clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Morning Pickup: Around the Web

A handful of stories from around the web, in case you missed them the first time around.

By John Meyer
Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports

The NBA season is rapidly approaching. We're only 21 days away from seeing the Timberwolves take on the Thunder at Target Center in the preseason opener (Oct. 7).

In the mean time, let's look at a few stories from around the web in case you missed them the first time around.

Most Canis Hoopus'ers were already familiar with the news, but the Wolves issued their official press release on Monday: Timberwolves hire Arnie Kander as VP of Sports Performance (Via Timberwolves PR)

Minneapolis/St. Paul - The Minnesota Timberwolves today announced the team has hired Arnie Kander as Vice President of Sports Performance.

Kander comes to the Wolves after 23 seasons with the Detroit Pistons, where he most recently held the title of physical therapist. He began with the Pistons in the spring of 1992 as the team's first strength and conditioning coach. His primary duties with Detroit included the prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of injuries. Kander's duties also included the design and implementation of specific programs aimed at enhancing players' flexibility, strength and aerobic conditioning.

An innovator in the fields of injury prevention, sports rehab and physical conditioning, Kander is renowned in the professional sports world for his unique methods of application. He has designed recovery and workout programs that have proven to be successful.

A 1987 graduate in physical therapy from Wayne State University, Kander began his career as the sports coordinator at Crittenton Fitness Institute. From there he went to Rochester Knee and Sports Therapy where he worked as a staff therapist. Kander began his association with the Pistons while working at Rochester Knee and Sports.

Kander's interest in strength and conditioning began during his career as a professional dancer with the Virginia Ballet Company from 1983-86. He has since submitted several research projects on isokinetic strength testing, jump training and developing a jump platform system. While working for the Pistons, Kander consulted and developed conditioning programs for some of the Detroit area's finest professional and amateur athletes.

Kander's work is well-known throughout the NBA community and he is highly regarded for having the players' best interests in mind. Here's what several player agents had to say about Kander:

Mark Bartelstein, Priority Sports: "Arnie Kander is someone that I have the utmost respect for. I have watched firsthand his incredible care for the players. He is so unique in his innovative ways to not only treat the injuries the players encounter on a daily basis, but also in the training and injury prevention work that is something he takes ownership of on a 24/7 basis. He will be a tremendous addition to the Timberwolves organization."

David Falk, FAME: "Arnie is one of the most competent and thoroughly professional people I have worked with in the NBA over the last 40 years. He will be an asset to both the players and to management."

Andy Miller, ASM Sports: "In my opinion Arnie Kander is in a class by himself as an athletic trainer. He has been a major contributor to the physical and mental well-being of all the players he has worked with. During our long-standing relationship I have been most impressed with his dedication and the level of care he has provided my clients."

Jeff Schwartz, Excel Management: "For years, Arnie has done a great job keeping Excel clients healthy and on the court. Arnie cares about his athletes, and will be a great asset for the Timberwolves."

Spain advances to EuroBasket semifinals

Nikola Mirotic threw down a thunderous slam over Giannis Antetokounmpo during the Quarter Final against Greece yesterday.

Spain won the game narrowly, 73-71, behind Pau Gasol's 27 points and Mirotic's 18. They advanced to the semifinals, much to the surprise of ... absolutely nobody that watches International basketball. Tony Parker scored 18 points to lead France over Latvia, who will face-off against Spain.

Is Melo still elite?

"That might be the dumbest question ever asked," Anthony responded to one Instagram user who posed the hard-hitting question (%) over the weekend.

Ex-U of L star Harrell saves wrecked motorist

Houston Rockets rookie Montrezl Harrell helped save a motorist from an overturned, smoking vehicle near Louisville's campus on Saturday morning.

The Definitive NBA Logo Rankings

I was late to the party in reading Zach Lowe' definitive NBA logo rankings, but check out his article if you missed out early last week. Sneak peek: Wolves rank 27th, because "there is just too much going on here for a team that already has to fit 21 letters into this mark."

Even in wake of Saunders news, Wolves have hope

David Aldridge wrote about the Wolves having hope (one of the real buzz words in Wolves Nation over the last 10 years) in the wake of Flip Saunders' absence to treat Hodgkin's lymphoma. While I didn't agree with everything he said, most notably the commentary on Rubio, his article was worth reading.

#Twolves Tweets