Minnesota's Mission

Forget the Lakers, Celtics, Magic, and Cavaliers. Anyone who follows the NBA can tell you what the previous four teams have been up to for the past year. But what on Earth have the Minnesota Timberwolves been doing? I would be surprised if one person who is reading this article outside the state of Minnesota could accurately name the starting lineup for the Wolves last season.

The Timberwolves story of the future began last year in the 2009 NBA Draft. With the fifth pick in the draft the Wolves selected 6'4" Ricky Rubio, a point guard from Spain. They also had the sixth pick. Many were expecting the team to select a forward or center, but instead Minnesota picked the 6' 0" point guard Jonny Flynn from Syracuse. Two point guards with the fifth and sixth picks? What could Timberwolves president David Kahn be thinking? Is he mad? No, he's a genius.

Fast forward through the Wolves dismal season that consisted of only 15 wins. Now the draft is here again! Many expect Minnesota to take either small forward Wesley Johnson or DeMarcus Cousins. They need to take Johnson and forget about the front court. The Wolves already have two more than capable starters for those positions that will be discussed later. Johnson would bring a versatile type of ballplayer to Minnesota's roster. With his long body, he could stretch the floor from behind the arc to the post. This is the type of player that an organization builds a team around.

Now to address the issue of the Wolves' front court. Kevin Love and Al Jefferson are both 6'10". Love can shoot the three ball which would also extend the floor. Put him at the power forward position. Al Jefferson lives in the post. He's a very dangerous player when he has the ball in his hands, and he also effectively moves without the basketball. He's the center for the team. Minnesota's front office needs to realize the talent that their front court possesses. Let them play together. Both have improved defensively, and are no longer liabilities on that end of the court.

Fast forward to three seasons from now. What's the lineup?

Point Guard: Jonny Flynn
Shooting Guard: Ricky Rubio
Small Forward: Wesley Johnson
Power Forward: Kevin Love
Center: Al Jefferson

This is assuming that the Wolves actually improve this year, and they will. Ricky Rubio will play for Minnesota because the Wolves have built an organization that he can thrive in. Forget his tendencies as a point guard. He's more than capable of playing the shooting guard position, and will also handle the ball from time to time. This is a team that can compete. Who knows? Maybe another lottery pick in the next two years could have me mentioning the Timberwolves instead of the Lakers, Celtics, Cavaliers, or Magic once the team is complete.

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A New Coach in Chicago, GM in Cleveland, and Point Guard in Minnesota?

Below is a list of six short stories from around the NBA:

1. Del Negro Out, Thibodeau In

A much anticipated move by the Chicago Bulls was reported today in the fact that there will be a new head coach next year. Tom Thibodeau, the assistant coach to the Boston Celtics, has reportedly accepted the job although an official announcement will have to wait until after the NBA Finals. Thibodeau was also interviewed by the New Orleans Hornets, but opted for Chicago instead. He is largely recognized for the defensive intensity that the Celtics bring to the court. What else does this move mean for Chicago? No John Calipari and LeBron James package deal will occur in the Windy City.

2. Cleveland Cavaliers Done With General Manager Ferry

Another move that happened Friday that didn't surprise anyone around the league was the Danny Ferry will no longer be the general manager for the Cleveland Cavaliers next year. His replacement will have no say in basketball operations. It's all about LeBron at this point, and owner Dan Gilbert will give him everything he asks for if he intends to stay. (More on LeBron later in this article.)

3. Marquis Daniels Should Play In Game Two

Marquis Daniels, reserve shooting guard for the Boston Celtics, will likely play in tomorrow night's game against the Los Angles Lakers. Daniels hasn't played since suffering a concussion in Game Five of the Eastern Conference Finals. The impact that he will have on the Celtics' game plan is simple. Not much to contribute to the offensive game plan, but Daniels will allow Boston to have one more reserve defender to take on Kobe Bryant for Game Two should Ray Allen get in foul trouble again.

4. Garnett Has "Lost A Step"

This is a classic case of the media blowing another quote out of proportion after taking it out of context. Pau Gasol praised Celtics power forward Kevin Garnett, but also noted that he has "lost a step" since the 2008 NBA Finals. Of course he has. All players lose quickness and agility with age and Garnett is no different. Gasol wasn't maliciously attacking Garnett. He simply said that Garnett is now more of a jump shooter rather than the post up player he once was. Garnett is obviously still a force to be reckoned with on both ends of the court. No harm meant by Gasol.

5. Shaquille O'Neal Takes on Spelling Bee Champion

Last night at the national spelling bee, Shaq challenged last year's champion to a spell off in the near future. He will be allowed two misspelled words, and will likely need both life lines. I'm just curious if this will come before or after his UFC Match?

6. Ricky Rubio Could Play in 2011-2012

Ricky Rubio, the Spanish point guard, was recently quoted as saying that he could arrive in the NBA for the 2011-2012 season. However, he did not limit his options to just playing in Minnesota. Rubio said that he would come over to the United States, but the Timberwolves (who drafted him number four overall last year) would have to improve from their 15 win season this past year or he would consider going with another team. If I worked for the front office of the T Wolves, I would try to sign a free agent or two this offseason so that the guy can showcase his stuff on my homecourt. Rubio will be an excellent passer and point guard in the NBA, but he also must improve his outside shooter to be a legitimate offensive threat.

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