Calipari: Jamal Murray wants to be drafted by Timberwolves
Jamal Murray's college coach says he knows where the star point guard's preferred landing spot is come Thursday's NBA Draft.
"He loves Minnesota. As a matter of fact, that's where he'd like to go," John Calipari said of Murray during a conference call, as reported by the Minneapolis Star Tribune's Kent Youngblood. "I know Jamal likes that situation, the young guys.
"I'm not saying Thibs has to take him," said Calipari, referencing Timberwolves head coach and president of basketball operations, Tom Thibodeau. "But I know that's what Jamal likes, that situation: The young guys and what they have and what he'd add to that team."
Related: Murray the No. 1 point guard in 2016 draft
With reigning Rookie of the Year - and fellow Kentucky product - Karl-Anthony Towns, as well as former Rookie of the Year Andrew Wiggins, leading one of the league's most exciting collections of young talent, it's no wonder Murray can see himself in Minnesota, a market rarely considered an NBA destination.
The Timberwolves, who own the league's longest postseason drought at 12 years, own the No. 5 selection in the draft, with Murray expected to be a top-five pick.
Coincidentally, Thibodeau spoke Tuesday about the importance of shooting and never being able to have enough. Murray, of course, shot nearly 41 percent from 3-point range in his lone season at Kentucky.