MINNEAPOLIS (AP) Zach LaVine has gone from slam dunk champion to starting shooting guard for the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Interim coach Sam Mitchell named LaVine the starter Wednesday, before the Wolves had even played a preseason game. Mitchell says the decision is all about developing the young Timberwolves for the future.
The 20-year-old LaVine is entering his second season in the league. He won the dunk contest at All-Star weekend as a rookie, but has impressed Mitchell with his work ethic in training camp.
LaVine gets the nod over the 32-year-old Kevin Martin, one of the best shooters in the NBA.
Mitchell says he understands if Martin is not happy with the decision. But he expects Martin to continue to be a professional and compete.
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