Minnesota Timberwolves To Host Free Agent Workout Only David Kahn Could Love

by Scott Schroeder on Jun 1, 2025 7:32 PM EDT in NBA Free Agent News

The Minnesota Timberwolves have already hosted their share of NBA Draft workouts so, in a move unprecedented so far this offseason, the team has now decided to take a look at a group of prospects that aren't eligible to be drafted when the date of June 23 rolls around.

The workout, which I've been sitting on since it was mentioned on ESPN 1500 by assistant general manager Tony Ronzone, features a host of players people will remember without really being able to recall what they're famous for doing.

Among the free agents the Wolves will work out Thursday and Friday are former NBA players Quincy Douby, Orien Greene, J.R. Giddens, Steven Hunter, Cedric Jackson, Matt Janning, Alexander Johnson, Jerel McNeal, James Singleton and John Thomas; second-year players who played in the D-League last season including Matt Bouldin and DeShawn Sims; former Memphis guard Darius Washington Jr. who is most famous for missing clutch free-throws; former D-League standout James Mays who spent the last two seasons in China and Turkey; and a fellow by the name of Chris Daniels who either attended college in Georgia or at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi (I'm guessing it's the latter).

The most notable prospect scheduled to be in attendance, however, is the one that the Timberwolves already own the rights to: 2010 NBA Draft pick Paulo Prestes. Prestes, selected with the Wolves with the 45th overall pick, averaged 7.3 points and 5.3 rebounds this season with CB Granada in Spain as his team compiled an underwhelming 7-27 record. Hopefully he's able to fare better against the hodge podge or randomness Kahn has brought together.

I'll have a detailed breakdown of this group in the morning for the diehards, but suffice to say I'm intrigued -- and not by Hunter and Thomas who are probably 118 years old combined.

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Read More: timberwolves, nba rumors, david kahn, tony ronzone, nba free agents 2011, timberwolves rumors, darius washington jr., Steven Hunter (C - MEM), Quincy Douby (G - TOR), Orien Greene (G - NJN), Alexander Johnson (F - HOU), James Singleton (F - WAS), James Mays (F - GSW), James Mays (F - Clemson), Jerel McNeal (G - Marquette), DeShawn Sims (F - Michigan), Matt Janning (G - Northeastern), Cedric Jackson (G - Cleveland St), J.R. Giddens (G - New Mexico), Chris Daniels (C - Texas A&M-Corpus; Christi), Matt Bouldin (G - Gonzaga), J.R. Giddens (G - SAC), Jerel McNeal (G - NOH), Paulo Prestes (C - MIN), Matt Janning (G - PHO), John Thomas (C - MIN), Minnesota Timberwolves

Comments

I'm convinced David Kahn ate paint chips as a child

Seriously, I feel so bad for Timberwolves fans. First they get a decade and a half of McHale, and now this guy? It just blows my mind that while everyone else is courting legitimate, well-established free agents and scouting prospects fresh out of college this guys is holding workouts for the likes of Steven Hunter, Quincy Douby and J.R. Giddens (how many times has this guy been stabbed again?). I mean, what does he think is gonna happen? Are one of these guys suddenly going to transform into an All-NBA First teamer? The best case scenario is they contribute minimal minutes on one of the most dysfunctional teams in the NBA. But it’s not like you can’t find these types of guys in free agency anyways. Just blows my mind, that Kahn. Blows my mind.

Hyperboles kill.
There is no such thing as a "George Karl fan;" there are Karl apologists, and those who realize he should be fired.
http://twitter.com/#!/24kGoldenChild

by GoldenNugget on Jun 1, 2025 11:23 PM EDT reply actions

I actually like a majority of these guys as end of the rotation contributors. Doesn’t hurt to bring them together and take a look.

I write about basketball players with Ridiculous Upside. I know you'll love it.

by Scott Schroeder on Jun 1, 2025 11:28 PM EDT up reply actions

You're right

But why are you focusing on guys who are possibly end of the rotation contributers, when there are plenty of free agents out there who you KNOW can contribute valuable minutes the NBA level? Earl Watson, Sasha Vujacic, Anthony Parker, Sonny Weems, Rasual Butler, Jeff Foster — these are all guys you can throw a diminutive amount of money at, probably the exact same as you would the “diamonds in the rough” Kahn is trying out, and yet you know they can play. I don’t know Scott, I guess I just don’t understand the thinking behind bringing in a group of outcasts the NBA has basically already rejected in the hopes that maybe one can give you a decent amount of minutes of needed, especially in the heat of player evaluations leading up to the draft.

Hyperboles kill.
There is no such thing as a "George Karl fan;" there are Karl apologists, and those who realize he should be fired.
http://twitter.com/#!/24kGoldenChild

by GoldenNugget on Jun 1, 2025 11:52 PM EDT up reply actions

LOL, I don't know if this is the site for you

What’s the point of going with old retreads that haven’t produced in years when there’s a chance at giving young players who’ve never had a chance at establishing themselves as NBA role players the look they haven’t proved they don’t deserve?

Earl Watson, Anthony Parker, Rasual Butler and Jeff Foster are all over 30 years old and probably aren’t interesting in moving to Minnesota for a minimum contract. I’m guessing Sonny will be re-signed.

The players Kahn is bringing in are a mix of young (aside from John Thomas who lives in Minnesota and Steven Hunter who probably has a good agent), cheap players that are currently willing and available to be worked out.

If Kahn and the Wolves basketball operations department thinks that DeShawn Sims is better than a random second round prospect (and he probably is, for the most part), it’s a win-win situation. Minnesota doesn’t have to give up an asset to pick a player that’s his same age and with less professional experience.

I write about basketball players with Ridiculous Upside. I know you'll love it.

by Scott Schroeder on Jun 2, 2025 12:16 AM EDT up reply actions

Maybe we just have different philosophies on how to build a team

Obviously you’re going to be more prone to checking out the D-Leaguers and guys with the “upside” since so much of your heart and soul is invested into this aspect of the game, and that’s understandable. But if I put myself in Kahn’s shoes, I need some veteran, free-agent role-players to come off the bench and contribute solid minutes while letting the young, franchise players develop.

Kind of weird we’re having this convo on the night Rubio signs, which makes Kahn look about 120 times better than before it started, lol. I bet he now keeps that No. 2 pick and rejects all offers, that way he has a solid core of Williams, Love, Beasley, Rubio and Johnson to build around.

Hyperboles kill.
There is no such thing as a "George Karl fan;" there are Karl apologists, and those who realize he should be fired.
http://twitter.com/#!/24kGoldenChild

by GoldenNugget on Jun 2, 2025 12:48 AM EDT up reply actions

I still don't know if I see your side, though

What incentive does Jeff Foster have to sign with the Wolves for, at best, the same amount he can get from the Pacers? And if you’re suggesting Kahn pay him more than the minimum, why? It isn’t as if the Wolves are going to be a playoff team this year and the likelihood of Foster being productive two seasons down the road isn’t likely.

It’s more responsible to sign a younger player with a bit of upside as opposed to paying more for a player who has a ceiling of 5 points and 8 rebounds with his best years already behind him.

You might be right with your thinking on a team like the Thunder a couple of years ago, but I don’t see that making sense for Kahn and the Wolves. No chance of a championship this year so why not bring in young guys and see who can play in the years ahead?

I write about basketball players with Ridiculous Upside. I know you'll love it.

by Scott Schroeder on Jun 2, 2025 1:04 AM EDT up reply actions

True

I guess you have a point, even if you still don’t see mine…

But with Rubio coming over and Williams possibly being drafted, I think the Wolves do have a chance of being at least somewhat competitive next year, which is why signing some vets could certainly help out.

Maybe you just see a lot more upside in these guys than I do. I kind of figure if you already received a shot from NBA teams and didn’t make it, there’s not that great of a chance you come back a totally different player, but maybe I’m wrong.

(I kind of just realized how stupid I sound arguing my case on a blog titled “Ridiculous Upside,” haha. This is what you do — scout guys who deserve a second chance, D-Leaguers, etc.)

Hyperboles kill.
There is no such thing as a "George Karl fan;" there are Karl apologists, and those who realize he should be fired.
http://twitter.com/#!/24kGoldenChild

by GoldenNugget on Jun 2, 2025 1:37 AM EDT up reply actions

Look at Sonny Weems

I assume you’re pretty familiar with Weems and his lack of an actual opportunity to play during his stint with the Nuggets, yet you’re a proponent of him after he’s been given a second chance and performed admirably.

Anthony Parker (another player you mentioned) made the NBA as a free agent, didn’t get many minutes, played in Europe for awhile and came back to be a respectable player when given ample playing time.

The fact of the matter is, for the majority of the guys the Wolves are working out, their “NBA experience” included being added to an NBA roster as a 10-day call-up in the middle of the season when they weren’t given an equal opportunity.

Players can change and, if you’re not as familiar with them as I am (I do this for a meager living), overlooking them for players that aren’t as hungry is pretty easy to do. Don’t.

I write about basketball players with Ridiculous Upside. I know you'll love it.

by Scott Schroeder on Jun 2, 2025 1:47 AM EDT up reply actions

Touche

Valid points my friend. Another current Nuggets example is Gary Forbes. I’m pretty sure he went undrafted, played overseas, then came back, got another chance and made the roster this year. Forbes is actually a really solid player and a guy I hope we re-sign. So yeah, you have enlightened me, but I still think Kahn ate paint chips as a child. :)

Hyperboles kill.
There is no such thing as a "George Karl fan;" there are Karl apologists, and those who realize he should be fired.
http://twitter.com/#!/24kGoldenChild

by GoldenNugget on Jun 2, 2025 3:56 AM EDT up reply actions

I don't disagree RE: Kahn

And actually, just so we’re clear, Forbes spent a season it he D-League where he averaged 17 points per game and didn’t get a call-up.

It’s possible to slip through the cracks.

I write about basketball players with Ridiculous Upside. I know you'll love it.

by Scott Schroeder on Jun 2, 2025 4:00 AM EDT up reply actions

Anthony Tolliver!

(Just had to throw that in there.)

@GN’s argument:

I get what you’re saying, and I agree somewhat. But it’s not like Kahn has to sign any of these guys or he can’t sign any of the ones you mentioned. He’s just covering all his bases. What if one of the guys in this workout really impresses and shows something he didn’t necessarily have before?

Go Suns, Packers, Jays, and Huskers!

Green Bay Packers: Super Bowl XLV Champions!!!!

I also edit things at Ridiculous Upside. Check it out.

by Omaha Sun on Jun 2, 2025 5:58 PM EDT up reply actions

PGs - collect them all

you could do a lot worse than sing Matt Janning - great IQ, excellent shot, play s1 and 2 - he would have stuck with the Suns last year but was cut when they had to add Earl Barron after Lopez went down

of course, the Wolves already have several poiit guards

by JohnVancouver on Jun 2, 2025 5:09 PM EDT reply actions

Eh, IDK about Matt Janning.

I loved him at the Summer League but he didn’t do much after that. Maybe he did well in practice, but that didn’t really translate to the pre-season very well. I think Zabian Dowdell (who I wasn’t really fond of ) would have replaced him at some point anyway as I wouldn’t be comfortable with Janning running the point.

He does have some talent though, and he played hard at the Summer League. I think he could make it with a little more seasoning and he puts some more work into his game in the D-League.

Go Suns, Packers, Jays, and Huskers!

Green Bay Packers: Super Bowl XLV Champions!!!!

I also edit things at Ridiculous Upside. Check it out.

by Omaha Sun on Jun 2, 2025 6:01 PM EDT up reply actions