Timberwolves President of Basketball Operations and Head Coach Tom Thibodeau addressed the media via conference call to chat free agency on Saturday afternoon from Summer League.
So far, the only official move has been signing wing Brandon Rush, a solid 3-point shooter that we’ve discussed a little bit already. But Thibodeau elaborated more on Rush during the call.
“We’re excited to have him as well,” Thibodeau said. “Again, where he’s coming from, a winning organization… He started 25 games for them last year. His versatility at 6’7, 6’8 and his ability on the defensive end. His ability to play multiple positions… The shooting was the main thing with him.”
Rush has had some injury history, suffering two torn ACLs already, but he did play in 72 games last season, averaged 14.7 minutes per game and shot 41.4 percent from 3-point line. That was after playing just 73 games in the previous three years combined.
Thibodeau thinks that after a few rough years, Rush is recovered, as much as he can be.
“Most players have to get past things and he’s shown that,” Thibodeau said. “… Obviously being healthy last year and being able to fill a role, I think he’s a good fit.”
Rush will likely be a good back-up wing who can play somewhere between 12-18 minutes. His shooting fills a need, while his experience does, too. Rush is 31 and is just a year removed from winning a title with the Golden State Warriors.
Thibodeau said that the Wolves aren’t necessarily done yet in free agency, but he’s taking a slower route with the process which is probably the right move considering the Wolves probably won’t be contending for the championship next season and there’s plenty of young talent on the roster.
“We’re still being patient,” Thibodeau said. “We’ll see what presents itself. We want to take everything step-by-step. The first part was the draft, and then of course free agency… We think we have assets that are attractive to other people. We’re pleased.”
Free agency was obviously crazy with the cap rising so much and there were some moves that we’ll probably look back on and think of as irresponsible. But Thibodeau wasn’t surprised by the moves at all and said more than anything, it shows how successful the NBA has been lately, on and off the court.
“It says a lot about where the NBA is. I think our league is doing great,” Thibodeau said. “I think our players have done a great job of representing our league in a very positive way. I think it’s good. I’m not surprised because it’s all relative to performance. I think the guys who have performed well have been rewarded.”
On Summer League
Thibodeau said exactly what you figured he’d say after Kris Dunn’s 27-point Summer League debut.
“Well, it’s the beginning, first game of Summer League,” Thibodeau said. “You can’t get too carried away with it, but I thought for his first outing, he did well overall. There’s a long way to go. There’s a big difference between Summer League and an NBA regular season game; and certainly a postseason game. It’s a start.”
That might seem like a buzz kill, but Thibs is spot on. It’s OK to be excited. Dunn was the best rookie on the first day of Summer League. But it’s the first day of Summer League. Dunn seems like the type of player who won’t ever get too high or low, so he probably agrees with Thibodeau.
Ryan Saunders is leading the Summer League squad for the second straight season. Saunders gave a bit of “coach talk” on Friday night when asked about Dunn’s viral crossover. The shot, however, didn’t’ go in.
“Well, I normally like it when the ball goes in the basket,” Saunders said.
He’s a coach who has the respect of players and coaches. There aren’t many who work harder than him. So far Thibodeau, another guy who works extremely hard, has been very impressed with the 30-year-old coach.
“He’s been terrific. I think coming up and being a part of the organization, obviously being around Flip,” Thibodeau said. “He’s also learning a new system, he’s doing a good job keeping us organized. Not for him, but for the entire staff, it’s a chance for everybody to work together. Start to develop and understanding of game planning, preparation, our practice drills, our offensive system and our defensive system and how we’re going to function during the year.”
Front Office Hirings
Thibodeau said that the team is still talking to a number of people to join the front office.
“We’ll announce all the hirings at one time.”