Wolves Media Day

Yesterday was media day for the 2009-10 Minnesota Timberwolves. From Corey Brewer talking Tim Tebow to Big Al touting Jonny Flynn as the next Chris Paul, the event was exciting and interesting for all kinds of Wolves fans.

All the players did interviews with timberwolves.com and took pictures to display for the upcoming season. Most of the players were pretty excited to get training camp going in Mankato (they arrived today), and were even more excited to meet their new teammates.

Some main points from the interviews and photos:

Big Al said he lost 30 pounds. He said he worked himself as hard as he could all summer in order to be ready for training camp. He said he kept his muscle up while losing fat, so he believes he will still be able to play the 4 or 5. Was sad to see a lot of the players go this off-season, but is excited to see guys on the team now that want to be in Minnesota. Said he will adjust to a faster offense and thats one of the reasons he dropped the weight. He clarified that he has a chip on his shoulder because he wants the team to win games, not because he was snubbed from the All Star game last year. Wants to set an example for the younger guys by being in the gym early and making it a requirement for everyone to go above and beyond the expected work. Knows the area of his game he needs to work most on is passing. Al said he needs to stop holding the ball so long, and move the ball (something fans have speculated since he got here) He mentions Tim Duncan as a guy he needs to replicate in that respect.

Kevin Love looked to have grown an inch or so in pictures, and looked like he added some muscle to his build. A welcomed improvement for the 21 year old. Also noted that he hasn’t been on twitter because of all the restrictions the NBA and the team have put on it.

Flynn switched to #10 from #11. Apparently he originally chose 11 as to not take Carney’s number, but now that Rodney is gone, he took the number he wanted. His reasoning is that #10 was his college number since the #3 was retired at Syracuse. Flynn will also keep his headband theme from college.

Flynn isn’t worried about the high expectations that have been coming out, and will be playing hard for the team, not for the NBA or anyone else.

Rambis wants to play at a pace faster than the other team wants to play, while still being able to be controlled in our offense. He thinks the players we have acquired this offseason will mesh well, and be able to play off each others’ strengths and weaknesses. Accepts that it’s his obligation to make sure it happens. Outside of Basketball, he loves hanging with his family (2 boys 1 girl). Enjoys working with young guys and seeing them develop.

Love wants to rebound with reckless abandon this year. He’s even admittedly willing to fight teammates to get the board. He’s playing with a chip on his shoulder, and wants to be the surprise team of the year. He’s also become a Vikings fan after the Favre pass against the 49ers.

Gomes said he loves that he can play the 3 and 4, and said he wants to play both, whichever Rambis wants him to be. Thinks Flynn isn’t the normal rookie in that he already has been a leader with the guys, and has already been in the gym working hard with the guys. Ryan wants to take more shots off the dribble this year. He wants more free throw attempts for himself as well as for the team as a whole.

Sessions said he was ready for any situation in Milwaukee, and is ready for a more defined role in Minnesota. He’s improving onhis shot, but says no part of his game has reached it’s potential yet. He knows he is going to have to be a defensive minded guard alongside the rookie (Flynn), but former coach Scott Skiles made him very ready for this role.

Ellington said that although he is known for his shooting ability, he fully expects to be able to get into the lane in the NBA. Within the offense, he expects to be lined up across from Big Al, in order to hit the three on his kick outs. He said he’s having a great time with all his teammates so far, and expects that cohesiveness to expand onto the court. He wants to improve defensively since he has to go up against some of the greatest athletes in the world. He said the twitter account under his name is fake, but he wants to put one up soon.

Watch the live feed here