It’ll be a battle for the ages on July 10 in Las Vegas.
The No. 1 pick in this month’s NBA draft (Karl Anthony-Towns?), going toe-to-toe with the No. 2 pick (Jahlil Okafor?) in their first game action on an NBA court.
Or, alternatively, an exhibition matchup between the worst and second-worst team in the league last season.
#Twolves open up summer league in Las Vegas on July 10 against the L.A. Lakers. Game will likely be the 1st meeting btwn #1 and #2 picks.
— Timberwolves PR (@Twolves_PR) June 16, 2015
However you frame it, the Timberwolves announced their Las Vegas Sumer League preliminary round schedule Tuesday.
They’ll open up against the Los Angeles Lakers (who own the second overall pick) July 10 at 7:30 p.m. – the “marquee” spot, according to the Star Tribune’s Jerry Zgoda.
Wolves and Lakers will play marquee game featuring draft's top 2 picks on Las Vegas Summer League's opening day, July 10
— Jerry Zgoda (@JerryZgoda) June 16, 2015
That one will be on NBA TV.
The next day, it’s against the Chicago Bulls at 5:30 p.m., followed by a contest with the Utah Jazz July 13 at 9:30 p.m.
After that, all 24 teams participating will be seeded in a tournament that starts July 15. Every team will get at least two more games from that point on, with an eventual summer league champion crowned on July 20.
Draft prep
Summer league is a chance for rookies and other young players to get some playing experience. For the Timberwolves, that will likely include whoever they draft No. 1 overall – which many people expect to be Kentucky big man Towns.
Zgoda says the team plans to bring Towns, Duke center Jahlil Okafor, Ohio State guard D’Angelo Russell, and Emmanuel Mudiay (who played last season in China) in for two days each.
They’re considered the top four prospects, though many have Towns the clear number one. And after a period of many reporters expecting Okafor to be the preference of head coach/President Flip Saunders, the Wolves appear enamored with Towns. Though nothing is set in stone at this point.
NBA mock draft: T-Wolves are undecided at top http://t.co/v10bFeZ3zy
— USA TODAY (@USATODAY) June 15, 2015
At 7 feet tall and 250 pounds, Towns is not only capable of scoring and defending in the post, but also stretching the floor with his ability to shoot 3-pointers.
Commissioners in Minneapolis
And some big basketball names will be in Minneapolis tomorrow to help celebrate the opening of the Timberwolves’ and Lynx’s new practice facility.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and WNBA President Laurel Richie will be at Mayo Clinic Square Wednesday as part of the gran opening, WCCO reports. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
