Well, it's official. The Wolves announced the signing of Russian guard Alexey Shved.
"We are excited to have Alexey join the Minnesota Timberwolves," president of basketball operations David Kahn said in a release. "Alexey has been regarded as one of the best young talents in Europe for the past few seasons and will be a tremendous addition to our club. He is a smooth, fast-paced player who brings great shooting and passing abilities to our team. He will fit in well with our style of play and we look forward to seeing him in a Timberwolves uniform."
Shved is capable of playing both guard positions, and appears to have a style similar to Ricky Rubio's. The 6-6 combo guard should provide ballhandling and playmaking skills the Wolves need more of. Indeed, the Wolves see him as capable of playing as many as three positions, including small forward in some situations.
Shved, 23, has spend the last six seasons playing professionally in Russia. In 2011-12 he averaged 11.6 points, 3.0 rebounds and 3.3 assists in 23 Russian League games with CSKA Moscow. -- the same team Andrei Kirilendo played for. Shved was named the 2012 BEKO PBL Playoffs MVP by Sports Express after leading his club to the Russian National championship.
Shved will play for the Russian team in the Olympics.
It remains to be seen if the Wolves can land Kirilenko as well.
Noon update: The Wolves have announced they will be playing a preseason game in Fargo this fall. Returning to the city for the first time since 2002, the Wolves will play the Indiana Pacers Wednesdday, Oct. 10 at 7 p.m. in the Fargodome.
It will be the Wolves' seventh preseason appearance in Fargo.
