Timberwolves – Page 43 – David Shama's Minnesota Sports Headliners

Glen Taylor Should Rethink Wolves Sale

Posted on May 12, 2021May 12, 2021 by David Shama

I called Glen Taylor Monday but haven’t heard back from the Minnesota Timberwolves and Minnesota Lynx owner. If I talk to him soon I will tell him not to sell his teams. Full disclosure here: I consider him a friend.

In early April came news Taylor was negotiating a sale to billionaire entrepreneur Marc Lore and baseball legend turned businessman Alex Rodriguez. Part of the story was a 30-day negotiating period would ensue to finalize details. The exact start date of the period isn’t known but it probably ends soon, if it hasn’t already expired. The best guess is the deal is still alive with NBA authorities meticulously looking at the potential new owners.

I hope the deal falls through because my opinion is that will benefit both the public and Taylor. It’s best that the NBA Timberwolves and WNBA Lynx have local ownership. Plus, Taylor might be positioned to have the pleasure of watching an exciting young Wolves team on the rise. He has experienced great success with the Lynx and that team continues to be an important part of the Minnesota sports menu.

The Mankato-based Taylor saved the Wolves franchise for Minnesota more than 25 years ago after the original owners more than flirted with relocation. Taylor is a lifelong Minnesotan who knows the importance of his franchises to the state’s culture and well being. Sorry, Lore and Rodriguez are outsiders whose long-term loyalties aren’t known.

Taylor has assured that Lore and Rodriguez won’t move the Wolves to another city. Is language saying the franchise can’t be relocated ironclad? In the world of litigation, is there such thing? If new owners eventually make a case that financially the franchise is unsustainable in this market, a judge might rule the team can be relocated—despite language to the contrary.

Taylor celebrated his 80th birthday last month. It’s understandable he would want to sell his teams. Without success his representatives have pursued local buyers for the teams, but with more time that could change. Future Minnesota ownership minimizes the likelihood of whispers or nightmares about the Wolves and Lynx relocating.

The improved on-court performance of late by the Wolves creates the possibility of a more attractive sales price in the near future. Lore and Rodriguez are rumored to be willing to pay $1.5 billion for the franchises. The Wolves were all but unwatchable earlier this season, losing most of their games and experiencing seven and nine-game losing streaks. With player disinterest in defense and a “me-first” approach on offense, the Wolves were an embarrassment.

From December 27 through March 3 Minnesota won a total of five games.

But the Wolves, with a 22-47 record this season, are 8-5 in their last 13 games and worth watching. There is developing talent on the roster, even star power in center Karl-Anthony Towns and rookie guard Anthony Edwards. This team has the look of a group coming together and teases followers that a failed franchise on the court for much of its existence could become a consistent playoff team within a year or two.

If that happens, ticket sales, merchandising, sponsorship and other revenue streams jump. This is a basketball market that neither the Timberwolves nor University of Minnesota have come close to pushing toward its potential in fan following and money making. Better days on the court for the Wolves will mean more cash flow for the owner and higher appreciation of the franchise value.

Taylor has witnessed so much miserable basketball with the Timberwolves, he deserves a run of at least a few seasons in the playoffs. He might have in place the best general manager and coach that have ever worked for him. The conclusive results aren’t in yet on Gersson Rosas and Chris Finch but there’s reason for optimism.

Rosas was hired two years ago and since then has acquired much more personnel that rates a thumbs up, not a scowl. Edwards, Malik Beasley, Jaden McDaniels, Naz Reid, D’Angelo Russell and Jarred Vanderbilt are young talents who are here because of Rosas. Veteran Ricky Rubio is another Rosas acquisition that has benefitted Minnesota.

Rosas fired coach Ryan Saunders earlier in the season and hired Finch who had worked as an assistant for Nick Nurse, Toronto’s talented head coach. Taking over during the season, without an offseason and training camp, is less than ideal but Finch has impressed. He has stepped into a losing culture, working for the first time with a core of young players and at least a couple of challenging egos, and shown them the X’s and O’s, built confidence and developed a willingness (at least sometimes) to play for each other.

At 51 and as a basketball lifer, Finch just might be the right combination of experience, smarts and disposition to get the most out of his roster for years to come. Certainly he is motivated to prove himself after many career stops and now having his first NBA head coaching job.

For me the NBA in Minneapolis is personal. I was on the Governor’s NBA Task Force in the 1980s that created interest in bringing a team to town. At that time I was also a promoter of successful NBA exhibition games at Met Center including with the Chicago Bulls and Michael Jordan. Those games encouraged Minneapolis businessmen Marv Wolfenson and Harvey Ratner to buy an NBA expansion team, paying $32.5 million to create the Timberwolves.

The NBA deserted the city after the 1959-1960 season when the Minneapolis Lakers relocated to Los Angeles. The Lakers won five world championships here. In three decades the Wolves have never played for an NBA championship and have missed the playoffs way more times than they qualified.

Maybe starting next year Minnesota can start a five-year run of postseason trips. NBA playoff basketball is appointment viewing—compelling entertainment on the court, with emotions pouring out from every corner of the arena. Glen, you deserve to see that as the Timberwolves owner. Put the sale off for awhile.

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Odds So-So on Vikings Home Run Pick

Posted on April 28, 2021April 28, 2021 by David Shama

What is the likelihood the Minnesota Vikings will make a home run pick in the seven round NFL Draft that begins Thursday and ends Saturday? Can general manager Rick Spielman find another Justin Jefferson (class of 2020) or Dalvin Cook (2017)?

In the last five drafts Jefferson and Cook have turned out to be the only high impact players from those years. That’s 40 percent on franchise-turning selections and shows it’s challenging being a draft specialist like Spielman.

There’s no guarantee of drafting an elite player in the first round. Laquon Treadwell, the 2016 first rounder, was a bust. Mike Hughes, from 2018, has struggled to get on the field, and while 2019 first rounder Garrett Bradbury has been a two-year starter he hardly draws raves.

Dalvin Cook (photo courtesy of Minnesota Vikings)

Jefferson went late in the first round and made Spielman look like prophetic after having one of the best rookie seasons ever for an NFL wide receiver. Cook wasn’t selected until the second round but his production at running back is worthy of all-pro recognition and he carries the offense.

With draft results dicey despite all the expertise and man hours devoted to the process, it’s no wonder Spielman hoards draft choices hoping to find a gem. “I treasure those and I try to collect as many as I can,” Spielman said after the Vikings drafted an NFL record 15 players in 2020.

Spielman has extra picks going into Thursday’s draft but is without a second rounder. With that hole and his reputation for making trades, it’s likely the Vikings will fill their void. Having 11 picks also allows Spielman to draft players who otherwise he would have to pursue as college free agents.

Spielman predicted at his news conference yesterday if the Vikings stay at No. 14 in the first round they will acquire a “very good football player.” Much of the speculation is he will take an offensive tackle at No. 14 but Spielman gave no hints about what he will do and indicated the Vikings will choose the proverbial best player available. “There is no position off limits in this draft,” he said.

The Vikings’ evaluators spend a lot of time anticipating where players will fall in the draft with 600 prospects currently on their board. Spielman said 100 of those prospects play the same position but, of course, didn’t offer further information.

Worth Noting

Condolences to my friend Denny Schulstad following the recent death of his wife Pam. The Schulstads shared many interests including their passion for Golden Gophers football.

The improving Minnesota Timberwolves, with a 19-44 season record, have won three consecutive games after defeating the Houston Rockets last night. Minnesota’s reserves out-scored Houston’s 54-23 in the 114-107 win. The 54 points total made the Wolves second in the NBA in bench scoring at 40.8 per game.

Minnesota Twins radio play-by-play voice Cory Provus had a candid interview about MLB’s slow pace of play with Twins manager Rocco Baldelli last Sunday, prior to the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Provus referenced a startling stat—last season fans waited an average of four minutes during games to see the baseball put in play (see Tom Verducci’s SI.com March 17 article). In the noon to 12:30 p.m. interview Baldelli acknowledged the concerns about lengthy games and said he is interested to see how experimental changes in the minor leagues will work.

Baldelli misses the friendship and wisdom of Mike Bell, the superb Twins bench coach who died of kidney cancer earlier this year. Bell, 46, had extensive experience in various baseball roles including player development.

Look for Twins Kyle Garlick, Max Kepler and Miguel Sano to return soon. Sano has a hamstring strain, Garlick and Kepler are on COVID IL.

Kenta Maeda, who was the losing pitcher for the Twins last night against the Cleveland Indians, now has a surprising 6.56 ERA (career 3.84). Cold weather this spring has apparently been a challenge for Maeda who joined the Twins in 2020 when the pandemic impacted season didn’t begin until July—and before that pitched in Los Angeles for the Dodgers. Lower temps can make it more difficult to grip the baseball.

Ticket King owner Mike Nowakowski said tickets for the much anticipated Gophers-Buckeyes football game at TCF Bank Stadium Thursday, September 2 start at $100 and he has sold more than 300 tickets. “Every Gopher fan has circled that game on his calendar, much more than the Badgers or Nebraska,” he said.

The Vikings’ 2021 home schedule is loaded with box office draws including a rare Minneapolis visit by the Pittsburgh Steelers from the AFC. The Steelers have fan following in Minnesota and next fall could be the last season for 39-year-old quarterback hero Ben Roethlisberger. “We’ll get nailed (ticket demand) on that one,” Nowakowski said.

Goal Line Club members on Friday will watch a Zoom preview of Saturday’s Gopher spring game from Ryan Burns and Luke Buer of Gopher Gridiron Podcast. Attendance for the game at TCF Bank Stadium is capped at 10,000.

It’s farewell week for WCCO Radio’s Dave Lee who is leaving the station after 30 years to retire. Lee has spent 29 of those years hosting his popular morning show, rising early in the morning to be at the station by 3:45 a.m. Asked about retirement plans, Lee quipped, “Use the summer to sleep past three in the morning.”

Lee was the radio play-by-play voice of Gophers football for 10 years and basketball for five. He had to give up basketball sooner than he wanted because his absence from the morning show impacted listening audience and potential advertising revenues. Lee told Sports Headliners he will continue play-by-play TV for the state football and basketball tournaments, and is considering other freelance opportunities.

Lee, 67, has been named Minnesota Sportscaster of the Year six times. A North Dakota native, he has been working at some job since he was 12. “I’ve never not worked,” Lee said as he thought what retirement might be like.

Brian Cosgriff, Paige Buecker’s high school coach at Hopkins, said the University of Connecticut freshman who won multiple national player of the year awards, is lifting weights to add strength to her 5-foot-11 frame. “I know if anybody is going to train hard, it’s Paige Bueckers,” Cosgriff told Sports Headliners.

The Huskies lost to Arizona in a Final Four semifinal game earlier this month. Next year’s NCAA Tournament Final Four is in Minneapolis. “I know her goal is nothing short of a national championship,” Cosgriff said.

CORES spokesman Jim Dotseth said the organization is hopeful about resuming its lunch programs in September. Featuring local sports speakers, CORES has yet to meet this year because of the pandemic. CORES is an acronym for coaches, officials, reporters, educators and sports fans.

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Vikings to Pick O-Lineman, But Wait

Posted on April 26, 2021April 26, 2021 by David Shama

Mock NFL Drafts have the Minnesota Vikings choosing an offensive lineman with their No. 14 first round selection Thursday night. “I would go offensive lineman, there is no doubt about that,” agreed former Viking Bob Lurtsema.

Lurtsema, who still follows the team with passion, was asked about taking the best player regardless of position. “I’d go best offensive lineman (available),” he answered.

That could be Virginia Tech’s Christian Darrisaw who has excelled at the offensive line position the Vikings need the most help at, left tackle. Quarterback Kirk Cousins, with limited mobility, needs a stud left tackle to protect his blind side and Darrisaw’s athleticism is impressive.

No guarantee, though, Darrisaw will be available when the Vikings make their first round pick. It’s a possibility he will, with as many as five quarterbacks expected to eat up draft slots early in the draft. Oregon’s Penei Sewell is the most coveted offensive lineman in the draft and almost certain not to be available to the Vikings unless Minnesota moves up the draft board with a trade.

Northwestern’s Rashawn Slater and USC’s Alijah Vera-Tucker could both be available to Minnesota. Both have shorter arms than ideal, with Slater’s arm extension measured at 33 inches and Vera-Tucker’s 32⅛, per NFL.com. Lurtsema said his long arms were a key in his playing 12 years on the defensive line in the NFL. Extra extension is important for offensive and defensive linemen, with the man in control able to move a foe like the guy is on roller skates. “You’ve got total control,” Lurtsema said.

Darrisaw’s arm length is 34¼ inches, but neither he, Slater or Vera-Tucker may be Minnesota’s preferred selection in the first round. Vikings’ needs include an edge rusher to pair with Danielle Hunter, or even replace the talented defensive end if Minnesota can’t meet future contract expectations. Although the Vikings have given extra attention to adding defensive personnel in the offseason, they still might pass on an offensive lineman to take Michigan edge rusher Kwity Paye.

Paye has the kind of athleticism and explosive style that excites both fans and scouts. He has also been praised for his work ethic and leadership. Although his football playing experience is limited and fundamentals need to improve, he might be too much for defensive-minded Vikings coach Mike Zimmer to pass up.

Worth Noting

Gophers Rashod Bateman and Benjamin St-Juste could go in the first and third rounds respectively. Wide receiver Bateman impresses with his route running, while St-Juste has the long arms not common for cornerbacks.

Sports Illustrated notes that Jay Berwanger from the University of Chicago was the first player selected in the inaugural NFL Draft 85 years ago but never played in the league because he wanted to try out for the Olympic Decathlon team and he “could make more money as a foam rubber salesman.”

Jeff Diamond, the former Vikings GM, offers his NFL expertise on TalkNorth.com podcasts. Diamond, who started with the Vikings as an intern, also was president of the Tennessee Titans.

An NHL authority, speaking anonymously, said Minnesota Wild rookie scoring sensation Kirill Kaprizov has “(Wayne) Gretzky traits behind the net.” Kaprizov excels there in setting up goals and points, just like the “The Great One,” the source said. He’s not suggesting Kaprizov is another Gretzky but he is impressed how the young Russian has transitioned to success on the ice in the NHL.

Kaprizov has fit in with the team’s culture, too. His affable manner makes him a comfortable teammate to be around. Another player with his talent could be a prima donna but Kaprizov, who turns 24 today, is the opposite.

The Minnesota Timberwolves, with a season record of 17-44, are 5-6 since enigmatic guard D’Angelo Russell returned to the team from injury April 5. With a new hair-do and improved play, the talented Russell is averaging 19.4 points, 4.7 assists and 2.3 rebounds since his return.

Russell scored 23 points in Minnesota’s win over the Utah Jazz in Salt Lake City Saturday night. The Wolves are 2-0 against the Jazz this season, even though Utah has the best record in the NBA at 44-16. Wagering money will be on a Jazz win tonight (Monday) when the teams meet in Minneapolis.

FanSided’s “way-too-early” Big Ten basketball power rankings for next season have coach Ben Johnson’s Gophers No. 12, ahead of Northwestern and Nebraska.

Admirers of legendary coach John Anderson (40 years into leading the Golden Gophers baseball program) are hoping he and athletic director Mark Coyle will soon announce details about a new multiyear contract. The all-time winningest baseball coach in Big Ten history and a high character leader, Anderson is in the last year of his contract.

That was 82-year-old former Minnesota Twin Tony Oliva, a .304 lifetime hitter, taking his golf clubs to a suburban Minneapolis driving range last week.

The Twins, in their 60th season based in Minnesota, had an exasperating loss for the ages last Wednesday against the Athletics in Oakland. The A’s scored an improbable 13-12 walk-off win in the 10th inning without a base hit. A pair of two-out walks and a mishandled game-ending ground ball by Minnesota second baseman Travis Blankenhorn loaded the bases before a throwing error by third baseman Luis Arraez allowed the winning run to score. A Sports Headliners reader and Twins fan described the mess as a “top 10 loss” in franchise history.

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