
PLAYER NEWS:
--G Jonny Flynn is projected by David Kahn as the team's starting point guard now that Ricky Rubio has decided to remain in Spain. Kahn will now search for a backup point guard behind Flynn, whom Kahn took with the draft's sixth pick immediately after picking Rubio. "We need to address that situation," Kahn said. "There could be a lot of changes at that position still to come between now and training camp."
--F Rodney Carney, an unrestricted free agent, remains unsigned and still could end up back with the Wolves. David Kahn has said more than once this summer that he has interest in re-signing Carney, but needed to attend to other more pressing matters first.
Kahn said his top priority now that he's back from Spain is to address roster needs between now and the start of training camp Sept. 29 in Mankato, Minn.
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.