Thursday, July 26, 2012

Andrei Kirilenko: the new addition to the Timberwolves Roster?

And in more exciting news from the Timberwolves roster rumor mill (are you getting sick of hearing me say that every week yet?), the Wolves are in contract negotiations with 31 year old player Andrei Kirilenko that would apparently be part of a three way deal.

Currently Kirilenko is in Russia - he went back to play in the Russian league with the lockout last year - but he's ready to come back to the states. He was originally signed by the Utah Jazz where he's spent the last ten years of his career. And now the question is posed: Is Kirilenko the kind of talent that the Wolves need to expand their playoff prospects this year?

Yes, he is a solid player. Yes, he is a veteran of the league and could possibly be a really great addition. The problem is that he's no spring chicken anymore - and that you never know when he will (or if he has) peaked as a player. Basically: he might help for the season, but there's no long term guarantee.


Thursday, July 19, 2012

Timberwolves Roster Rumors - yes, again

There's always something new and exciting coming out of the rumor mill when it comes to the Timberwolves roster these days, isn't there? The latest news has been the battle for Nicolas Batum from the Portland Trailblazers roster. The Wolves were willing to offer up $46 MILLION over three years for Batum to come to the team. The only problem was that since he is a RFA, the Trailblazers simply had to match the offer to keep him. And they did - which means 1. this kid is getting PAID and 2. the Wolves won't be going over their salary cap for now - something that was a guarantee if they DID end up signing Batum.

So what do you think is next? Who's the next power player this team is going to go after?

I have to say that even though we didn't get this kid, it sure has made for some exciting fodder during the NBA Offseason!

Thursday, July 12, 2012

Kyle Korver to the Timberwolves Roster

Man oh man, do the Wolves seem to be making up for lost time in terms of trades this off-season. They're now reportedly looking at perimeter shooter Kyle Korver of the Chicago Bulls roster to continue bolstering their lack of strong players at this position. The big thing is that while they made a great move signing Brandon Roy for this key position last week, they still need to add another strong player to fill this role. Korver would be a great option. He's been ranked one of the best 3-point shooters in the league - something that not only do the Wolves desperately need, but would really fill out the roster with the strong play skills of team leader Kevin Love.

Anyway: no matter what happens, I have to say that I am pretty damn impressed with the Wolves trading talent this off-season. It makes me wonder a little bit where all of this is coming from, but hey - they're setting us up to have one of the best teams we've had in a really long time. It's going to take some time for these new guys to mesh together, but I'm getting really excited to see what the future holds AND really excited for the Timberwolves schedule this season!

Friday, July 6, 2012

Brandon Roy OFFICIALLY Part of the Timberwolves roster

Well, it's official: Brandon Roy is now officially part of the Timberwolves roster! And in celebration of this great nab by the Wolves, here are some important things you need to know about Mr. Roy:

 1. Roy was the Rookie of the year in the NBA in 2007.
2. He was originally intended for the Minnesota Timberwolves but got traded to the Trailblazers before the start of his first season.
3. He's been named to the All-Star team 3 times.
4. In college he played ball for the University of Washington.
5. Because of knee injuries and the lockout, Roy retired last fall - but will be making a comeback with the Wolves!

As a fan, I have to say I'm excited to see what this potentially game changing player will bring to the team. Happy weekend!