Jon Krawczynski: Coming into this year, people who have talked to (Karl-Anthony Towns) say he is much more focused, he’s got a clear head. And so there is the potential for him to come in and have this monster offensive start to the season again.
Minnesota Timberwolves Rumors
The Sixers have not lowered the bar on what they’re seeking in a Simmons trade — yet. Toronto, Minnesota, Cleveland, San Antonio and Sacramento — all of them, league sources say, have engaged with Philadelphia in Simmons trade talks. They’re also all bubble playoff teams at best based in markets not known for attracting free agents and surely love the idea of acquiring Simmons when the 25-year-old is locked into three guaranteed seasons on his contract after this one.
D'Angelo Russell looking great in workouts
Who would Wolves staff consider to be early candidates for the most improved player on the roster? 2) Do the Wolves see McKinley Wright IV as a sort of “Pat Bev-in-training”? 3) Will there really be a concerted effort to apply full-court defensive pressure? — @Tresio The two players I have heard a lot of buzz about looking great in workouts: McDaniels and (drum roll, please) … Russell. Sounds like he is locked in right now.
I have heard A-Rod and the new ownership is bully on the Wolves. What major moves do you predict they will make to improve the product in the next couple years? — @SPORTSviKINGs17 So far, it appears like the immediate target is just modernizing things, bringing a franchise that has often been at the back of the pack to more of the cutting edge when it comes to technology and innovation — that sort of thing. Of course, the main goal will be to make the Timberwolves more competitive on the floor, but I think there is a real emphasis on everything around the basketball, as well. What can be done to change the perception of the organization? They are taking a long look at culture and values and defining characteristics. Those might seem like mumbo jumbo to dyed-in-the-wool hoop heads, but those are things that Lore and Rodriguez are very familiar with in their other businesses. They can dive in on them right away as they work to get up to speed on the intricacies of basketball, the collective bargaining agreement and the team in general.
Timberwolves sign Leandro Bolmaro
When the Timberwolves traded up to get Leandro Bolmaro last November in the 2020 NBA Draft (yes, it was less than a year ago… it still feels weird), the question was would it be a year or two before Bolmaro came over from Barcelona to play in the NBA. The answer is one. Minnesota reached a deal and Bolmaro will be with the Timberwolves in training camp, the team announced Saturday. This is not a surprise; he was expected to come over this season. He will be playing on a rookie scale contract.
