Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor is about “90 percent” certain that a year from now his team will have Spanish point guard Ricky Rubio in training camp and preparing for his first ever NBA season. In a telephone interview with Sports Headliners, Taylor also said he isn’t interested in purchasing the Vikings if the local NFL franchise becomes available.
Several years ago Taylor was interested in owning the Vikings and was asked about a scenario where the Wilf family, discouraged by lack of progress in approving a new stadium, might put the team up for sale. “No, this wouldn’t be a time for me to do this,” Taylor said. “At my age I’ve got enough to do.”
Taylor, 69, is still involved with his business empire and owning the Timberwolves. He and wife Becky are in Europe where the Wolves have exhibition games against the Lakers and Knicks.
While in Europe Taylor hopes to meet with Rubio’s parents. Rubio was drafted with the No. 5 pick in the 2009 NBA draft but so far has remained in Europe where he has continued to impress teammates, rivals and other observers with his playmaking skills even though he is not yet 20 years old.
Taylor said Rubio has told Timberwolves basketball president David Kahn he plans to play here next season. “Yes, I am very confident we will have him,” Taylor said. “I would say in my mind it’s like 90 percent.”
Following their stay in Europe, Taylor and Becky will go to South Africa and help with the distribution of hearing aids for about 5,000 youngsters. He’s made a $100,000 donation to the Starkey Hearing Foundation to help those kids. This is the sixth year that Taylor has been involved with such a project.