Timberwolves – Page 42 – David Shama's Minnesota Sports Headliners

Vikings Need Veteran Backup QB

Posted on August 24, 2021August 24, 2021 by David Shama

After several weeks of training camp and two preseason games it looks like the Minnesota Vikings need a backup quarterback with NFL experience to be No. 2 on the depth chart behind starter Kirk Cousins. A former NFL executive, speaking anonymously, told Sports Headliners it’s “really important” to try and make such a move.

The backups on the roster currently have no experience in NFL regular season games. As things stand now, it appears if Cousins were injured this fall and unable to play his team could falter badly on offense.

Rookie Kellen Mond has played more in preseason games than any other Vikings quarterback and looks unprepared to step in for Cousins if the need arrives as soon as next month. Jake Browning has played about one quarter and been less impressive than Mond. Nate Stanley, the third of the young and inexperienced quarterbacks, has yet to play this month.

Mond’s statistics include completing 12 of 28 pass attempts (42.9 percent) for 114 yards and no touchdowns. He has been off target with throws and looked indecisive in the pocket. Although a gifted runner at 6-3, 211, he seems reluctant to scramble and gain yards from broken plays. He was a spread formation quarterback at Texas A&M and now must adapt to taking snaps under center. He is also learning the complex offense, and his overall learning curve was set back awhile ago when quarantined because of testing positive for COVID-19.

The 22-year-old Mond has been criticized by head coach Mike Zimmer for being too nonchalant on the field. “He’s going to have to move faster with everything he does,” Zimmer told the KFAN FM 100.3 radio audience following the first preseason game. Later it was reported Mond was sensitive to the criticism.

Mond may some day become an NFL-ready first string option but for now he is a 3rd round draft choice looking at a steep learning curve. In addition, with Cousins unvaccinated, the threat of COVID sidelining Cousins puts the Vikings in even more potential peril.

Zimmer was asked about bringing in a veteran quarterback after Saturday night’s loss to the Indianapolis Colts. “We’ll talk about it this week,” he said. “You know, with the monetary situation we have to be careful of that as well.”

Zimmer is referring to the team’s salary cap. The source referenced above said after the Vikings settle on their 53-man roster and other personnel obligations they will have “$3 to 4 million” in salary cap room to spend on a veteran quarterback if they wish. Possibilities might include Nick Foles of the Chicago Bears, Brian Hoyer with the New England Patriots and Josh Rosen who was cut earlier this month by the San Francisco 49ers and has passed through waivers (although reports have the Atlanta Falcons signing him).

NFL teams must be down to 53-man rosters by August 31, including active and inactive players. The league trade deadline is November 2.

Judging by the play of their backup quarterbacks this month and Zimmer’s quote last Saturday, the Vikings will be shopping this week and likely beyond, watching the quarterback market with an acquisition possibly coming via trade. The ex-NFL executive, though, believes the Vikings could decide to stick with Mond, counting on major improvement in a short period and gambling Cousins, who has been a durable quarterback during his career, stays healthy.

Worth Noting

Everson Griffen, the veteran defensive lineman signed recently by the Vikings, likely is playing for the league minimum of $1 million, plus incentives, per the source.

The 0-2 Vikings try for a victory Friday night in Kansas City against the Chiefs and a loss means the first winless preseason for Minnesota since 1979.

Contrary to speculation, Vikings executive Lester Bagley won’t be heading up the Wilf family’s Orlando soccer franchise. Bagley has been assisting with the Orlando operation including the search for a CEO but he will remain with the Vikings.

It will be a surprise if impressive rookie Ihmir Smith-Marsette, a fifth round draft choice from Iowa, doesn’t win the assignment of returning kickoffs for the Vikings, and perhaps punts, too. He has a 26.3 average on three kickoff returns and has returned one punt for 17 yards. His place on the roster also provides depth at wide receiver.

At 21 years old Smith-Marsette is the youngest player on the roster. Punter Britton Colquitt is the oldest at 36.

University of Minnesota football coach P.J. Fleck said yesterday injured WR Chris Autman-Bell is day-to-day and that he’s “excited about his progress.” Talking about the quarterback group, Fleck said No. 2 Zack Annexstad has been too self-critical but is improving in that area.

Coach John Anderson, who this year finished his 40th season leading the historic University of Minnesota baseball program, is the latest “Behind the Game” guest of co-hosts Patrick Klinger and Bill Robertson. The program is available for viewing on the “Behind the Game” YouTube Channel and via cable access throughout the state.

The charm and competitiveness of the State Town Ball baseball tournament that started earlier this month continues through the next two weekends. Fans will see a variety of skill levels and players including former professionals. Total attendance goal is 25,000, per Dale Welter.

The Minnesota Twins, in New York last week to play the Yankees, didn’t have to face Luis Gill, their former minor league pitcher. The 23-year-old right-hander made his MLB debut earlier this month and has yet to give up an earned run in 15.2 innings. Gill, who has 18 strikeouts, was traded to the Yankees in March of 2018 for outfielder Jake Cave.

Jerry Kill, the former Gopher football coach who remains popular and friends with so many Minnesotans, is 60 today. Kill is starting his second season as an assistant in charge of the offense at TCU.

The Big Ten football season begins Saturday with Nebraska at Illinois. FOX will televise with kickoff expected shortly after noon Minneapolis time.

Hockey authority Michael Russo tweeted yesterday that CSKA Moscow says Kirill Kaprizov won’t be playing for the team next season, indicating the gifted forward will settle on a contract with the Minnesota Wild.

The local section of the United States Tennis Association is hosting a US Open viewing party from 5 to 11 p.m. August 30 at the Vikings’ TCO Stadium. Fans will need free tickets to watch on the stadium Jumbotron. Contact the USTA Northern Section for more information.

Scott Davis, from Yahoo.com, points out the NBA New York Knicks “have not re-signed their past 18 first-round picks to a second, multi-year contract.” In his first season with the Knicks, former Minnesota Timberwolves boss Tom Thibodeau was named NBA Coach of the Year for 2020-21.

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Historic July for Local Pro Franchises

Posted on July 11, 2021July 11, 2021 by David Shama

Welcome to a Sunday notes column:

Because of the pandemic and disruption of schedules, MLB, the NHL and NBA hold player drafts this month. It’s unprecedented for fans of the Twins, Wild and Timberwolves to be following all three drafts in July.

The 2021 MLB First-Year Player Draft starts today in Denver and continues through Tuesday. The Twins have the No. 26 selection in the first round and may take a college pitcher. This is the first time the MLB Draft has been part of events built around the All-Star Game (Tuesday night).

The Twins, with a 38-50 record, may earn a .500 record by season’s end. Regardless, they won’t finish with MLB’s worst record in 2021 and thereby qualify for the first pick in the 2022 draft. Twins draftniks have joked about a “tank for Elijah” campaign, referring to super prospect outfielder Elijah Green who is a favorite to go No. 1 in 2022.

The NHL Draft will be July 23-24 at the NHL Network Studio in Secaucus, New Jersey. The Wild draft position is late in the first round but Minnesota does have two picks at No. 21 and 25. The organization needs scoring and playmaking including at center, with that priority likely addressed on July 23.

The Wild will also target the center position in the offseason by looking for a veteran center. Buffalo Sabre Jack Eichel could be on the shopping list.

The NBA Draft will be July 29 in New York and the Timberwolves don’t have a selection in either of the league’s two rounds. Put the odds, though, at 50-50 this will change between now and July 29, with basketball boss Gersson Rosas making a trade with another club for a choice or two in the draft.

The Golden State Warriors have the Wolves first round pick because of the 2020 trade that sent Andrew Wiggins to California and brought D’Angelo Russell to Minneapolis. Wiggins exceeded expectations for the Warriors last season, while an injured Russell missed 26 games because of knee surgery. The defensive limitations of Russell, the performance of Wiggins at both ends of the court in 2021, and having the Wolves’ No. 7 first round draft spot, prompted this opinion last month from NBCsports.com about Golden State executive Bob Myers:

“Myers robbed Gersson Rosas blind and simply left Russell in his office with a thank you card attached.”

Former Gophers star Max Meyer, now in the Miami Marlins organization, is scheduled to pitch in today’s Futures All-Star game in Denver. Meyer is among minor league baseball’s most promising prospects. Josh Winder, a right-hander like Meyer, will represent the Twins via the St. Paul Saints. Winder is 4-0 with a 2.17 ERA in two minor league stops this year.

Before the trade deadline it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Twins move shortstop Andrelton Simmons to the Cincinnati Reds for prospects. The Reds are trying to win the NL Central and have a need at short. The Twins could call up MLB veteran JT Riddle from the St. Paul Saints and finish the season with him. Top prospect Royce Lewis is likely to be Minnesota’s long-term answer at shortstop.

The Twins rotate analysts on TV telecasts but no one compares with 82-year-old Jim Kaat who in recent weeks has been working the booth with play-by-play man Dick Bremer. Listening to Kaat’s insights and storytelling can be better than the game. Within moments his infallible baseball mind might be recalling the first game he ever saw (1946 Briggs Stadium, Tigers and Red Sox), and then advising Twins hitters to focus less on launch angles and more on “situational hitting.”

Word is now retired Mikko Koivu could become a coach with the Finnish national team, and an ambassador for the Minnesota Wild.

In members-only meetings (no guests) the Twin Cities Dunkers will hear from Gophers basketball coach Ben Johnson Tuesday and Gophers football coach P.J. Fleck August 3.

It’s been more than two months since Dave Lee signed off as host of WCCO Radio’s early morning show, with no replacement announced yet. Did a broadcaster from public radio turn down the job? The station should promote news reporter Adam Carter to fill the vacancy. The nephew of former Gophers football captain Jim Carter, Adam is smart, articulate, interesting and personable.

Baseball fan and Murray’s owner Tim Murray will visit Globe Life Field in early August to watch the Texas Rangers. The club’s new home is the only MLB stadium Murray hasn’t experienced.

Bill Robertson’s first day as president and commissioner of the United States Hockey League is Monday. He will headquarter in the same Bloomington office he used as commissioner of the men’s WCHA.

Former Viking Matt Birk will be master of ceremonies of the Taste Fore The Tour fundraiser at Interlachen Country Club July 19. The celebrity attended event and related activities raise funds for Volunteers Enlisted to Help People, the large Twin Cities food panty. A Taste Fore The Tour celebrity recipe collection booklet features 25 recipes, including from Birk, Lou Nanne, Mark Parrish and top local chefs. Each booklet costs $30 and is enough for VEAP to feed one person for a month. More at TasteForeTheTour.com, or HungerRelatedEvents.org.

The Minute Men Amateur Athletic Foundation 2021 scholarship was awarded to Henry Sibley scholar-athlete Brandon Morris.

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Vikes Likely to Revise Hunter Contract

Posted on June 2, 2021June 2, 2021 by David Shama

Danielle Hunter is the Minnesota Vikings’ defensive MVP. His value to the club is comparable to quarterback Kirk Cousins and running back Dalvin Cook.

But unlike Cousins and Cook, Hunter’s contract prompts concern about him remaining in Minnesota. The 26-year-old edge rusher is among the NFL’s best at what he does, but his contract doesn’t compare with peers at the position.

Could Hunter be a no-show at mandatory Viking practices this summer? Maybe, but it’s a smart bet the franchise does a redo on the $72 million contract that binds him to Minnesota through 2023. Head coach Mike Zimmer said today he hasn’t heard from Hunter who is absent from this week’s voluntary team activities.

Ownership, led by Zygi and Mark Wilf, have shown a commitment to win and spend money in support of facilities and players. They are passionate fans who want a Super Bowl team and have invested in U.S. Bank Stadium and Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center, while improving contracts of players like Cook and wide receiver Adam Thielen.

After missing last season with a neck injury, Hunter must show he is healthy and ready to resume peak performance. In 2018 and 2019 the former third round draft choice had consecutive seasons averaging 14.5 sacks. He established himself as a Pro Bowl quality pass rusher, with the promise of high production for many years.

Hunter’s edge rushing peers include seven players who have deals worth over $100 million. That’s per a July 20, 2020 SI.com story reporting on Joey Bosa’s $135 million new deal that came weeks after a $125 million contract for Myles Garrett. Hunter’s past performance exceeds players earning much more and he is more than a bargain—he’s a steal—with his current earnings.

NFL clubs are pushing their budgets on defensive ends because they can single handedly turn a game—or even a season—with a few crucial plays like sacking the quarterback or causing a fumble. In Hunter the Vikings have a talent who became the youngest player in NFL history to achieve 50 career sacks. He is also outstanding in defending the run.

The Wilfs aren’t likely to let a disgruntled Hunter force his way out of town. A revised and highly compensated new deal appears all but certain this year or next, unless an injury dictates otherwise.

Worth Noting

The current issue of Sports Illustrated offers a feature on Prince’s love of basketball including hosting a party after the 1994 NBA All-Star game in Minneapolis. At Paisley Park the flamboyant entertainer descended from the ceiling. “Something out of a movie,” Alonzo Mourning said in the article.

Target Center opened in 1990 and underwent extensive remodeling a few years ago but it doesn’t compare favorably with many of the “palaces” in the NBA. It could be potential new Minnesota Timberwolves owners will in a few years push for a new building, likely with the threat of relocating to another city.

In the late 1980s the Minnesota North Stars wanted about $11 million from the Minnesota Sports Facilities Commission to upgrade Met Center but it was a failed attempt. The franchise, under new ownership, relocated to Dallas in 1993. Long ago the Lakers left Minneapolis for Los Angeles because of lagging attendance and a facility issue.

Unruly fan behavior in the NBA has been making news of late. Anyone remember when what seemed like every Sunday in the 1960s someone threw a light bulb onto the floor at Boston Garden during national telecasts?

Gophers basketball coach Ben Johnson and staff remain in all-out recruiting mode to finalize next season’s roster that right now will struggle to compete in the Big Ten. Johnson is trying to shape a roster now and in future years with state of Minnesota players.

June and July are prime recruiting months for Gophers football coach P.J. Fleck and staff. Expect multiple verbal commits for the class of 2022 during the next several weeks. Minnesota’s class for next year, with five verbal commits, is currently ranked No. 35 nationally by 247Sports.

The Gophers’ subpar PAT and field goal kicking of last season will be much improved with the transfer of Kent State’s Matthew Trickett. As a sophomore in 2019 at Kent State he was first team All-MAC, and tied for the NCAA lead in field goals with 29. He had two game winning kicks. The Mid-American Conference cancelled its 2020 season due to the pandemic.

Congratulations to former Gopher defensive end Bob Stein who will be inducted into the National Football Foundation’s College Football Hall of Fame December 7 in Las Vegas. Stein made All-American in 1967 and was a key contributor to Minnesota’s last Big Ten championship team. The St. Louis Park native was also an Academic All-American. University of Minnesota alum Mark Sheffert and the late Pat Fallon, the Minneapolis advertising whiz, advocated for Stein’s overdue recognition by the NFF.

With two PGA vice presidents of rules and competition retiring, it will be interesting to see how that could positively impact former Gopher and Viking Mark Dusbabek. The Faribault native has been a PGA rules official since 2006.

The St. Thomas team that rallied to win three games over the Memorial Day weekend and earned its way to the Division III Baseball World Series, plays an opening game against Adrian starting at 1:15 p.m. Friday in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Minnesota United, whose regular season schedule started in April and continues into November, has a long break after playing last Saturday with the next match June 19.

The Twin Cities Dunkers, after months of Zoom meetings, resumes in-person breakfasts in July with likely upcoming programs to include Gophers football and the 3M Open.

No update yet on a new contract for Gophers baseball coach John Anderson (see Monday’s Sports Headliners).

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