PLAYER NEWS:
--C Mark Blount was traded from the Heat to the Timberwolves in exchange for G Quentin Richardson. It's possible that Blount might be traded again, as he has an expiring contract; the Timberwolves seem to be set at the center position and only have one shooting guard available. --C Ryan Hollins, a restricted free agent, was signed to an offer sheet believed to be three-year, $7 million deal, a rich enough contract that the Dallas Mavericks did not match it.
--F Rodney Carney, a restricted free agent, remained unsigned as of August 6 and still could end up back with the Wolves.
MEDICAL WATCH:
--F Corey Brewer and F Al Jefferson both are rehabilitating from the same surgery to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament in their right knees. Both say they're ahead of schedule. Brewer is hopeful of starting contact drills in time to be able to practice and perhaps play a game or two with the Wolves' Las Vegas Summer League team the second week in July. Jefferson said he hopes to begin contact in September, in time to be ready for the start of training camp.
DRAFT PICKS:
Ricky Rubio, G, 6-5, Spain (first round) -- Wolves hoped, but never though, precocious 18-year-old point guard whom David Kahn calls both "transformational" and a "virtuoso," would drop to them at No. 5. Now the question is, when, of if, will he ever play for them?
Jonny Flynn, 6-0, Syracuse (first round) ? Kahn "loved, loved" him enough to make Flynn the second point guard the team took in a matter of five minutes. Wolves love his athleticism, toughness, leadership and predict he will be become one of the league's best on-ball defenders, one big reason they envision him being able to play with Rubio.
Ty Lawson, 6-1, North Carolina (first round) -- Took him with the 18th pick only to trade him to Denver for a future first-round pick owed the Nuggets from Charlotte (top 12 protected in 2010).
Wayne Ellington, 6-5, North Carolina (first round) -- A team that bypassed Stephon Curry with their first two first-round picks finally chose one with the 28th, taking a player a shooter with deep range who Kahn calls considerably underrated.
Nick Calathes, 6-6, Florida (second round) -- Point guard who has signed with a Greek team next season was taken 45th overall, then dealt to Dallas for a 2010 second-round pick and cash.
Henk Norel, 6-11 forward, the Netherlands (second round) -- Long, athletic big man needs a couple more seasons' preparation in Europe before he could be ready for the NBA.
