Thoughts going into training camp...

[60WinTim]

Sounds like Flip is thinking of Bud as a 3 / stretch-4...

If JJ isn't moved or bought out, and no other trade is made, it sure seems like Hummel or GRIII are the most likely candidates to be cut. I'm pretty sure we don't retain a player's rights if we cut him...

[longstrangetrip [enjin:6600564]]

Tim, I'm hearing that Flip thinks that Bud can play three positions, but has been paired with JJ in the back court a lot in Mankato. Bud has better ball handling and distribution skills than our other 2-3's (Corey, Bazz, Wiggins), so I see him as getting most of his minutes at SG. Who knows though...things can, and will, change.

Good article about Bud:

http://www.nba.com/timberwolves/news/budinger-back-full-strength?utm_content=CBud+TW+10-5-14&utm_campaign=&utm_source=14499&utm_term=1412510400&utm_medium=Twitter%3A+MNTimberwolves

[bleedspeed]

If JJ and Bud are killing it. More power to them. If they truly are I expect to see them starting on Tuesday. Rubio and Martin need to earn the starting spots. Bud is young enough to grow with this team. If he can start at SG it makes it easier to trade Martin.

[Camden [enjin:6601484]]

If it does come down to Hummel or GRIII getting cut, it for damn sure better be Hummel.

[Monster]

Sounds like Flip is thinking of Bud as a 3 / stretch-4...

If JJ isn't moved or bought out, and no other trade is made, it sure seems like Hummel or GRIII are the most likely candidates to be cut. I'm pretty sure we don't retain a player's rights if we cut him...

Tim I didn't think so either but if you look at the D-league FAQ there are 3 spots teams can use to assign players to the d-league from training camp releases. The thing is the player has to agree to go there.

Cam brings up a great point that if the Wolves decide to keep JJ it could be down to Hummel and GR3. Maybe they use one of those d-league spots for Hummel and keep GR3. Flip talking about Wiggins and Bud as stretch 4s makes Hummel not as valuable as when he was signed and yes I am aware people think he sucks. I wonder if the Wolves would use those 3 assigned spots on Hummel, Fesenko and Heslip. Problem is what team do they play for since the Wolves share a team with like 10 other franchises. I really hope Flip gets our own d-league affiliate soon. Maybe in Mankato? Lol

One more thing I've been pretty consistant in saying that JJ can be a worthwhile player and while I won't be sad or anything if he is gone I think keeping him could end up being useful. As its been said here for months JJ seemed to be enabled by Adelman to do more harm than good. I firmly believe JJ can play and is at least an NBA rotation player still. He could be useful this year with a lesser role with a coach that asks more reasonable things from him and pulls the guy when he sucks.

[60WinTim]

Since LaVine isn't mentioned much, lets assume he is not ready to be part of the rotation to start the season, which was the common thinking when he was drafted. And Flip's comments though out the week have highlighted JJ, Bud and Bennett the most. Applying some of Flip's other comments, plus the desire to win, suggests an opening day rotation of:

Rubio / JJ
K-Mart / Mo
Wiggins / Bud
Young / Bennett
Pek / Dieng

Brew and Bazz will be working their butts off to stick their nose in there somewhere!

[alexftbl8181 [enjin:6648741]]

Tim, I'm hearing that Flip thinks that Bud can play three positions, but has been paired with JJ in the back court a lot in Mankato. Bud has better ball handling and distribution skills than our other 2-3's (Corey, Bazz, Wiggins), so I see him as getting most of his minutes at SG. Who knows though...things can, and will, change.

Good article about Bud:

http://www.nba.com/timberwolves/news/budinger-back-full-strength?utm_content=CBud+TW+10-5-14&utm_campaign=&utm_source=14499&utm_term=1412510400&utm_medium=Twitter%3A+MNTimberwolves

Please, let's take what Flip says about JJ in SCRIMMAGE means absolutely nothing. Flip has done a great job of building up his guys. Much better then Khan with Darko. Make no mistake though, JJ stinks

[alexftbl8181 [enjin:6648741]]

If it does come down to Hummel or GRIII getting cut, it for damn sure better be Hummel.

In the end, it doesn't matter either way. Were talking 15th guy, garbage time minutes player.

[Camden [enjin:6601484]]

If it does come down to Hummel or GRIII getting cut, it for damn sure better be Hummel.

In the end, it doesn't matter either way. Were talking 15th guy, garbage time minutes player.

I'd rather have a 20-year old former five-star recruit with multiple tools than a 25-year old shooter who can't make shots. 6th man, 10th man, 15th man... Doesn't matter. I want the best talent/player possible on the roster.

[60WinTim]

If it does come down to Hummel or GRIII getting cut, it for damn sure better be Hummel.

In the end, it doesn't matter either way. Were talking 15th guy, garbage time minutes player.

I'd rather have a 20-year old former five-star recruit with multiple tools than a 25-year old shooter who can't make shots. 6th man, 10th man, 15th man... Doesn't matter. I want the best talent/player possible on the roster.

So you would cut Anthony Bennett? :)