Timberwolves president of basketball operations Gersson Rosas is urging fans to be patient after the team’s slow start to free agency, writes Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic. Minnesota hasn’t made any significant additions since the signing period began on Monday, but Rosas said the plan is to keep the core of the team intact and try to build on the momentum from late last season. The Wolves had a .500 record over their final 22 games.
“We just want to see this team come together,” he said. “As well as this team played down the stretch last year, we didn’t have Malik Beasley available because of injury. This group, the value of continuity, the value of growth together and just repetition together as a team, we’re excited about what that growth might mean.”
The immediate concern will be keeping restricted free agents Jarred Vanderbilt and Jordan McLaughlin, Krawczynski adds. Both are facing a market where teams are left with limited resources and limited roster spots. Rosas spoke to them and their agents shortly after the signing period began.
Head coach Chris Finch foresees an expanded role for both players if they return. McLaughlin may become the primary backup at point guard now that Ricky Rubio is on the way to Cleveland, while Vanderbilt is one of the team’s most versatile defenders.
There’s more from the Northwest Division:
- Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard helped Team USA capture a gold medal despite playing with an abdominal injury, tweets Shams Charania of The Athletic. He will require further testing once he returns from Tokyo. Lillard, who was determined to keep playing despite the injury, logged 27 minutes and scored 11 points in Friday’s gold medal game.
- The Jazz were shopping for versatility in this year’s free agent market, per Eric Walden of The Salt Lake Tribune. General manager Justin Zanik said that’s what the team was lacking in the playoffs, which is why it pursued Rudy Gay and Hassan Whiteside, while trading for Eric Paschall and rookie Jared Butler. Zanik added that he’s likely done with significant moves for the offseason, and Walden points out that means Joe Ingles will probably remain with the team.
- The Jazz won’t have Butler as part of their Summer League squad, Walden adds. The rookie had a health issue during the pre-draft process and hasn’t been in a contact setting for a long time. Zanik said management might have let him play if the games were “10 days later,” but they opted to be safe.
Love Rubio’s game regardless of where it is. Pass first but can create unique shots with his dribbling. Yes the shot has room for improvement but always has been a favorite with his passing.
I was wondering if Dame was hurt because he wasn’t very Dame like over there.
Lineups with 2 of Lillard, Lavine, Booker made it harder for him.
Lillard’s a great leader, not a hall of fame facilitator. If he’s letting others do their thing he disappears
Translation:
Nobody wants to come play with DLo and no team wants to trade for him
But he a good player.Its not that “nobody wants to play with D Lo” it’s that nobody wants to play in Minnesota.
Jazz have done great this offseason. Thought signing Gobert to that massive deal would be a regret but they have done well.
Had the best record last year, just added two good young pieces in Paschall and Butler. Then added Whiteside and Gay while not losing anything. Wouldn’t be surprised to see them move off Bogi or Ingles if the right offer came in but for now they look great.
But he a good player.Its not that “nobody wants to play with D Lo” it’s that nobody wants to play in Minnesota.
I stand corrected.
Twice.
Minnesota should try to add Paul Millsap and Rodney McGruder
Utah has done well in fixing their frontline flexibility problem from last year, but are leaving a lot on the shoulders of rookie Butler, considering the jazz ran out of guards. Baylor’s Butler looked great in college but had some ailment the draft doctors found.
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Did Rosas say the Wolves played better down the stretch without Malik Beasley?— think he did, in other words.
The folks in Minnesota have been patient since 1989 but are continually disappointed every year in their wait for a team chemistry and direction to develop as tantalized and promised by an assortment of Owners, VPBO’s, GM’s, Head Coaches, and Players. Pretty sad state of affairs when the best that can be said about the future of the team is to point out a .500 record over the final 22 games of the previous season !!
Slow “start” to FA? GM put together this roster in its entirety (save Towns), but he also indicated late last year that it needed to be retooled. It seemed funny at the time, being critical of his own roster when he had no picks or cap space to improve it. Apparently he’s come around. Or he’s hoping A-Rod & Co. weren’t paying attention last year. Finch does show some signs of being a good hire. We’ll see how he does for a full season.
After seeing Simmons try to sabotage any trade to Portland or Toronto, I really hope he ends up traded to Minnesota. Even though Minnesota doesn’t have a realistic package to offer for him, it could potentially be done with a 3 way trade.