Minnesota Sports Forum

Figured I would start a training camp thread. There are lot of bits and pieces out there with good training camp coverage, but here is yesterday's practice report that includes a good long interview with Thibs:

http://www.nba.com/timberwolves/practice-report-new-guys-are-lending-helping-hand

Good stuff, Tim. I went to the Lynx game last night (yikes, what an offensive explosion...defense, not so much!) and at first I was disappointed that there were no Wolves in the house. But then I reasoned that Thibs is working them hard and there's another practice tomorrow, so maybe they were in the hot tub or in bed...all good!

I'm sensing Lucas and Butler will both make the team. They both are Thibs guys, and while they may not have KG's fire, perhaps some quieter "mentorship" may be more beneficial. I love the stories of the rapport between Rush and Dunn...sounds like they have attached themselves to each other. Love the fact that Pinckney has been at practices, even though he hasn't signed on yet. Optimism abounds.

I thought I saw/heard that the Wolves had their 2nd practice last night...

Here is a summary of audio interviews for the first two days:

https://soundcloud.com/wolves-radio/sets/training-camp-day-1

https://soundcloud.com/wolves-radio/sets/training-camp-day-2


Seems like a lock that Lucas and Butler will be on the roster to open the season.

60WinTim wrote:Here is a summary of audio interviews for the first two days:

https://soundcloud.com/wolves-radio/sets/training-camp-day-1

https://soundcloud.com/wolves-radio/sets/training-camp-day-2


Seems like a lock that Lucas and Butler will be on the roster to open the season.

Obviously we have a spot for 1 of those guys with KG retiring but has there been any work on if they get an injury exception for Pek? It seems reasonable to think they are keeping Payne or they would have signed a big to compete with him. Speaking of those types did anyone see that Wolves Sunmer leaguer Keeith Benson signed a non guaranteed deal with Miami?

Back to Lucas and Butler. Lucas was really impressive sounding when talking. He seems like a lock to be coaching somewhere in the near future. If he makes it people will be like WTF 4 PGs? But having a vet guy around wouldn't hurt and he will be cheap they can waive him if needed to add another player.

Butler makes a ton of sense assuming he can still play. The guy has basically always been able to shot and he was a guy that always seemed like he could have been a bit more than what he was but seems to have done quite well for himself as a complimentary player. He spoke well also and seems completely bought into what his role could be.

I think Windhorst is going to stay the whole camp. He has really jumped on the bandwagon full force.

I have no doubt that Lucas and Butler will stick with the team. I'm convinced the Wolves will waive Pek. The front office is probably getting their ducks in a row for League approval of an injury exemption. I could also see Payne being waived. We just need to waive one of those two to make room for both Lucas and Butler. I think those two guys will add a lot to this team. I thought Lucas was really impressive in his interview. I agree with someone else who suggested he sounds like a future coach. He'll be a great influence and teacher on this team.

The more I listen to Thibs the more I understand why he's such a great coach. He's such a clear thinker and communicator. And listening to the player interviews tells me they're learning a lot from him already. I'm trying not to get too excited about the upcoming season, but it's hard not to get pumped.

Thanks for teeing this up Tim. It looks like Pinckney is going to join the staff as well. Was reading Jon K's tweets earlier. Coach K in the house observing too. Good vibes!

thedoper wrote:I think Windhorst is going to stay the whole camp. He has really jumped on the bandwagon full force.

Who?

lipoli390 wrote:I have no doubt that Lucas and Butler will stick with the team. I'm convinced the Wolves will waive Pek. The front office is probably getting their ducks in a row for League approval of an injury exemption. I could also see Payne being waived. We just need to waive one of those two to make room for both Lucas and Butler. I think those two guys will add a lot to this team. I thought Lucas was really impressive in his interview. I agree with someone else who suggested he sounds like a future coach. He'll be a great influence and teacher on this team.

The more I listen to Thibs the more I understand why he's such a great coach. He's such a clear thinker and communicator. And listening to the player interviews tells me they're learning a lot from him already. I'm trying not to get too excited about the upcoming season, but it's hard not to get pumped.

Boy, I listen to him and he says the same things over and over again, and there is very little humor, depth, or....much of anything.

"We first need to lay the foundation and then build from there". Oooooohhhh

"We need to be top 10 in defensive and offensive efficiency". Aaaaaahhhhhh

"We need to close the gap in 3-pointers." Whoa!

"We need to be consistent with our defensive effort". Brilliant!

"I like our young guys and their attitude". Whoo!

By no means does that mean he's not a good coach, but I glean very little from his interviews. Perhaps it's because he is such a contrast to Flip's much more open and loquacious style.