Flynn being entrusted by Rambis
While the Timberwolves clearly coveted getting Spanish point guard Ricky Rubio on their team sooner rather than later more than I covet a 32GB Logo USB drive, it’s clear new coach Kurt Rambis isn’t going to spend the next two years wondering, “what if?” While Rubio is almost certain to become a Timberwolf sooner or later, Rambis is showing he’s investing time and trust into the man drafted behind Rubio to lead the team from the point position.
Had Jonny Flynn been drafted by any team other than the Wolves, he’d be hailed as that team’s newest rookie savior. As it stands, Flynn is saddled with the unfortunate, and unfair, title of “Rubio insurance policy pick.”
But not by coach Rambis, who is challenging Flynn each game in the exhibition season to seize hold of the triangle offense, make it his, call some plays on the floor and play through his mistakes. By investing so much time in Flynn’s development despite his rookie status, it’s clear Rambis is coaching with an eye toward a future beyond this year’s season-opener, or even this season; he’s training up young players with an equal eye on 2012-13 as well as this season.
While Flynn’s making progress, it’s going to take time; the wins may be slow in coming again this season, but one gets a sense that the Wolves actually have a plan in place this time around.
