Save your histrionics for something else you dramaqueen.
Gee Forge - sorry my opinion amounts to whining - even though you just reiterated my point that Curry is not a high-ceiling guy.
I’m not claiming to be an expert the way a lot of people are here - all I’m saying is that the logic I’ve seen repeated many times here about going for safer players doesn’t make sense to me.
Since you asked, I think Rubio has the best chance of being a special player, and I’d be OK with Thabeet based on his upside even though I agree he has high-bust potential. (although he looks more and more like he’ll be going #2 anyway). Otherwise, this is the same draft that everyone concluded was weak a few weeks ago, but now that the Wolves have two top picks we’re all salivating at potential pretty unrealistically, IMO. I think guys like Jennings, Holiday, and Lawson probably have as much chance of succeeding as Curry, Harden, and Flynn. In the end, though, I haven’t seen many of these guys play at all, much less scout them - so I’ll just hope the Wolves know what they are doing since they obviously have a plan in mind with #5 to give up pretty good value for it.
A Bulls deal for what, Neumms?
Flynn’s suddenly in the conversation for the Wolves — I guess since Curry could be gone and we don’t want both Evans and Harden. Any thoughts? “Terrific leader but short” doesn’t really do much for me.
Also, why do we like Evans? I was just listening to Chad Ford, who said he seems him as being as long as Dwyane Wade but without the athleticism. Harden outdid him on nearly everything at the combine and is a better shooter and scorer. Can someone tell me (seriously, I’m not trolling, just starting to get worried we’re leaning towards Evans when Harden could still be there when I’m hearing not exciting things about Evans) why we’d want Evans over Harden?
I want Harden over Evans. 
Forge — Evans’ brother is going to prison for at least nine years, so why would we be concerned about the living situation?
I didnt reiterate your point that Curry isn’t a high ceiling guy Salzy, you made that up on your own. He has just as big a chance to become a superstar in this league with less potential to be a big bust in my opinion. But you reiterated that you didnt watch many of these guys so I am not sure where you are going with any of this.
I think this draft is weak, but not with a few caveats:
Their are 7 players that are good talents: Griffin, Thabeet, Rubio, Curry, Harden, Evans and Hill. I think the top 7 of this draft is not weak.
The players from 8-25 are a crapshoot, and are probably picked in last years draft in the 18-30 range. This year’s draft has no depth in Bigs, that is the weakness.
The wolves need to grab two players from the Top 7 minus Jordan Hill and are positioned to do so. Beyond that, the rest is a crapshoot and picks 8-30 will probably be weaker or more uncertain than other drafts.
If we could get Clark/Evans/Curry in this draft it would be an amazing start to the newest rebuild project.
Sean ever hear of parole? Is this guy going to be Isiah Rider 2.0? It is called character issues, and when these guys get money you better be sure they aren’t making headlines for all the wrong reasons. Fairly obvious I thought but I guess I need to explain it.
I would rank the likely scenarios this way:
Rubio/Harden
Rubio/Evans
Rubio/Curry
Harden/Evans
Evans/Curry
Harden/Curry
Obviously, this indicates I’m highest on Rubio and down on Curry.
I’d be a little concerned that Harden completely disappeared at the end of the season when it mattered most.
Forge - the police said Tyreke committed no offense. Your portrayal was incredible disingenuous. Man up!
Forge — his brother is going to be in prison at least nine years. So, no, I’m not worried about that. According to the prosecution in the case, there was no evidence Evans had knowledge that his brother was going shoot someone. I’m assuming that the Wolves (and the various other NBA teams) have done their homework here, and the fact that we have heard so little about it indicates in fact that the prosecution was correct.
There’s little that I’ve seen in Evans’s actions and behaviors that indicate him at Rider 2.0. Recall that Rider already had a significant list of issues racked up before he came into the league.
I didnt portray anything you idiot, I posted the link and a portion of the article. You really are this stupid aren’t you? I thought it was all an act but geez you are as dumb as they come.
Smith to Bulls for their pick without giving up #18? Maybe with Pekovic and 28? Then Wolves could give that pick to move up for Rubio and still have a chance at Daye or Mullens.
After the trade with Washington and counting four first round draft picks, the wolves have 17 or 18 guaranteed contracts for next year depending on if they pick up Rodney Carney. Me thinks that is 3 or 4 too many …
My bad, Forge - when you said “except Curry”, I took that to mean without the upside since you earlier had said about him “He may not be a superstar but we need a consistent player”. I agree with the first part - I just don’t think you trade Foye and Miller for a potentially “consistent player”.
I guess I’m not an expert like everyone else here is. I just think the ceiling is limited for a 6-3 shooting guard with low athleticism trying to convert to PG in the NBA. Yes - he’s a great shooter - in fairness maybe he could turn into a Sam-Cassel type if you want to be an optimist.
It was Evans cousin not his brother.
Sean I don’t want him, a driver in a driveby that killed somebody can go rot somewhere for all I am concerned whether he was charged or not. Just because he can play b-ball I guess all is forgiven. You can have him.
I want Curry, not Flynn. Flynn is one of those guys everybody likes out of the NCAAs that had their one shining moment then and doesn’t do it in the pros. Laettner. Wally. Mateen Cleaves. Take the shooter.
Jerry:
I loves TWolves basketball, but I live in Seattle and have season tickets to University of Washington Basketball. Did you see any ASU games last year. That team had Harden, Lassiter, Pendergraph and possibly the worst 4-10 players of any other team in the Pac 10 and they still almost won the conference. Harden was doubled every time he touched the ball every game, has the highest usage rate of any SG in the country because of this, and still was the most efficient SG in the draft. I don’t think it’s fair to judge his tourney performance, other teams knew the way to beat ASU was to triple team Harden, let Pendergraph get some cheap dunks, close out on Lassiter from 3, and watch the rest of the players on that team choke the game away.
Jerry,
I could see Evans sliding tonight. I’m with you on thinking Earl Clark will be a good get, though.
Awaiting moderation? Jerry your language filter has a hair trigger.
Jerry,
Don’t the Wolves have too many bigs after the trade with Washington? I can’t see them drafting anyone that would play PF or C now. They already have
Jefferson
Love
Cardinal
Madsen
Songalia
Thomas
Pecherov
I realize that half those guys are horrible and shouldn’t see the floor but they are expiring contracts and take up a roster spot.
I want Harden and Evans if we can’t get Rubio. Then add Jennings of Lawson by moving up from 18.
If Harden, Evans and Flynn are all available when our two picks come along, as Chad Ford’s recent mock suggest, we’d better go with Flynn and Harden. GREAT FIT… both have excellent athleticism, intelligence, intangibles and well-rounded games.
Add Craig Smith to that list too. That’s eight guys to play the 96 minutes. I realize that some of these guys will probably get traded or bought out but still
How’d Evans do in the tournament (again, not trolling, just was out of the country and heard on the same Chad Ford podcast that he didn’t deliver, either)? If that’s the case, I’d take the guy with the tools and history of delivering (Harden) over a guy like Evans. I still don’t really get why everyone loves Evans — I read about the point guard workout where he took everyone to the hole, but that seems based on size of competition more than anything else, and he’s going to be seeing bigger guys, especially if we draft him to play SG as it seems we would.
Rubio, Harden, or Curry would be great. I could come around to Evans but I’d like to hear a real “for” argument.
What am I missing with Rubio? I have seen a ton of video of him and really I don’t see why anyone is high on this guy.
Also he came in at 6′2″ not 6′5″ like so many have reported.
He had a good Olympics? Is that it?
Man I really don’t want to see this guy in a Wolves jersey.
Since it’s a rebuild project I would rather have Jennings, Holiday, Curry, evan Lawson way ahead of Rubio.
Harden didnt look very athletic bricking those layups at the rim in the NCAA tournament.
buyouts are comming im assuming and I wouldn’t be suprised with a draft of Evans/Flinn or Harden/Curry. Just a matter of who is available and who the Wolves like best
Kahn has been very honest but is he going overboard? On the Dan Patrick radio show today he said he expects the Wolves to lose a lot of games next year. How does he expect to sell tickets when he basically says the team is going to be horrible?
I feel bad for the people working in the Wolves marketing department.
I watched at least 5-10 Syracuse games last year and am really high on Flynn. He showed great ability to lead his team, pass the ball, as well as knock down clutch shots. His 40 inch vertical makes up for being 5′11” and he can jump with any point guard in the league.
Also as far as I remember Wally was a former All-Star and is a very servicable NBA player. Comparing an athlete like Flynn to a shooter like Wally, a big man like Laettner, or a mule like Cleeves is not fair. The guy Flynn most reminds me of is a young Marbury (not the crazy head-tattoed Marbury)
Okay I give up. Let’s just draft whoever had the best tournament. Taking the guy who played the best in 2 or 3 games rather than over several years is the kind of sound thinking that will rebuild the Wolves.
You’re right, Justin. The real drama now will be the deals outside of the draft.
Forge: If you sample size is two games in the tournament, that’s not enough. I get every Pac-10 game on FSN North West. Harden looked great all season long and then got gameplanned in the Tourney. Foye had a brilliant Tourney, did that translate into Stardom?
NotSold- Rubio was measured at his last workout at 6′5” and since he is only 18 he may still have some room to grow.
Jama - it always comes down to buts in seats. Will the “fire McHale” crowd fill up the seats for a team that wins less than 30 games?
Speaking of intelligence, I watched a Tyreke Evans interview this morning on ESPN and that dude seems DUMB. Give me the smarts that Flynn and Harden bring to the table over that box of rocks Evans any day.
Further, among the weaknesses that DX lists in Evans’ profile:
*DECISION-MAKING
*OUT OF CONTROL AT TIMES
*SHOT-SELECTION
*TURNOVER PRONE
*OFF-COURT RED FLAGS
*DOESN’T ALWAYS KNOW LIMITATIONS
Sure, every player has weaknesses, but it concerns me that so many of Evans’ weaknesses are related to what I would perceive to be mental-capacity issues.
That interview from this morning on ESPN just sealed it for me.
NO DUMMIES IN MINNESOTA, PLEASE! Especially not in a player who has to handle the ball on a regular basis.
Go with the perfect, ready-made backcourt of Flynn and Harden and let Evans be somebody else’s problem.
Looks like the Knicks are taking the Lakers #29 instead of the Wolves #28
NotSold - the official combine results showed that Rubio is 6-4.
I’m not sure I’d consider not being well spoken as the same thing as dumb. I don’t think it takes a legendary intellect to be a good NBA player.
I’m no Evans fan either, but blowing an interview doesn’t phase me.
jama, We are going to lose a lot of games next year. at least 2 rookies starting, no (true) center, new coach.
But I think if you look at OKC, even though they lost a lot of games last year there is a lot of excitement with that team because you know they’re going to be really good in a few years once those guys have been in the league a little longer and they add the couple of missing pieces they need.
The Wolves hope to be in that position this year. Young players showing the possibility of the future.
Kids, kids, can’t we all get along in here? I am worried about the bust factor also regarding Thabeet. The T-wolves have a history of big man busts (Laettner, Parks, Longley, Spencer, Griffin, Grant, King, etc. I could go on) so that kind of scares me a bit. They need backcourt help and IMO I would love to see the take a combo of Evans, Rubio, Curry, or Harden with the 5 and 6. If they still have the 18 or move up a few spots, I hope to see something on the lines of Williams, Young or Clark if they are around. Mullins seems to me a horrible take. Please, oh please, don’t take Mullins.
Centrist I understand that, I am just saying he didn’t look that athletic, never said he wasn’t going to be a decent player, even though I have many doubts about him.
Marty, as a fan in the seats, I’ve had enough “buts” for a long time. Too many “ifs” and “ands”, too.
Mullins at 18 isn’t so bad… so what if he’s a bust? Plenty of guys bust that later, and even though we have a history of busts, we need a center, too. We have two high picks that will net us real players. Either role the dice on ridiculous upside at 18 (Mullins or someone else) or grab another PG to actually solidify the position for the future.
jama considering his predecessor rarely said anything about anything, I like Kahns bluntness. Why should he get everybody’s hopes up when you are going through a rebuilding period? If saying they are going to win 40 games like McFale did last year will that make you go buy tickets? I think he will bring in a coach who will try to open things up a bit and try to increase the entertainment value.
Dingus is overloaded with forwards and the other teams know he is in a bind. Bargain city.
Forge: Understandable. I just look at the statistics that possibly can measure athelticism, namely finishing in transition, getting to the rim, drawing fouls, Harden blows Evans away in all these categories, yet before the combine, Evans was the athlete and their were questions about Harden.
Then the combine happens, and lo and behold, Harden’s athletic measurements correlate with his game, i.e. he was superior at these athletic skills over Evans, because as measured his athleticism was better. Further factoring in he had much better competition than Evans seals the deal for me.
Foo Rubio was not at the combine:
Jerry’s twitter… i like it… a lot…
Keep your eye on an OKC-Wolves deal that gets them to No. 3 and Rubio. I think that’s most likely. #timberwolves
NotSold:
The Sacramento Bee reports Rubio was measured at his visit to Sacramento and he measured at 6′5″.
Kilrathi - will the last fan shut the lights off? The same question: Will the “Fire McHale” crowd be so enamored by Dingus that they will translate into a filled Target Center (sans the giveaways) with a sub 30 win team?
I agree with Centrist on the numbers game, and even moreso I just like that Harden knows how to score and has been “the man” for awhile. Sure, he got shut down in the tournament, which happens — other than Wade leading Marquette, when was the last time a one-man show went deep into the tourney? But it does mean he’s got a go-to attitude and I’d love to see that, since we’ve _never_ had a go to scorer (seriously, I think never is about right, other than flashes of Foye and maybe the occasional J.R. moments).
Nice Phil.
I still say wolves should draft Evans and Curry. We need guards who can penatrate to the hole and hit jump shots………….
I hope Jerry is right about that. If we could some how end up with Rubio and Harden (I realize this is a pipe dream) I’d be thrilled.
I’ll probably be getting a half season package this year if things go well tonight / tomorrow morning.
According to ESPN, the Lakers sold their 1st round pick (29) to the Lakers for 3 million.
If this is such a weak draft, why are teams trying to buy first round picks? 3 million, plus another 2-3 million in gauranteed contracts.
Like I’ve said, this draft may not have the star quality of some others, but it’s probably not as bad as everybody is saying and I am happy the Wolves have been able to take advantage of that perception, and hope they continue to do so today with more trades!
Editor’s note: In the days leading up to the draft, we’ll update this file with the latest draft rumors from around the league.
POSTED: June 25 — 12:31 p.m. ET
Marc Stein: The message coming in from rival executives — while acknowledging that everything is fluid with so much chatter in the air — is that Memphis is looking increasingly likely to keep the No. 2 overall pick unless Minnesota sends No. 5 and No. 6 to the Grizzlies.
The Wolves, by all accounts, still aren’t ready to give up that much.
The latest scenario floated to us is that the Wolves, with those back-to-back picks, would love to snag Stephen Curry and Tyreke Evans, assuming one or both make it to them. Conventional wisdom, by contrast, suggests that the Wolves would take one guard and one big man if they keep Nos. 5 and 6, especially given their need for someone who can guard the rim.
Yet it also must be acknowledged that the Wolves are at the heart of numerous trade scenarios with the four first-round picks they possess.
In other words? Watch this space.
Swan, what constitutes well?
Excuse me - sold the pick to the Knicks…
Phil, I also like Jerry’s twitter alot. I think if we can get the 3 for the 6 and whatever else, there is a very real chance we could be walking away with a Rubio - HArden backcourt. Impressive
Foo, every player listed on DraftExpress has strengths and weaknesses, no? Have you listened to other poor interviewees, like MJ, Shaq, LeBron, etc.? Besides, these kids have had a ton of interviews during the last three weeks and have had auditions all over the place. Give Evans a break.
It’ll be an after the fact reaction.
Marc Stein has a strange idea of “conventional wisdom” if he thinks we’ll take a big at 5 or 6. Who exactly would that be? Thabeet will be gone, Hill is redundant, and Mullens isn’t worth that (or probably any other) pick. Does “conventional wisdom” take into account that Telfair is pretty much the only guard on the roster?
What do you think the Wolves would give OKC for the 3rd?!
If the Wolves are young and exciting and promising and without McHale, there will be buzz and they will sell $5 tickets (which they can’t do now) even if they’re lousy. Just look at how much buzz there is in the last few days in anticipation for tonight. You get a Rubio and an Evans/Harden and those guys play well in Las Vegas like Love did last year, people will come (at least more than they have been coming). All they want is a reason to believe, which they haven’t had for the last five years. People will come, Ray. People most definitely will come.
A deal with OKC makes a lot of sense. I think the Thunder wouldn’t mind having Rubio but from reports on ESPN it also seems like they’re pretty enamoured with Curry. So why wouldn’t they trade the 3 for the 6 and another pick so they can get Curry at a cheaper price… plus get a chance at Mullens.
I still think that a dump of expiring contract scrubs is needed. Chandler was just the 1st guy that came to mind but I don’t want 10 PFs on the roster when only 3.5 are worth anything. We have no size that guards the paint, lost all our guards, and have no perimeter scorers. We will likely get two guards in the draft but at best 1 shooter. We still will have holes with no roster spots, cap room or real assets to trade.
I like your reasoning mark, but I do think that if OKC trade down, it will be for a chance at Harden.
Jerry:
Completely agree, people will come, especially with Rubio, and even moreso if he starts making Maravich like passes. If he is as creative with the ball as advertised, he’ll instantly be one of the most fun players in the league to watch.
Jerry…any idea what it’s going to take to get #3 from OKC? How about 6 and 18? I’d like to stay ahead of them to keep option of Harden available.
Evans - Dumb Dummy. Go with Flynn and Harden.
Both Flynn and Harden are more polished, more intelligent, more athletic than Evans.
What’s the big deal about Evans? Everybody says he’s so great at penetrating and I don’t ever hear much more beyond that. The ironic thing is that both Harden and Flynn got to the FT line more than Evans. So unless Harden and Flynn were just getting dumb-fouled all the time out the perimeter, it’s safe to assume that most of their FT attempts came as a results of dribble-drive penetration and getting to rim.
So Harden and Flynn are more athletic and better at penetrating than Evans. If those are Evans’ supposed two best strengths, then there’s no reason to take him over Flynn and Harden.
BTW… Evans is older than Harden, despite being a year behind him in college class?
BTW… Evans played against weaker competition than both Flynn and Harden.
I don’t see the debate here… go with Flynn and Harden over Evans.
That makes sense, Mark, but I think that OKC might have the feeling that they’re selling the 3rd too cheap… Not sure if 6th and 18th are enough…
I feel honored to have been the last poster on the last blog, #513! I would like to know also what people think we would have to give for number 3. Doesn’t look like we will get the 2nd because of the asking price and if Thabeet is 2nd then we can get Rubio 3rd. Rubio, Harden, and try to move up for Williams or Clark.
Jerry, we shall see, Ray, we shall see. But let’s see how many from this blog who are part of the “Fire McHale” convert their euphoria into full paid tickets.
Do not give up anything substential to move up the draft board. All those teams (espacially Mem and OKC) ahead of us are stuck! Their needs do not match the best available players. Do not bail them out by giving them too much to move up. Our guys will fall to us at 5 and 6.
Foo, I find the “dumb Evans” jive pretty childish. Obviously you didn’t care for him to be drafted, but really…
But Foo, everybody saw Evans score all those points against Missouri and in the tournament in general and also watched the college media fawn over Evans and Memphis all season. Plus the two times they saw Harden play in his two year college career, he choked in the tourney. Evans has to be the better player, right?
(Sarcasm)
Normally I’d agree that it makes a lot more sense for the thunder to take Harden. But there are a lot of reports coming out… mostly through Chad Ford that they prefer Curry to Harden.
Heck, even a Rubio/Curry backcourt would be ok with me. In the case where there’s a really big two we might have to have brewer swing over and guard them.
Foo, there is no debate at 5 and 6, you take the best that drops…
McFly… I’m not slinging needless insults here, bro. I just prefer to have intelligent players instead of dumb players and there are multiple data-points suggesting that Evans is not nearly as smart as my guys Flynn and Harden.
Ironic, though, that you’re going holier-than-thou when I state that Evans is dumb, but you continue to go on calling Kahn “Dingus”.
BTW… I like how your self-imposed August 1 embargo lasted, what, three days?
BTW Jonathan Givony is live blogging the draft @ DraftExpress
The “self imposed embargo” is for Dingus Kahn (copyright). But I have heretofore referred only to Dingus. In the event I disclose the embargoed in full Dingus Kahn (copyright), you are welcome to fill suit.
Don’t mind McFlea Foo, he got his panties in a bunch when I posted that link of drive-bye Evans was a part of. It seems McFlea is all bark and no bite. Not sure but I think he has an Evans poster above his bed. And yes there are a number of indicators that say Evans is just plain dumb.
Another point for picking Harden.
You don’t want either Harden or Curry sliding to NYC so that they pick them and do a sign and trade with David Lee in a month with OKC equating to Rubio for David Lee + Curry/Harden. We need to make sure that the Wolves are the only available trading partner to OKC to drive the value they can ask down for Rubio.
Wow I can’t believe it but I’m really actually agreeing with most of the things McFly is posting. I agree that if it comes down to 5 & 6 and we have no pre-arranged deal to pick someone that we take the highest rated players. That being said I just have a gut feeling that we get Rubio. I also liked the Sam Young post. If Earl Clark is off the board at that point I would love to get a guy like Young there.
KNICKS-LAKERS TRADE: The Knicks reportedly have acquired the No. 29 pick from the Lakers for cash.
***
Foo, have you listened to MJ interviews, Shaq interviews, etc. etc.? They are not real fluid and deep in thought either. Conversely, I always found Kareem to be a very good interviewee. In fact, some of the lowest players in the draft are really good interviews. So, what does that tell you? Sheldon Williams does a nice interview.
You don’t use draft picks defensively, you use them affirmatively. The idea is to get the best player for your team, not to block somebody else.
McFly… I’ll make certain to “FILL” suit when that happens.
jballer - you have touched greatness! Congratulations!
Garnett was barely intelligible in his post draft interview and I sure wouldn’t call him dumb.
Sean:
I agree, but I also don’t have Flynn in the Top 6, and think the Top 6 are Griffin, Rubio, Thabeet, Harden, Evans and Curry, and that no matter what we should pick the two of those players that are available at #5 and #6. I wouldn’t pick Curry and Harden to block the Knicks, I would pick them because they are the best players available.
I think MJ and Shaq are two of the best, most thoughtful interviews out there. Both guys were/are great with the microphone in the grills.
Besides, the interview is only one of the red-flags I have for Evans’ lack of smarts.
Foo, there you go. Bring it!
Gendo - You’d call a guy who couldn’t get the SAT scores to get into college smart ?
Foo, that explains much. You are not a good judge of interviewees.
OKC can’t plan on keeping Rubio + Westbrook. Doesn’t make sense. Should be quite a staring match between Presti and Kahn for the rest of the day.
With Evans, you can keep it on the court. As I said in the last thread - the only thing he is supposed to do really well (handle/drive) isn’t good enough to be special in the NBA. Take that away and who is he? We don’t need to turn back the clock on our 2-guard position back to the Chris Carr days.
Rubio/Harden, or Harden/Flynn.
I don’t think the SAT is a good measure of intelligence, Swan.
Dez guyz have held probably 30 interviews since the Chicago Combine and traveled/worked out in 15 cities. Most of them are in their late teens early twenties, I think we can give them some slack.
Well…he still couldn’t get into college aka not smart.
Neither could Derek Rose without cheating.
Garnett actually retook the SAT’s and found out the night of the draft that he had a score good enough to get him into college.
What about trying to get Westbrooke?
So ? We’re not talking skills right now…wee B tilkan brianz.
They’re not giving up Westbrook
I think OKC takes Rubio (if on the board) as a bargaining chip only. They aren’t going to trade Westbrooke, a proven talent, unless he has baggage.
Marty, I get your love (and probably a personal relationship) for Mac, but you have to admit it just had to be done to cut ties with him. Too much water under the proverbial bridge. You might be right and Kahn might not know what he’s doing, but there’s excitement about the Wolves again (never thought I’d say that) and that’s simply because there was such a need for change, any change. It just had to be, my friend.
Resd on SI mock that Rubio and Westbrook would be good on the same team? Would it work?
Alright Swan look at it this way. You pretty much have to admit being wrong to one of two things here otherwise you’re contradicting yourself:
1. Either SAT scores and interviews are not a good measure of intelligence (e.g. Garnett, Rose, etc) since those examples who have scored poorly in both have proven to be excellent NBA players.
Or.
2. Intelligence in the way that you’re describing is not particularly important since those above examples have excelled as NBA players.
So which is it?
Not sure if this is even worth posting, but…. (from Draft Express)
-A complicated three-way trade involving New Jersey, Minnesota and Memphis, which would send Devin Harris to Minnesota, the #5 and #6 picks to Memphis and Ricky Rubio and Craig Smith to New Jersey.
POSTED: June 25 — 2:13 p.m. ET
Andy Katz: Memphis and Minnesota talked again about trading the No. 2 pick (Memphis) to Minnesota for the No. 5 and 6 picks or the No. 5 or 6 and Kevin Love. But the price was too high for Minnesota, so Memphis plans on keeping the pick. According to multiple sources, Memphis would pick Connecticut center Hasheem Thabeet.
• Minnesota is hoping to land a specific player at No. 18 — who could be Earl Clark (Louisville) or James Johnson (Wake Forest), among others. If that player isn’t available, then the Wolves are expected to trade the pick, according to a source.
• Cleveland held on to the No. 30 pick in the trade with Phoenix for Shaquille O’Neal and wants to get a point guard with the selection. The Cavs are hoping a point guard projected to go higher drops down to them, according to a source.
• Brandon Jennings is scheduled to be one of the 15 players in the green room at the draft. But he could be pulled from the green room. Representatives of Jennings were huddling to make a decision on Thursday.
Rubio and Westbrook could be a good pairing. I’m sure it would be exciting but a pairing of Westbrook with Harden/Curry seems to make a lot more sense. If OKC takes Rubio and holds onto him they’ll be doing with the hopes that it can work out. But it’s certainly not a perfect fit.
Rube-
Rubio and Westbrook, to me, are not a good pair. Both are just 6′3″-6′4″, so there’s all sorts of defensive problems there, and neither are great shooters.
And more personally, Westbrook has publicly stated he wants to be the point guard for the Thunder. If they draft another one, he might become a locker room problem.
Jerry, I heard and understand that rationale, that we had to cut ties with McHale to bring in the new new. But that is an emotional decision not a logical one. I would have preferred that Mr. Kahn let McHale coach until the All Star break and then determine whether or not to let him go. As it is now, there is no coach and won’t be one until probably the end of July. I don’t love Kevin (particularly as GM) but he did a decent job as coach. Mr. Kahn now faces the great unknown for coach (wantabes, has-beens, and cast offs). It was an incredible lack of judgment IMO, just as castigating Big Al (no better than #2) and K-Love (never be an All Star).
Rex: I think Draft Express called them “crazy trade rumors” for a reason. I like Harris, but 5+6+Smith is waaaaay too much. Still, thanks for the post.
Madison Dan:
I agree that it would be way to much to give up. And I really like Harris.
Moreover, Jerry, will the “Fire McHale’ crowd flock to buy Wolves tickets for 2009/10 and 2010/11 given that Mr. Kahn (”Dingus”) has openly stated that the team won’t be much for some time? For the good of our MN franchise, they better.
OKC trade Rubio to NYK in sign and trade for Lee
Marty haven’t your opinions on McHale been fleshed out Ad Nauseum on this board. We get it, you like McHale as coach, and because he was fired, and various other comments by Kahn, you label him Dingus. What more needs to be said.
Agree. It’s not that Rubio and Westbrook couldn’t make it work if they had to. Rather since they already have Westbrook, Curry or Harden fit much better.
Come to think of it, OKC could be really good w/in a few years. Hopefully duking it out with the home team for the division.
Marty, time will tell, but I don’t think it’s just the “Fire McHale” crowd that will change their opinion on the Wolves. This is starting to feel to me like the expansion season. You know we’ll be bad, but it’s something new, and we’ll have some hope that it’ll work out.
I like two kinds of teams: bad ones with promising young players and really good ones with a chance to win something now. Most of the teams in the middle are boring. (Worst: bad teams with unpromising players.)
Gendo - I admit nothing ! All I said was KG wasn’t smart. I wasn’t part of the whole conversation on interviews.
I really didn’t read much of the arguments either way.
Centrist - I take it you have laid out $$$ for Wolves season tickets?
I just read a Memphis Blog board and almost all of the fan base there does not want Thabeet. They are pining for Rubio and to trade Conley. I’ve said earlier that I’m not a Thabeet fan either. Do you guys feel he might slip down the board or do you feel that he is worthy of a #2 to #5 pick?
Marty — Give McHale half a season? What sort of crazy idea is that? It assumes that McHale would sign a one-year deal, first off, and there’s precious little indication that was in the cards. Even if you do sign him to a one-year deal, you’ve created a giant distraction hanging over the team, because McHale’s status becomes the story. Not to mention the fact that McHale accomplished nothing as coach that distinguishes him from the people who would replace him.
Season Tickets doesn’t mean you should repeat a position over and over again every week to prove your right. Wait until the draft unfolds and the coach is picked and then their is at least debate as to whether McHale would be the right fit to mentor the young guards this team is adding.
I went to the Wolves-Sonics and 10-15 games every year since I move West, now I have to drive to Portland to see the NBA, so I have College Basketball Season Tickets. I buy League Pass and Jerseys. I’m still a fan, even if I don’t get Breakfast with Kahn.
Folks, it all comes down to paid seats at Target Center. The franchise has embarassed itself to no end with giveaways, contests, etc. just to put but-s in seats. But if you now enamored “Fire McHale” folks don’t now pay to attend games, the franchise will face extinction.
“Moreover, Jerry, will the “Fire McHale’ crowd flock to buy Wolves tickets for 2009/10 and 2010/11 given that Mr. Kahn (”Dingus”) has openly stated that the team won’t be much for some time? For the good of our MN franchise, they better.”
I will. I just couldn’t have justified spending money on this team until I had some indication they were going to get away from McHale.
If they get rid of Love too then I’ll buy a full season ticket package.
Marty, are you really going to say you won’t go watch the Wolves play because McHale isn’t coaching? Are you part of his family or something?
First, he wasn’t THAT great of a coach. He was solidly good. That’s it. He had that one good run in January, which kind of make people forget his terrible record between firing Witt and then, and his terrible record from February to when Al was injured.
Second, people keep harping on this “the players love him” thing. WHO CARES? The players don’t form a good team, and as exemplified by the Washington trade, Mac’s handpicked roster is going to be 90% out the door soon anyway. Keeping him around just to cater to a losing roster would have been beyond stupid.
It had to be done. The end.
Hey Jerry, ya got any more news on that wolves OKC swap?
well they wouldn’t have come with McHale as couch so the team is in better shape already. Plus it’s Butt with two t’s
ah hell. McFly forgive me or flog away. I deserve it.
“I’m thrilled to hear Kahn say two things: One, he won’t trade 5 AND 6 for 2. Two, that he won’t trade Love. I was getting worried that he might trade 6 and Love for 2, which is too much.”
This. We need to draft at least 3 guys, and two in the top six. Packaging 5 and 6 would be silly. Also, I PRAY Curry isn’t the guy we pick to be our future pg. Evans or Rubio would be great here. Also, why do folks keep saying we *may* want Thabeet. We have 11 signed big men on our roster now. Geez.
Centrist,
Glad to see you stand up for Harden. I live in Seattle too and was amazed that ASU was at the top of the Pac-10 for much of the season with Glasser and Abbott as their two other guards. Those two were just icky.
Yeah, Harden’s three point % went down when the line was moved back last year and he’s not really a pure scorer, but IMO the guy has a little Paul Pierce in him. Great understanding of the game, AMAZING passer, can always get to the rim and has an array of ways to score the basketball. I really, really like him.
Sean, you are wrong. (1) giving McHale until the All Star break would not have been publicly disclosed nor shared with the players–arrangements like this happen all the time in transition, (2) Every year, Kevin goes to his Hibbing cabin after the season with his family and reassesses his situation, so a one-year deal would have fit that arrangement very well, (3) there was no telling how well McHale could have worked with Dingus and vice versa until he actually coached. And, finally, players (KG, Big Al, K-Love, etc. etc.) have stated publicly that Kevin was very helpful to them in teaching them post moves, etc. The players liked playing for Kevin. Any wantabe, has-been, or castoff replacement will have to build a relationship.
Paul Pierce is a great comparison for Harden. A lot more accurate, I think, than Manu Ginobili or Brandon Roy.
Giving McHale a half season is one of the worst ideas I’ve heard on this board…you weren’t seriously suggesting that were you Marty ? Joking right ?
Gleno, don’t forget to turn the lights out after the game — k
Yes, McHale had a great relationship with the players. Most of whom aren’t very good.
Here’s a question: if we don’t take Stephen Curry, who shoots for us? I started thinking about this last night…with Miller and Foye gone, we have no shooting. Zero. None. Our best perimeter shooter is Ryan Gomes. Ouch. If we can get Curry, especially if we can pair him with Evans or Harden, don’t we kind of HAVE to take him?
Bryant:
I agree whole-heartedly. His athletic measurements at the combine proved to me that the cited weakenss in his game was hogwash, and if the Tourney performance drops him into our laps at #5 or #6, what a steal for the Wolves.
Check back at the history of DX mocks throughout the year. Harden was the #2 pick throughout the year until March.
Actually everybody knocks Rubio’s shooting but last season he shot over 40% for beyond the 3-point line. He can shoot better than people give him credit. If we are able to draft Rubio and Curry is available then yes you take him. But there are players out there who can shoot.
Marty — I’ll respond in particular to points 2 and 3. This team needs a coach willing to commit to it, not one that is going to hem and haw at the end of every season. If there’s going to be a coaching transition, do it now when the expectations are at their lowest.
And while one can’t say for sure how well Kahn and McHale would have worked together, I think it’s fair to say that Kahn’s decision to pull the plug indicates he didn’t have confidence it was going to work well. And if he didn’t have that confidence, he was 100% right in making the move.
The fact that the players said they liked playing for McHale means next to nothing. Unless the situation is dire, players don’t regularly go around bad-mouthing their coaches. When the new coach of this team is hired, the folks who talked all happy about McHale will be talking happy about the new coach, too.
Bryan, you aren’t using basic reading skills when you read my posts. Whether or not I attend home games is not the issue, as I was referring throughout to the “Hate McHale” crowd such as you are part of. Those of you who expressed your venom for McHale should bear some obligation to now lift the franchise out of the financial waste basket by filling the seats…k. More, Dingus mentioned previously how impressed he was with Kevin in getting his team (such as it was) to compete hard till the end. He, not I, stated that that was a strong indication of a good coach. Kevin is a players coach and a NBA Legend 50 player, both valuable in attracting meaningful free agents come this summer and 2010. McHale did a very good job in terms of win/losses when he replaced Flip. He did a very good job, the hottest team in the NBA, in January when Big Al was healthy irrespective of the suspect talent.
New thread…
“Plus it’s Butt with two t’s”
And its coach with an A genious.
Gosh, I like Devin Harris but 5 & 6 is a bit much. If Harris didn’t get hurt so often, I would probably pull the trigger, but his fondness of the injury list scares me. 5 & 18 + the Utah first, I have no problem with but 5/6 this year is too much.
I’m not obligated to do anything for the Wolves. Certainly not because you say I am.
You’re taking this coaching thing rather personally McFail. Mac was cheated out of his job, we’re obligated to do things for the team because we got what we wanted. Maybe I should go pay McHale’s electric bill while I’m at it?
McHale is out the door. No amount of your whining will change that, so quit wasting Jerry’s server space with you childish insults.
One more post on McHale and then let’s move on to the matter at hand, the draft. Sean, you nor I know for certain why Dingus canned McHale, so let’s no make assumptions that Dingus “lacked confidence” in McHale. Further, let’s not make a common flaw in judgment that says any change is good. Change can be just as likely bad. More, Kevin has performed his annual ritual since his playing days. Franchise management (or any other form of business management) constantly reevaluates its personnel so why can’t an employee make a similar annual assessment? It’s very healthy for any person to reevaluate their interests, etc. relative to their job. In a post after your last one, I explained why being a players’ coach is important. I commend you to read it.
why the hell are people so high on rubio!? hes unproven! and he reminds me alot of telfair…dont trade up to get him pllllleeeeeease!
Jerry…any truth to this post from Chad Ford? Who would we take at 5 in this scenario? Harden or Evans? Wilson Chandler is a solid player.
The Minnesota Timberwolves continue to work the phones as we approach the draft. One interesting scenario that’s arisen is a Knicks proposal that would send Wilson Chandler and the No. 8 pick to Minnesota for either the No. 5 or No. 6 pick.
Why would the Knicks do it? They believe this is a seven-player draft and they’re stuck at 8. If they get to No. 6 they’ll have a shot at Jordan Hill, Stephen Curry or Tyreke Evans there.
Why would the Wolves do it? If they can’t get their hands on Ricky Rubio, most likely they’ll select Jonny Flynn with one of their picks. Since the Warriors aren’t seriously considering Flynn, they can move down two spots, get their guy and pick up a very nice asset in Chandler.
Bryan, I was asked by Jerry for my opinion (see above) so I gave it. com’on
After giving up Miller and Foye don’t we need 2 picks in the top 6 to replenish? Also, Mchale’s gone, it’s draft day!
Please…someone help me out here? After reading all opinions here, I couldn’t find anything that helped me make sense of moving Foye to only get Rubio? Foye had his best year and will more than like only get better, so what is the upside here? Is there some player they really really want and if so I assume it’s a PG and I just can’t make sense of some Rubio or the others in exchange for Foye.
Hey guys, I just got back from work…I’m glad to see Kahn is standing firm with not giving up the 5&6 for 2 or 5 or 6 and Love. Tell Memphis to f off. I’m happy with 5&6 and what will be there and Kahn willing and dealing on trades.
McHale TOP 50? That is a statement made with the heart not by what McHale did as a player. He just happened to play on a team during an era who won some championships.. Let’s not make McHale out to more then he really was…..
i have a question so comment on it if you guys want…i know we’re obviously trying to go super young, but even since we had garnett those last couple years we haven’t made the playoffs..do we really want to get worse AGAIN before we get better? why not get a guy like tmac( just an example) and stephen curry or ricky rubio…then we have jefferson, love, gomes, tmac or whoever we can get, and rubio..
Those of you calling Rubio “unproven”: at the age of 18, he is a pro veteran. He lead an Olympic team full of NBA stars (Pau & Marc, Juan Carlos Navarro, Jorge Garbajosa, etc.) to a silver medal. When he “peaks” at the age of 26, like most NBA players do, he’ll have been a professional basketball player, with star status, for 11 years.
I don’t see how this equates to “unproven”. I think Rubio is gold.
Some people say Rubio is worth it and some people say he’s all hype. All I know is that he’s supposed to be one of the smartest and unselfish players the game has seen. Jason Kidd was never a great shooter but he dominated the league for a long time. I think having Rubio would change our style of play and bread unselfishness. Plus we are going to have plenty of scorers on the floor this year.
TWG -
HOF: At 6-foot-10 and 225 pounds, Kevin McHale’s nearly unstoppable array of low post moves — some of which he never did twice in the same game — revolutionized pivot play. With the Boston Celtics, he teamed with Hall of Famers Larry Bird and Robert Parish to form one of the greatest frontlines in basketball history. Although known for his happy-go-lucky attitude off the court, at game time his playing was precise. Celebrated for his high-percentage shooting, McHale was the first player in NBA history to shoot 60 percent from the field and 80 percent from the foul line in the same season. Defensively, McHale’s long arms made him impassable and earned him All-Defensive First-Team honors three times.
Jerry Zgoda just tweeted something he read on DraftExpress, a rumored 3-way deal involving Minn, Memphis, and NJ, with the wolves giving up BOTH picks (#s5&6) but getting Devon Harris. NJ would get Rubio. Sounds horrible for the wolves, I hope it’s just a smokescreen. Can anyone here give the draftexpress link to the proposal?
i think rubio has a good chance of being a great player, but he’s going to be the highest foreign born guard taken ever in the draft..and also even though he has some flashes of greatness..he does turn the ball over, and will he be able to defend guys like deron williams whos a lot stronger..or stay in front of guys like tony parker? i think hes got a good shot but how long will it take and is he willing to put in the work?
TWG -
McHale was named one of “50 Greatest Players in NBA History” in 1996″ to commemorate the NBA’s fiftieth anniversary. he list was announced by NBA commissioner David Stern in October 1996 in New York City, where the original NBA charter was signed on June 6, 1946, beginning a season-long celebration of the league’s anniversary. The players were assembled in Cleveland, Ohio, during the 1997 All-Star Game Weekend; only three were absent: Pete Maravich, who had died in 1988, at 40 (represented by his two sons, Joshua and Jaeson); Shaquille O’Neal, injured and unable to attend; and Jerry West, who underwent surgery. At the time of the announcement, ten players were active. Only Shaquille O’Neal remained as of the 2008-09 season.
Here’s the link to the rumored 3-way with NJ and Memphis. Terrible.
http://www.draftexpress.com/blog/Jonathan-Givony/#Live-Blogging-the-2009-NBA-Draft-3287
Marty — I’ve never said “any change is good”. The decision whether or not to replace McHale is one decision. The decision who to replace him with is another. If Kahn makes a bad hire in July, it doesn’t mean the original decision to let McHale go was wrong.
If you want to look at McHale’s coaching career, there’s thin gruel to work with there. Yes, he posted a better record than Flip. Yes, the Wolves had a good month in January. The Wolves had a bad month in December and were faring badly in the two weeks before Jefferson’s injury. The fact that McHale is a career top 50 player means little in terms of his being a good coach. Plenty of great players have been bad coaches.
And, it’s funny that you’re admomishing me not to speculate on Kahn, when you’re the guy running around calling him names and lecturing other posters.
I hear Portland is dangling Oden for a pick in the top 5. At this point, I’d rather have Przybilla lol.
Why are we talking about McHale. He should be dead to us by now….
Is anyone an ESPN insider? The latest headline is a rumor that the Rockets may pick up our 5th and 6th picks, but I can’t read the article.
Rubio would be great, but there are a number of other PG’s I’d be satisfied to see the Wolves take. Harden is the player I really want to see the Wolves pick (and keep!)
The real shame is that this draft class is probably the worst in the last 10 years. What a darn shame that we finally get a ton of 1st round picks and the class isn’t better!
Never having seen Rubio play I can’t really have an opinion on him although he sounds excellent. I would be ecstatic if the Wolves could keep Al and Love and trade just about anything and anyone else to wind up with Thabeet and Evans. That is a team to dream about a year or two down the line.
“jason67 says:
June 25th, 2009 at 2:48 pm
Here’s the link to the rumored 3-way with NJ and Memphis. Terrible.
http://www.draftexpress.com/blog/Jonathan-Givony/#Live-Blogging-the-2009-NBA-Draft-3287”
That deal is horrid… im excited about the NBA draft and the Twolves for the first time in years… and that deal would kill it.
You have something on Twitter about a trade with the Knicks for Chandler…I’m assuming that’s prospective and hypothetical…or did you mean that it actually has happened?
Dan,
It’s probably the #5 or #6 for NY’s #8 and Chandler. It’s been brought up a few other places too.
total smokescreen that the wolves didn’t like harden’s workout
jerry, jerry
you’re being used, my friend
and with picks #5 and 6 in the NBA draft, kevin Mchale selects Michael Jackson and Ed Mcmahon!
