Wolves have been early media darlings in camp

MANKATO – Kevin Love is gone to Cleveland, but even without him the Timberwolves aren't lacking for media attention nationally and beyond while they transition to a new day with youngsters Andrew Wiggins and Zach LaVine.

On Wednesday, ESPN broadcast live cut-ins for its SportsCenter during the team's morning practice. The Wolves' "Dunks After Dark" production at midnight Monday night brought NBA TV and analysts Isiah Thomas and Greg Anthony to town.

And TSN — the Canadian ESPN — arrived this week for Wiggins' opening days as a Timberwolf and will be around often this season.

"I think there's a buzz," Wolves new coach and president of basketball operations Flip Saunders said.

Saunders points to two reasons: Wiggins' fame as a basketball phenom since he was an eighth grader and what Saunders believes is an improved team that's faster, longer, more versatile and capable of defending.

"People can look and see we are creating an identity of what this team can be," he said. "In the past, we didn't really have an identity of who we were and how we were going to play. Anytime you can identify with something, that is a positive."

Saunders has noticed something else from that "buzz" he has been recognizing: It's coming from fans who are young and loud.

Saunders felt it at August's Minnesota State Fair, when a crowd thick with teenagers and college students surrounded the stage during a news conference that introduced newcomers Wiggins, LaVine, Anthony Bennett and Thaddeus Young following the trade that sent Love to Cleveland.

He felt it again Monday night in Mankato, when Minnesota State Mankato students filled 4,500-seat Bresnan Arena for some pro-style midnight madness.

"Sometimes your young fans are your truer fans," Saunders said. "They're so enthusiastic and so passionate about what they do, because they're so young."

Saunders credits the arrival of acclaimed teenagers Wiggins and LaVine for attracting a young crowd.

"That's part of it," he said. "They can identify with other 19-year-olds, and they want to see them do well. I definitely think that's part of it. Hopefully, that will create the type of atmosphere we want. If we can get an atmosphere close to what we had in here Monday, we're going to win a lot of games.

No. 1 overall pick Wiggins is the centerpiece acquired in August's trade with Cleveland, but LaVine — the Wolves' top draft pick in June, 13th overall — has embraced his own high profile since moving to town.

He threw out the first pitch at a Twins' game in September and blew the Vikings' Gjallarhorn at Sunday's game against Atlanta.

"This is my home, so I want to go out there and communicate with the fans, get involved with the community," LaVine said. "It's really crazy, I haven't played a game yet but I walk outside and people are recognizing me, asking me for autographs. I take that with pride. I try to be the best person I can be with it, try to talk with them. I feel like I'm a really down-to-earth type of person. It's not like it's a burden to me. I really enjoy it."

• Saunders is introducing a Word of the Day for his players every day at practice. Tuesday's word was "teamwork" and "confidence" was Wednesday's word.

"People always look at teams with veteran players able to win because they've been through battles together and they know what to expect so they have confidence in their teammates," Saunders said. "What you have to do is find a way to instill confidence in players and in each other. … Perfect practice gives you confidence.

• The Wolves practice three more days in Mankato before they break camp after a Sunday scrimmage that is closed to the public.