Rambis says "slight, slight, slight" change chance team makes move before roster set, Webster not expected to play in opener and more
From Jerry Zgoda's twitter account:
Rambis says there's a "slight, slight, slight" chance #Timberwolves make a move before their roster is set Monday
From Ray Richardson/Pioneer Press:
Minnesota Timberwolves coach Kurt Rambis said swingman Martell Webster, struggling with a back injury, is not expected to play in the team's NBA regular season opener Wednesday night against the Sacramento Kings at Target Center.
"It's safe to say he won't play Wednesday," Rambis said of Webster after today's practice at Target Center.
From Timberwolves PR's twitter account:
#Twolves head coach Kurt Rambis to appear on Rosen's Sports Sunday tonight on WCCO-TV.
From Jerry Zgoda/Star Tribune:
If that lengthy process doesn't ultimately reveal such a player, the Wolves still have ample salary-cap space to try to acquire one at next February's trading deadline, next summer's draft or whenever a new labor agreement is struck between owners and players. It's a move Kahn has defined as a "singular" one awaiting a franchise that made move after move last summer.
Until then, every game is an audition for a collection of players that offers forwards Kevin Love and Michael Beasley as the most likely suspects to be the closer.
Love showed glimpses of becoming that player in the preseason, with an improved inside-out game that included a 32-point, 13-rebound performance one night and 28 points and 11 rebounds two nights later.
From Ray Richardson/Pioneer Press:
Now that Jefferson is in Utah, Love's NBA career and his outlook seem to be undergoing a renaissance.
"Kevin's in a really good place right now," Wolves coach Kurt Rambis said.
Love is smiling more, even after a hard practice and recurring questions from reporters. He has not had any therapeutic strolls with Laimbeer or expressed concern about the offense. In somewhat of a proclamation before the start of his third training camp, Love said he wanted to be a leader and help develop a "family atmosphere" on the team.
And Wolves fans thought the main reason for the Jefferson trade was to speed up the offense.
"It's a world of difference for me compared to last year," Love said. "I do want to grow into being a team leader and become a go-to guy for us."
From Michael Rand/Star Tribune: Q&A: Wolves rookie Wes Johnson
From Dana Wessel/1500ESPN: Looking at the Timberwolves' log-jam at shooting guard
From Charley Walters/Pioneer Press:
Last year, the Wolves won just 15 of 82 games during the real season.
"During the month of November (this year), we play a lot of what I consider really good teams, so I think it will be a difficult month for us," Taylor said. "But we're still learning, and I think you'll see steady improvement as the year goes on."
Taylor said he's pleased that second-year coach Kurt Rambis has enough talent now to play five starting players, then another five.
"And there's very little difference between the first and second five, so if we have a player who's injured or having an off night, I feel very comfortable that the player coming off the bench will play well," Taylor said.