There is no doubt that the Timberwolves have a great interest in Brook Lopez, the Stanford center they brought in as the first player to work out. Fred Hoiberg, the team’s assistant general manager, has seen the 6-11 star many times.
 
The NBA, in an attempt to help small-market teams like the Timberwolves and others who are near the bottom in revenue, has increased its revenue-sharing pool from $30 million to $49 million. Owner Glen Taylor said his team will get $7 million this season, up $3 million from last season.
 
Also from Hartman:
The Wolves will again have a team in the Las Vegas summer league, with play starting at the end of this month.
 
 
 
"Minnesota could easily trade down to Milwaukee," said Mike Woelfel,
Huntington attorney who attended the recent NBA Draft camp in Orlando,
Fla., as part of Mayo’s management team.
 
"Minnesota could take Kevin Love (6-10 UCLA product) that way, who possibly could still be available.
 
"And Milwaukee might very well grab O.J. at the No. 3 spot. The Bucks do need a guard.
 
"I talked to one person who is close to the Milwaukee situation that
told me that was a scenario that at least was being discussed."
 
 
 
An NBA source said the Timberwolves are taking a strong look at Stanford center Brook Lopez and UCLA forward Kevin Love with the third pick in the draft .  
 
 
 
Chad Courrier/Mankato Free Press on former Minnesota State center Atila Santos: 
Santos practiced against former University of Minnesota players Lawrence McKenzie, Dan Coleman and Tollackson, as well as Jonte Flowers and John Smith, both of whom played at Winona State. He showed more athleticism than he did at Minnesota State, and he was able to match up better against smaller players.
 
“You’re always looking for a guy to fill out a summer league roster,” said Kevin McHale, Wolves vice-president of basketball operations. “Maybe you can give guys some exposure or recommend him overseas or the (NBA Development League). These guys are longshots to play in the NBA, but the NBA isn’t the only place you can play. You have to start somewhere.” 
 
 
 
When Minnesota coach Randy Wittman encountered the Celtics, he scanned
the eyes of his friend for something he hoped he wouldn’t detect: doubt.
 
"You have to keep believing in yourself, because when you stop doing
that, the players see it," Wittman said. "I’m sure Doc had some
reservations, but if he did, he never let on."