New Timberwolves GM David Kahn left many folks scratching their heads when he decided to draft both Flynn and Ricky Rubio with the fourth and fifth picks in last June’s NBA Draft. The fact the Wolves are still engaged in a staring contest with Rubio’s representation about when he will come to the NBA has turned the offseason into somewhat of a circus.
The good news for fans in Minnesota is that the Wolves weren’t going to win big this season, anyway, so it’s not like Rubio staying overseas for another season or two is really going to kill the organization. However, the team better get something from him eventually to justify his selection. Flynn also had his moments in Vegas this summer, and Rubio’s likely absence will ensure he gets plenty of run.
When the Wolves weren’t focusing on the Rubio situation this summer, the front office was busy cleaning house. Al Jefferson, Ryan Gomes, and Kevin Love are the only major contributors from last season who will return in 2009-10 assuming no other major moves are made by the club this summer. Minnesota also added a new head coach earlier this month. Kurt Rambis, a long-time Los Angeles Lakers assistant coach, will have the chance to grow together with the team.
It’s clear the Wolves have been thinking two or three years down the road when making moves this offseason, which means it could be a long season in 2009-10 for the good folks of Minnesota.
Minnesota Timberwolves – A contest to name Minnesota’s new franchise in 1986 resulted in two finalists: the Timberwolves and the Polars. The final decision was a result of all 842 city councils in the state choosing which name they preferred. Since Minnesota has the largest population of timberwolves in the continental U.S. states and the wolf is a highly revered and featured animal at state zoos, it seemed to make more sense than “Polars” anyway. While it’s certainly plenty cold in the Twin Cities during basketball season, the inevitable polar bear mascot would’ve been untrue to the region. From pretty much every standpoint, Timberwolves was the smartest choice. Coincidentally, the team’s first logo was the result of a fan contest as well.
