Minnesota Timberwolves: Flip Saunders wants Shabazz Muhammad to lose 15 pounds
By Wes Goldberg
Apparently Minnesota Timberwolves small forward Shabazz Muhammad needs to lose weight, and he has been working at a boot camp run by a former Navy SEAL to get into better shape.
According to Jeff Zgoda of the Star Tribune, Flip Saunders wanted Muhammad to lose weight this offseason and hopes that he will be 15 pounds lighter by the start of training camp.
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Muhammad is listed at 6’6”and 222 pounds and had a disappointing rookie campaign and often looking out of shape. He averaged 3.9 points, 1.4 rebounds and 0.2 assists per game, and the Timberwolves will need more from the No. 14 overall pick this season now without Kevin Love.
Once a highly touted high school prospect, Muhammad hasn’t lived up the hype in one season at UCLA or in Minnesota. During that time, his work ethic has been questions. Working with an ex-Navy SEAL should help straighten that out.
Muhammad faces competition at small forward with top overall pick Andrew Wiggins, shooter Chase Budinger and Corey Brewer. Wiggins will likely get the start, but Muhammad could earn himself valuable playing time as a swingman if he impresses Saunders.
The Timberwolves also drafted former Bruin Zach LaVine, giving them an extremely athletic duo between he and Wiggins. Muhammad can either join that athletic crew, or be buried by it.