Several weeks ago the Wolves trotted out four new faces, including rookies Andrew Wiggins and Zach LaVine, at the State Fair shortly after the completion of the trade that sent Kevin Love to Cleveland.
Glenn Robinson III under contract, working with new teammates
Second-round pick Glenn Robinson III, newly under contract, is at work proving his worth as a wing player.
September 19, 2014 at 5:26AM
A third rookie, Glenn Robinson III, selected 40th overall in the draft, was at home in Indiana.
The former Michigan player wasn't only left off the fair guest list, he hadn't even reached an agreement on a contract.
"I wouldn't say it bothered me," he said, quickly adding that he was "definitely" aware that his fellow rookies were taking part in the meet-and-greet with Minnesota fans, along with newly acquired Thaddeus Young and Anthony Bennett.
Robinson finally signed a partly guaranteed contract this week, and has been at Target Center with a group of players taking part in informal workouts. Wolves General Manager Milt Newton said Thursday that team officials felt it was important to let Robinson "know he's in our plans," before adding that "it's a situation where he's going to have to earn it."
Robinson plays the No. 3, or wing, position that is the deepest spot on the Wolves' roster. Veterans Corey Brewer, Chase Budinger, Shabazz Muhammad and Robbie Hummel are returning wings, and Wiggins, the No. 1 overall pick in this year's draft, is a natural wing.
"I wouldn't say it's daunting," Robinson said. "I'd definitely say, it is a lot of wings."
Robinson said he thinks he has something in his favor in his quest to make the 15-man roster when training camp starts Sept. 29.
"I think it's the little intangibles," he said. "I'm a smart basketball player, I believe my IQ is pretty high … Even though I'm a rookie, it's going to be playing like a veteran, trying to help guys out."
Robinson flashed a veteran's wit Thursday while meeting with media after the Target Center workout. Asked what he was doing while Wiggins and LaVine were at the Minnesota State Fair, Robinson smiled and said: "Tell you what, I was back home at my fair in Indiana."
Rubio update
Newton wouldn't classify talks with Ricky Rubio's agent as negotiations but noted the two sides are "in constant contact.''
If Rubio doesn't sign a contract extension by the end of October, he will become a restricted free agent next summer and the Wolves would have the right to match any offer he receives.
Newton made it clear the parties differ on salary numbers at this point — "until the right number comes up, I guess we'll continue to talk," he said. But it's also clear the Wolves would like to get a new deal done "to show goodwill and trust" in the Spanish point guard, Newton said.
"I feel optimistic," Newton said. "Knowing Ricky the person, he wants to be here."
Etc.
• The Wolves completed their training camp roster by signing former Baylor guard Brady Heslip and 7-1 center Kyrylo Fesenko, who played last year in the D-league. The Wolves have 18 players in camp, three above the regular-season roster maximum.
• Heslip and Fesenko are among a group of players who have been working out this week at Target Center. Veterans Kevin Martin, Brewer and Hummel have been joined by rookies Wiggins, LaVine and Robinson.
• Highly touted rookies Wiggins and LaVine have moved to the Twin Cities, along with their families. "I can't cook," Wiggins said. "So whenever I need food, I can go to their house.''
Their 28-point lead got trimmed to two late, but they held on in a Western Conference finals rematch that missed an injured Luka Doncic after halftime.
