Maize's Timberwolves (NBA 2K16)

[BlindSideNZ]

Brilliant write up maize.

Can't go wrong with a vince carter type of guy. Could even have yourself something reminiscent of t Mac and vince back in their raptor days and that is something that you definitely can't argue with!

I'm eager to see how the rest of the off season unfolds.

[trekfan]

I approve that pick of Brown, dude is a beast in NBA 2K, at least with the draft classes I use. I think with him there, though, that Shabazz is done on the T'Wolves -- sell high on Shabazz (honestly, will Thibs even like him? Shabazz isn't exactly known as a high-effort guy on defense, he really does like offense better) and let Brown be molded into the next Jimmy Butler type. Towns, Wiggins, Brown become the cornerstones of the franchise ... maybe.

Great pick, though.

[Maize08]

Quote: Originally Posted by BlindSideNZ

Brilliant write up maize. Can't go wrong with a vince carter type of guy. Could even have yourself something reminiscent of t Mac and vince back in their raptor days and that is something that you definitely can't argue with! I'm eager to see how the rest of the off season unfolds.

I didn't think about that, but it's definitely reminiscent of those TMac and VC teams. Let's hope it brings the same type of excitement to Minnesota. I really like Brown, I think he's definitely a good fit.

Quote: Originally Posted by trekfan

I approve that pick of Brown, dude is a beast in NBA 2K, at least with the draft classes I use. I think with him there, though, that Shabazz is done on the T'Wolves -- sell high on Shabazz (honestly, will Thibs even like him? Shabazz isn't exactly known as a high-effort guy on defense, he really does like offense better) and let Brown be molded into the next Jimmy Butler type. Towns, Wiggins, Brown become the cornerstones of the franchise ... maybe. Great pick, though.

I'm happy to hear he's a beast. He definitely struggles to shoot, but I like what him so far.

That's a good point with Shabazz. I can definitely see him butting heads with Thibs (I didn't think about him on the defensive end, that's definitely a problem).

I'm glad you like the pick and put some thought into it. It gives me some versatile pieces and I can find the right fit on the wings. I'm not sure if it will be Wiggins/LaVine or Wiggins/Brown but I do think you're right about Brown developing like Jimmy Butler under Thibs. Thanks!

[Maize08]

T'Wolves Take Vezenkov with 57th Pick
June 17, 2016

The Minnesota Timberwolves owed their own 2nd Round pick to Boston, a pick they conveyed to Boston after Minnesota finished in the lottery this season. So instead of a first, Minnesota sent Boston a second rounder in this year's draft and owe them next year's second as well. Luckily, Minnesota received Houston's second round pick giving them the 57th Pick in the 2016 draft. They used that pick on Barcelona's combo forward Aleksandar Vezenkov.

An unknown to some, Vezenkov was one of the most productive international players, who was also first eligible for this year's draft. He initially was eligible in 2014, but withdrew his name from consideration for two years. Many did not expect him to put his name into this draft. The 20 year old Vezenkov (turns 21 in August) could be available to join Minnesota after the 2017-18 season, with a buyout negotiated in his contract with Barcelona.

That buyout clause was unknown to some NBA clubs, who decided to stay away from the highly productive forward. Vezenkov (6'8" 205) is seen as a small forward in the NBA, but Minnesota's GM Milt Newton described Vezenkov as a possible stretch-four and "specialist" in the NBA.

The Bulgarian-born Vezenkov broke onto the NBA's radar after being the leading scorer of the U18 European Championship in 2013. Then in 2014 with Aris B.C., Vezenkov shot 40% from behind-the-arc and showed he can shoot from a variety of positions. Averaging 32 minutes per game last year, he averaged 18 points (52% FG%), 7 rebounds and a 2:1 assist-to-turnover ratio.

His big frame might need to add some bulk for the NBA, especially with him being considered a "below average athlete." He has answered some doubters on his athleticism after spending last season with Barcelona. Playing in the EuroLeague, Vezenkov continued his impressive numbers and saw his fouls and turnovers decrease, even against improved competition.

"Think of a crafty and confident Luke Babbitt," said NBA analyst Fran Fraschilla, attempting to compare Vezenkov to an NBA player. A tremendous shooter, passer and all-around smart player; he has the skill-set to play a future role for Coach Thibodeau.

The Timberwolves have definitely embraced international talent. Much in part to a front office that believes in the international game. Nemanja Bjelica, Damjan Rudez, and Nikola Pekovic had tremendous international careers before joining Minnesota. Bjelica is getting ready for the Olympic Qualifier with Serbia; likely to meet Bulgaria and Vezenkov in July's qualifying tournament.

Timberwolves' fans will have to wait-and-see with Vezenkov. When he becomes eligible, it will be after three seasons playing at the highest level of professional basketball outside of the NBA. He could be the next Nikola Mirotic, or possibly a role player the likes of Bjelica. Still, Minnesota didn't leave the second round empty-handed.

[Maize08]

Minnesota Timberwolves News and Notes
June 29, 2016

Saunders Named VP of Basketball Operations
Ryan Saunders spent the last few seasons on the bench in Minnesota as an Assistant Coach. Ryan joined his dad's staff when Flip came back to the Timberwolves in June of 2014. The past few years have been difficult and emotional for Ryan, but the Timberwolves organization knew his value to the franchise.

More than just "Flip's son," Ryan had spent two years in Washington after his dad's departure from the Wizards. He stayed on Randy Wittman's staff and help in the development of John Wall.

The 30-year-old Saunders has grown up in the game and will now help to continue his father's legacy in Minnesota. "Ryan carries a vision for the team. He's smart and can help this franchise in a number of ways. We had to keep him and helping on the operations side just made sense." said General Manager Milt Newton, after hiring Saunders as Vice President of Basketball Operations.

Saunders was key in the development of "Game Time Concepts," a web application that provides real time analytics to basketball coaches. Saunders' application is currently being used by multiple pro and college teams, including Washington, Minnesota, the University of Kentucky, and Michigan State University.

At this past Sloan MIT Sports Analytics Conference, Saunders discussed his expansion of that software as an assistant with Minnesota. His move to the front office comes at the same time they have expanded their scouting department.

Thibs Expands Scouting Dept., Adds Mike Wilhelm
Tom Thibodeau reportedly had a few demands when he signed on to coach the Timberwolves. One of those demands was adding a Pro Scout to the team's staff. That individual would be in charge of scouting future opponents and working with the front office to scout current NBA players.

"The way the league is going, you have to keep track of everyone and everything. The information is out there, it's just a matter of putting it together." Thibodeau told Zach Lowe in a podcast recorded just after Thibs was hired. "You look at what Stan Van Gundy has done in Detroit. He's got eyes on every NBA game. More than that, he started to log information on each player."

Taking a page from Detroit's book, Thibodeau was in charge of hiring a scout to do exactly that. He hired Mike Wilhelm, his former assistant in Chicago, who spent this past year as a scout with the Bulls.

Wilhelm has spent the last 13 seasons with the Bulls, as both a scout and assistant coach. Thibodeau has brought in numerous coaches he has worked with previously, Wilhelm continues that trend.

Rudez Heading Back to Croatia
Damjan Rudez has spent the last two seasons in the NBA, starting with Indiana before being traded to Minnesota this past summer. Rudez made his stake in the league as an outstanding shooter. Even averaging 40% in both of his NBA stops, the 29-year-old Rudez is heading back to Croatia this summer.

The Timberwolves had a team option on Rudez for the 2016-17 season, but will not exercise that option. Thus making Rudez a free agent this summer. After struggling for minutes in Minnesota, Rudez is rumored to be returning to the professional league in his native Croatia. Two of his former teams, KK Split and Cetevita Zagreb are interested in signing Rudez.

Rudez will compete with the Croatian National Team this summer; as Croatia competes to qualify for the Rio Olympics in August.

[BlindSideNZ]

I love the detail you give to each and every aspect of this. It's not just about the stars or the coach or the GM. really gives you the sense that everybody matters.

Truly feel that you could go incredibly far with this and I look forward to watching it unfold.

[Maize08]

Minnesota Signs Jerryd Bayless
July 3, 2016

The Minnesota Timberwolves were expected to be relatively quiet amongst a free agency frenzy. Given the team’s cap room and current roster, they are on the market to get active adding some depth. They have been rumored to be shopping Shabazz Muhammad and future draft picks, looking to upgrade the forward spot next to Karl-Anthony Towns.

On the third day of the new NBA season, Minnesota announced their first signing of the Tom Thibodeau era. Guard Jerryd Bayless agreed to a one year contract worth $5,020,000, with a team option on a second year valued at $5.25 million.

Bayless, who turns 28 in August, has played in 8 NBA seasons for 6 NBA teams (Portland, New Orleans, Toronto, Memphis, Boston, and Milwaukee). He just finished quite possibly his most impressive season; posting his best shooting percentages and efficiency numbers.

Jerryd Bayless was excited about joining Minnesota, and reportedly chose the Timberwolves over other Western Conference teams like the Pelicans and Clippers. His role on the team is likely as a backup at both guard spots, after playing primarily at the two-guard spot last year with Milwaukee.

His 2015-16 season included appearances in 70 games, 13 starts and averaging close to 20 minutes per game. Adding 8 points and 4 assists per game, Bayless logged his best minutes next to Michael Carter-Williams in the backcourt for the Bucks. He could see time next to Ricky Rubio, giving the team a capable shooter and secondary ball handler.

GM Milt Newton praised the addition of Bayless, saying it gives the team “the type of veteran that will help win games.” Newton continued, “Jerryd will easily find minutes and will be a great player with Zach (LaVine) and Ricky (Rubio).” Beyond that, he gives the team a steady hand at backup point guard if Tyus Jones cannot fill that role in his second NBA season.

Bayless cannot officially sign until July 8th, the end of the July moratorium on NBA free agent signings. His deal makes him the eleventh player under contract for next season.

[Maize08]

I lost a good chunk of my free agent notes for the rest of the league. So I plan on writing up a season preview including all the additions that teams made in the off-season. I only tinkered with a couple signings, for the sake of realism. Like LeBron won't opt out to sign in Washington (that was changed). Many articles coming in the next few days.

Hoping to start the new season next week.