The Timberwolves are well represented in the NBA All-Star festivities this weekend. Minnesota had four players competing in Friday’s Rising Stars Challenge, which was the most from any team in the league. Andrew Wiggins, who scored 22 points, was named MVP of the contest and on Saturday night, Zach LaVine won the dunk contest. The fans of the team certainly have something to look forward to in the coming years as the future looks bright for the franchise.
Here’s more from Minnesota:
- Andrew Wiggins told Ryan Wolstat of The Toronto Sun that being traded to Minnesota was the best thing for his career. Wiggins was the centerpiece in the deal that brought Kevin Love to the Cavaliers. “There I would have been more of a role player,” Wiggins said of Cleveland. “Here, I’m getting more time to shine and do what I was put in this league to do and I’m enjoying the process.” Wiggins is also looking forward to earning a spot on the Canadian Olympic team this summer.
- Ricky Rubio is key to Minnesota’s success and should remain in the team’s long-term plans, opines Sid Hartman of the Star Tribune. The Wolves have scored 1.1 more points per game and allowed 4.9 less points per game with the point guard in the lineup compared to games in which he has missed this season due to injury. Hartman believes that if the team can add one more viable piece through the 2015 draft, Minnesota could find itself contending for a postseason berth next season. The Wolves are currently in second place in our Reverse Standings with a record of 11-42.
- President of Basketball Operations Flip Saunders doesn’t plan to make any more moves because he wants to let his roster settle, writes Jerry Zgoda of the Star Tribune. Minnesota has already dealt veterans Corey Brewer and Mo Williams this season and Zgoda believes it would be wise to survey the market to see what Kevin Martin and Thaddeus Young could net in a trade. The Mavs and the Wizards were rumored to have interest in acquiring Martin, while Young, who I examined as a trade candidate, was mentioned in trade discussions with the Nets.
Arthur Hill contributed to this post