"The Timberwolves still can't get this NBA lottery thing to work right. Even with the NBA's second-worst record (15-67), the Wolves ended up with the No. 4 pick Tuesday night in the June 24 draft, adding to a frustrating legacy in the club's 13 lottery appearances — they have never picked higher than third and seven times have fallen in the draft order behind teams with better records. Wolves president of basketball operations David Kahn left the NBA Entertainment Studios in Secaucus, N.J., with virtually no chance of selecting Kentucky point guard John Wall or Ohio State guard-forward Evan Turner — considered the top two prospects in this year's draft. Kahn, representing the Wolves for the first time at the lottery, tried to diminish Tuesday night's results by emphasizing the team's offseason plans, including the likelihood of trades on draft night. "I know the first reaction is one of despair and consolation," Kahn said. "It's just not that kind of night for me and the organization. I tried to say before the lottery that we have enough arsenal and maneuverability to move around in the draft with the other picks we have, and the assets we have. Nothing tonight makes me feel our plans have been greatly disturbed. It's too early for that." Barring trades, the Wall-Turner debate will be settled between the Washington Wizards and Philadelphia 76ers. Washington won the No. 1 pick despite finishing the regular season tied with Golden State for the league's fourth-worst record (26-56). Philadelphia (27-55), which had a 5.3 percent chance to land the No. 1, will pick second. New Jersey, owner of the league's worst record (12-70), landed the third pick. Tuesday's lottery was reminiscent of the 1991-92 season, when the Wolves finished with the league's worst record (15-67) and ended up with the third pick in the lottery. Louisiana State star center Shaquille O'Neal went No. 1 to the Orlando Magic and Georgetown center Alonzo Mourning was taken No. 2 by the Charlotte Hornets. The Wolves used their No. 3 pick on Christian Laettner. The Duke All-American had a disappointing 3 1/2 seasons with the team before getting traded to Atlanta. " http://www.twincities.com/timberwolves/ci_15112696?nclick_check=1
