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I don’t really care what this thread turns into (ideally not discussing prospects when we have enough of those threads). I just wanted a place where fans can make inquiries, trades, or discuss free agents.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?page=FreeAgents-11-12
Here’s a list of notable unrestricted free agents. S&T anyone?

Caron Butler
Tyson Chandler
Jason Richardson
Samuel Dalembert
Andrei Kirilenko

1). Offseason starts now by firing Rambis and having Laimbeer be an interm coach.

2). Spend a great deal of time and money on researching and wooing a good coach.

3). Worry about the rest.

Chandler is the only one on that list I'd want.

And yes, a new coach and front office would be great. Of course, a new owner might be the best.

Already?

Esohny wrote:And yes, a new coach and front office would be great. Of course, a new owner might be the best.

As long as the Timberwolves are owned by Glen Taylor, we don't have to worry about the team being moved. I don't want to become the next LA Lakers, Dallas Stars, Anaheim Royals, etc.

I like Chandler and Kirilenko. Will we get one or both of those? No.

Klomp wrote:Already?

Esohny wrote:And yes, a new coach and front office would be great. Of course, a new owner might be the best.

As long as the Timberwolves are owned by Glen Taylor, we don't have to worry about the team being moved. I don't want to become the next LA Lakers, Dallas Stars, Anaheim Royals, etc.

Seriously. I feel very fortunate that we have the owner that we do. We've had a lot of bad luck mixed with some bad decision making. However, I think more of the blame simply falls on bad luck. We're one of the few teams in the West that hasn't been able to land a star in the draft post KG, but for the most part all the "franchise caliber" stars -- the only ones to really care about -- have been drafted before us. I mean yes, it sucks to miss out on Noah, Curry, etc. but without a Derrick Rose players like Noah and Curry, etc. are only going to help put you in late lottery - first round exit hell.

And technically, I'm not sure KG was franchise caliber at the time.

Mayo please. Or even Oden!

I was at a meeting with Wolves brass last night and Kahn said they'll be hiring a defensive coordinator next season. I'm not sure what that means for those of you that want Rambis gone. I'm guessing it means he's staying.

PeeDee wrote:I was at a meeting with Wolves brass last night and Kahn said they'll be hiring a defensive coordinator next season. I'm not sure what that means for those of you that want Rambis gone. I'm guessing it means he's staying.

Klomp wrote:And technically, I'm not sure KG was franchise caliber at the time.

He was

Foye wrote:

PeeDee wrote:I was at a meeting with Wolves brass last night and Kahn said they'll be hiring a defensive coordinator next season. I'm not sure what that means for those of you that want Rambis gone. I'm guessing it means he's staying.

As much as I think Rambis sucks, we might as well keep him next year. If we suck again next year, Kahn will be out and we'll have a new GM who will want to pick his own coach.

Worm Guts wrote:

Foye wrote:

PeeDee wrote:I was at a meeting with Wolves brass last night and Kahn said they'll be hiring a defensive coordinator next season. I'm not sure what that means for those of you that want Rambis gone. I'm guessing it means he's staying.

As much as I think Rambis sucks, we might as well keep him next year. If we suck again next year, Kahn will be out and we'll have a new GM who will want to pick his own coach.

So you're all for keeping Rambis another year even if his rotations/defensive,offensive schemes slow down player development just because you think Kahn might get fired?

All for keeping Rambis isn't the way I would put it, but I think there's a legitimate chance we'll be changing coaches after next season regardless so changing coaches this summer isn't a big deal.

I think changing coaches can only set us back at this point. These guys don't need a new voice. Some of them need new brains. Others need time to learn the game.

My thoughts, based on what I have been told. Granted, they can't come out and say these will absolutely happen, but I think they have given enough hints.

- Rambis will remain, but he is on notice.
- We will get a new defensive coordinator. This is a main priority.
- Vets, Vets, Vets. The youth movement is going to be anchored with experience. Assets will obviously be moved to get them, so don't expect a bunch of fresh out of college faces. With that said, don't expect an overhaul consisting of a bunch of vets.

This potential lockout really puts a lot of things up in the air, but I think these happen, regardless.

I will also say I have never experienced another company with a product or service who have gone to such great measures to get me to "buy" their product (renew my season tickets), than the Wolves. There is literally nothing more they can do, except improve the product. I can't say enough good things about the Timberwolves staff themselves.

Edit: I forgot to add, a 4/5 player will likely be added, as well as firming up the PG spot, which they seem fairly confident that it will be Rubio, despite acknowledging an adjustment period like Pek has needed.

My guess is that a guy like Dalembert will be sought after, but possibly (maybe) Tyson Chandler?

PeeDee wrote:I was at a meeting with Wolves brass last night and Kahn said they'll be hiring a defensive coordinator next season. I'm not sure what that means for those of you that want Rambis gone. I'm guessing it means he's staying.

This is actually pretty funny considering that Rambis was the defensive coordinator for the Lakers.

Edit:

Krapinsky wrote:I think changing coaches can only set us back at this point.

Is that even possible at this point? We only won 15 games under Rambis last year, and there's a very good chance we'll be under 20 again this year.

I think the Wolves are in a tough spot. They have to get Rubio to come over and they have to a find a vet who isn't worthless to come over in free agency... I think Rubio will come over because he had a tough year at Barca, his buyout is low, and I don't think rookie salaries are going up in the next CBA. It would be great if the Wolves could pick up a high quality free agent or make a trade, but we won't really know what the market looks like until after the new CBA...I can possibly see a team be more motivated to move a quality player in a trade due to a new cap number, in which case the Wolves will be in pretty good shape to capitalize.

I think I'd like to see Rambis fired...but I won't mutiny if he's given another year. I've noticed some minor improvements in the players throughout the year, for example, Beas doesn't do his iso-stare off into space thing nearly as much as he used to and he passes the ball more now...of course, he often passes it to the other team, but I imagine Beas isn't used to passing at all so he gets a pass on success for now. Who knows...Rambis could be giving them pearls and the team just isn't responding because they can't recreate the situations that they practice in the game. Still, small improvements are not enough to overcome how crappy the Wolves have played, overall, since the all-star break, unless Rambis has been given his tanking orders. The Wolves really were competitive for quite a few games in the beginning-middle of the season, so I guess I could see the Wolves doing extensive 'player evaluations' right now and resting guys like Love and having Wes take the night off and what not. But if Rambis hasn't been giving tanking orders, he really should be fired because the players obviously have given up on the season and that's not really good for a team to do.

Worm Guts wrote:

Klomp wrote:And technically, I'm not sure KG was franchise caliber at the time.

He was

He had the potential. it was all about the gamble. He was either elite talent or HS hype into average. He wasn't like the consensus all-star franchise player like LeBron, Durant, or Rose. Had he been, we would've ended up with Rasheed Wallace or Jerry Stackhouse.

PeeDee wrote:I was at a meeting with Wolves brass last night and Kahn said they'll be hiring a defensive coordinator next season. I'm not sure what that means for those of you that want Rambis gone. I'm guessing it means he's staying.

That settles it. Trade Flynn and the rights to Rubio and draft Jimmer. Defense can be taught, scoring like that cannot.