This week we begin a new chapter in Timberwolves history, one in which a 58-year-old man who calls himself "Flip" is put in charge of a high-profile business and everyone agrees he's an upgrade.
Flip Saunders' first big challenge arrives with his first draft as Wolves President of Not Being David Kahn. He needs to concentrate on not doing anything rash.
It would be understandable if he did try to get creative in the next couple of days. He just landed a great gig. He has a wealth of NBA experience and connections, a boss who loves him and an ego. It would be understandable this week if Saunders wanted to show by making a trade or taking a high-risk player. If the Wolves wanted risk and attention, they could have kept Kahn.
What they need from Saunders is common sense, or, better yet, calm and sense. Wolves fans should be hoping this week that Saunders' experience in the NBA outweighs any urge to get mentioned on "SportsCenter."
It's not that Saunders shouldn't ever make a dramatic move in his new position, it's that this week he holds a lousy hand.
He owns the ninth pick in a weak draft. Unless he wants to deal away one of his best players the summer before a crucial season in franchise history, his best trade fodder is forward Derrick Williams.
If Saunders were to grow desperate to move up in the draft, he probably would have to offer the No. 9 pick in the 2013 draft and a talented player who was the No. 2 pick in the 2011 draft to move up a few slots in a draft that may feature no immediate NBA stars.
Even my favorite player in the draft, in terms of overall résumé, character, athletic ability and compatibility with the Wolves' needs, might not be worth such a trade. The Wolves would be lucky to land Indiana's Victor Oladipo, but they wouldn't be lucky to overpay for a player who might begin his career as the fifth- or sixth-best player on the roster.
