Aside from the MacGyver reference above, and the imminent draft lottery ahead that is stressing us all out today, the Wolves have finally announced the long-awaited Tony Ronzone hiring as the new Assistant GM
“We are excited to be able to add a person with Tony’s extensive basketball experience to our player personnel staff,” Kahn said. “Even though Tony’s reputation is largely tied to international scouting, I believe he has always had a firm handle on NBA and college personnel as well. He is a relentless worker and we are fortunate to have him join us.”
Ronzone began with the Pistons in 2001, serving as the team’s Director of International Scouting until 2005 and as Director of Basketball Operations from 2005-10. In his most recent role with Detroit, Ronzone directed all of the Pistons’ internatinal scouting activities and assisted with college scouting and evaluating NBA personnel. Ronzone began his NBA career as a scout with the Dallas Mavericks from 1998 through 2000.
“I’m pleased to be joining a great organization like the Minnesota Timberwolves and excited to work with David Kahn and the entire basketball staff,” Ronzone said. “This is a great opportunity and I look forward to using my knowledge and past experiences in helping the organization achieve its goals.”
Also from the Wolves comes a very detailed and well written preview of tomorrow’s doomsday lottery. Still no word on whether the team is hosting a lotto party but we will share those details as they arise. Aside from the outcome of last year’s lotto, the party was actually pretty fun.
Lottery luck: Wolves fans around the Twin Cities area are desperately searching for a wishbone, a four leaf clover, a rabbit’s foot, or simply staring at the sky to catch a glimpse of a shooting star to help reverse a terrible stretch of bad luck. Minnesota has never moved up in the draft lottery and with a 19.9 percent chance at snagging the No. 1 overall pick, there is a sense that fans are feeling, “this is our year.” Obviously with John Wall and Evan Turner headlining the 2010 Draft, the Wolves would be delighted to add a top flight pick this year and move ahead of their slotted position. It’s not all doom and gloom without No. 1 or No. 2 as the franchise has drafted Kevin Garnett, Wally Szczerbiak, Corey Brewer, Kevin Love, Ricky Rubio and Jonny Flynn outside of the top three.
Also be sure to check out the newest Wolves blog out there, A Wolf Among Wolves, from the ever-so-talented Ben Polk and Myles Brown.
Lasty a few other NBA Lottery previews and stuff here, here, and here
Tomorrow can’t come soon enough…