NBA General Managers Say Timberwolves Have Bright Future
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Minnesota Timberwolves fans have plenty of reasons to be excited about the future of the team, according to the results of the annual general manager's survey.
The heads of every NBA organization filled out the survey on the best teams, players and coaches as well as expectations for the season ahead. General managers voted the Timberwolves as the NBA's most improved team, with 56.7 percent of the vote. Utah was next at 23.3 percent.
When asked if they were starting a franchise today and could sign any player, more than 48 percent of general managers chose center Karl-Anthony Towns. The next closest was Kevin Durant of the Golden State Warriors at 20.7 percent. Towns was also the second most likely to have a breakout 2016-17 season with 13.8 percent of votes. He won the NBA Rookie of the Year Award last year.
With more than 46 percent of the vote, guard Kris Dunn is the most likely to win the Rookie of the Year award. The Timberwolves chose Dunn, out of Providence, with the No. 5 overall pick. Buddy Hield was next at 13.3 percent.
General managers also think it will be a big year for new coach and president of basketball operations Tom Thibodeau. He was voted the head coach with the best defensive schemes, and the coach with the chance to have the biggest impact on his new team.
The Timberwolves are hosting their Fan Fest Tuesday night at Target Center. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the players take the floor at 7 p.m.