Timberwolves Links and NBA News: Saunders Mum on Roy, Kings Mess Update

First, because I know everyone is waiting with bated breath, vjl110's next draft installment is coming, but it might not be until tomorrow. He's a busy man currently on another continent, so cut him some slack.

From Darren Wolfson's always informative twitter account we find out that the Wolves, despite firing Pete Philo, did have a scout at the Euroleague Final Four (and the associated U-18 tournament): R.J. Adelman. Good to see an Adelman doing work for the Timberwolves.

Wolfson also had Flip Saunders on his ESPN radio show this morning. If anyone listened, feel free to give us a complete recap in the comments, but apparently Flip reported that Mary Kay Adelman is doing well and the Wolves have every reason to believe Rick Adelman will return as head coach.

Flip also refused to elaborate on the decision to waive Brandon Roy now.

Following another meeting in advance of the owner's meeting on Wednesday, the relocation committee maintained its position that the Kings should not be moved to Seattle.

This story has a lot of twists, turns,and complications. Fans from both cities are desperately reading the tea leaves. As an impartial observer, it seems to me that a lot of this revolves around the arena issue; specifically, Sacramento has finally come up with an arena plan that is primarily publicly funded, whereas the Seattle plan is privately financed. While the Seattle group is willing to value the team more highly, and obviously is very deep-pocketed (Steve Ballmer), the NBA much prefers the public to pay for arenas.

This story is far from over, as the Maloofs have threatened not to sell at all if the NBA won't permit the sale to the Seattle group, there are various rumblings about possible litigation, and the Kings could spend the entire summer in limbo.

The NBA Draft Lottery is one week from today. Mark your calendars!! Or, you know, whatever. The Wolves have a 1.7% chance of "winning" the first pick and being able to draft a torn ACL, a 2% chance at the 2nd pick, and a 2.4% chance at the third pick. At least Kevin Love agreed to represent the Wolves.

Draft Express is pumping out a ton of content in advance of the combine, which takes place later this week. Recent pieces include a video scouting report of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and another on Gorgui Deng.

Finally, today at 1:45 central there is a HUGE Premier League fixture kicking off between Arsenal and Wigan. This one has serious implications at both ends of the table, as Arsenal tries to overtake Spurs (COYS!) for 4th place and earn a berth in next season's Champion's League, while Wigan, coming off an historic victory in the FA Cup, tries to stave off relegation.

I bring this up for two reasons:

First, and most importantly, to wish Madison Dan and Jones the Cat a horrible day, as they are Arsenal fans.

Second, because it makes for such an interesting contrast to our sports leagues. The Premier League has no playoffs; you are champions if you collect the most points over the course of a 38 game season, in which you play every other team home and away. But in the meantime, there are other things to play for too; Cup competitions both home and abroad, and every year there is a compelling relegation battle (and concurrent promotion battle in lower leagues) that are among the most gripping in sports.

That's all I've got for now.