Minnesota Timberwolves Daily News
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Written by SG
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Monday, 21 July 2008 |
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"You see all those pump fakes?" asked a coach of an Eastern Conference team. "He can do that against this competition. But he tries that [stuff] against Duncan or [Kevin] Garnett and it's going nowhere. At the end of the day, you have to remember he's a 6-8 guy who plays below the rim."
Here's something more disconcerting: Love is considered by some to be a
major injury waiting to happen. An NBA front office source with a team
who worked out Love describes him as a "train wreck" physically,
pointing to his surgically repaired knee as the biggest point of
concern.
Then there is the question of Love's weight. Several league sources I
talked to expressed concern that Love, who dropped 15 pounds and
reduced his body fat from 15-16 percent to 11-12 percent in the months
leading up to the NBA draft, will put that weight back on once the
regular season starts.
Perhaps the most NBA-ready player in Vegas was big man Kevin Love, who could help the Minnesota Timberwolves fill their need for toughness inside.
The fabled outlet passing was certainly on display this week from the
rookie out of UCLA, and Love had several opportunities to brandish it,
leading the summer league with 13.5 rpg. He had double-doubles in his
first three games, and it would have been four had he not left
Saturday's game early with a sore achilles (finished with 10 points and
nine boards in 18 minutes. It's almost scary to imagine what he'll do
alongside Al Jefferson this season.
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Last Updated ( Monday, 21 July 2008 )
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Written by SG
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Monday, 21 July 2008 |
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From the Associated Press:
Kevin Love was held out of the Minnesota Timberwolves' summer league
game Sunday afternoon against the New York Knicks for precautionary
reasons with an inflamed left Achilles.
He left in the second half of Minnesota's game Saturday against the
Milwaukee Bucks with the same injury, which team official don't
consider severe.
Love was expected to practice later Sunday with U.S. national team at a local high school...
Both the Timberwolves -- playing without Kevin Love, who suffered a sore left Achilles yesterday against the Bucks -- and the Knicks finished their Summer League stints with matching 2-3 records.
Minnesota dominated throughout, shooting 62 percent from the floor
during the first 20 minutes of play and stretching their lead to as
many as 16 in the half, on the back of
Pops Mensah-Bonsu
’s 13 first-half points.
Love posted a double-double in three of the four games he played in.
The one game he didn't was Saturday when he was on the floor for just
18 minutes before getting injured. He led the tournament in rebounds
per game and his final averages are: 18 points, 13.5 rebounds, 1.8
assists, 48 percent from the floor and 75 percent from the foul line.
Here are his game-by-game points and rebound totals:
Game 1: 18 points and 13 rebounds
Game 2: 18 points and 17 rebounds
Game 3: 26 points and 15 rebounds
Game 4: 10 points and nine rebounds
Update:
Forward Pops Mensah-Bonsu led the way with 21 points and eight boards. Guards Blake Ahearn (16 points) and Drew Neitzel (14 points) had efficient afternoons shooting a combined 13-26 from the field.
Minnesota also got a complete game out of forward Corey Brewer who had 10 points, seven assists, seven boards, two steals and a block.
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Last Updated ( Monday, 21 July 2008 )
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Written by SG
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Monday, 21 July 2008 |
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The devil's advocacy position is that neither Smith nor Gomes fit into
the Wolves' long range plans; that unlike Gomes, who will draw more
interest, Smith is a cheap placeholder and that a team counting on a
nucleus of Jefferson/Love/Foye/Brewer and perhaps Miller and McCants
doesn't have need for shorty 4's or even swing 3-4's. I understand
this, although it makes laughable Kevin McHale's frequent argument that
people get too hung up on position at the expense of skill set and
savvy. Ryan Gomes is a basketball player, the embodiment of that
dictum; he makes others around him better in myriad little ways. Craig
Smith is a specialist--an occasional nightmare matchup for teams in the
low block--in a specialty that is neither particularly unique not
frequently required, meaning there is high supply and low demand.
And that outlet pass! Love's vision and ability to quarterback his team during the transition from offense to defense has gotten scouts to rave about the possibility of Minnesota running people out of the gym. With Randy Foye, Corey Brewer, and Mike Miller among his receiving corps, Love will certainly be looking to spur the fast-break with the his famous pass.
Now, though, is when the adjustment begins.
And no adjustment will be greater for Love than his aversion to losing, which he clearly uses as motivation to get better and do so as quickly as possible. After admitting that he's "not used to losing" and he "[doesn't] accept it," Love vowed to do all he could to improve and get ready for the rigors of the NBA game.
Matt Watson: I was just reading that you signed with a team in Spain. What's going on with that?
Pops: I signed with a team in Spain a few days ago but
they gave me an NBA out until July 22nd, so that's why I'm playing with
the Timberwolves. If I get signed or picked up by an NBA team, they
won't have to buy me out over there. I have until the 22nd to get
signed. Hopefully that works out. If not, I have no problem going back
to Spain.
MW: Who's jumping out at you the most?
Pops: Kevin. (Laughter) I was overseas last year and I
heard about him a lot. I never got to see him play, but playing
alongside him is great because he demands so much attention, and for
good reason. I think he's a great player, great rebounder, he's a
really smart player...
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Last Updated ( Monday, 21 July 2008 )
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Written by SG
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Sunday, 20 July 2008 |
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On the last day of play at the Las Vegas Summer League, the Wolves face the Knicks at 3:00pm CST.
Viewing the game:
Click here to watch the game live on NBA.com at 3:00pm CST
NBA TV is broadcasting the game (tape delay) at 9:00pm CST
Click here for forum's game thread.
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Last Updated ( Sunday, 20 July 2008 )
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Written by SG
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Sunday, 20 July 2008 |
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Questions remain about how Love will fare come October against
opponents taller and far quicker than he faced in Las Vegas. He
displayed in his first three games such peculiar skills -- freakish
passing, the knack to anticipate the game one move ahead -- that made
scouts seated courtside marvel and that indicate he will be a teammate
who immediately makes Jefferson, Miller, Randy Foye, Corey Brewer and
Co., better...
The team continues to talk trade for a backup point guard and could
both re-sign Telfair and trade for a combo guard because Wittman would
prefer to have three point-guard options when training camp opens, only
2 1/2 months hence.
Timberwolves forward Ryan Gomes' name has been linked to the Cavs. He
would be a nice player to bring off the bench. He's an above average
mid-range shooter. A source said he might want at least a two-year deal
of the full mid-level.
USA Basketball today announced that Minnesota Timberwolves forward
Kevin Love has been chosen as one of the final two NBA players to join
the 2008 USA Basketball Select Team. The 2008 USA Basketball Select
Team, a team comprised of youthful NBA sensations, will help prepare
the 2008 USA Men’s Senior National Team for the 2008 Beijing Olympic
Games. The select squad will begin training July 20 in Las Vegas and is
expected to train and scrimmage against the USA Senior National Team
from July 21-24.
The Phoenix
Suns, San Antonio Spurs, Minnesota Timberwolves, Cleveland Cavaliers
and New Orleans Hornets have expressed interest in George.
Brian Monette, a longtime Twins assistant equipment manager, has turned his relationships and connections with major league baseball players into a nice real estate business.
MONETTE, 35, RECENTLY SOLD EX-TWIN JOHAN SANTANA'S GOLDEN VALLEY HOME TO TIMBERWOLF AL JEFFERSON FOR $1.58 MILLION.
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Last Updated ( Sunday, 20 July 2008 )
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Written by SG
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Sunday, 20 July 2008 |
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Early in the third quarter, Minnesota's Kevin Love appeared to roll his
ankle and was helped to the locker room. I'll try to get an official
word. Before the injury, Love had 10 points and nine rebounds...
It turns out that Love has a sore right Achilles and will not return to the game.
Just FYI for those watching the webcast: A Wolves representative in
Vegas says Love didn’t play most of the second half because of soreness
in his right Achilles tendon, a precautionary move because of his
commitment to the select team next week. He will join the select team
today and won’t play in the Wolves’ final game against New York.
Update:
Minnesota, who lost 2008 lottery pick Kevin Love to a sore left Achilles midway through the third quarter, was led by Pops Mensah-Bonsu’s 13-point outing...
Kevin Love was off to a fine start in his game against Joe Alexander, but after grabbing his ninth rebound at the beginning of the third quarter he immediately called timeout and made his way towards the bench before heading to the locker room where he remained for the rest of the game. Word is that he has a sore left Achilles’ tendon.
There were some brief fireworks after Love took an arm to the
neck/face/throat that sent him to the ground from Milwaukee's Olumide
Oyedeji. Love quickly rose to his feet and stepped up to Oyedeji who
was busy arguing with the officials.
For a moment Love looks so furious, it looked like he was about to swing but restrained himself.
On the next possession Love battled aggressively with Oyedeji in the
post. To cool things off, the referees called a foul and then one of
the benches called for time. Over the PA could be heard "Hot Blooded,"
attempting to break the tension.
The acrimony didn't end there as both Love and Oyedeji were rushing for
a loose ball and Love gave his opponent a little check that sent him
flying. The crowd gave a cheer and a number of UCLA shouts could be
heard.
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Last Updated ( Sunday, 20 July 2008 )
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Written by SG
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Saturday, 19 July 2008 |
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First-round draft picks Kevin Love and Robin Lopez were added Saturday
to the select team of young players that will scrimmage against the
U.S. Olympic team this week.
Both players were chosen after strong performances in the NBA summer
league. Love, picked fifth by Memphis and traded to Minnesota on draft
night, has averaged 20.7 points and 15 rebounds in three games for
the Timberwolves...
The select team will begin practicing Sunday and is expected to work against the Olympic team from Monday-Thursday.
Love and Robin Lopez join O.J. Mayo, Derrick Rose, Rodney Stuckey,
LaMarcus Aldridge, Kevin Durant, Jeff Green, Luther Head, Al Horford,
Andre Iguodala and Kevin Martin on a 12-man team that begins four days
of training against the Olympians on Monday.
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Written by SG
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Saturday, 19 July 2008 |
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At the Summer League this week, McHale sat in a corner of the Thomas
& Mack and watched Kevin Love and other Minnesota hopefuls. Fans
walked by wearing green Celtics jerseys with Garnett’s name and number
5 on the back, but the Timberwolves exec said he didn’t notice.
Asked to reflect on last summer’s trade, McHale said he’s satisfied with how it unfolded.
“We didn’t make the playoffs for a couple years with Kevin,” he said.
Actually, Minnesota had just missed the playoffs for a third
consecutive season. “We had a high payroll. Knowing he wanted an
extension, our owner was not prepared to go in that direction. He
wanted to rebuild.”
There is nothing noteworthy on Wittman’s resume except perhaps that he has Kevin McHale listed among his references.
Update:
He's getting an easy 20 points a game, which I suppose was expected,
but he's been an absolute beast on the boards getting 15 a game. (And
all the people who want to pretend he's "unathletic" just because he's
big and white? Ridiculous. He's not going to keep up with a guy half
his size, but he can get above the rim when he needs to.)
More than that, though, his overall awareness is leaps and bounds
better than most of the guys he's sharing the floor with. I've heard
people talk about his outlet passes in the past, and to be honest, I
never really understood what the big deal is. But to see it in person,
to see the way he can stand underneath the basket and hit a teammate
streaking down the court in stride is amazing. He's like a quarterback
leading a wide receiver down the field.
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Last Updated ( Saturday, 19 July 2008 )
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Written by SG
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Saturday, 19 July 2008 |
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The Wolves take on the Bucks tonight at 7:30pm CST in the Las Vegas Summer League.
Click here to watch the game live online at 7:30pm CST
Click here for the forum's game thread
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Written by SG
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Friday, 18 July 2008 |
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It's a small marketing gimmick, but the two best young players in Vegas -- as judged by an NBA panel -- will be invited to join the team that will practice against the United States later this month as Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and Jason Kidd prepare for the Olympics in China. Love and Jerryd Bayless are among the early favorites.
I know it's only been two games, and it is just the summer leagues, but
Love is already starting to prove his doubters wrong. Averaging 18.0
points, 15.0 rebounds and a block while shooting 51.6 percent from the
floor, Love is doing exactly what he did at UCLA, relying on his pure
basketball skills and intensity rather than athleticism, and is
dominating while doing it.
But while the offer from Joventut remains firmly on the table, Mensah-Bonsu is still pursuing his aim of joining an NBA team and was in action with the Minnesota Timberwolves in Vegas yesterday.
Benny Bonsu, Pops' sister and Basketball 24/7 contributor, confirmed: "Pops has not signed anything yet.
"He has an offer from Spain but has not signed anything and his ambition remains to return to the NBA if at all possible."
Former Missouri State basketball standout Blake Ahearn continues to
make a strong case for a roster spot with the Minnesota Timberwolves,
scoring 14 points in an NBA Summer League game Thursday night in Las
Vegas.
Ahearn, who played the final five weeks of last season with the Miami
Heat, is averaging 13 points and shooting 46 percent from the field in
the Timberwolves' summer team's three games. Two games remain on the
schedule.
Loukas Mavrokefalidis is much closed to sign a contract with Costa Cafe Marousi
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Last Updated ( Friday, 18 July 2008 )
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Columnists
Sonia Grover started her Wolves site, "I Heart KG", in 2006. In the wake of the big trade, she moved over to TWolves Blog and brought her column,
"Wolves Daily News"Email:
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Derek Hanson, the founder of TWolves Blog, delivers his optimistic and often inspiring take on the Wolves in his column,
"DeROK's One Shot"Email:
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Dave Kelsey, life-long Wolves fan, season ticket holder, and forum post champion gives his humorous take on the Wolves and life in general in
"Club Seating with College Wolf"
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As one of the 78 owners of Troy Hudson's "Undrafted", its clear that Anthony Hall isn't afraid to go against the grain. He offers up his one-of-a-kind take on the Timberwolves in his column,
"In the Paint"
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Jeremy Knutson packed up his stuff from the Old Wolves Logo, drove over to the TWolves Blog, unloaded the car, and now invites you to come along for a ride through the NBA in his
"Hoop De Ville"
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Rob Brewer and Neil Olstad launched the first-ever Minnesota Timberwolves podcast back in 2007. After acheiving critical acclaim with "The Kissing Marney Gellner Show", the duo decided bring their act to TWolves Blog. "Timberwolves Today"
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