http://www.startribune.com/wolves/story/1229639.html
Kammron Taylor grew up in Minneapolis as a fan of the Timberwolves. It
appears he kept up with the team even while playing basketball at the
University of Wisconsin. The proof: Wednesday, after finishing a workout with
the Wolves at the teams practice facility, Taylor made his pitch. He knows
the Wolves, who will be picking 7th overall in the June 28 draft, also have
the 41st pick.
"I want to get drafted," he said. "I don't care where I go. But if it's at
No. 41 to the Timberwolves? That would be great."
Taylor has been working hard to put himself in a draftable position. After
four seasons of consistent improvement with the Badgers, Taylor signed with
Indianapolis-based agent Andrew "Buddy" Baker, who had several of his clients
work out in the Indianapolis area in May. Former college head coach and NBA
assistant Ed Schilling helped run those workouts, which were designed to help
the players prepare for what they'd face when they were auditioning for teams
in June.
That process has started in earnest. The Wolves' front office was in Orlando
for the NBA's pre-draft camp, returned, then made a one-day trip to Florida
to watch 24 players work out further. Wednesday the first group made its way
to Target Center: Taylor, who graduated from Minneapolis North, Florida
forward Joakim Noah, Washington center Spencer Hawes and Towson guard Gary
Neal.
"I was in Indy for 2½ weeks, training with Schilling," Taylor said. "I kind
of knew some of the drills we'd be doing. First drill we did today was
something I'd been working on. I feel I was pretty well prepared."
Taylor knows he'll have to get some good word of mouth going to work himself
onto draft boards around the NBA. The 6-2 guard was asked to be more of a
scorer at Wisconsin. Most NBA teams will want to see if he can play more of a
pure point-guard role.
"I have to be a little bit better playmaker," he said. "When I was in
college, I didn't have high assists, but I didn't turn the ball over that
much. I can be that kind of guy, a backup point guard who can knock down the
open shot."
Everybody who will make their way through the Wolves workouts -- more players
will be here Monday -- will have something to prove. Some more than others.
Noah, a well-known member of a two-time NCAA champion, needs to show he can
hit the mid-range jumper. Hawes, who is more athletic than some may think,
has to get bigger, and he knows it: "My biggest weakness, is probably my
weakness," he deadpanned.
The hard-working Neal needs to show he can make it as an undersized off-guard.
Taylor? He'd like to be drafted. But if he isn't, he wants to make enough of
an impression that some team wants him in camp.
And if it worked out here?
"I grew up in Minneapolis ...," Taylor said. "I watched [Kevin Garnett]
develop. It would be great."
--
※ 發信站: 批踢踢實業坊(ptt.cc)
◆ From: 218.170.235.6