...lways felt like a regional organization. Bill Musselman, the team’s first head coach, got the job partly because he coached the 1972 Minnesota Golden Gophers to their first Big Ten title in 35 years. Flip Saunders was an assistant coach for the Gophers when, in 1982, they next won the Big Ten. Kevin McHale (Minnesota’s Mr. Basketball, 1976) is from Hibbing, in the northern part of the state. Tyus Jones — the other, much less heralded player from Minny’s 2015 draft-night acquisitions — sta...
Brotherhood of the Wolf — The Ringer
8 years
• The Kevin Garnett deal. Minnesotans hated this deal. How could the Wolves trade an elite player for a bunch of unknown, young Celtics? Yes, it brought in a player -- Al Jefferson -- who is younger, cheaper, equally productive, still ascending and better in the fourth quarter, and two first-round draft picks, and a couple of other promising players, but still ...
Quick reaction or a correct one? Both, if you're a Minnesotan - StarTribune.com
8 years
It will be interesting to see how the TV voices refer to Tom Thibodeau when he trades Rubio, maybe next summer. My guess is they will suddenly transition to telling us how you’d have to be an idiot to not appreciate the subtleties of Kris Dunn’s game.
Souhan: Rubio hasn't proven worthy of leading Wolves' resurgence - StarTribune.com
8 years
... one of those players who, in the modern era, divides observers along analytical lines. Those who rely on corneas and common sense think he’s a solid player marred by poor shooting. Those who rely on calculators think he’s an underappreciated, borderline star.
Souhan: Rubio hasn't proven worthy of leading Wolves' resurgence - StarTribune.com
8 years
Rubio never came back from a summer break with a dramatically improved shot or a more powerful body. He is still the same player he was when David Kahn drafted him — an intuitive, intelligent, competitive, incomplete point guard. And he is scheduled to be the NBA’s 14th-highest-paid guard in 2016-17...
Souhan: Rubio hasn't proven worthy of leading Wolves' resurgence - StarTribune.com
8 years
Thibs’ selection of Dunn is rife with meaning. It means he doesn’t want to rely on a point guard who never seemed to be as good as he was projected to be, and who never seemed to elevate his team. Let’s face it: Rubio has lost a lot of games in a league where good players are supposed to alter the standings.
Souhan: Rubio hasn't proven worthy of leading Wolves' resurgence - StarTribune.com
8 years
... for young players to develop into franchise players. The last three draft classes have yet to produce a single All-Star, but Minnesota Timberwolves forward/center Karl-Anthony Towns, taken first in 2014, looks like he’ll start earning that honor relatively quickly.
A Decade of NBA Draft Ups and Downs | Basketball Insiders | NBA Rumors And Basketball News
8 years
... dreary finish was unlikely, but, given its unlikeliness, what is the most likely explanation. Did the Warriors just get unlucky? Are they — gasp — anti-clutch? Did two teams suddenly figure them out? Or was Curry’s injury a bigger factor than he let on?
Is The Stephen Curry Revolution Over Already? | FiveThirtyEight
8 years
