Since David Kahn narrowly beat out Bill Simmons for the coveted Minnesota Timberwolves GM position, here’s what’s happened on his watch:
* Gotten rid of coach Kevin McHale
* Tinkered with the idea of trading Al Jefferson (it was floated by the Suns, apparently; Kahn denied it)
* In what analysts are calling a weak draft, Kahn has acquired a 4th first-round pick (5, 6, 18, 28). The 5th pick cost him his best scoring guard (Foye) and his best shooter (Miller)

The last team that we can remember with four first-rounders was the 1999 Atlanta Hawks, and as Slam’s Lang Whitaker noted, it took them nine years to reach .500. Here’s a look back at that ‘99 draft for Atlanta:

10. Jason Terry, Arizona - Good scorer left for Dallas in 2004.
17. Cal Bowdler, ODU - An unbelievable bust who was out of the league in three years.
20. Dion Glover, Georgia Tech - Injury-riddled career, but showed signs of being a decent reserve toward the end of his days in Atl.
21. Jeff Foster, SW Texas State - Traded to Golden State; has carved out a nice career as a strong rebounder.

[Granted, 1999 was a weak draft, but the Hawks passed on Corey Maggette (13), Ron Artest (16), AK-47 (24), and Manu Ginobili (57).]

One would assume Kahn is working the phones to see what he can parlay the four picks into. Would the Grizzlies (2nd overall) bite if the 5th and 6th picks were dangled? Then, the T-Wolves could get Ricky Rubio to run point, and pick up a project like BJ Mullens at 18 or a guard like Jeff Teague/Toney Douglas and then grab a swingman with some experience (Budinger? Summers?) late in the first-round. Use the two second-rounders for SGs who can score (McClinton, Meeks, Ellington, etc).

How disgusting of an uphill climb is Kahn looking at? As of right now, one day prior to the draft, this is what his starting lineup looks like: Telfair at PG, Brewer at SG, Gomes/Smith at SF, Love at PF, Jefferson at C. Gross. That’s barely a 25-win team, and easily the worst-shooting team in the NBA. His bench consists of unimpressive big men who likely will become surly due to splinters (or get dealt) because none of them are stealing minutes from the franchise guys inside.

Good luck, guy.

David Kahn Is Going Loco! Adios, Foye And Miller! (Barkley’s Mouth)