NBA AM: Feeling Minnesota
By:
Alex Raskin
Last Updated: 6/24/09 9:47 AM ET
| 2971 times read
Feeling Minnesota: Timberwolves fans either went to bed last night or awoke this morning with a renewed interest in their team. That's because, as ESPN.com has reported, Minnesota has flipped Mike Miller and Randy Foye for Washington's lottery pick (fifth overall) along with Oleksiy Pecherov, Etan Thomas and Darius Songaila.
Not only does that give the Timberwolves four first-round picks (they also own Nos. 6, 18 and 28) but it also puts them in excellent position to grab Spain's Ricky Rubio.
Reportedly the Wizards had been listening to deals from New York, Dallas and Phoenix, but decided that their win-now approach was best aided with the presence of Miller and Foye.
While Washington's draft night ended sooner than expected, Minnesota's is just getting started. The Timberwolves now have multiple ways to add a backcourt to their already impressive frontcourt of Al Jefferson, Kevin Love and Corey Brewer.
There are many rumors that if Rubio were to fall to No. 4, the Kings would take him before completing a trade with Minnesota for Tyreke Evans. This would only happen, however, if the Thunder chose James Harden with the third overall pick—something seen as a 50-50 shot at the moment.
Of course, the Timberwolves could keep Evans, draft Stephen Curry (who they are also high on) and play without a true shooting guard or true point guard.
To successfully move into Rubio territory, General Manager David Kahn would likely move one of his later first round picks. In other words, the Timberwolves will be making at least two top-10 picks Thursday.
Thunder, Suns Swapping Picks?: Oklahoma City might be moving up as well. ESPN's Chad Ford is reporting that there have been talks of the Thunder trading the 25th overall pick along with the 2010 pick they acquired from Phoenix in the Kurt Thomas deal to the Suns for the 14th overall pick.
Why would Oklahoma City trade future picks for the chance to jump 11 slots in this year's draft?
Apparently the team is enamored with Ohio State's B.J. Mullens. The problem, however, is that Mullens may not find much room on Oklahoma City's roster.
Mullens sees himself as more of a versatile power forward than a true center. With Jeff Green holding down the PF position (16.5 ppg, 6.7 rpg), it's tough to see Mullens getting enough time for the Thunder this season.
The good thing is that Mullens might need a year of two of polish before he can really contribute. Time, thankfully, is something that the Thunder have plenty of.
Glen Davis' Future Clouded in Boston?: According to The Boston Globe, the Celtics extended a qualifying offer to Glen Davis thus making him a restricted free agent. The former LSU Tiger averaged 7.0 ppg last season but saw that mark soar to 15.8 ppg in the playoffs.
His increased playing time was, of course, due to the knee injuries of Kevin Garnett and Leon Powe. While Garnett seems to be improving, the team is less optimistic about Powe who will probably miss the beginning of next season. This could mean that Davis stands a good chance of staying in Boston. It might be too early to tell what kind of money he would be taking in, but expect Davis and Agent John Hamilton to explore every option as other teams may have become interested.
Could Kurt Rambis Coach the Lakers Again?: Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times is reporting that Phil Jackson is considering coaching home games this year while letting Rambis guide the team on the road.
Everyone involved with this says it has to do with Jackson's health and nothing to do with his desire to coach. Jackson has been plagued by back and hip pain.
It now appears obvious why Rambis was shy about taking other jobs this offseason. A one-time interim coach of the Lakers, Rambis has his eyes set on this job when Jackson eventually retires and this could be the first step in that direction.
Jackson expects to make a decision in early July.
Draft Buzz:
- Hasheem Thabeet seems destined to go second overall but that doesn't necessarily mean he will be playing in Memphis next year. While the team remains confident that Marc Gasol would be able to switch to power forward should Thabeet be acquired, several teams are taking shots at moving up into that spot. Most notably, the Houston Rockets were rumored to be looking at Thabeet as a 20-minute per game backup to Yao Ming.
- The Knicks took a close look at Duke's Gerald Henderson. While he reportedly has a promise from the Bobcats to take him at No. 12, it doesn't appear likely he would go any higher. The Knicks like Henderson's athletic ability and poise, but there is a more pressing need at point guard in the near future. Expect the Knicks to choose Jrue Holiday if the former UCLA Bruin is available.
- Jonny Flynn was once a borderline lottery pick. Then he has been projected to go as high as No. 4 to Sacramento, but has recently fallen back down to Milwaukee at No. 10. Flynn has shown exceptional athleticism so far in this draft process to go with his solid decision-making. There were some questions about his size but Flynn's 40-inch vertical has definitely quieted those fears. It wouldn't be out of the question to see him go to the Kings, but Milwaukee represents the lowest he could go. The Knicks may show some interest as well.
- Philadelphia has a strange problem on their hands. No matter how the first 16 picks of this draft shape up, it seems they are constantly being left with a decision between UNC's Ty Lawson and VCU's Eric Maynor. Lawson may have the slight edge because of his abundance of big-game experience but don't count out Maynor quite yet. Scouts are universally impressed with his basketball IQ and confidence. If he gets passed the 76ers, expect him to go no later than Sacramento at No. 23.
About the Author: ALEX RASKIN
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Alex Raskin is HOOPSWORLD's senior Newslines Editor and also covers the New Jersey Nets and New York Knicks for HOOPSWORLD. Alex also serves as a New York Giants Correspondent for CBSsports.com
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Comments (4 posted)
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posted By Timmy D, 24 June 2009 7:17:18 AM
The fact that the Grizzlies think Marc Gasol can play the 4 is why they will always be terrible. And Im a Grizzlies fan
posted By Dave, 24 June 2009 11:02:45 AM
I think the Wolves are trying to grab Rubio AND Thabeet. Not saying it's going to happen, but I think that would be Kahn's ideal "Splash." Alot of pieces would have to fall into place, but with 5 & 6 now, it might be possible. One of those players will have to slide in order for it to happen though. Memphis still holds the key to the entire draft.
posted By Reaper, 24 June 2009 12:04:48 PM
i agree with dave on them trying to nab rubio, not thabeet though they have a center in jefferson. they're shaky in their pg and sg now since they traded foye n miller. about the big baby section there shouldnt be a mystery they need to keep him he gave them good games during the playoffs and he's been productive this season with kg being out.
posted By sportsfanatic613, 24 June 2009 11:11:06 PM
I'm aware that David Kahn is trying to make a splash and get some interest in his team, but I am quite confused by the make-up and possible direction in which he is going. Firstly, we must remember that both Kevin Love and Al Jefferson are both power forwards that do not play very much defense. Jefferson is not a center. He does not play with his back to the basket. They are the same type of players and in the same position. Now, with the possibility of having Tyreke Evans and Stephen Curry (if James Harden is already taken), the Timberwolves as you've stated will be playing without a true point guard nor shooting guard(very odd for recent basketball). The starting line-up will be with no true point guard, no true shooting guard, no center and lastly no one to play defense in the front-court. This makes for one odd looking ball club.
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