From Don Seeholzer/Pioneer Press:
The Timberwolves’ new president of basketball operations is scheduled to have dinner tonight with coach Kevin McHale, but no decision on his future is expected this week.
David Kahn, hired Friday by the Wolves, described the dinner Monday evening as “strictly getting to know you” and leaves Wednesday morning for a three-day NBA draft combine in Chicago.
Kahn said the two might need multiple meetings to determine the team’s future course.
I asked Kahn on Friday why the new guy wouldn’t be concerned with having McHale’s long shadow remain in an organization that he’s trying to remake anew and if he wouldn’t worry that McHale is used to picking up the phone and calling owner Glen Taylor anytime he wanst something done.
“Kevin and Glen have a relationship that’s lasted 17 years,” Kahn said. “I think it’s wonderful. I don’t have any worries. That won’t even be part of the decision-making process. I’m not so insecure that I don’t think people should be allowed to voice their opinions if they’re different from mine.
“My relationship with Glen frankly starts today. I know what my authority is. I know I’m the decisionmaker. Kevin and I, if we do this, hopefully we’ll have a relationship that the person he calls is me.”
Kahn’s first two years with the team were two of the most successful in team history when the Pacers captured the best record in the Eastern Conference and made its only NBA Finals trip in 2000. Kahn’s first move as GM for the Pacers was the free agent signing of Sam “Big Smooth” Perkins. He also engineered a new contract for Reggie Miller, pulled off the blockbuster trade of Jalen Rose and Travis Best for Brad Miller and Ron Artest, traded for Jermaine O’Neal, traded for Jeff Foster on draft night and helped bring back Bird as President of Basketball Relations in 2003. Bird said that Kahn, who accumulated a 279-171 with the Pacers, will do well in Minnesota.
“I’m very happy for David,” Bird said. “He’s a very intelligent guy and knows the ins and outs of this league as well as anyone. He has all the tools to get the job done in Minnesota.”
Despite his success, Kahn also delivered several duds during his time at the helm in Indiana: he traded Antonio Davis, who could have pushed the Pacers over the Lakers in 2000, for the draft rights to Jonathan Bender; hired Isiah Thomas as head coach, drafted David Harrison; and acquired Jamaal Tinsley in a draft-day deal.
The deal for Tinsley was his biggest blunder…
The debate differs among teams in the war room regarding drafting for talent or need. On paper, Griffin does not fit a desired need for this Wolves’ roster with Al Jefferson and Kevin Love suiting up at the power forward position. There is really no way to ignore Griffin’s overwhelming talent, which could force Minnesota to take the best player on the board and worry about lineup adjustments during training camp. Griffin’s athletic build is also attractive for this Wolves team after Kevin McHale installed an up tempo style of offense.
Minnesota – There’s little chance that the Timberwolves use all three of their first round picks this year (6-18-28), and while it’s all but certain they’ll use their #6 pick and probably the #18, that #28 could absolutely be had. For teams looking to buy into that part of the draft (see below), the Wolves could be a perfect trading partner not looking for too much in return.
