Dear Larry Brown, Go Away!

The Star Tribune reports Larry Brown will be the next person to interview with David Kahn for the Wolves head coach position, although it is not known when the meeting will take place.

I hope this happens just so I don't have to deal with this guy on the Celtics. He could be a good fit for the Celtics, as he is usually good with Vets, but I am so sick of this guy's act and most likely he would jut end up quitting on the team half way through the season. For the Wolves this makes no sense. He has shown in the past that he isn't very good with young players, and that's basically all the Wolves have. With the tempo they are going to need to win I actually think Don Nelson makes the most sense. They need to run up and down the court and play like the Warriors did when he coached them. Fast paced, lots of scoring.

Michael Beasley Doesn't Get It

Beasley was ticketed for possessing marijuana and speeding in the Minneapolis suburb of Minnetonka last week, police said on Wednesday.

Capt. Scott Boerboom said that an officer stopped Beasley around 3 a.m. on June 26 on Interstate 394 after clocking him going 84 mph in a 65 mph zone. He said the officer smelled a strong odor of marijuana coming from the car.

The officer allegedly found 16.2 grams of the drug in a plastic bag under the front passenger seat of Beasley's car. Beasley told police the marijuana was not his, but belonged to a friend whom he had just dropped off. According to the report, Beasley cursed when an officer pulled out the bag.

The possession charge is a petty misdemeanor that carries a fine of $128.

last year, I thought the former 2nd round pick turned the corner in Minnesota, but apparently he is just a bigger shit head than I thought. Drugs have always run rampant in his career, and was even forced to go to rehab, so seeing he just had 16 grams of pot isn't really encouraging. As for consequences, none will happen because there will be no testing enforced during the lock out, so it doesn't matter.

Beasley I feel could be a great player in the NBA, I mean he averaged 19 points a game last year and if he focuses on his head and defense, I don't see why he couldn't be an all star one day.

Oh Those Silly Wolves

The Wolves had a pretty good draft, they didn't draft a pg and picked up Derrick Williams. 2 things that were really good, however, in the second round the Wolves were able to pull off a draft ineligible move. They traded with Portland to get their pick and decided to take Tanguy NGOMBO who has been playing overseas. BUT he ended up being ineligible for the draft as he is 26 years old/ 27 next month.

I know he had a fake ID, but you would think more teams would do a little bit more scouting now a days. I don't know what the penalty will be by the league or if they are going to turn their heads because it's a late 2nd round pick and who cares, but I just can't believe the lack of research done by the Wolves.

Timberwolves Fire Kurt Rambis

The Minnesota Timberwolves have decided to fire coach Kurt Rambis.

I have written more about the Timberwolves then I ever have before over the last couple of weeks. He isn't a great coach, but I doubt they get a great coach to replace him. Bottom line is that this is just yet another franchise that won't get better until the front office changes. Kahn has done a terrible job with this team and until he is gone I don't see much in the way of change. This team does have some talent, and maybe they will improve in the draft and be a decent. I wouldn't hold my breathe though. Maybe it isn't just the front office, it could be location as well. Try to get someone like Dwight Howard to go move to Minnesota... tough sell.

Kevin Love To Lakers?

There is a rumor going around today that the Lakers have offered Pau Gasol (Poopface) to the Timberwolvers for the no. 2 overall pick and Kevin Love. I can't see any reason why the Timberwolves would do this, but some rumors think it's just a starting point, and it could be Pau straight up for Love. That really still doesn't make a lot of sense to me from the perspective of the Timberwolves. Kevin Love is just 22 years old and averaged 20 points and 15 boards a game, and you are going to trade that for the 30 year old Poopface?

I still think someway, somehow Dwight Howard will end up in a Lakers uniform. It just feel right to me. Then again, the Lakers pulled off a silly trade to get Poopface in the first place, so maybe the can make the Timberwolves make a Kevin Garnett-like trade again.

Ricky Rubio Agrees To Play For the Wolves

Finally!

The Wolves finally get to see the guy they drafted with the 5th overall pick 2 years ago. Rubio is a hell of a talent and being called the Pistol Pete of Europe. When he got drafted he didn't feel like playing for the Wolves so he decided to stay in Europe and play professionally there.

However, now he's coming off two seasons with FC Barcelona, where he only averaged 6.5 points and 3.5 assists in 22.4 minutes per game last season. So that's kind of eye popping.

I don't know if he'll be the next big thing, but his highlights are certainly fun to watch.

85 Celtics, 82 Timberwolves

I guess the only thing that matter is the W, but this game was shitty for the Celtics. There were up by 25 points in the 1st quarter and everything looked as if they were going to have a game where they just completely demolished a team. But then the offense just stalled for the rest of the game. Rajon sat out of the game because of his pinky issue (which I'm fine with because he needs some rest).

They were in a tailspin for most of the game, until KG and Pierce decided to be the leaders they are and get tough on defense. Yea, we can say this game is awful and whatnot but after unnecessary loses to Memphis and Charlotte they needed a W more then anything. Hopefully that will carry over to tonight when they take on the Pacers.

Where The Hell Is Ricky Rubio?

"I do have interest in the NBA, but not as in right away," he's quoted as saying. "I signed a six-year contract with a buyout option after the second season. If I leave this year I would have to pay an amount of money and that's it. It's a unilateral decision that I have to make, although if I had to leave at any time, I would talk to the club and the NBA franchise, which is currently Minnesota."

The article also notes that Rubio has indicated the lockout will be "an important issue" when making a decision on whether or not to come over for next season (ESPN)."

People (myself included) kind of forget that the Timberwolves drafted Ricky Rubio. The Wolves still say they expect him to be in their uniform at the start of next season, but with all this uncertainty with a lockout that might not be the case. Judging my his comments there it doesn't sound like he is in a huge rush.

One guy who is trying to get him over is Kevin Love...

"I still text him every now and then," Love said. "Not too often, once or twice a month. I've always said I hope he comes over sooner rather than later so we can get this thing started (ESPN)."

Damn right he wants to "get it started", because whenever his contract is up you better believe he is going to run for the hills. So, if Rubio wants to play with a player like Kevin Love he better hurry up.

Shocking News: NBA Refs Are Crooked

"Bill Spooner, a 22-year veteran NBA official, is suing Minnesota Timberwolves beat reporter Jon Krawczynski for tweeting during a game that Spooner promised coach Kurt Rambis that he'd get the Wolves two points in the form of a make-up call, the Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Journal reports. According to Spooner's suit, Rambis took umbrage with a foul called against his team in the second quarter of a Jan. 24 game against the Houston Rockets. Spooner then told an upset Rambis that he'd review the call at halftime.

Rambis asked how his team was supposed to get the two points back. While Spooner's suit claims he didn't respond to the Minnesota coach's question, Krawczynski tweeted otherwise.

"Ref Bill Spooner told Rambis he'd 'get it back' after a bad call," Krawczynski tweeted. "Then he made an even worse call on Rockets. That's NBA officiating folks (ESPN)."

There is no way for me to know if this report is true or not. The thing here is that it wouldn't surprise anyone if this was true. I mean can you seriously tell me that you haven't seen "makeup calls" in the NBA? After the gambling scandal a couple years back, this is the last thing the NBA needed. I think this just highlights once again that the NBA's biggest problem is the way the games are called. There are no standard rules for fouls. I mean every time down the court a foul could be called, so basically it's just whenever the refs feel like, which leads to stories like this.

I am not even going to get into the whole "star players getting calls" stuff, but even the biggest NBA fan knows that these are the worst refs in all of sports.

TOP 25 UNDER 25 - #22 Kevin Love

KEVIN LOVE - Power Forward, Minnesota Timberwolves



Being trapped on the perennially terrible Timberwolves hasn't stopped Kevin Love from making this list, nor has it stopped him from becoming one of the best power forwards in the NBA. In fact Kevin Love seems to be succeeding in spite the ineptitude of his head coach, Kurt Rambis, his GM David Kahn and the lack of overall talent on the roster.

Love is considered by many analysts and fans to be a "throwback" type of PF talent, in that he hangs hit hat on rebounding and low post play, not the face up perimeter game that is utilized by so many modern power forwards. His outlet passes after a defensive rebound have drawn comparisons to the great Wes Unseld, and indeed he was a player Love looked up to as a youngster.

Rebounding is surely his hallmark trait. On November 12, Love put up a staggering stat line against the New York Knicks with 31 points and 31 rebounds. The 30-30 night was the 19th in NBA history, and the first in the league since Moses Malone did it in 1982. His 31 rebounds were the most since Charles Barkley grabbed 33 rebounds in 1996.



While he is best known for his rebounding, Love has developed an overall game and has even added deep shooting range to his repertoire this season. Perhaps no stat shows that all-around impact better than his league leading efficiency rating of 29.6, besting the likes of Dwight Howard and Lebron James in that category. He is averaging 21.6 points per game to go along with his league leading 15.6 rebounds per game. Love is also one of only a handful of 20 point scorers to be shooting 3s at a clip of 40% or better at 44%. If you think that percentage is a result of low attempts you'd be wrong as he averages more than 3 3PA each game.

Love is one of many NBA players this season who seem to have benefited tremendously from his time on Team USA over the summer, competing in the World Championships with Coach K. Also on that roster were Russell Westbrook, Rudy Gay, Steph Curry and Tyson Chandler who are all seeing great improvements in their play. Team USA won the gold medal in the 2010 FIBA World Championship, defeating Turkey in the medal game. Love along with many of his teammates on that squad has expressed an interest in joining members of the "Redeem Team" from the 2008 Olympics in London for the 2012 games.



Love's 2010-2011 season has finally put him on the map, as he hopes to be a coaches selection for the All-Star game (and would be a total snub if left off the roster) and he is a big part of a new regime of young talent in the NBA. By most accounts, Love has a very likable personality, and has been a guest of the B.S. Report podcast with Bill Simmons on a number of occasions. He seems to be an athlete that doesn't take himself too seriously and has a good sense of humor.

Just 22 years of age, Kevin Love has many good seasons ahead of him in the NBA - although for his sake hopefully not too many more in Minnesota.

I love it.

*Editor's note - Didn't plan it this way, but #24 was 24 years of age, #23 23 years of age and #22 22 years of age...no word yet on if #21 is 21 or not. Weird.

96 Celtics, 93 Timberwolves

That Kevin Love is the NBA's best kept secret, huh?

He came as advertised, as he finished with a 12-point, 24-rebound double-double. At halftime he had 15 rebounds of his own, while the Celtics had 14.

The Celtics won a squeaker past the Minnesota Timberwolves last night thanks again to late game heroics to Paul Pierce (scored 18 of his 23 points in the second half) The Celtics were actually trailing 85-77 with 6:54 to play, the Celtics went on a 15-4 run to assume a 92-89 advantage with 1:13 left. Ray hit some threes, Pierce had one and Rondo got some points too. But after that it was a back in forth game until the very end.

But there was some drama at the very end as Michael Beasley (19 points) inbounded to Luke Ridnour who had a wide-open lane to the hoop, but was called for a travel. Although the call didn't really matter because Ray Allen swatted the dog snots out of the ball at the lay up attempt. I was actually a little mad that Ridnour got called for a travel because the Ray block was so awesome.

Rondo was back to form with 16 assists. Pierce had 23, Allen had 20 and Glen Davis chipped in with 17. Also Von Wafer had an impressive game finally as he had 10 points and 6 rebounds. Hopefully that will be the spark.

Box Score

Jonny Flynn To Be Traded?

The Timberwolves are expect Ricky Rubio to come and play for them next year, so Jonny Flynn could be trade bait. The Timberwolves certainly have a lot of other holes on their team, so it might be a good idea...

"The Timberwolves grow more confident by the day that Rubio will finally come over from Europe to join their squad next season, effectively making Flynn expendable," wrote Bill Ingram of HOOPSWORLD. "Recognizing this, no fewer than seven teams have reached out to the Timberwolves with interest in Flynn, with interest ranging from teams looking for a solid back-up to teams looking for a long-term starter."

Ingram lists the Kings, Clippers, Blazers, Raptors, Knicks, Bobcats and Cavs as the seven teams that have expressed some level of interest in Flynn (ESPN).

They could wait until after the season to make a deal, which might be smart just to be safe if Rubio screws them over, but if the right deal comes along I think they have to jump on it.

Delonte West Waived By Wolves

As expected since they traded Ramon Sessions for him, the Wolves have now waived Delonte West. Wolves will reportedly pay him $500,000 of his $4.6 million contract. The question now is who will pick up Delonte?

There are 2 leading candidates right now (Celtics/Bulls). Both make sense, both need another shooter. Delonte was loved when he was in Boston, so I could really see him coming back. I would like it a lot if they did, but that would also mean they would have to make some kind of cut, as they are still in need of another big man.

West pleaded guilty to weapons charges in a strange case where he was caught carrying three guns while on a motorcycle in his native Maryland last year. Playing for the Celtics, even if it is for near the minimum, would still give Delonte a chance to restart his career. He would get to play for a playoff team that will have a ton of national exposure. This could help rebuild his image and land him a better contract after this season.

Oh yea, did I mention he fucked LeFag's mom, who the Celtics play Game #1???

Beasley Ditches Pot For Greatness

The Timberwolves were finally the team that ended up grabbing Michael Beasley when the Heat had to ditch him for LeFag & Co. No one really paid attention to it, because most people think Beasley is a clown, and will never do anything. Well, Timberwolves team president David Kahn had an interesting thought on the matter...



"He's a very young and immature kid who smoked too much marijuana and has told me that he's not smoking anymore," team president David Kahn said in an interview on KSTP-AM, "and I told him that I would trust him as long as that was the case."



Ok, well it's never a very good sign when one of your best players on your team is a pothead, but who am I to judge. To be honest, I kind of believe in Beasley. He wasn't as bad as people made him out to be over the past two seasons (14.3 points per game and 5.9 rebounds), and is still only 21 years old. I think he might actually breakout with the Wolves, since he should be a main part of the offense. Then again, if I had to live and play in Minnesota I'd probably smoke a ton of pot.



Best part of this whole things is that their president is named Khan...

Al Jefferson Traded To Jazz

The Jazz have agreed to a trade that would send Al Jefferson from Minnesota to Utah. The CEO of the Jazz, Greg Miller, tweeted that he "just approved a Jazz roster move that I'm very excited about. Planning to share details tomorrow." It is believed that the Jazz can take on the remaining three years and $42 million of Jefferson's contract with the $13 million trade exception that was acquired in the sign-and-trade deal that sent Carlos Boozer to the Bulls.

Great deal for the Jazz, as Jefferson (when healthy) can be a very good player. The former Celtic averaged 17.1 points and 9.3 rebounds last season, playing in 76 games. If he can stay healthy he will be a great option for Deron Williams, and at least puts on a somewhat good spin on a horrible offseason for the Jazz.

Heat Make More Moves

Everyone and their mother will be talking about Lebron today, but the Heat have gone out and made more moves today. They're shipping Michael Beasley to the Timberwolves and agreeing with Wizards free agent Mike Miller on a five-year, $30 million deal. Miami virtually gives away Beasley, the 2008 No. 2 overall draft pick, receiving only a second-round pick and an exchange of first-round picks so that it can get needed cap space.

We all knew Beasley was on his way out, but I have to say I like this for the Timberwolves. I know Beasley has been a shithead, but maybe now that he is out of Miami and off to the great state of Minnesota, things will calm down for him.

The Heat get much needed cap space, and a nice outside shooter in Mike Miller. He could find himself with a lot of open looks with Lefag, Wade, and Bosh taking most (if not all) the focus from the opposing defenses.

122 Celtics, 104 Timberwolves

I'm going to focus on one man for this post because it's pretty obvious why we won this game. That man obviously is none other than Tony Allen who has been fantastic since coming back with the Celtics. Tony had 15 points last night, 6 rebounds, 3 assists and zero turnovers. If he can play up to this level night in and night out, this will alleviate a lot of minutes Ray Allen and Paul Pierce. Tony seems to be playing with a screwed on head and being confident in his knee, something he lacked last season. He can be a great on ball defender and a very productive offensive player when he plays with confidence.

As for the game itself, 7 players scored in double digits, Perk and Rondo had double doubles, Pierce had 29 points with 6-6 from beyond the arc.

92 Celtics, 90 Wolves

I don't know what the fuck happened last night but there is no way we should have only beat the Wolves by 2 points. If not for a big third quarter by Rondo and a jump ball by KG with 2 seconds left, the Celtics most likely would have lost this game. All the Celtics starters were in the double digits as well, and the bench was relatively quite. This win is a win, but it does not instill confidence in me. Their defense seemed off and their offense was OK.

Celtics Vs Timberwolves

Yea, I know the picture doesn't have anything to do with the Celtics, but it's a great pic. The Celtics are going against the mini Celtics tonight. Here are the rosters:
PG R. Rondo 7.4 J. Flynn 14.8
SG R. Allen 15.2 D. Wilkins 5.8
SF P. Pierce 21.6 C. Brewer 12.8
PF K. Garnett 11.2 R. Gomes 11.3
C K. Perkins 8.4 A. Jefferson 16.5

I don't even need to go over the strengths and weaknesses.

Celtics 121-87
Tommy Award Sheldon Williams

Ricky Rubio To Barcelona

Ricky Rubio won't be coming to the NBA until 2011 at the earliest, sources told ESPN.com Monday.

Rubio and the Minnesota Timberwolves were informed late Monday night in Spain that Rubio's former club, DKV Joventut, had agreed to trade his rights to FC Barcelona.

Rubio will be able to get out of his Barcelona contract in the summer of 2011, when the fifth pick of last June's draft will be free to join Minnesota. ESPN

This sucks for the Timberwolves who really thought they were getting their whole back court when they took Johnny Flynn and Ricky Rubio back to back, but it now looks as if Rubio will not be eligable to play for Minnesota until 2011. Rubio didn't want to go to Sota, and they knew it, so I'm not gonna make Rubio the bad guy here, when this can all be credited to Minnesota's stupidity.