Wolves Updates 8/27 Part 2

Written by SG

Thursday, 27 August 2009 18:45

As for character, Flynn appears to have it in spades. Whether the talent also comes in the package is yet to be determined, but we know that, unlike Randy Foye, Flynn's skill set makes him a natural at one specific position on the court. And unlike Mike Miller, he will grasp the obvious role he is destined to play for the ballclub and do his best to fulfill the elements contained in that role.

When the Wolves limp to the lottery this season while Rubio toils in Barcelona, the boo birds and the bandwagon-leavers will be in ascendance. If the same can be said two or three years from now, then the smart, die-hard fans of this franchise will follow them. Until then, judgments about a roster that has been extensively dismantled and partially rebuilt seem as premature as the prognoses about the fate of Rubio's career.

From Charley Walters/Pioneer Press:

On Wednesday, the Barcelona Mundo Deportivo daily said the 18-year-old point guard would sign with Regal Barcelona after a tentative contract buyout for more than $5 million with his DKV Joventut team had been reached. Wolves president David Kahn promptly denied knowledge of any deal.

In today's edition of El Periodico, the Spanish daily reports that DKV has accepted in principle a buyout of Rubio's contract for $5.3 million, and that Joventut's board of directors will meet Friday to ratify the deal. And this morning, Kahn wrote in an e-mail, "My comment from yesterday stands."

From Steve Kyler/Hoopsworld:

Minnesota Timberwolves' President David Kahn was quick to shoot down reports of a "done deal" yesterday, but there is concern in Minnesota that this Barcelona deal could de-rail talks. Sources in Minnesota told HOOPSWORLD last week that Minnesota felt a buyout from Joventut was coming and that they would have Ricky in town soon, so this is a huge change in course.

Sources close to Rubio's situation in the NBA said yesterday that nothing was close with anyone, that Ricky has not signed or agreed to any terms and that the reports from Spain were seriously premature. The belief in the NBA is the Barcelona leaked the terms of their offer to garner support for their efforts, even if turned away by Joventut - they can always tell their fans "we tried."

Joventut can sell Rubio's contract at any time and simply divest themselves from Ricky. Barcelona would only make such a deal if they had a new agreement in place securing Rubio and sources both inside the Timberwolves and inside Rubio's NBA camp are steadfast that Ricky has not agreed to anything with anyone.

From MVN's NBA Outsider: The Importance of Rubio

From The National: Rubio should pay to realise a dream

From Conor Orr/The Daily Orange: With Syracuse behind him, Flynn's character remains greatest trait

From Randy Hill/FoxSports: Breakout players to watch for 2009-10

Kevin Love, PF-C, Minnesota Timberwolves

Another NBA sophomore, Love turned up the statistical heat in the absence of injured teammate Al Jefferson last season.

The former UCLA star finished the year at 11.1 points and 9.1 rebounds per game, but checked in at 15 and 10 over the T-Wolves' last 22 games.