A Girl & the Timberwolves

A thoughtful & feminine commentary of the Minnesota Timberwolves, and other NBA happenings.

[bellebasketball]

I wish the Wolves would win a championship.

[bellebasketball]

“He’s so genuine, it blows your mind”

I think it’s something we all do, paint a picture of a person we don’t really know, but want to. We fall in love from a distance and the wheels in our head start to turn with imaginative thoughts of who they really are. We turn people into complex beings and fascinate over the unknown, an image, a persona. I’ve done this plenty of times. And I did this with Tim Duncan. Except, with Tim Duncan, it’s actually impossible to turn him into anything other than who he genuinely is. As I write this, it may sound negative, but it isn’t. It’s admirable.

For twenty years in the public eye, Tim Duncan was more consistent, more tempered, and more professional, than any other athlete in the NBA (and arguably in all professional sports). Tim Duncan lacked a persona, but in the very best way, because Tim Duncan is simply, Tim Duncan. I’ve never heard any professional athlete spoken about in the way colleagues and coaches talk about Tim. His simplicity provides an example that transcends professional sports. His life and actions can serve as a blueprint for mindfulness, consistency and success - a path many desire, but few will achieve in the way Tim has.

In an interview to discuss Tim’s retirement, Gregg Popovich answered that common question, “If you could go to dinner with anyone, who would you most want to go to dinner with?” “Timmy,” he responded. “He is the most real, consistent and true person I’ve ever met in my life.” And I believe that. He’s given us no reason to think otherwise.

In college, Tim contributed to a book titled, “Aversive Interpersonal Behavior.” He provided commentary to a chapter, the most fitting - actually, “Blowhards, Snobs and Narcissists: Interpersonal Reactions to Excessive Egotism.” In it, Tim notes, “egotistical behavior is behavior that conveys to others that the individual holds an exaggerated perception of himself. Few interactions are as annoying, exasperating and unpleasant as those with people whom we perceive are behaving egotistically.” 

The selflessness he exudes resonates through the whole Spurs organization. It is why they are so successful. Because they have always been team focused. Focused on the big picture. Focused on one another and not oneself. There is no room for egos. His leadership, in conjunction with Gregg Popovich, will ensure that it stays that way, even as Tim leaves the floor.

We are so lucky to have had Tim in the league and in our lives for these last 20 years. There are some who will not recognize his greatness until they recognize the power of simplicity and selflessness. More athletes, more people, need to be like Tim. Emulate his calm, his consistency and his leadership. We can only hope his presence echoes through the league and that more athletes choose to follow the path Tim provided, becoming more powerful role models (and better people) for generations to come.

[bellebasketball]

Confession: I Faxed Fan Mail to Gregg Popovich

Sure this is a blog about the Timberwolves (granted I have not been on this blog for a long time - I had to reset my password just to get on today), but I am a fan of the NBA at large. So, I figured I'd share my letter to the Spurs head coach, Gregg Popovich. I admire Gregg and the Spurs, a lot. Here's what I faxed him:

"Coach Popovich,

I’ll keep this short. You’re probably wondering who I am and why I am contacting you. Well, I’m a huge fan and my boyfriend got me your autographed business card for Christmas. I figured, “what do I have to lose?” So here I am, faxing you fan mail.

I think you’re great. It took me a while to appreciate the Spurs, and what you’ve done with the organization. (I deem this to being from Minnesota, a huge Kevin Garnett fan, and the Spurs stopping short our dreams every first round of the playoffs - that’s when we were able to make the playoffs.)

Countless years of watching you get the most out of your players and drill home fundamentals has resonated with me. It’s fun to watch. It’s something I have worked on in my life. The fundamentals of life: compassion, kindness and positivity. What’s more is I can tell you care. You care about your players and you care about the integrity of the game. It’s refreshing and grounding to have a coach like you in the NBA.

Anyways, like I said - I figured I’d fax you some fan mail. I think you’re really cool, Mr. Popovich.

Sincerely, Jennifer"

[bellebasketball]

Wolves Open Scrimmage

I went to the Timberwolves scrimmage last night. I haven’t given much thought to the Wolves this off-season. Last night was a nice reminder of what there is to look forward to: our youth.

Zach LaVine looked good. He’s quick, he’s athletic and can jump out of the gym. If there is one word to describe him at this point, it’s potential. I would love to see him settle in to a shooting guard role with the Wolves. (Side note: our fast break game is going to be real nice.)

Shabazz looks better. He looks healthier and he showed off his ability to switch gears (read: turn up). Shabazz has the ability to play a key role for the Wolves this year, my guess - as a sixth man.

Glenn Robinson III seems to be a more calculated player. I enjoy watching Robinson play defense. I am hopeful that he will make the final roster (sayonara, Alexey). Alexey by the way looks like he doesn’t even like basketball.

It was a fun atmosphere and a treat to watch.

As I mentioned, I haven’t given much thought to the Wolves this off-season. This free agency has been a daunting storyline to follow. My only hope is that when we trade Kevin Love we receive a veteran in return. Our youth is exciting and holds much promise, but we need someone on the court to help mold and lead our team.

Go Wolves.

P.S. -

[bellebasketball]

LoveHate Thing

“Love you then they hate you then they love you again. Hate you then they love you then they hate you again”

This could ring more true then my feelings for Kevin Love.  Just when empathy kicks in, and I feel sorry for this gifted athlete, my reason knocks with the question, why? But is it reason knocking? Oh Love, Love is so complicated. I wish I knew how I felt about you.

You see, I started writing a blog post about Love after the LAC game on December 22, 2013. “It’s finally happened," I wrote, "I feel bad for Kevin Love.”  But similar to this post, I got flustered halfway in and scratched the idea of writing about Love. Writing has always helped me to sort out my feelings, but not when it comes to Love. I’m twisted over you.  Oh my, am I writing a Love letter? Shoot. Welp, here it goes:

I didn’t like Love at first. In fact, I thought he was overrated - I didn’t see potential in that 2008-2009 season. I missed KG, and the Wolves as a whole were a mess. (Note: I still miss KG.) As Love harnessed his agility and strength, my heart grew fonder. I was convinced of his talent, and confident in a future. When the Wolves took steps to surround Love with quality athletes and coaches, I lushed over the possibilities. My heart raced, “Baby I see you working hard, I want to let you know I'm proud, let you know that I admire what you do.” He took steps to reassure us of his capability and justified being the fifth overall pick.

Love was on track to become the Wolves designated player in 2011 but was not offered a max contract. Love had dedicated himself to the game and Kahn didn’t understand his worth, he didn’t take the time to make it work - leading to, what may turn out to be, an irreconcilable relationship. I felt sorry that the Wolves hadn’t honored Love’s commitment to himself, the team and the game with a max contract.  We should have done all that we could’ve to show you, Kevin, how super you are.

Last season was really when my roller-coaster of emotions arose. Love had become consistent but also distant. You could feel the disappointment and tension between Love and the management of the Wolves. You could feel Love disconnecting himself from the team and from Minnesota. My heart ached over his neglect. I never thought that lovin' you would hurt, “how you gonna act like that?” I thought. It took me long enough to appreciate Love that when I had finally come around, it was too late, and I was overcome with sadness. On top of it all, Love would only play 18 games due to injury.

With Love sidelined and openly irritated with the Wolves front office, I became bitter. I watched the team I adore trudge and stumble through a season that had once held so much promise. I was ready to watch Love leave. Love was like fire & ice, I wanted him gone. It was over.

This season has been equally as draining. One night I can feel the reasons why I fell in love in the first place, other nights it’s more difficult. I had all but given up on my feelings for you, Love, but I keep letting you back in, how can I explain myself? As painful as this thing has been, I just can't be with no one else. I want you, Love, to be our designated player. Said I want you, I want you. I want to see you continue to grow with the Wolves. I wanna stop playing all these silly little games you and me play.

I get it, Kevin. You’re from California, you played for UCLA. You want to play for the Lakers. I really, really get it. But we need you. How could our front office think that we could ever be better without you? I'll go half crazy if you choose to leave. But before we make an offer you won't refuse, I need to know you love us too. Will you ever be able to love Minnesota the way that we love you?

I'm not sure of what to do it's a catch 22. I want you to be happy, but I want you to stay. Kevin, I’ve watched you grow, watched you change. I always knew, one day, you would outgrow our relationship. I know you’re going to leave me.

So for now, remember old times - just you and me, we use to ball out, just you and me, for old time sake, keep the memories, hold ‘em tight baby, hold ‘em tight, and know that I will always love you.

Always, Jennifer

[bellebasketball]

Current State of the NBA

I am frustrated with the NBA. Gary Payton nailed it in an interview from January 11, 2014 at Oregon State: No defense. It’s true. And defense wins games. When the Wolves play good defense, they win games. When they are quick and competitive without the ball, they win games. Defense is underrated in today’s NBA and it really bums me out. Payton also addressed the issue of “touch fouls.” Players are discouraged from being aggressive as refs are quick to blow the whistle. (Note: I was going to insert Too Short’s “Blow The Whistle,” but I was able to refrain for the sake of, well, nevermind.)  The two go hand in hand.

Toughness is no longer an attribute on the list of qualities for NBA athletes (leading to the lack of defense). Elite players are able to put up insane numbers because no one can touch them without being called for a foul. This was an issue for the Wolves earlier in the season when Kevin Love was fouled by Shawn Marion in the December 30th loss to the Mavericks. Rick Adelman voiced his opinion on the no-call and on Kevin’s stardom in saying, “I wonder what that would have been if [Dirk] Nowitzki, LeBron James, all the top players in the league — a guy reaches on a last-second shot like that, instead of challenging it. Maybe they don’t understand that Kevin is one of the top five players in this league. You make that call. But they didn’t.” So, what would happen if Corey Brewer had taken that shot? If Alexey Shved had taken that shot? Would the NBA have even looked at the call after the fact? Did it only change because Kevin Love is an All-Star? Yes. 

Elite players are scorers. They are not defenders. I’ll go as far to say that elite players don’t need to learn to be good defenders because they are protected by the refs and allowed to excel offensively.

What happens if Gary Payton becomes a coach in the NBA? Lord knows I’d love to see that (also because I think we’d see a lot more E-40.) But can he, or any other coach for that matter, transition the to focus back to defense? To bring back intensity when the ball is not yours?

Players these days are - like - friends with players on other teams. Sure, be friendly, get to know each other, appreciate your similarities, but please, celebrate your differences - indulge in the competition. You are your team. Rivalries are not nearly as present as they were in the 90’s. You don’t eat ice cream with the enemy. You play defense. If defense comes back, the rivalries will ignite. Why do I hate the Pacers? They play defense. What would I love to see the Wolves focus on? Defense. I’m frustrated with the NBA and I hope to soon see the revival of rivalries and defense.

[bellebasketball]

No, Definitely Not Ricky

[bellebasketball]

GO GORGUI! 

[bellebasketball]

Timberwolves Killin' 'Em

The Minnesota Timberwolves are off to a 5 - 3 start (ooh kill 'em).  

Our three losses come to the Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Clippers.  All were winnable games, two we didn't come to play and the other was Kevin Love's bad.  

The Timberwolves have been a pleasant surprise this season.  Long overdue, the Wolves are off to one of their best seasons yet.  Kevin Love is putting up monster numbers and the addition of Kevin Martin has made an immediate impact.  Corey Brewer is a million times better than he was during his first stint with the Wolves.  Ricky Rubio and Nikola Pekovic have refined their strengths and worked on their weakness.  

Our bench, on the other hand, is miles away from being where we need them to be.  The health of our front five has never been more critical.  

SHVED: With the season barely underway, I have been most disappointed with Alexey Shved.  I had hopes that he would return more composed, more focused.  I took to Shved quickly last year, his ability to take risks on the court, however last year they seemed more calculated.  He has been, (sigh), unimpressive thus far.

WILLIAMS: Derrick Williams is still struggling with consistency.  In his debut against the Thunder, he played his role and was successful in Adelman's offense.  I hope to see more of that. I'm not sure why I'm rooting for this kid, maybe it's because everyone else isn't.  He's my new Wes Johnson (except, arguably, has more potential).  He's young.  He's athletic.  True, maybe the Timberwolves are not the best fit for him and his style, either way, there's got to be something our staff sees in him having put in the time, effort and money we have, hoping for improvement and success.  

BAREA: J.J., you still crazy.  It is when J.J. has the ball that I am the most emotional.  I don't even know how to feel.  His presence is so mysterious; I become smothered by anxiety.  

CUNNINGHAM: Who are you Dante Cunningham?  I'm still so confused.  Can someone tell me his strengths and weaknesses? 

TURIAF: Turiaf is, I think, my favorite member of the Wolves.  Bringing experience and positive energy to our team, Turiaf has filled the much needed role of veteran Wolf.  I can't wait until he is healthy and  back on the court.

DIENG: I am really happy that we drafted Gorgui.  I think he will be successful.  His quiet demeanor is refreshing in an industry of egoism.  Turiaf going down, though upsetting, is a blessing for Dieng (and sort of for the team).  Being able to get clock in these early games will allow him to adjust to the NBA and be successful later on should injuries with Pek and Turiaf persist.  If the Timberwolves staff can harness his defensive abilities and improve his offensive game, Deing will be a force in this league.  

BUDINGER: White man with bad knees who can shoot.  I hope we get him back sooner than later, knowing his shot can make a difference, but longevity is clearly an issue.

HUMMEL: White man with bad knees who can kind of shoot.  I hate Purdue.  Go Gophers. 

SHABAZZ: Time will tell with this young buck.  I'm not convinced by his performances thus far, but then again, we're 8 games in to 80.  I think he has a good group of guys around him, and a coaching staff that is willing to put in the work.

PRICE: Who?

  I'm looking forward to tonight's rematch against the Cavs. 

Go Wolves. 

[bellebasketball]

NBA Inside Stuff 2013

NBA Inside Stuff is back, hosted by the one and only Grant Hill.  I couldn't be more excited.  Grant Hill was an excellent choice to succeed Ahmad Rashad.   A star of his day, he is tempered and put together.  His name alone sends one into a blur of nostalgia, like the show itself.  

In the first episode, airing today on NBAtv, Hill goes one-on-one with The Kid, Kevin Garnett (clip below).  I'm looking forward to an exciting season on the court and with Inside Stuff.  

Go Wolves. 

[bellebasketball]

Highlights from last night's Wolves game vs. Philly.  Wasn't able to catch the game, but judging from the score -- neither team played much defense.  Still,  a win is a win. 

Go Wolves.

[bellebasketball]

5 days until the NBA season begins.  

[bellebasketball]

Don't Believe Me Just Watch

Kevin Durant disagrees with a recent Sports Illustrated ranking that Dwayne Wade deserves to be in the Top 10.  Rather, he thinks Wade, currently spotted at 8 on the list, should be replaced by James Harden.  I disagree with both.

We're 35 days out from NBA opening night.  I honestly can't wait.  

Go Wolves. 

[bellebasketball]

Nickname Jerseys

The NBA is in discussions on whether to use nicknames on jerseys.  Word is out that the Miami Heat and Brooklyn Nets could don jerseys with nicknames on the back, as opposed to their last names, during at least one of their four match-ups this season.  

Ray Allen thinks it’s “a way to let fans in a little bit more.”  Kobe agrees, also noting that it is “a great opportunity to fame their brand.” 

While I agree that the concept is cool, I believe it’s a ploy to make more money.  Already have a Paul Pierce jersey?  Sure, but you don’t have “The Truth’s” jersey.  Us fans, we already know your nicknames, we don’t need to see it on a jersey for it to be real.  I don’t see much value other than sales.  I think it’s a fun idea, and I’m all about fun, but I believe the hype will wear off sooner than later.  Unless, will commentators now refer to players strictly by nicknames?  I'd like that, I suppose.  I guess what this whole post has made me realize is that I'm truly indifferent to the idea (and that is quite amazing for someone as opinionated as myself).  

  Go Wolves. 

[bellebasketball]

Welcome back, Bobby Jackson.  This post is overdue, but better late than never.  Jackson, University of Minnesota alum, is back in our great state as the Timberwolves new player development coach.  Jackson, a 12-year NBA veteran, is no stranger to head coach Rick Adelman.  He played for Rick in Sacramento, as he also played for Flip, during his two-year stint with the Wolves.  As a player, Bobby was upbeat, focused and determined; all that in addition to his enthusiasm for his new position should allow him to be successful in the coming year. 

I'm excited to have Jackson back.  Go Wolves, Go Gophs. 

[bellebasketball]

Season Opener & The Eastern Conference

  On October 29, 2013 the Chicago Bulls will take on the Miami Heat in Miami.  The NBA opener could not be more emotionally charged.  I am equal parts thrilled as I am terrified for the return of Derrick Rose.  I adore Derrick Rose and hope he has gained back his confidence to lead his team.  While the Bulls made moves this off-season that I am disappointed in (really, you let Nate Robinson go?), I am confident they will be a contender, per usual, in the East. 

While the West has continued to be the stronger conference in the NBA, I expect more excitement out of the East this year.  I will be jumping on the Brooklyn Bandwagon to support Kevin Garnett.  I do think the Nets should have picked up Lionel Hollins, but will happily root for Jason Kidd as a first-year NBA coach.  At first thought, I figured it would be difficult for Kidd to coach players his age (Garnett, Pierce & Terry); I have come to realize that having these players on his team may be an advantage in his coaching debut.  Kidd is credible and well-respected by his peers, whom he will now be coaching. 

Additionally, the Pacers and the Knicks will remain contenders in the Eastern conference.  Other teams in the East have youth on their side, and as they start to mature into well-rounded, more confident players, the East will remain on the rise.  I am especially looking forward to see what the Cavs and Pistons will do this season.   The Pistons really did themselves a favor draft KCP snagging Brandon Jennings.  While he may be unpredictable, he is athletic and talented; combined with Josh Smith, they have the ability to be a constructive and dynamic duo.  

Here's to an exciting season soon to unfold!

[bellebasketball]

Kevin Garnett honors late teammate Malik Sealy with new number

I can't wait for this season.