Wes Johnson, the Timberwolves' 2010 first-round draft pick who could get minutes at shooting guard as well as small forward after the Wolves made Derrick Williams their top pick in Thursday's NBA draft, said he's pleased with the choice.
"I'm happy because I work out with him and have grown a friendship and know him," Johnson said.
The 6-foot-7 Johnson has been working out with the 6-8 Williams, a small forward, in Los Angeles.
"He works real hard, pays attention to everything on the court, asks questions - 'Why are we doing this, should I be doing this?' " Johnson said.
Johnson said Williams, who plays against other NBA players in the workouts, does well against them.
"His whole mind-set is that he doesn't back down from anybody," Johnson said of the 249-pounder. "His fearlessness about going against anybody will help us."
Johnson, who said Williams' "basketball IQ is pretty high," added that he believes there still will be enough minutes for forwards Williams, Kevin Love and Michael Beasley next season.
"I think they can slide him in and figure it out; that's what (coaches) are there for," he said. "He's shown me a lot of versatility."
Hopefully Wes is learning some of that fearlessness from Derrick, he needs it. I'm excited to see what Williams can do this winter and its nice that at least some of the players are forming close bonds already.
Klay Thompson, son of former Gopher Mychal Thompson, would have chosen Minnesota rather than Washington State. Klay, a 6-7 shooting guard, was chosen No. 11 overall by the Golden State Warriors in Thursday's NBA draft.
I had liked Thompson better than Burks or Brooks. He would've fit nicely as the 2nd SG behind Johnson and could've slid in as the starter if we decided to move Wes to SF full-time.
Before heading home to Barcelona on Monday, new Timberwolf Ricky Rubio was to attend this evening's Minnesota Lynx game against Indiana at Target Center. The Wolves, by the way, say they began acquiring players to fit a Rubio-run offense two years ago.
Pretty much known that we had started prepping for Rubio's arrival the minute we drafted him. Looks the visit went well though as a whole.
http://www.fannation.com/truth_and_rumors/view/292531-t-wolves-tried-to-lure-coach-k?eref=sihp&sct=hp_bf2_a10
Looks like Kahn also tried to get Coach K from Duke. That woulda been a coup, however unlikely. Calipari might be an easier get. How about Brad Stevens?
