Wolves: Evaluations, negotiations take place at camp

The Wolves will join executives from all the NBA teams in Florida to check out the best of this year's draft class.

By JERRY ZGODA, Star Tribune

Last update: May 27, 2008 - 11:13 AM

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The Timberwolves' countdown to draft night -- 30 days and ticking -- continues today, when the NBA opens its annual predraft camp in Orlando.

The Wolves' entire scouting staff, plus coach Randy Wittman and perhaps assistant coach Jerry Sichting, will attend practice sessions and games for three days in what is the NBA's version of the NFL scouting combine.

None of the players the Wolves will consider selecting with their third overall pick in the June 26 draft is expected to participate in the daily games. Instead, such prospects as USC's O.J. Mayo, Stanford's Brook Lopez, Arizona's Jerryd Bayless, UCLA's Kevin Love and projected top picks Derrick Rose and Michael Beasley are expected to be measured and tested during individual drills.

"It's all a piece of the puzzle," Wolves General Manager Jim Stack said.

The Wolves can bring players to Target Center for workouts and interviews after the predraft camp ends this weekend. Stack said the team will bring between eight and 10 players to town, opting for "overkill" instead of risking being unprepared.

A Houston Rockets representative will attend those workouts in exchange for allowing a Wolves scout to observe player workouts in Houston. The Rockets pick 25th and will audition a collection of players the Wolves will consider for their two second-round draft picks, selections 31st and 34th overall.

With Beasley and Rose expected to become the first two players chosen, the Wolves' third pick will determine how the rest of the draft plays out. The Wolves will evaluate that list of eight to 10 players for their first-round choice in case they trade down in the draft to get a targeted player plus either players or extra draft picks.

Miami President Pat Riley already has suggested he will dangle the second overall pick because of the "leverage" it provides.

"Put a little bait in the water and see who nibbles at it," said Stack of negotiations between teams that are expected to intensify with executives from all 30 teams in the same gym this week. "Usually, you have to overpay to get something like that [a No. 1 or No. 2 overall pick]. I don't think you put Al Jefferson in play to move up a spot.

"We could decide to move back in the draft if somebody knocks our socks off with an offer. Any time you're coming off a year like we are, you look at all your options. We'll explore all options. You don't know about something until you ask."

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