Timberwolves Ready for Push

Cade Pierson – NSO

The 2009 NBA draft is one that will go town in Timberwolf infamy. Known as the great David Kahn blunder of the century, the wolves selected Ricky Rubio Fifth overall, and the very next pick took another point guard in Jonny Flynn, sixth overall.

It is what turned out to be a major setback for the Timberwolves for the next few years to come, as they selected those two guards ahead of current league MVP and champion Steph Curry. To add insult to injury, the wolves and Kahn then went ahead and selected, then an hour later, trade Ty Lawson away at the 18 spot. Topping off the first round in which the Timberwolves had 4 picks, they picked Wayne Ellington, the teams fourth guard selected in that round alone.

Fast forward to the current year 2015, and much has changed within the franchise. Flip Saunders took over the role as President of Basketball operations, after Kahn was let go in 2013. After the Rick Adelman era, Saunders then went on to assume the coaching position once again. In a bevy of solid moves by Saunders, which includes drafting Shabazz Muhammad, Gorgui Dieng, Zach LaVine, and acquiring in a trade two former number one overall picks Anthony Bennett and Andrew Wiggins.

Already brimming with young talent, the wolves won the 2015 Draft Lottery, and took Karl-Anthony Towns. Early in the draft process, it was widely known that Saunders favored the other big man Jahlil Okafor ahead of Towns, but after witnessing a Towns workout first hand, Saunders said “It was the best workout I have seen since KG’s back in 1995”.

Sort of like a reverse effect, to top off THIS draft the wolves traded their two second rounds picks in this years draft, and a future second rounder to the Cleveland Cavaliers for their right to former Apple Valley and Duke guard Tyus Jones, at the #24 spot. The second rounder’s the Wolves sent away ended up being Cedi Osman and Rakeem Christmas.

The summer league games will be a telling time for the no.1 pick Towns, as we will get a better look at his all-around game and be able to tell if he will be more of a floor spacer, or a bruiser in the paint. The roster has really come full circle since the 2009 blunder fest that was known as the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The roster is loaded with young talent, with a mix of veteran leadership. The biggest goal for the team this year should be to stay healthy. Last year, the wolves lost, at least once during the season, every member of the starting five EXCEPT league ROY Andrew Wiggins.

Pekovic will more than likely start the season recovering from his right Achilles surgery. Towns will be able to more than likely find himself rotating between PF and Center. Wiggins will look to continue showing signs of being the leagues next big star, LaVine will attempt to bring more than amazing dunks to the hardwood, and Tyus will attempt to bring his well-known poise and playmaking ability to the team this year.

Lets not forget about the heart of the team in Kevin Garnett. He will always bring that intensity and provide the young guns with well needed leadership and mentoring. It may not happen this season, especially in the west, but if the Timberwolves can keep this nucleus together for the years to come, look out for the Minnesota Timberwolves ladies and gentleman.
 

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