TMJF: Ricky Who?

Okay, so there probably aren't many Timberwolves fans who are asking that today. But after Jonny Flynn scored 11 of his 18 points in the final seven minutes to help Minnesota back from a 16-point deficit in a 95-93 win, they surely feel a bit better about Ricky Rubio spending the next couple of years in Spain.

Flynn was fairly pedestrian through the first three quarters on both ends of the floor. Offensively, he occasionally displayed his lightning-quick first step, but most of the time he was content to dribble up the floor and throw the ball to the wing to start the offense. Defensively, he was having trouble with Devin Harris, getting lost on the screen and roll.

The final minutes were a different story, however, as the Wolves turned more frantic, which fits Flynn's style better. He started taking the ball to the cup and getting to the line. He also played Harris, a tough cover because of his height and the fact that he's got a few inches on Flynn, much better, forcing him into two tough shots late (though Harris made the last one to tie the game at 93).

Most importantly, his NBA debut showed his heart, his competitiveness, and his leadership. How many rookie point guards in the history of the NBA have taken the potential game-winning shot in their first pro game? How many would be trusted with the responsibility?

Some other quick notes:

• The only jumpers I remember seeing Flynn take (including one on the last possession) came on dribble-handoff type plays, where he then took another dribble before shooting. I don't recall seeing him do this at Syracuse, and it didn't look good tonight. I think he can hit the deep ball if his feet are set. He should save his jumpers for those situations, and take the ball to the hole otherwise.
• Damien Wilkins made the game-winner rebounding Flynn's miss and his stat line isn't horrific, but he was pretty terrible. So was Corey Brewer, who was every bit the offensive nightmare I thought he'd be when he came into the league. There aren't too many NBA teams where these guys crack the rotation, much less start. Rookie Wayne Ellington should start at one of the wing spots sooner rather than later.
• I don't know much about the triangle offense that coach Kurt Rambis has installed in Minnesota, but I do know the guy on the wing is important. When that guy is Wilkins or Brewer, the systems seems a lot less dangerous. With Kevin Love out, Flynn and Ramon Sessions are the team's most dangerous offensive threats other than Al Jefferson. Those two seemed reduced to the role of throwing the ball to the wing throughout most of the game. That just doesn't seem like a good way to maximize your personnel.