Minnesota Timberwolves star Al Jefferson said recently that he is “90 percent” healthy after having knee surgery for a torn ACL. “I know for a fact that I will be ready for training camp,” Jefferson said. “I will be 100 percent, nonstop, I’ll go two-a-days.” This is certainly great news for T’Wolves fans, as their star and building block is the key to future success. Going into his fifth season, Jefferson has truly blossomed, and prior to his knee injury, he was putting up 23/11.

The Timberwolves are also still trying to complete Ricky Rubio’s buyout, and Rubio apparently has as much as $600,000 in endorsements lined up if he should play for the T’Wolves next year. According to Charley Walters of the Pioneer Press, Rubio’s buyout is “expected to be negotiated down” to about $3.3 million, which he could pay over several years. While there is some hope that we’ll see Rubio in a T’Wolves jersey next season, things are at a stand still right now, and the European team seems to be holding all the cards.

The Timberwolves and new head coach Kurt Rambis agreed on a four year contract worth  $8 million. Rambis has tons of NBA experience, but this is first NBA head coaching job. He gets to give McHale the clothesline this time, as he is replacing the longtime Minnesota face of the franchise. Rambis was somewhat a surprise hiring, as most felt he would be a given to replace Phil Jackson as the Lakers’ head man once Jackson called it quits.

Rambis will lead a solid core of young players in his inaugural season. Even without Rubio guaranteed to be on board, he has Jefferson as the centerpiece, with 6th overall pick Jonny Flynn manning the point. Corey Brewer will split time at the 2 and the 3, with Ryan Gomes getting the lion’s share at the small forward spot. Following a breakout rookie season, Kevin Love is a lock at the starting power forward spot. Love was a top ten rebounder in the league last season, and has been working on conditioning and his range this season, opening the door for an improvement on his 11 points per game freshmen year. The T’Wolves are loaded with talented youth, but may be a player or two away from being true contenders in the west.

Share on Facebook