Thaddeus Young is going to see some familiar faces at the Target Center tomorrow. Some of his old buddies with the Philadelphia 76ers will be in town. Young, of course, played the first seven years of his career in Philadelphia.
He went through plenty of turnover during his time in Philadelphia and last year's team was full of young players looking for a chance. Young said it’s a bit odd having seven players older than him on this team after having to play with so many young players last season
“Coach (Saunders) was telling me before that I got to give him the whole scouting report tomorrow,” Young said. “… It’s definitely a good situation (in Minnesota). I like being here with these guys and having fun and just want to continue to get better with this team.”
Young said he still keeps in contact a bit with some of his teammates last season and although he was only with head coach Brett Brown for one season, he can already tell there’s some differences between Brown and his new head coach Flip Saunders.
“Brett is a real upbeat coach, really gets after it, really gets into you,” Young said. “Flip is kind of slow-paced, mellow a little bit. Laid-back. He says things and he gets into you a little bit, but not too much.
Young had a solid first preseason game with the Wolves, even though it was pretty expected out of him. In just 18 minutes of play, Young finished with 12 points (5-of-10 from the field, 2-of-2 from the free-throw line), four rebounds, two assists and a steal.
“He is what he is,” Saunders said. “He has the ability to score. He’s a unique player. I had a player in Washington, Antawn Jamison, they’re very similar in their ability to score at different angles. Floaters, under somebody’s arm… The thing about Thad is that he plays hard. He was third in the league, behind Ricky (Rubio), in steals, so he has the ability to get after it on both ends.”
Expect some behind-the-scenes access tomorrow as Young faces off against his former team. Also in town will be former Wolves players Alexey Shved and Luc Richard Mbah a Moute.
What Lineup Will We See Tomorrow?
We know that guard Kevin Martin (left adductor strain) won’t play tomorrow. He was limited in practice today. It doesn’t seem serious, but Saunders knows what he has with the veteran. No sense in risking anything.
After sitting out of Tuesday’s game with a right hip flexor strain, power forward Anthony Bennett practiced fully on Thursday, but his status remains questionable for Friday’s game. Saunders also said that he’ll sit a veteran or two, but hasn’t decided who that could be. Candidates could be Young, Corey Brewer, Mo Williams, Chase Budinger, J.J. Barea, Ronny Turiaf or Nikola Pekovic.
Just a guess: Budinger and Pekovic. No background information here, just basing it on their past with injuries.
Quick Hits
- Wing Glenn Robinson III played his first game in Indiana and he took every moment in, even if it was just a preseason game: "It was surreal for me putting on that jersey. I’ve been thinking about it for a while and to be able to step out on that court I just tried to execute. It was way different than Summer League, way different than practice. It was just a whole different feel and different vibe. I enjoyed every minute of it."
- Chase Budinger worked after practice with shooting coach Mike Penberthy. Budinger was shooting inbetween the three-point line and halfcourt. Budinger explained that when shooting from that distance forced him to use his whole body, something that’s important for a mechanical shooter like himself.
- Rookie Andrew Wiggins was asked if he thinks he matches up with guys well on defense. His answer? “Yes.” Wiggins has already mastered the media.
- The Wolves host the 76ers tomorrow at 7 p.m. The game will air on Fox Sports North and WCCO-830. Check back in early tomorrow for the Scouting Report.