The draft is just two days away. That’s hard to believe with the NBA Finals ending on Sunday, but such is life.
Wolves President of Basketball Operations and Head Coach Tom Thibodeau addressed the media along with General Manager Scott Layden on Tuesday afternoon to discuss the upcoming draft in which the Wolves hold the No. 5 pick.
There were plenty of solid nuggets in the 20-minute press conference held at Mayo Clinic Square. I’ll do my best to highlight them in this notebook. I’ve also just finished about seven cups of popcorn, so we’ll see how this goes. Lots of butter on the keyboard. We’ll have to overcome the adversity.
So, Will The Wolves Keep The No. 5 Pick?
Because of course they told us, right?
Not exactly. Layden told us there’s been plenty of talk with other teams about the No. 5 pick, which shows the value the pick has. But right now, it’s probably too early to tell what will unfold. Layden did say the draft was a very talented one, especially early in the lottery.
“I think it’s a very good draft and right in our area when you look at the players that we’re looking at, it has us excited,” Layden said. “I think also the amount of attention we’re getting from other teams for the pick gives you an indication of how good the pick is, so we’ll see in the next 48 hours what that means. We like the range we’re in and the fifth pick looks like it’s going to be a good one.”
And as a reminder, when it comes to the NBA Draft, just because there’s smoke, doesn’t necessarily mean there’s fire.
“I think this time of year, it’s a lot of things that are thrown out (there),” Layden said.
Expect Movement
With the Philadelphia 76ers, Boston Celtics (thanks again, Brooklyn!), Phoenix Suns, Denver Nuggets and Toronto Raptors having multiple first-round picks, it’s probably going to be a pretty exciting night as far as trades are concerned. As much as fans might want a team to keep two or three rookies, the roster makeup of certain teams doesn’t allow that. For example, it’d be extremely hard for a playoff team like the Celtics to find room on their roster for three rookies.
“I think it has the making for a fun day with teams with multiple picks,” Layden said. “Probably more trade activity than usual.”
Two Names Who Could Be Available
Thibodeau was asked about two players who could be on the board when/if the Wolves pick at No. 5.
There’s Jamal Murray, the guard from Kentucky who has a sweet stroke. There are questions, however, if Murray is strictly a shooting guard or if he can play the point as well. Thibodeau didn’t sound like he cared, though, about what label others gave Murray.
“To me, he’s a basketball player,” Thibodeau said. “He played off the ball at Kentucky. He played with the ball at team Canada, so he’s a good basketball player.
And then there’s point guard Kris Dunn from Providence. Dunn, a junior, decided not to do individual workouts with teams leading up to the draft. While Thibodeau said in the press conference that individual workouts are a good step as far as relationship-building goes, he doesn’t see it as a necessity.
“You know, the individual workouts, like I mentioned, I feel they’re good for the players to come into your facility, Thibodeau said. “They get a chance to interact with some of your staff, but it’s not a necessity. I think the body of work is the most important thing.”
Thibodeau assured everyone that his staff has done its due diligence on all players in the draft, including Dunn.
“Of course our staff has seen a number of his games and have been to a number of his practices,” Thibodeau said. “Scott has watched all the prospects extensively, so he has a very good understanding of who they are.”
Looking At The Current Roster
Thibodeau told us that his conversations with Kevin Garnett on whether he will play next season will be kept private. And rightfully so. Garnett has definitely earned that.
A player who will play next season, Ricky Rubio, was in town earlier this month and was able to chat with Thibodeau. Rubio lost his mother earlier this offseason and understandably is going through a very difficult time. Thibodeau said Rubio was “about as well as can be expected.”
“He looked good when he was here.”
Staff Moves Coming?
Layden said the team hasn’t added more staff members yet, but it has been a work in progress. Some candidates for positions are likely wrapping up draft work with other teams, but Layden said the team will continue to talk with candidates about openings.
“We have gone out and talked to a number of people as potential hires and that’s a process that will be ongoing,” Layden said. “Again, the focus on the draft and what’s after that and as that’s going along, we have been looking at our staffing and will make hires as we move along.”
That’s all I’ve got for today. Be sure to check out the site leading up to and during the draft. The next few days should be pretty fun.