From the Kevin McHale decision to the trade that sent veteran guards Randy Foye and Mike Miller to Washington to last week’s NBA draft and the selection of Spanish point guard Ricky Rubio, Kahn has hit the ground running, and Taylor said Monday that he fully approves.
“We brought him in to make changes and to re-evaluate the team,” Taylor said. “To have a new vision, a new look at it. That’s what I asked him to do, and I think he is doing that. He’s not laid-back. He’s been very aggressive. … I’ve been very satisfied with how he’s worked with the staff.”
Taylor said he was pleased with the Wolves’ draft preparation and how quickly Kahn and the staff adjusted when Rubio fell to them at the No. 5 selection.
Before Rubio can play in the NBA, he has a $6.6 million buyout to work out with his Spanish team, but Taylor hopes that will happen sooner rather than later.
“Our goal is to give them time to try to resolve their issues to work it out so he can be here this year,” he said. “Without question, that’s our No. 1 choice. But if because of his contract and his money problems he has to stay over there another year to get that resolved, that isn’t something that we couldn’t work with..”
Former Niagara Falls and Syracuse guard Jonny Flynn was welcomed back to Western New York in grand fashion following the NBA Draft. Flynn, who was taken with the 6th overall pick by the Minnesota Timberwolves, was given a key to his home city of Niagara Falls by Mayor Paul Dyster on Monday night.
In attendance for the ceremony, held at the Niagara Falls City Hall, was a large gathering of Flynn’s family, as well as many local fans. Flynn’s Niagara Falls and Syracuse teammate Paul Harris was also present to support his long time friend.
On top of receiving a key to his beloved city, Flynn was also presented with two proclomations from Niagara County Legislatures Renae Kimble and Denis Viruoso.
After spending the weekend showing off his skills at this weekend’s Cleveland Cavaleers’ mini-camp, Paul Harris told Action News Sports on the phone today that he thinks he’ll take the offer from the Minnesota Timberwolves to play for their Summer League team. Of course, that scenario will allow him to play with his former SU teammate and fellow Niagara Falls native Flynn, who was drafted 6th overall by Minnesota in last Thursday’s NBA draft.
Kahn insisted on Draft night that he envisioned Rubio and Flynn playing together. As that would involve one of them playing out of position for the first time in his life, no one believes him. There is the expectation that there is another shoe to drop, that one of them — probably Rubio, who can go back to Spain for a year or two — ultimately will be dealt. Whether it’s to New York (whose priority, remember, is still clearing cap space for 2010) or another actor is yet to be determined. Kahn, who has time on his side, is in no hurry; Rubio’s value will only go up in the next year or two, not down. I’m guessing that when all is said and done, Kahn’s going to do much better than people currently believe on this deal. Or deals.
There are rumors around the league that the Cavs have interest in Spanish point guard Ricky Rubio, who was picked No. 5 overall by Minnesota in last week’s draft. One report said they tried to move up to Memphis’ second overall selection in order to select him on draft night.
It’s up in the air whether Rubio will report to the Timberwolves. However, the Cavs might not have the assets to trade for his rights.
