Timberwolves Fans Line Up To See Towns & Jones Arrive

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO/AP) — The Minnesota Timberwolves' two newest players are getting their first glimpse at life in the NBA.

Karl-Anthony Towns and Tyus Jones gave their first interviews with the team Friday.

Towns was the first overall pick in the draft.

Jones, the hometown player from Apple Valley, came to the Timberwolves in a trade late in the first round.

So, when a first round draft pick and a star player with hometown roots make their first introduction, it's going to attract some attention.

Towns and Jones haven't played a second of professional ball, but on Friday their following was that of NBA champions.

"Big time Timberwolves fan and drafting Karl and Tyus is going to be big for our future," fan Tristan Groffs said.

"This is the beginning. This is the chance to see a Kevin Garnett at the beginning of his career," fan Marcus Johnson said.

The duo made their debut in an unlikely spot off the court. Last night, Towns mentioned the Minneapolis skyway system during his NBA draft interviews. On Friday, Jones, an Apple Valley native, showed Towns around the skyway as they walked to Target Center.

"The skyway is bigtime downtown," Jones said. "This is his new home, so, he's gotta get familiar with it."

Future trips likely won't compare to Friday morning's walk.

Hundreds of fans lined every block wanting to capture the first time the two teamed up.

"Just the first thing you imagine after seeing the two walk around is just throwing that first alley-oop," Johnson said.

"To see them walk the skyway was just a thrill and it's brought excitement to the city," fan Randy Groff said.

New players often have a way of bringing new hope for a championship team but, for now, fans will just settle for the start of the season.

"It won't be long before we see a winner here in Minnesota," Randy said.

"I'm excited to go to the games this year and they're going to be fun to watch," Tristan said.

A person with knowledge of the negotiations tells The Associated Press that the Wolves are close to a deal with Euroleague MVP Nemanja Bjelica. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the contract has not been signed.

The Wolves drafted Bjelica in the second round in 2010. He averaged 11.9 points and 8.6 rebounds in Turkey last season.

(TM and © Copyright 2015 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2015 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)