clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Timberwolves Trade Reunites 'Happy' Chase Budinger With Rick Adelman

Chase Budinger was also smiles in Minneapolis on Wednesday. At his introductory press conference, he called his new team "the new Oklahoma [City Thunder]" and raved about getting the chance to play for Rick Adelman again.

Adelman coached Budinger for his first two years in the NBA in Houston. Last year, the Rockets replaced Adelman with former Wolves boss Kevin McHale. Budinger didn't slam McHale, but made it clear he was excited to be back with Adelman, via Dana Wessel of 1500 ESPN.

"It's a young team, a lot of young, great, athletic-type players," Budinger said at his introductory press conference Wednesday at Target Center. "And I feel that everybody on this team could really get better together and really win a championship down the road. And then also, I'm very happy to be coached by Coach Adelman here."

[…]

"I felt last year I was standing a lot in corners and not moving, which wasn't to my strengths," Budinger said. "I feel playing for Coach Adelman in his system really brings out the strengths in me because of my cutting ability, getting to the basket and coming off screens."

The Wolves acquired Budinger in exchange for the No. 18 pick in the NBA Draft on Tuesday. Now let's see what the team looks like after Thursday's Draft.

For more on the Minnesota Timberwolves, check out Canis Hoopus. You can also check out professional basketball news from around the league over at SB Nation's NBA page, or watch SB Nation's YouTube channel:

Photographs by Micah Taylor, clairity, and Fibonacci Blue used in background montage under Creative Commons. Thank you.