By: Stephen Patterson
Showing posts with label Minnesota Timberwolves. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Minnesota Timberwolves. Show all posts
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Ty Lawson Opens Up Shop From Downtown Against Wolves
By: Stephen Patterson
Congrats to Ty Lawson for having a career night against the Minnesota Timberwolves last night.
He dropped ten three-pointers to the tune of 37 points, both of which are career-highs, while leading the Nuggets over the Wolves.
Oh, and by the way, Lawson hit those ten three's consecutively to start the game before missing his final attempt, ending the night 10 for 11 from downtown.
His previous career-high for three-pointers in a game? 3.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Friday, April 1, 2011
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Friday, March 25, 2011
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Dallas Mavericks Highlights (March 24, 2011)
By: Tyler Ward
The Timberwolves traveled to Dallas to take on the Mavericks as Mark Cuban's team looked to notch their twelfth straight 50-win season.
With Kevin Love out of action, Dallas looked to easily handle Kurt Rambis' young squad.
It was harder than Nowitzki and Co. thought as the T-Wolves gave them as much as they could handle in the first 46 or so minutes.
With the Mavericks holding onto a 76-72 lead entering the final quarter, Nowitzki and Jason Terry seemingly took the game over as the duo combined for 19 points in the fourth (4-for-7 from the field).
Nowitzki finished the game with a team-high 30 points, along with bringing down 11 rebounds. His running mate, Jason Terry, ended the game with 18 points, as the Mavericks claimed their 5oth win of the campaign.
Shawn Marion contributed 17 points, along with Peja Stojakovic finishing with 16. Tyson Chandler barely missed out on a double-double, posting 9 points and 10 rebounds.
Point guard Jason Kidd didn't score a single point, but dished out 13 assists.
Minnesota's Anthony Randolph, who took Love's place in the lineup, finished the game with a game-high and career-high 31 points and a team-high 11 rebounds.
He was the only brightspot for Minnesota, as the next highest scorer was Jonny Flynn with 13.
With the loss, Minnesota falls to 17-55, as Dallas advances to a 50-21 record.
The Timberwolves traveled to Dallas to take on the Mavericks as Mark Cuban's team looked to notch their twelfth straight 50-win season.
With Kevin Love out of action, Dallas looked to easily handle Kurt Rambis' young squad.
It was harder than Nowitzki and Co. thought as the T-Wolves gave them as much as they could handle in the first 46 or so minutes.
With the Mavericks holding onto a 76-72 lead entering the final quarter, Nowitzki and Jason Terry seemingly took the game over as the duo combined for 19 points in the fourth (4-for-7 from the field).
Nowitzki finished the game with a team-high 30 points, along with bringing down 11 rebounds. His running mate, Jason Terry, ended the game with 18 points, as the Mavericks claimed their 5oth win of the campaign.
Shawn Marion contributed 17 points, along with Peja Stojakovic finishing with 16. Tyson Chandler barely missed out on a double-double, posting 9 points and 10 rebounds.
Point guard Jason Kidd didn't score a single point, but dished out 13 assists.
Minnesota's Anthony Randolph, who took Love's place in the lineup, finished the game with a game-high and career-high 31 points and a team-high 11 rebounds.
He was the only brightspot for Minnesota, as the next highest scorer was Jonny Flynn with 13.
With the loss, Minnesota falls to 17-55, as Dallas advances to a 50-21 record.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Wednesday's NBA Free Agent Roundup
By: Tyler Ward
The last few days have been rather busy and with the aftermath of the major signings, there haven't been many notable transactions. But, there have still been moves and it is my duty to bring the transactions to your computer. So, with that being said, here's what has happened the last week or so.
- Cleveland trades SG Delonte West and PG Sebastian Telfair to Minnesota for PG Ramon Sessions, C Ryan Hollins, and a future 2nd round pick
In a not-so-stunning move, point guard Ramon Sessions was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers, along with seldom-used center Ryan Hollins. The Timberwolves receive Delonte West and Sebastian Telfair, both of whom are expected to be cut. West's $5 million salary for the upcoming season can be waived if he is released before August 5th.
The Timberwolves are expected to cut West because he would have no playing time, thanks to Minnesota's stacked backcourt. Minnesota already has Jonny Flynn and Luke Ridnour under contract, along with the rights to Ricky Rubio. Rubio will play for Spain this season and it is uncertain when he will come to the United States. The disgruntled West had been the subject of trade rumors recently and his release or trade was inevitable. The Boston Celtics, who he was originally drafted by, has expressed interest in bringing West back.
Telfair, who went straight from high school to the NBA, was traded from Boston to Minnesota in 2007 as part of the Kevin Garnett trade. He spent two seasons with the Timberwolves, before going to the Cleveland Cavaliers. According to media outlets, Telfair butted heads with Minnesota's front office numerous times, leading to his departure. He played sparingly for Cleveland last season, competing in only four games. Telfair will more than likely be traded or bought out and will not play a single game for the team.
Ramon Sessions is expected to back-up Mo Williams for the Cavaliers, giving them a great combination at the position. Sessions had been thought to be traded, after Flynn outplayed him last season. Prior to last season, Sessions signed a 4-year/$16 million contract with the Timberwolves. Cleveland signed point guard Kyle Lowry to a 3-year/$23 million offer sheet, but Houston matched it, thus leading to the acquisition of Sessions. Sessions played a career-low 21.1 minutes per game last season, averaging 8.2 points and 3.1 assists per game.
The acquisition of Hollins also benefits the Cavaliers, after becoming weak at the center position. Zydrunas Ilgauskas signed with the Miami Heat earlier this offseason, with Hall-of-Famer Shaquille O'Neal being a free agent. Hollins is expected to play a somewhat major role for the Cavaliers after averaging 6.1 points and 2.8 rebounds per game last season.
- Los Angeles Clippers sign SG Rasual Butler to a one-year contract
The Clippers announced earlier this week that they had re-signed sharpshooter Rasual Butler to a one-year contract. Full terms of the contract haven't been disclosed.
Los Angeles acquired Butler from New Orleans last year. Known particularly as a three-point shooter, Butler has made 255 three-pointers the last two seasons, including a Clipper franchise record 145 last season. Butler also averaged a career-high 11.9 points per game.
The signing of Butler fills a huge void for the Clippers, with Eric Gordon being the only shooting guard under contract for next season. He is expected to back-up Gordon, who has been quite the surprise for a mediocre Clippers squad.
However, Butler can also play small forward, a position that he was forced to play last season. With the addition of Al-Farouq Aminu, Butler is not expected to start at small forward. But, with the possible rookie curves that Aminu faces, it is entirely possible that Butler could see some playing time in front of the rookie.
Butler was initially drafted by the Miami Heat with the 53rd overall pick in 2002. A long shot to make the team, Butler surpassed expectations and became a valuable role player for the Heat. He was part of the major 5-team trade in 2005 that netted Jason Williams and James Posey in Miami, leading them to the NBA championship that season. He was dealt to Los Angeles in 2009 for a second round pick.
He has averaged 8.8 points and 2.7 rebounds per game for Miami, New Orleans, and Los Angeles.
- Washington re-signs SF Josh Howard to a one-year contract
A source close to Howard reported that the Wizards have re-signed the former Maverick, Josh Howard. Full terms have not been disclosed.
At last season's trade deadline, Howard, along with Drew Gooden, James Singleton, and Quinton Ross were traded to Washington in exchange for Caron Butler, Brendan Haywood, and Deshawn Stevenson. After playing just four games for the Wizards, Howard tore his ACL and was out for the rest of the season.
Howard's conduct was detrimental to the team to the Mavericks, which made his trade or release inevitable. He reportedly showed up to a game with a hangover against those very same Washington Wizards. His off-the-court antics led the Mavericks to force his hand and deal him away. After a tumultuous season with the Mavericks, he was dealt in that seven-player trade in February. He had surgery in March and the expected time of recovery is six to eight months, which means he could miss the start of the 2010-11 season.
The Wizards declined to pick up the option on Howard, which forced him to take a lower salary if he returned to the up-and-coming Wizards team.
Washington only has one other natural small forward on the team, Al Thornton. Howard is expected to back-up Thornton and possibly compete for a starting role.
For Washington and Dallas last season, Howard averaged 12.7 points per game, his lowest since his sophomore season in 2004-05. He also set a career-low in games played, participating in only 35 games total last season. In his seven seasons, Howard has career averages of 15.3 points and 6 rebounds per game with the Mavericks and Wizards.
- Detroit re-signs PG Will Bynum to a 3-year/$10 million contract
As expected, the Pistons said Wednesday that they had officially re-signed former Georgia Tech standout Will Bynum to a three-year deal worth approximately $9.75 million.
Bynum was a restricted free agent, which means that if he signed with a team, Detroit would have seven days to match the offer sheet. However, Bynum felt that his heart was in Detroit and thus, re-signed with the team that he had grown up idolizing.
He has proven to be an electric player at some points, even dishing out twenty assists in one game against the Washington Wizards. The last Pistons player to get at least twenty assists was Bynum's boyhood idol, Isiah Thomas.Bynum spent 2006-08 with the Euroleague team, Maccabi Tel Aviv. Originally a rookie in 2005-06, Bynum played 15 games for the Golden State Warriors, being limited to an average of ten minutes per game. He was brought in prior to the 2008-09 season, playing in 57 games. He played more last season with Detroit, even exploding for 25 points in one quarter against the Charlotte Bobcats, a Pistons record. For the Pistons last season, Bynum averaged 10 points and 4.5 assists per game.
Bynum will have more than enough ample opportunity to get playing time this year as the Pistons are far from stacked at the point guard position. Starting point guard, Rodney Stuckey, has been playing out of position and is more of a shooting guard, which could lead to Bynum starting at some point during the regular season. He is expected to play a much more larger role, as the Pistons look to regain their championship form.
- Houston trades C David Andersen to Toronto for a future 2nd round pick and cash considerations
After one season in Houston, David Andersen has been acquired by the Toronto Raptors in exchange for a future second round pick and cash considerations. Andersen's rights were traded from the Atlanta Hawks to the Rockets before the 2009-10 started. After Yao Ming announced that he would undergo surgery, Andersen was forced into a role that he shouldn't have after never playing in an NBA game.
Andersen was chosen in the second round of the 2002 NBA draft by the Hawks. He spent the majority of his career playing overseas. He spent last season playing for the Spanish League team, FC Barcelona.
In his lone season in the NBA, Andersen averaged 5.8 points and 3.3 rebounds per game in 63 appearances.
Other transactions:
- Atlanta signs PF Josh Powell to a one-year contract
- Boston re-signs SG Marquis Daniels to a contract (terms not disclosed)
- Miami signs PF Shavlik Randolph and PG Kenny Hasbrouck to contracts
Friday, July 16, 2010
Bulls Sign Brewer; Celtics re-sign Robinson
By: Tyler Ward
I would cover this in tonight's edition of the roundup, but with so many hours left in the day, there will probably be at least one more signing. So, for now, it's not officially a "round-up", but if something else does happen for the rest of the day, I will make one.
But, anyway, here's a recap of what's happened so far in the NBA.
- Chicago signs SG Ronnie Brewer to a 3-year/$12.5 million contract
The Bulls' offseason just keeps getting better and better. After Redick's matched offer sheet today, the Bulls decided to go another direction and add valuable back-up, Ronnie Brewer. He is now the third Jazz player to join Chicago this offseason, along with Carlos Boozer and Kyle Korver.
The signing of Brewer didn't really come as a shock because the Jazz signed journeyman Raja Bell earlier this week. This only meant that Brewer would likely not be retained and since he was an unrestricted free agent, he would be able to sign anywhere without the Jazz having to match the offer.
Brewer, 25, was chosen 14th overall by the Jazz in the 2006 draft. He started the 09-10 season with Utah, but was dealt to Memphis at the trade deadline for a protected future 1st round pick. His stint in Memphis was injury-plagued, only playing 5 games for them after being acquired. The Grizzlies decided not to extend an offer to Brewer, thus leading him to become a free agent.
Brewer's best season came in 08-09, when he averaged 13.7 points per game coming off the bench. His performance somewhat declined last season, only averaging 8.8 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.7 assists.
- Boston re-signs PG Nate Robinson to a 2-year/$8 million contract
The Celtics announced earlier today that they have re-signed point guard, Nate Robinson. Robinson, who had been with the Knicks his entire career, was dealt to Boston at the trade deadline.
Earlier this week, GM Danny Ainge confirmed that the Celtics were talking with Robinson's agent, Aaron Goodwin.
Ainge said earlier this offseason that they wanted to re-sign Robinson and hopefully, he would come back to Beantown. Earlier this week, it was announced that defensive presence Tony Allen would leave Boston and join the Memphis Grizzlies on a three year contract. This put Boston in somewhat of a frenzy to re-sign Robinson and today, they got the job done. With the signing, it brings back much needed depth to the point guard position - Robinson will be backing up playoff hero Rajon Rondo.
During the regular season, Robinson rode the end of the bench, playing sparingly. He logged in two DNP's, and both cost him at least $2 million. However, during the playoffs, Robinson did play and did exceptionally well in the process. He remained in the lineup during the Finals and showed great commitment to the Celtics organization. This, perhaps, paved the way for his eventual return to Boston.
The Celtics added Texas star Avery Bradley during the draft, who can either play point guard or shooting guard. This will likely give Robinson the ability to play at shooting guard, even though he may have a height advantage against some players.
Since being taken 21st overall in 2005, Robinson has career averages of 12 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game.
- Minnesota signs PG Luke Ridnour to a 4-year/$16 million contract
The Timberwolves have added another point guard - this time, Luke Ridnour. The signing could mean the end of the Ramon Sessions Era in Minnesota, even though he was signed just last season.
Minnesota was able to get Ridnour after trading away Al Jefferson to Utah, thus creating space in the salary cap. The trade brought in two future 1st round picks. He signed a 4-year deal with Minnesota, worth approximately $16 million.
Ridnour, 29, is the oldest player on the Timberwolves roster this season - Center Ryan Hollins, 25, is the next oldest player. He backed up Brandon Jennings last season in Milwaukee - averaging 10.4 points and 4 assists per game.
Trade talks have swirled around fellow teammate Ramon Sessions this offseason. He has drawn interest from teams like Cleveland, New York, and Indiana. Sessions' agent told the Associated Press that the rumors are confirmed, but a deal has yet to be in place and there are no front runners to acquire Sessions.
The Timberwolves are looking to build a decent team, after a horrendous 15-67 record last season. They are hoping that Ridnour can contribute, as he has served as a serviceable back-up - this will also be his third team in eight seasons since being drafted by the Seattle Sonics in the great 2003 draft.
Ridnour has career averages of 9.4 points and 4.8 assists per game with Seattle and Milwaukee.
I would cover this in tonight's edition of the roundup, but with so many hours left in the day, there will probably be at least one more signing. So, for now, it's not officially a "round-up", but if something else does happen for the rest of the day, I will make one.
But, anyway, here's a recap of what's happened so far in the NBA.
- Chicago signs SG Ronnie Brewer to a 3-year/$12.5 million contract
The Bulls' offseason just keeps getting better and better. After Redick's matched offer sheet today, the Bulls decided to go another direction and add valuable back-up, Ronnie Brewer. He is now the third Jazz player to join Chicago this offseason, along with Carlos Boozer and Kyle Korver.
The acquisition of Brewer brings much needed depth to the bench. After struggling as a team in field goal percentage last season, the Bulls added Brewer to help strengthen the team. Brewer, a lifetime 52.1% shooter, will provide excellent shooting and the ability to get to the rim. Chicago traded away their best three-point threat last year, Kirk Hinrich, to the Washington Wizards days before the NBA draft.
The signing of Brewer didn't really come as a shock because the Jazz signed journeyman Raja Bell earlier this week. This only meant that Brewer would likely not be retained and since he was an unrestricted free agent, he would be able to sign anywhere without the Jazz having to match the offer.Brewer, 25, was chosen 14th overall by the Jazz in the 2006 draft. He started the 09-10 season with Utah, but was dealt to Memphis at the trade deadline for a protected future 1st round pick. His stint in Memphis was injury-plagued, only playing 5 games for them after being acquired. The Grizzlies decided not to extend an offer to Brewer, thus leading him to become a free agent.
Brewer's best season came in 08-09, when he averaged 13.7 points per game coming off the bench. His performance somewhat declined last season, only averaging 8.8 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.7 assists.
- Boston re-signs PG Nate Robinson to a 2-year/$8 million contract
The Celtics announced earlier today that they have re-signed point guard, Nate Robinson. Robinson, who had been with the Knicks his entire career, was dealt to Boston at the trade deadline.
Earlier this week, GM Danny Ainge confirmed that the Celtics were talking with Robinson's agent, Aaron Goodwin.
Ainge said earlier this offseason that they wanted to re-sign Robinson and hopefully, he would come back to Beantown. Earlier this week, it was announced that defensive presence Tony Allen would leave Boston and join the Memphis Grizzlies on a three year contract. This put Boston in somewhat of a frenzy to re-sign Robinson and today, they got the job done. With the signing, it brings back much needed depth to the point guard position - Robinson will be backing up playoff hero Rajon Rondo.Like the Bulls, Boston has been busy this offseason, re-signing cornerstone players Paul Pierce and Ray Allen. They also brought in former All-Star Jermaine O'Neal after Rasheed Wallace announced his retirement after the NBA Finals.
During the regular season, Robinson rode the end of the bench, playing sparingly. He logged in two DNP's, and both cost him at least $2 million. However, during the playoffs, Robinson did play and did exceptionally well in the process. He remained in the lineup during the Finals and showed great commitment to the Celtics organization. This, perhaps, paved the way for his eventual return to Boston.
The Celtics added Texas star Avery Bradley during the draft, who can either play point guard or shooting guard. This will likely give Robinson the ability to play at shooting guard, even though he may have a height advantage against some players.
Since being taken 21st overall in 2005, Robinson has career averages of 12 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game.
- Minnesota signs PG Luke Ridnour to a 4-year/$16 million contract
The Timberwolves have added another point guard - this time, Luke Ridnour. The signing could mean the end of the Ramon Sessions Era in Minnesota, even though he was signed just last season.
Minnesota was able to get Ridnour after trading away Al Jefferson to Utah, thus creating space in the salary cap. The trade brought in two future 1st round picks. He signed a 4-year deal with Minnesota, worth approximately $16 million.
Ridnour, 29, is the oldest player on the Timberwolves roster this season - Center Ryan Hollins, 25, is the next oldest player. He backed up Brandon Jennings last season in Milwaukee - averaging 10.4 points and 4 assists per game.
Trade talks have swirled around fellow teammate Ramon Sessions this offseason. He has drawn interest from teams like Cleveland, New York, and Indiana. Sessions' agent told the Associated Press that the rumors are confirmed, but a deal has yet to be in place and there are no front runners to acquire Sessions.
The Timberwolves are looking to build a decent team, after a horrendous 15-67 record last season. They are hoping that Ridnour can contribute, as he has served as a serviceable back-up - this will also be his third team in eight seasons since being drafted by the Seattle Sonics in the great 2003 draft.
Ridnour has career averages of 9.4 points and 4.8 assists per game with Seattle and Milwaukee.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Al Jefferson To The Utah Jazz
By: Stephen Patterson
Minnesota has finally moved Al Jefferson, sending him to the Utah Jazz for two 1st round picks. The Jazz were able to absorb Jefferson's massive contract with their trade exception. This move gives Utah a solid replacement for Carlos Boozer, who bolted the team for the Chicago Bulls in free agency. When healthy Jefferson can be a solid 20/10 player which will help keep them in playoff contention.The Timberwolves have been searching for a deal involving draft picks and this deal no only provides two, it also gives them the financial flexibility to acquire another player sometime during the season if they need to make a change. While teams like the Dallas Mavericks and Cleveland Cavaliers also made strong pushes to acquire Jefferson, neither team appeared willing to part with enough draft picks to make the deal happen.
When Minnesota re-signed Darko Milicic and acquired Michael Beasley from the Heat, it all but guaranteed Big Al was on his way out. If Timberwolve's GM David Kahn can use their trade exception to acquire a meaningful addition to the team, and move one or two more players, the Wolves could potentially being fighting for a playoff spot in the next two seasons.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Al Jefferson Trade Talks Progress
By: Stephen Patterson
The Minnesota Timberwolves are getting closer to finally making a deal to move Al Jefferson. Dallas has eased their stance on moving Erick Dampier's expiring contract if the Wolves also agree to take DeShawn Stevenson and Matt Carroll. The Wolves have been trying to move Jefferson for weeks now and it seems that a deal is now imminent, although their are now other teams interested in picking up Jefferson as well.
The Utah Jazz are interested in making a move for Jefferson to fill the void left by Carlos Boozer's departure and have a trade exception that could take in Jefferson's contract. This move would give the Timberwolves the chance to move that trade exception later on for a quality player and possibly an unhappy star looking to move. The move would also give the Jazz a quality big man that is capable of replacing Boozer if he can stay healthy. The only thing that may have the Jazz thinking twice about the deal is Paul Millsap, would is getting paid a lot of money to be back up for Utah. If the Jazz acquire Big Al, there is a chance they could end trading Millsap during the next year.The Cleveland Cavaliers are also apparently interested in acquiring Jefferson as well. While the talks haven't gotten serious as now, the Cavs have a trade exception from their sign-and-trade with the Heat for LeBron James. That would also allow the Wolves to trade for a veteran presence or group of players. They could also explore the option of acquiring Mo Williams or Antawn Jamison. Cleveland is in desperate need of some moves to even have a chance of making the playoffs, and Jefferson would definitely help the cause. In my opinion, the team needs to revamp a majority of their roster to have a chance to compete without LeBron James.
Friday, July 9, 2010
Random NBA Thoughts 7/9/10
By: Stephen Patterson
Here are some random thoughts and observations throughout "Decision Day 2010":
-- LeBron James made the best decision to win: Whether you're bitter over his departure from Cleveland, or ecstatic about his arrival in South Beach, LeBron chose the right team if he truly is serious about winning. Cleveland had plenty of opportunities to bring in winning teammates for James, but they constantly wasted their chances with bad moves. Miami made the biggest changes/moves to accommodate him, and he made the tough choice to leave home. LeBron probably won't be winning anymore scoring titles with his move to the Heat, but he definitely has the potential to average a triple-double with his new teammates.
-- Cleveland Cavalier's owner Dan Gilbert is a fool: While I'm currently running another website to get Minnesota GM David Kahn fired before he ruins the Wolves, Gilbert may have replaced him as the most incompetent front office executive/owner in the NBA tonight with his "letter". He may have made some of the dumbest statements I have ever heard from a professional sports owner, and that is saying a lot. Guaranteeing Cleveland wins a title before Miami? Really? With Mo Williams as your best player? REALLY? Please enjoy your self-titled "curse" while it continues to hang above your franchise.
-- Al Jefferson is all but gone from the Timberwolves: With Minnesota acquiring Michael Beasley from Miami last night, Jefferson will most likely be gone from the Wolves sooner rather than later. David Kahn has been shopping Jefferson for a while, but has been unable to move him because of his bad contract and history of knee injuries. With Beasley's acquisition, Kahn will most likely move him to one of the teams that struck out in the LeBron sweepstakes.
-- The Miami Heat will sign some major players around the Big Three: While everyone on ESPN seems to think Miami will be unable to land anyone to surround the best trio in NBA history, I see it a little differently. Any free agent that hasn't signed a contract should take a serious look at the Heat. Even with the uncertain labor situation next summer, players would be foolish to not even consider a one year minimum deal to play alongside James, Bosh, and Wade. They have already added Mike Miller, but here are a few players to also watch: Jason Williams, Brad Miller, Tracy McGrady, Allen Iverson, Richard Jefferson, and Nate Robinson.
-- Amare Stoudemire has to be the saddest man outside of Ohio: Not only did the Knicks miss signing LeBron James, they also moved PF David Lee to the Golden State Warriors last night. While the deal does land them some decent players, it's not exactly the catch I imagine Stoudemire envisioning when he signed with New York. Amare seems to think Carmelo Anthony and Tony Parker intend to join him in the Big Apple, but until then, I'd expect Stoudemire might be feeling a little regret as he tries to save a sinking ship alone.
Here are some random thoughts and observations throughout "Decision Day 2010":
-- LeBron James made the best decision to win: Whether you're bitter over his departure from Cleveland, or ecstatic about his arrival in South Beach, LeBron chose the right team if he truly is serious about winning. Cleveland had plenty of opportunities to bring in winning teammates for James, but they constantly wasted their chances with bad moves. Miami made the biggest changes/moves to accommodate him, and he made the tough choice to leave home. LeBron probably won't be winning anymore scoring titles with his move to the Heat, but he definitely has the potential to average a triple-double with his new teammates.
-- Cleveland Cavalier's owner Dan Gilbert is a fool: While I'm currently running another website to get Minnesota GM David Kahn fired before he ruins the Wolves, Gilbert may have replaced him as the most incompetent front office executive/owner in the NBA tonight with his "letter". He may have made some of the dumbest statements I have ever heard from a professional sports owner, and that is saying a lot. Guaranteeing Cleveland wins a title before Miami? Really? With Mo Williams as your best player? REALLY? Please enjoy your self-titled "curse" while it continues to hang above your franchise.-- Al Jefferson is all but gone from the Timberwolves: With Minnesota acquiring Michael Beasley from Miami last night, Jefferson will most likely be gone from the Wolves sooner rather than later. David Kahn has been shopping Jefferson for a while, but has been unable to move him because of his bad contract and history of knee injuries. With Beasley's acquisition, Kahn will most likely move him to one of the teams that struck out in the LeBron sweepstakes.
-- The Miami Heat will sign some major players around the Big Three: While everyone on ESPN seems to think Miami will be unable to land anyone to surround the best trio in NBA history, I see it a little differently. Any free agent that hasn't signed a contract should take a serious look at the Heat. Even with the uncertain labor situation next summer, players would be foolish to not even consider a one year minimum deal to play alongside James, Bosh, and Wade. They have already added Mike Miller, but here are a few players to also watch: Jason Williams, Brad Miller, Tracy McGrady, Allen Iverson, Richard Jefferson, and Nate Robinson.
-- Amare Stoudemire has to be the saddest man outside of Ohio: Not only did the Knicks miss signing LeBron James, they also moved PF David Lee to the Golden State Warriors last night. While the deal does land them some decent players, it's not exactly the catch I imagine Stoudemire envisioning when he signed with New York. Amare seems to think Carmelo Anthony and Tony Parker intend to join him in the Big Apple, but until then, I'd expect Stoudemire might be feeling a little regret as he tries to save a sinking ship alone.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
David Kahn Targets Free Agent Rudy Gay
By: Stephen Patterson
Minnesota GM David Kahn has been reported to be interested in Memphis free agent Rudy Gay. After selecting Wesley Johnson, the best small forward in the 2010 Draft, and then acquiring/drafting Martell Webster, Lazar Hayward, and Nemanja Bejelica (all small forwards), it only makes sense for the NBA's worst GM to target yet another small forward. Kahn has been without a doubt the worst general manager in the NBA since New York Knicks GM Isiah Thomas and this only further shows how obvious it has become. How has Minnesota not fired him already?
With most teams dumping talent and salary in preperation of the biggest free agent class in NBA history, Kahn has aggressively drafted/signed/acquired eight point guards and small forwards over the past two seasons. Never before has there been a GM to waste so much roster space because he apparently lacks the abilty to scout players. With teams having intelligent management and better situations holding more cap space (New Jersey, Chicago, Miami, LA (Clippers), New York), it's highly unlikely the Timberwolves will land any free agents of major importance. Why would any player wanting to win go to a team, one openly planning to miss the playoffs yet again this season, for any reason other than the paycheck?
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Guide To Being An Idiot
By: Stephen Patterson
Mr. David Kahn, please stand up. No, not because you won NBA Executive of the Year. You have qualified for another award entirely actually: the first Annual Isiah Thomas Trophy (or ITT) for worst GM in the NBA. Sadly, this isn't a real award handed out by the NBA or Minnesota Timberwolves GM David Kahn would be a lock to win it. He has single handedly written the book of "How Not To Be a GM". He not only earned the ITT for the 2009-10 season, but he has also taken a massive head start for the 2010-11 award.
Since being given the job by Wolves owner Glen Taylor on May 22, 2009, Kahn has beaten out all 29 other NBA executives for this award and it has been a landslide. He has completely messed up both seasons in the draft, has yet to bring anyone of serious meaning to the team, and failed entirely to make the team even remotely competitive. Below are some of the "accomplishments" Kahn has had on the job to win the ITT:The first and main reason Kahn blew past the competition for the ITT has been his drafting abilities. In 2009, with consecutive selections at 5 and 6, Kahn chose Ricky Rubio and Jonny Flynn, both point guards. With the teams third selection, he took Ty Lawson, yet another point guard. Never before have I seen a GM draft that many players at the same position so soon in the draft. I feel like it's safe to say no other GM has in fact been this idiotic. Rubio is a great player, young and not very experienced, but he was highly scouted and a projected Top 10 pick. But knowing he was already under contract to his Spanish team and knowing it was clear he wanted to be in a city like New York, Kahn selected him anyway. Guess who hasn't even suited up yet? Guess who isn't going to this season either? Good choice. Knowing this will never work out with Rubio, he still overvalues him as a trade piece and has refused to part with him. Flynn and Lawson weren't terrible selections, but Kahn handed Lawson to Denver for a future protected, and likely late, first round pick. Possibly the best of his 3 choices, Lawson was dealt for next to nothing and the point guard that will likely never play a game for Minnesota is still there.
This season for the draft, Kahn was dead set to overshadow his massive blunder of the 2009 Draft. Overall during the night, he selected or acquired FOUR, count them FOUR, small forwards: Welsey Johnson, Martell Webster, Lazar Hayward, and Nemanja Bejelica. At most, if you have a position that is by and far the most glaring need on your roster and you are dead set on solving it via draft, you might pick two guys at that one position. But why in the world would you select four when your team could use help at pretty much every position on the floor? Johnson will likely be a solid 15 5 3 guy in the league, and Webster has already proven he's a decent player, but why do you need to pick two other guys to be third and fourth stringers that more likely than not will be busts in the NBA? I wish I could have seen Kahn twindling his thumbs, probably thinking to himself "What an amazing job I'm doing right now, no one would ever expect me to do THIS", while he squandered two potentially useful picks.
Even having a decent amount of cap space will mean absolutely nothing to Minnesota this offseason because no major players like James, Wade, Bosh, or any other top level guy will even consider the Timberwolves. The franchise has always had trouble helping out their stars (just ask Old Man Garnett why he has bad knees), and David Kahn is on pace to fail more epically than any of Minnesota's former GMs at this. Since arriving on the job, the best free agent he has been able to lure to help out franchise power forward Kevin Love has been Ramon Sessions last summer. Take a wild guess what position he plays at? Yet another point guard for the roster.
This summer, Wolves fans should be thrilled if their team can even keep Darko Milicic onboard, atleast according to Kahn. For some reason beyond my comprehension, Kahn finds Darko to be an amazingly promising center, and has even said he will try even harder to deal PF/C Al Jefferson (roughly translated as "I'll finally stop overvaluing Al and his bum knee and bloated $42 million/3 year contract and pull the trigger on a meaningful deal if you'll stay with the team."). This may be the dumbest thing Kahn has done to date if he indeed deals Jefferson solely to hold onto Darko. Milicic has proven beyond a shadow of a doubt he is one the biggest busts in one of the most stacked drafts in the history of the NBA (2003 Draft, 2nd pick. He was chosen by Detroit over Carmelo Anthony, Wade, and Bosh).
Through his blunders to date, Kahn has failed to make the Wolves a competitive team, especially in a deep Western Conference. His best player, Kevin Love, is young and doesn't have much NBA experience. He also isn't the type of player I see leading a team. He's more of a Pau Gasol, skilled and a good player, but he needs someone better to follow. The second best player on the team, Jefferson, plays the same position as Love. Neither player is a very good center, creating problems when they're on the floor together. Picking up Johnson and Flynn were pretty good moves it seems so far, but beyond that Kahn hasn't done much to help Love.
General Managers aren't nearly as important as coaches, locations, and money on a free agents priority list, but you can't help but wonder if Kahn doesn't scare away free agents. It's pretty obivous he has no clue what he is doing with the team, and why would a player willing want to go to that situation other than to sit around and collect a check? Until Kahn shows he can build the team and keep them competitive through drafting and trading, no top level free agent will ever consider the Timberwolves as a serious destination. It's going to take some serious effort for Kahn to avoid being a repeat winner of the Isiah Thomas Trophy for single handedly destroying a franchise.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Tonight's Top 5 Picks
By: Stephen Patterson
It looks as though the first five selections in tonight's NBA Draft are starting to come together. It has been pretty much assured since the Washington Wizards won the lottery that Kentucky PG John Wall would be the top pick, but what about the other teams in the top 5? Most mock drafts have a concensus top 5 group of prospects, but the order of where they fall has slightly differed depending on which mock you look at. Well here are my predictions for where each team will look with their selections:
-- Washington Wizards: John Wall G Kentucky. This is an obvious choice for Washington. Sneaking into the top spot with a lot of lottery luck, the Wizards have a chance to draft a franchise changing point guard. The only real question here is how will Wall and troubled star Gilbert Arenas co-exist for the Wizards? Can they both be on the floor at the same time? If so, who's running the show? Arenas has always been a scoring guard, so handing over the point guard responsibilities to Wall shouldn't be an issue. Look out for a possible Arenas trade as well. While the Wizards aren't shopping Agent Zero, there have been rumors of a potential Arenas for Vince Carter deal discussed between Washington and Orlando.
-- Philidelphia 76ers: Evan Turner G Ohio State. Turner played three seasons with the Buckeyes and took home his fair share of awards for his performance last season. He will definitely be a great addition to the Sixers and certainly a player new coach Doug Collins looks forward to having on the floor next season. The only way the Sixers don't select Turner is if they make a deal to move Elton Brand. If they move Brand and his massive contract it is almost a certainty that the other team will want the 2nd pick included in the deal. I don't see many takers for Brand with most teams holding onto every dollar they can for free agency so look for Turner to be a Sixer next year.
-- New Jersey Nets: Wesley Johnson F Syracuse. The Nets were stunned when they found out they missed out on a chance to land Wall after having the leagues worst record last season, but Welsey Johnson is still a good prize nonetheless. This pick may be the most widely differed among mock drafts, with some thinking they will go the route of Derrick Favors. However, I think Johnson is the best fit for New Jersey based on the fact there will be several quality PFs availible in free agency (Bosh, Stoudemire, Boozer), while the only superstar SF certain to be on the market is LeBron James. The Nets' chances of landing James took a steep dive when they lost the chance to land Wall making this a wise choice.
-- Minnesota Timberwolves: Derrick Favors F Georgia Tech. This pick is probably the most likely of the top 5 to be dealt tonight. It's no secret the Wolves would love to land Wesley Johnson and they may look to move up to make something happen. There is also the possibility they could unload the pick along with Al Jefferson in an effort to rid themselves of his massive deal. The team greatly overvalues Jefferson however, so a deal including the pick is a long shot. David Kahn hasn't shown he really has a clue what he is doing in Minnesota so tonight will be a huge night for him. How would Favors fit in with Jefferson and Love already on the roster? This will be a tough question for Kahn to answer.
-- Sacramento Kings: DeMarcus Cousins C Kentucky. Widely viewed as the biggest gamble in this years draft, Cousins is also seen as one of the players with the most potential. There have been multiple reports over the past 48 hours suggesting the Kings have already decided upon Cousins, and I think they are a good fit for him. The expectations aren't too high for the team and he wouldn't have too much pressure on him with Tyreke Evans as a teammate. If Cousins can stay out of trouble off the court and work on maturity issues, he could be the best player taken in the draft and a franchise changing center.
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