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Written by SG
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Saturday, 04 July 2009 07:54 |
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Minnesota was obviously attracted to the championship pedigree and scoring ability that Ellington possesses. Just three days before the NBA Draft, Ellington displayed a quick release from the 3-point arch at a workout for the Wolves. On Draft night, Minnesota felt confident that Ellington would add a necessary component to the offense, shooting.
On the workout day, Ellington expressed excitement at the possibility of teaming up with a talented frontcourt, “No question. I think I can spread the floor, help guys penetrate, help the inside presence as well. I think I would definitely help this organization.”
“People always wonder can anything good come out of Niagara Falls, New York,” said Legislator Renae Kimble, D-Niagara Falls. “I’m here to tell you something good has come out of Niagara Falls, New York — Jonny Flynn.”
Flynn started his speech by thanking God for giving him the strength to make it through. He thanked his family for all their support and all the coaches who kept after him on the days when he felt like being lazy. He thanked Paul Harris, a fellow Falls High graduate and another ex-Syracuse University basketball star whom Flynn said helped him develop his court skills and treated him as if he were his real brother.
Lastly, Flynn thanked the city itself, and all those residents out there who supported him all these years.
“You see a lot of guys out there who don’t have much support,” Flynn told his raucous crowd of supporters. “I have a whole city behind me.”
And so he does.
Had it been election day, Flynn no doubt would have immediately been anointed mayor.
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Written by SG
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Friday, 03 July 2009 17:18 |
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Before fans in Minnesota get too upset, they should consider the source: El Periodico's report neither cites a source nor includes a byline -- this could be nothing more than re-hashed speculation that we've been hearing all week.
The report that Ricky Rubio was officially headed back to Spain appears to be more of a rumor than a report. Team Rubio is insisting that no decision has been made.
Esteve Rubio (Ricky's father): "Going at No. 5 and with Minnesota is the best thing that could ever happen to Ricky. He could go two years without going to the NBA. Going earlier (in the draft) he would have had to leave (for the NBA) for sure and we'd now be speaking with banks to pay the buyout clause, and he would be playing two years for free. With the current (buyout) clause it's impossible that he goes to the NBA".
Q: Your broadcast partner Mark Jackson was linked to the Timberwolves job. Do you think he's ready to be a head coach?
A: He has every component you would need to be an outstanding head coach. He is a tremendous communicator, he has a good X's and O's background playing for some of the greatest coaches in the sport. To me, if you are doing a coaching draft, he would be a can't miss.
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Written by College Wolf
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Friday, 03 July 2009 14:17 |
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All this Rubio talk is driving me insane. I could post a thousand links from bloggers/writers/National Media from the past 2 weeks, but what's the point? No one really knows what's happening. It's all pure speculation and innuendo. And it should really stop. Aren't people going freaking crazy bored and tired about commenting on the same tired speculation and quotes over and over and over and over times infinity?
Here's what I think about the situation:
"
"
Seriously.
Let's just all step back and relax. The situation will eventually resolve itself. It's going to take some TIME. His buyout needs to be figured out with Joventut. Just take a breath and relax. If Rubio wants to play in the NBA, it will be with the Wolves (unless we stupidly trade him.) Time is on our side. Maybe he stays in Spain for another year or two, big deal. He'd only be 20 years old two years from now. The Wolves (and us fans) can afford to wait. As long as he doesn't suffer a career ending injury, he's only a BIGGER asset for our club in two years.
We can all stop worrying and focus about more important things, namely, how the hell is this Wolves team going to win games next year? We need scoring. Heck, we need actual NBA players. Let's just see what Kahn can do between now and when the season starts. I'm not overly confidant about our team next year, but I'm not going to waste time speculating on the Rubio situation.
We might be the anti-Bulls next year (record = 10-72), but at least then we'll have a better draft pick that we still don't owe the LA Clippers.
CW
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Written by SG
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Friday, 03 July 2009 05:35 |
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The Timberwolves' top draft pick, Ricky Rubio, 18, will remain in Spain to play for his DKV Joventut basketball team for the remaining two years of his contract rather than try to move to the NBA this season, El Periodico reported Thursday.
The Barcelona newspaper also reported that Rubio, who was paid $97,000 in salary last season, plans to withdraw his contract lawsuit against DKV Joventut.
Timberwolves President David Kahn declined comment and Rubio's agent, Dan Fegan, isn't returning calls.
That short report in a Spanish newspaper strikes me as merely posturing in what looks like a protracted dance between the Timberwolves and Rubio’s camp. Sounds like he’s negotiating his Badalona team for a better buyout number by saying he’ll come back for two more seasons rather a news-making decision. He’s already signed for those two seasons anyway. Remember this is a guy who just a week ago was saying he wanted more than anything to play in the NBA.
David Kahn said by text message late this afternoon and early evening that he doesn’t know if the report is accurate and said he doubted whether it was a significant development in what he has predicted could be a “turbulent” summer because of the RRM (Ricky Rubio Matter).
The first question is where Rubio will play next season. Although Spanish newspapers reported this week that Rubio will stay put for the final two years of his contract, Kahn said Thursday that no one has told him that. The Wolves and their sagging fan base could certainly use Rubio's marketing appeal immediately. But if he doesn't want to play in Minnesota, a trade to another NBA team remains a possibility. Kahn said he is not seeking to trade Rubio, but neither is he telling teams the draftee is untouchable.
"That's the biggest mystery of all," Fraschilla said of where Rubio will be playing next winter. "It's very much up in the air. The only thing I know about Ricky is that you can't go to a ballgame and not keep your eyes on him the whole time. You never know what he's going to do with the ball, and he's a magician in that regard."
Sid Hartman on Portland assistant coach Monty Williams:
He might be the top candidate; Kahn is from Portland and used to cover the team for the Oregonian back when he worked in newspapers.
Kahn has made it clear that he will not have any comment on the coaching situation until he selects the man for the job. However, he has told people that former Wolves player and Toronto coach Sam Mitchell was not a candidate for the job. The name of Mark Jackson has been mentioned as a possible candidate, but the ESPN analyst and former NBA point guard doesn't have any coaching experience.
That's because his Niagara Falls and Syracuse buddy Jonny Flynn is on the T'Wolves. Paul Harris and Jonny Flynn, Niagara Falls' twin sons could be together again in the Twin Cities.
Dave McMenamin (A fellow SU alum) said that Harris is going to play on Minnesota's summer league, and in a telephone interview Harris said:
"I feel like it's a great fit for me going to Minnesota," Harris said. "They've got other young guys fighting for spots just like me so I'm going in hoping to fight to make the roster, and I think it'll be great playing with Jonny Flynn."
Ricky Rubio - Look kid you are an incredible talent, maybe the one of the best at your position since Pistol Pete Maravich, BUT, playing in the NBA is a privilege not a right. I don't care if you don't like the cold - no one in Minnesota does, we suffer through it to get to the summer. You were drafted by the Timberwolves so just play for them. If you're as good as they say you are, play well, put up stupid numbers then go somewhere else as a free agent. But just play!
I hate to have to to chide the Wolves here, but guys, you should've known better. Rubio was picky, and made no attempts to arrange things with you. But Kahn went and drafted him anyway. Forget about the Flynn pick (more on that in a second); that alone was a crazy move. Not gutsy, risky, or admirable. Just crazy. The Flynn pick is what insulated Kahn from being called "stupid." After this latest news, what has he accomplished? Tempted his team's fans with a prospect whose legend knows no bounds, and passed over the chance to build a perfectly soild backcourt of the future with Flynn and Stephen Curry. Now, we'll have to put up with Rubio rumors for who knows how long. Some Wolves faithful will hold out hope, and the whole thing will distract from whatever good does happen with this young team. Sorry, Jonny Flynn, even thought that starting slot is yours, Rubio will overshadow you.
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Written by SG
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Thursday, 02 July 2009 22:59 |
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Congrats to Howlin T-Wolf, the newest member of the TrueHoop blog network.
Fans around the NBA, rival teams, media voices, even near-disinterested observers have their takes on Rubio and what, so far, appears to be some reluctance to cozy up to the team that drafted him with the fifth pick last week. It is way too early to label the relationship between the Wolves and the intriguing teenaged point guard a predicament, never mind a stalemate, an impasse, a dilemma or a problem. The report Tuesday by the Spanish newspaper El Periodico that Rubio had dropped his lawsuit against DKV Joventut and would fulfill the final two years of his contract was sketchy at best, no clear indication that a buyout still might or might not be pursued (a Wolves spokesman said late in the day that the team had heard nothing about that from Rubio or his agent).
It’s no one’s fault. Ricky wasn’t wrong for declaring for the Draft despite the real possibility that he’d have to finish his contract with DKV Joventut. The L-Wolves aren’t at fault for realizing Rubio’s sticky situation and making the best business move possible–selecting the Spanish wonder guard and stashing him away for safe trading. Joventut certainly isn’t at fault for asking Rubio to honor his contract. And how’s this for one really heinous thought… Maybe Rubio will be prepared to contribute in the NBA in two years.
Last month, Gov. M. Jodi Rell signed into law something close to Ryan Gomes’ heart. On Wednesday, Gomes made sure Post University was compliant with the law on the day it took effect.
Gomes, through his Hoops for Heart Health foundation, presented Post with an automatic external defibrillator (AED). The law requires that schools in Connecticut have one AED and a professional to operate it by July 1, 2010.
It wasn’t difficult to pinpoint the theme of Wayne Ellington’s speech to about 40 teens attending a basketball camp this week at Conestoga High School. The former Episcopal Academy star and University of North Carolina standout mentioned hard work at least a dozen times during his appearance on Tuesday morning.
Wearing a UNC T-shirt, NBA socks and carrying an official Minnesota Timberwolves basketball with him, Ellington spent about 15 minutes addressing the youngsters, with a question and answer session to follow. Just five days earlier, Ellington was selected 28th in the first round of the NBA Draft by Minnesota.
“When I was a youngster, it always helped when somebody who played the game at a pretty high level gave me some words of encouragement,” said Ellington, who acknowledged that his start in basketball came at a summer camp much like the one at Conestoga.
From Don Seeholzer/Pioneer Press:Last week's NBA draft didn't change the oddsmakers' opinion about the Timberwolves, who remain 125-1 long shots to win a championship in 2009-10, according to Bodog.com.
Remarks attributed to Charles Barkley in an item posted Wednesday come from a Web site that has no affiliation with the former NBA star.
The blog item, which recommended the Timberwolves hire Del Harris as coach, was discovered during an Internet search and believed to be written by Barkley.
The Pioneer Press, twincities.com and this reporter regret the error.
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Written by SG
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Thursday, 02 July 2009 19:27 |
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The Minnesota Timberwolves' top draft pick, Ricky Rubio, 18, will remain in Spain to play for his DKV Joventut basketball team for the remaining two years of his contract rather than try to move to the NBA this season, El Periodico reported today.
The Barcelona newspaper also says Rubio, who was paid $97,000 last season, plans to withdraw his contract lawsuit against DKV Joventut.
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Written by SG
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Thursday, 02 July 2009 06:54 |
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Canis Hoopus posts a video of a Gillette commercial in which Ricky Rubio appear.
Former Gopher and Timberwolf Quincy Lewis, 32, who has played against Wolves top draft pick Ricky Rubio, 18, in Spain, asked whether the Wolves made the right choice: "As a fan, yes. The kid has a lot of skills. The Timberwolves have a guy who could turn into a superstar and spend 10 years in the NBA before he's even 28."
Days after being drafted 28th overall in the first round by the Minnesota Timberwolves Wayne Ellington returned to the Main Line to share his basketball experience and knowledge speech to youngters attending the Dewey Burke basketball camp at Conestoga High School.
The former Episcopal Academy and University of North Carolina standout spent about 15 minutes addressing the youngsters, with a question and answer session to follow.
In reply to rumors that the Timberwolves eventually could move to St. Paul and Xcel Energy Center if poor attendance continues at Target Center, the Wolves have 16 years left on their lease with the city. However, the team has only two years on their contract with Target to maintain the Target name on the arena. You wonder if Target Corp. will renew naming rights now that the company has it for the new Twins stadium.
3. Kevin Love, accidental newsman: How did the world learn that Kevin McHale would not return as Minnesota Timberwolves coach? Love accidentally broke the story via his Twitter account, causing some late-night maneuvers for many in the local media. The 20-year-old forward is one of the most active tweeters in sports. Honest, too. During last week's NBA draft, he tweeted, "You can always tell when [David] Stern is going to call a foreign players [sic] name cause he looks at the card like WTF?????"
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Written by SG
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Thursday, 02 July 2009 00:48 |
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Minnesota GM David Kahn plans to interview multiple candidates over the next month for his coaching vacancy, including a rising star on Nate McMillan’s staff in Portland: Monty Williams.
Trail Blazers assistant coach Monty Williams will interview for the Minnesota Timberwolves head coaching position, perhaps as early as this weekend, Williams said Wednesday.
The Timberwolves, who are looking to replace Kevin McHale, received permission this week from the Blazers to speak with Williams about the opening. Williams, 37, has been an assistant in Portland for the past four seasons after spending one year as an intern at San Antonio.
"I'm flattered,'' Williams said. "I'm someone who wants to be a part of a rebuilding process. But at the same time, I'm still a Blazer. So, there's initial excitement, but in reality, nothing has changed. I'm looking forward to the process.''
Williams, 37, has been an assistant in Portland for the last four seasons and is widely credited with the development of Travis Outlaw and Nicolas Batum.
Before that, Williams played 10 seasons as a forward for the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs before knee problems forced him to retire in 2003.
Wolves president of basketball operations David Kahn isn't commenting on the team's coaching search, but ESPN/ABC analyst Mark Jackson is the perceived favorite, with former Toronto Raptors coach Sam Mitchell and former Detroit Pistons center Bill Laimbeer among the most frequently mentioned interview possibilities. ESPN.com reported that Los Angeles Lakers assistants Kurt Rambis and Brian Shaw are two more possible candidates.
Matt and Corndogg give their thoughts on the draft, Matt checks in to see how angry Wolves fans are with Derek Hanson of TWolvesBlog.com, and Phoenix Stan of Bright Side of the Sun drops by to give his thoughts on the genius (or lack thereof) of Steve Kerr.
One thing that really impresses me: Minnesota GM David Kahn has skillfully removed the Rubio camp's biggest threat. In any normal situation they would have said give us what we want or we'll stay in Europe. But before the music even really started, right there on draft night, Kahn was assuring everyone that Rubio might stay in Europe and that's just fine. The Timberwolves, he said, are more than willing to wait.
That sends the message to everyone that the Timberwolves are ready for good offers, but not bad ones.
The Rubio camp does still have a big hammer, though, and it's one that has almost never been used.
Rubio can sit out a year, and re-enter next year's draft.
The way the collective bargaining agreement works, the Timberwolves hold Rubio's NBA rights so long as they make him an offer, and he plays professional ball in some FIBA-sanctioned league, which is just about all of the leagues he'd consider playing in.
But if he doesn't play professionally anywhere, then he can be right back in next year's draft.
The Timberwolves announced that their early bird season-ticket plan, originally scheduled to expire today, will be extended through Aug. 1.
"Hopefully, this extra month will allow our fans to get a better sense of what this team will look like come opening night," team president Chris Wright said in a statement, "and convince them that this will be an exciting young group to watch."
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Written by SG
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Wednesday, 01 July 2009 16:58 |
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We're also hearing that new Wolves president David Kahn is assembling a l-o-n-g list of candidates to interview for his coaching opening, suggesting that his search to replace Kevin McHale could consume the bulk of this month. Some of the more prominent names Kahn wants to talk to in addition to presumed favorite Mark Jackson: Sam Mitchell, Bill Laimbeer, Kurt Rambis and Brian Shaw.
There's also the team's coaching search, which has officially begun but is still in its early stages.
ESPN/ABC analyst Mark Jackson is the presumed favorite, but Charles Barkley, on his Web site (sircharlesincharge.com), makes a pitch for former NBA coach Del Harris.
"I like the idea of Harris coaching the Wolves because it's not like this team is going to compete for a championship any time soon," Barkley blogs. "Harris just turned 72. Let him work with these young cats for the next two seasons while he grooms one of his assistants to take over for him."
City officials have another honor in the works for Niagara Falls High School graduate and recent NBA draft pick Jonny Flynn.
Mayor Paul Dyster announced this week plans to move forward with an outdoor basketball competition, similar in style to the popular Gus Macker three-on-three tournament held in Buffalo each year. Dyster said the city's tournament will be named after Flynn, the 20-year-old Falls native who was selected No. 6 overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves in last week's NBA draft.
"We're not going to call it the Gus Macker tournament, we are going to call it the Jonny Flynn tournament, " said Dyster, who presented Flynn with a key to the city on Monday.
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Written by SG
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Wednesday, 01 July 2009 07:06 |
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Minnesota Timberwolves point guard Bobby Brown has exercised his player option for the 2009-10 season.
Brown will make just under $740,000 next season. He came over from Sacramento at the trade deadline in a deal that sent Rashad McCants to the Kings. He averaged 5.3 points and 1.7 assists in under 14 minutes a game last season.
Brown will return to a potentially crowded race for time at point guard next season.
Minnesota has four unrestricted free agents in this year's class, led by small forward Rodney Carney, who established himself as an open-court force and three-point threat in a sixth-man role after Kevin McHale succeeded Randy Wittman as coach.
Carney couldn't be reached for comment Tuesday, but he said after McHale was dismissed that he planned to keep all his options open.
"It's all up in the air," he said. "I don't know. Hopefully, (the Timberwolves) will want to keep me around, but if not I'll get a shot elsewhere."
Point guard Kevin Ollie, forward Shelden Williams and center Jason Collins are the Wolves' other unrestricted free agents; they are unlikely to be re-signed.
Kahn is on the road this week looking for a coach to replace Kevin McHale. Former NBA point guard Mark Jackson appears to be the favorite.
While he is gone, Kahn will monitor the NBA's free-agency period that began at midnight and let loose a vast collection of players -- including Ben Gordon, Paul Millsap, David Lee, Shawn Marion and probably Hedo Turkoglu -- onto an open marketplace in which Oklahoma City, Detroit and Memphis are positioned to be the most lavish spenders.
The Wolves will be, at best, secondary players who will wait to see whether they can pluck a player -- preferably a shooting guard -- at a bargain price to balance a roster tilted toward power forward/center and point guard. The Wolves gained a fourth point guard Tuesday when Bobby Brown exercised his player option for next season.
Kahn also will continue to, as quietly as possible, negotiate what looks like an approaching showdown with the agent for Ricky Rubio. The precocious Spanish guard is contemplating multi-year offers from European teams that could delay his arrival in Minnesota for as many as four years -- even cancel it -- if the Wolves don't trade him or Syracuse's Jonny Flynn first.
The word is that Minnesota Timberwolves first draft pick Ricky Rubio was in town. The word is they could push a contract because the collective bargaining agreement could become less rookie-friendly.
With the team going younger, Mark Jackson's name becomes more mentioned as a leading candidate for the coaching job.
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