Timberwolves Notes: Dunn interview, Lowe on free agency

Timberwolves draft pick Kris Dunn conducted an interview with Bleacher Report that was just posted on Tuesday, and ESPN’s Zach Lowe chimed in regarding the upcoming free agency period.

Wolves fans have learned a lot about Kris Dunn in the past week or so, but Bleacher Report asked a few unique questions of the former Providence point guard.

Previously, we’ve linked you to The Vertical Pod with Adrian Wojnarowski that featured Dunn in the days leading up to the draft, as well as a variety of news outlets that reported on Dunn’s unique and troubled upbringing. Dunn did a very basketball-centric question-and-answer session with Bleacher Report.

Follow the above link for the interview in it’s entirety, but below are our favorite excerpts.

When asked about the fit in Minnesota, Dunn said:

"Really good. I was in Minnesota a couple of days ago. Minnesota is actually nice; the people here are loving and caring. I met a lot of people, and they were just really excited for me to be here, so you can’t be more pumped than that. There are a lot of talented players on this team. Coach Thibs [Tom Thibodeau], he’s a great coach. I feel like I’m in a good organization to get better."

Also of interest, the idea that the spotlight with the Wolves might actually be brighter, believe it or not…

"B/R: Even though Minnesota isn’t one of the major markets, there are going to be a lot of eyes on you since the Wolves are pegged as one of the most exciting up-and-coming teams now with you, Wiggins and Towns.Had you gone to Phoenix or New Orleans, the spotlight probably wouldn’t have been as bright. Do you feel any extra pressure knowing this is a team people will be looking at to take the next step and you’re viewed as one of the final pieces or building blocks that’s expected to get it there?Dunn: I don’t think there’s any pressure. Everyone knows I’m a rookie; they know it’s going to take time. All the fans want to see is that you go out there and give it your all. That’s the best you can do."

More from Dunking with Wolves

What a time to be alive, right? When asked about Tom Thibodeau and the fit with both the head coach and the current roster, Dunn gave a fairly stock but certainly extensive answer:

"Just the young guys that are there. I’m a young talent going in there, and there are so many young talents already there that we’re all going to improve through the years. And because we’re young, we’re going to have a good relationship. Our chemistry on and off the court is going to be better.Coach Thibs, he’s a defensive coach, and some say my greatest strength is defense even though I know I have to improve in order to guard the elite scorers that are in the NBA. And I feel like Coach Thibs can help me improve my defensive skills. He worked with a lot of great point guards. I’m trying to work in that stature, and I think Coach Thibs can definitely help me."

Dunn also said that he hasn’t heard anything from the coaching staff regarding his fit/playing time split with Ricky Rubio, and he has not yet set any goals for himself in terms of winning Rookie of the Year or anything along those lines.

Zach Lowe, formerly of Grantland, delved into the upcoming free agency period over at ESPN.com. He touched on timing, the lack of teams looking to tank next season, potential trades, and restricted free agency.

It should be an intriguing year in free agency, to be sure, but the Wolves were only mentioned in a couple of different spots in the piece.

Minnesota was mentioned as one of two teams, along with Boston, that will spend the summer continuing to attempt to pry Jimmy Butler from the Chicago Bulls. Not a surprise, of course, but yet another report that suggests how badly the Wolves want the two-time All-Star.

Also, Lowe suggests that the “Wolves will likely waive Nikola Pekovic at some point”, which runs contrary to what KSTP’s Darren Wolfson reported earlier this week. It seems somewhat trivial, although it would be nice to have the extra roster spot. At this point, any extra cap space gained by stretching the contract would be superfluous, as well.

Speaking of Wolfson, another name that’s a possibility is old friend Anthony Tolliver, who would be a great addition as a fourth/fifth big at 15-20 minutes per game. It sounds like this is more Tolliver’s interest in returning than the Wolves’ actively looking for him, but the interest could eventually be mutual.

Next: Why Wouldn't Kevin Durant Consider The Wolves?

Again…things are starting to get real out there. Don’t stray too far.