At Target Center, it’s the second day of the Timberwolves’ pre-draft workout, which means there’s plenty on Flip Saunders’ plate, the new president of basketball operations.
On one hand, he’s taking a look at players who might be “on the fringe” of being drafted next month. Players like Rodney Williams, who played for the University of Minnesota for four years.
“It’s been pretty tough, trying to live up to the expectations, especially after being in the talk of being a lottery pick after freshman year,” Williams said. “I’ve got to keep working hard so I can go out there and fulfill my dream.”
Today Saunders called Williams a great athlete, but wasn’t sure he’ll cut it in the NBA.
“It’s a different story when you have to play against people,” Saunders told Fox Sports North. “That’s usually how we play games, against people.”
Saunders also told reporters that he fully expects that Nikola Pekovic and Andrei Kirilenko will be back next season. Pekovic is a restricted free agent. Kirilenko also has a player option on his contract, and can opt out in late June.
“We feel (Pekovic is) a valuable part of where we’re going, and we’ll do what we have to do to try to bring him back,” Saunders said. “I think Kirilenko’s the same way. Until he exercises his option, we feel he’s a guy that’s going to come back.”
