HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Kevin Love’s image will take a hit.

After a tough sequence on the offensive end, the star power forward seemed to intentionally kick the head of Luis Scola in last night's game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Houston Rockets.

Love could have avoided Scola, but looks at the Argentine before giving him the Pele treatment with his foot.

Watch the video and tell HoopsVibe News in the comment below if Love deserves to be suspended.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

"There's talks and rumors every day. Today I was reading it was Minnesota is really interested in trying to put a good package together," he said. "[Other teams are] calling, and it seems like things are just waiting for the right offer to come along, for [the Lakers] to pull the trigger."

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Pau Gasol should feel uncertain about his future.

Two months, the Los Angeles Lakers nearly included him in a three team trade for New Orleans Hornets point guard Chris Paul.

During the lockout, reports surfaced that the Lakers had offered Gasol to the Minnesota Timberwolves for franchise face Kevin Love.

Recently, rumors have swirled linking Gasol to the Orlando Magic for Dwight Howard, and the Lakers are still apparently talking to the Wolves.

So, why the trade chatter?

Well, the Lakers are expected to win a championship every year. Hoisting the Larry O’Brien trophy is the only way to satisfy the ‘celebs’ at Staples Center and Kobe Bryant, their franchise player and the NBA’s Alpha Male.

Right now, the Lakers stand little chance of meeting such expectations. And Gasol can still fetch a pretty-penny on the trade market, which would help the Lakers rebuild on the fly. 

--Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Does anybody care that Jeremy Evans and Kevin Love are your 2012 Slam Dunk and Three Point Shootout champions?

Of course, not.

In fact, the highlight of All-Star Saturday was TNT broadcaster Charles Barkley throwing zingers at past and present players.

Barkley's best moment was calling out current superstars for choosing to skip the Slam Dunk Contest, which has long been All-Star Saturday’s showcase event.

After all, Blake Griffin decided not to defend his 2011 Slam Dunk Title. And LeBron James again talked of participating but ultimately spent the night with teammate Dwyane Wade on the sideline.

So watch the videos below and get at HoopsVibe News with thoughts on All-Star Saturday.
 

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Like it or not, teammates fight.

Fans and media shouldn’t overreact to Minnesota Timberwolves teammates J.J. Barea and Kevin Love getting into an altercation during last night’s game against the Sacramento Kings.

The Timberwolves were playing poorly, which led to Barea and Love briefly losing their cool. Both had moved on when reporters asked about the incident during post-game interviews.

Remember, Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook had a momentary tiff earlier in the year, and the Oklahoma City Thunder sit atop the league standings.

Expect this to blow-over. Watch the video and get at us with thoughts on Barea and Love’s squabble.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

Wolves owner Glen Taylor said the team has already informed or is informing president of basketball operations David Kahn that it has picked up Kahn's option for next season.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Not long ago, it seemed unlikely David Kahn would return to the Minnesota Timberwolves' front office.

In fact, Kahn was a league-wide laughingstock. Somewhere between the depths of Isiah Thomas and incompetence of Stu Jackson.
 
After all, he spent months waffling on whether to fire or keep Coach Kurt Rambis, even asking the former Laker to produce a homework assignment before ultimately giving him the pink-slip.

Kevin Love was unsure about inking an extension, while nobody knew if Ricky Rubio was worth the two-year wait and fifth overall pick in the draft lottery.  

Yet, somehow, it worked. Rick Adelman brought stability to the sideline. Love, in large part because of his weight loss, took another step in the superstar pecking order. And Rubio lived up to expectations before sustaining a season-ending injury.

The Timberwolves were relevant for most of 2012 and in the playoff hunt for large stretches of the season. So Kahn deserves to be back in 2013. Who knows what happens next, though?

The former media scribe signed a three year deal in 2009 with two additional options for 2013 and 2014. All bets could be off if the Timberwolves fail to qualify for the playoffs next year.

--Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

Kevin Love says he'd be the token white guy on the Olympic team.

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: True enough. Doesn't hurt he's got crazy skills though too.

Kevin Love talks about the "Bad Blood" on the T-Wolves.

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Doesn't take a genius to figure out who this is about.

First it was red-hot point guard, Ricky Rubio.  Now, it's All-Star forward, Kevin Love.

HoopsVibe's quick call:  The Timberwolves just can't catch a break.

Kevin Love recently made comments about his feelings regarding the future of the Timberwolves.

HoopsVibe Very Quick Call: Where's the "Love"?

The Minnesota Timberwolves and star forward Kevin Love have agreed to a four-year contract extension worth between $60 million and $62 million, beating Wednesday's midnight ET deadline.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Put a check beside star power forward. Put a check beside franchise face. Put a check beside credibility.

The Minnesota Timberwolves achieved all of the above by signing Kevin Love to a four year extension worth near the maximum at $62 million.

These are not those Timberwolves. They are not the squad that made annual trips to the draft lottery in New Jersey. They are not the league’s laughingstock.

They are relevant and challenging for a playoff spot in the Western Conference.

And the man that made this possible, Love, is returning for a minimum of three years -with a player’s option for the fourth year.

So, one building block is in place. And things could finally be changing in Minnesota.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below with thoughts.

"From a coaching standpoint, it's really important," he said. "He's crucial to us. I'm hoping that something is going to happen for his sake. He came out with a great start this season and, hopefully, they're going to come to some resolution. I don't know what would happen if it didn't come to fruition. That's something that we'd have to deal with at that time." If Wednesday's deadline passes and Love isn't signed to a four- or five-year deal expected to be worth $15 million a year or more, the issue will hang over the franchise until next summer, when he will become a restricted free agent able to negotiate with any NBA team. The Wolves would have the right to match any offer, however.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Kevin Love’s extension is an opportunity for the Minnesota Timberwolves.

For years, the Timberwolves were a joke, the league’s northern laughingstock where no decent talent would ply his trade.

The players saw how owner Glen Taylor treated former franchise face Kevin Garnett. Taylor couldn’t get Garnett a decent supporting cast, and insulted the Big Ticket after trading him to the Boston Celtics.

The losses piled up. And those losses became draft picks, which became young talent.

Like Love.

The power forward has been a major force in the franchise’s drive to respectability on-court. Currently, Love’s averaging 25 points and 15 rebounds for an improving 7-8 Wolves side.

Sure, they’re not perfect, but the Timberwolves are making major strides in the Western Conference.

Are they making strides off-court, though? Will Taylor open his wallet, pay Love the maximum contract he deserves, and show the league the Timberwolves' days in the league basement are over?

Well, it depends on Taylor. If he views Love’s extension as an opportunity, he agrees to terms as soon as possible with the young superstar’s people.

If not, he stalls and maybe saves money by matching an offer from another team this summer when Love becomes a free agent.

However, the rest of the league are watching, and they'll realize nothing, or very little, has changed with the Timberwolves' ownership. 

And Taylor and the Wolves will have blown another opportunity.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Kevin Love continues to show Minnesota's front office he deserves a max' extension.

Consider last night: Love hit a last-second three-pointer to beat the upstart Los Angeles Clippers. Click the video below, watch Love's heroics, and get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below. 

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

The stretch 4 business is serious business. Basketball purists have been complaining about the lack of quality at the center position for years now. They’re right. Look further down – the power forward position has also evolved in to this stretch 4 trend. What is a stretch 4, you ask? He’s a tall guy, usually 6-9 or taller, and plays from the perimeter. He barely posts up preferring to shoot instead of being a bruiser. 

I believe I'm the best '4' in the league. I think you have to believe that you're the best. I think Mohammad Ali even said, 'I was the greatest before I knew I was.' I think everybody needs to have that mindset. That's part of winning the mind game from the very start. You have to believe it. You have to hold yourself accountable.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Kevin Love, not yet.

Yes, Love collects double-doubles for the upstart Minnesota Timberwolves like a teenager collects friends on facebook.

Yes, Love is an emerging All-Star and superstar with a personality ESPN and companies love.

And yes, Love’s play and personality may be the biggest reason the Timberwolves transition from oddball outpost to relevant NBA franchise. (Of course, this depends on Love signing a long-term extension to stay in The Twin Cities.)

Right now: Dirk Nowitzki, not Kevin Love, is the world’s best power forward.

After all, Nowitzki is a former MVP, perennial All-Star, and led his Dallas Mavericks to the 2011 NBA championship.

Don’t forget about Blake Griffin, the dynamic four-man who has made the Los Angeles Clippers competitive, relevant, and must-see television.

However, Love deserves credit for believing he’s the best, as such a mindset will help him grow, improve, and maybe one day become the NBA’s permier power forward.

Just not now.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

Sources say the Lakers offered Paul Gasol to the T’Wolves for Kevin Love after the league canceled the Chris Paul trade. Wouldn’t you?

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Why not? The Los Angeles Lakers had nothing to lose, right?

Commissioner David Stern nixed the Chris Paul trade, so the Lakes again offered Pau Gasol to the Minnesota Timberwolves for Kevin Love.

Not surprisingly, the Timberwolves said thanks but no thanks.

Love is younger than Gasol. Love is better than Gasol. And Love makes less money than Gasol.

The Timberwolves will only trade Love if he turns down a long-term extension. However, the 2011 rebounding champion is under contract for two more seasons and seems interested in staying.

Credit the Lakers for taking a shot at Love. It willl take more than Gasol, though.

--Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below. 

"They're (the Minnesota Timberwolves) going to be a really good team," James said. "If it's not this year, soon."

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: There's good news. And there's bad news.

The good: LeBron James and Dwyane Wade are right that the Minnesota Timberwolves absolutely have the talent to compete in the Western Conference.

After all, JJ Barea, Mike Beasley, Kevin Love, Ricky Rubio, and Derrick Williams are young, skilled, and dynamic.

Now the bad: good organizations have direction from the top creating a trickle down effect. To contend, not just compete, the Timberwolves need direction from ownership and the front office.

Unfortunately, the Minnesota franchise is owned by Glen Taylor, who is one of the worst owners in sports.

For instance, Taylor couldn’t provide Hall of Fame post Kevin Garnett with a supporting cast, chased The Big Ticket out of town, empowered Kevin McHale who fired defensive guru Dwyane Casey after forty games, and, worst of all, hired David Kahn as GM.

Speaking of Kahn, he has yet to prove he can manage. Sure, he has drafted well, but the former reporter looked unprofessional when he let former coach Kurt Rambis languish for months.

James and Wade are correct -the Wolves have talent. Sadly, talent isn't enough.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

People are getting hyped over the film “Fast Five” starring Vin Diesel as opposed to even thinking about the big surprises in fantasy basketball this season. I am doing just that. I’m here for you guys. I got your back. Go check out the film and tell me where Michelle Rodriguez ends up. Then come back and read this article to prepare for next season. Some money is on the line. Get some advantage right here if you’re lazy to do some research for yourself.

This race is actually a lot closer and tougher to call than the MVP one. The Most Improved Player award should probably be considered the poor man’s MVP trophy, which is not a bad thing. There are 3 contenders this year with a possible fourth. I thought the most improved player was easy to figure out. That is why barely anyone is discussing it; just look at who increased their numbers the most from the previous season, right? Is it really that simple? I’m not sure now.

I come in peace, but I’ll talk about this. This has to be addressed. Welcome to LeBron’s new nightmare. The Miami Heat is getting $hi#$ed on by the full media blitz. It’s not over. It’s never going to be over with the public onslaught. There is more to come, but no one has mentioned this particular item. I write this with full sincerity - LBJ will not win MVP ever again. This is a bold claim, but there are many reasons to see why.

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Kevin Love is putting together an incredible season for the ages. 62 games played resulting in 57 double doubles and I’m not talking about burgers. He is on pace to break Moses Malone’s consecutive double -double streak. He had 10 games where he had 20+ rebounds and 28 games where he registered 15-19 rebounds. His numbers do not get more wins even at this unbelievable pace. People wondered if there will ever be another great white player like Larry Bird. Enter Kevin Love.

Lately, I’ve been hearing that the “Franchise Player” concept is dead in the NBA. There is no such thing as a franchise player. There are super teams instead. I’m here to tell all of you that you’re wrong – dead wrong. The way teams are built in this league calls for a franchise player. The player is usually extremely talented and skilled with an ability to get numbers.There are only 12 or so players on team. One player can make a huge difference. I’ll explain why this concept will not die.

The Lakers are making another run at Chris Paul, who remains in limbo as the NBA league office has taken over negotiations on behalf of the Hornets.

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The top 5 are only reserved for the heavy hitters. This section is made up of fresh faces. Everyone is so wrapped up into the point guards and dying centers that not many are noticing the power forwards. What’s up with that? The position is filled with plenty of young talent making it almost as deep as the point guards. The only thing I noticed is the lack of good defensive power forwards. Stats are up to date as of December 2, 2010.

The Wolves didn’t do much in the 2009-2010 season. They kept losing and lost Al Jefferson, too. Point guard Jonny Flynn had the chance to solidify the position for years to come, but made the fan base look forward to Ricky Rubio’s arrival. He had a solid rookie season with 13.5 points and 4.4 assists. That’s fine and dandy although the Wolves are looking for a star. They are not looking for fine and dandy.

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Locked-out NBA players have time on their hands.

For instance, Kevin Love and Blake Griffin, following up on their ESPN spoof, have become celebrity endorsers for the popular game Jenga.

The superstar forwards even found time to film a Jenga commercial. Click the video below, watch it, and get at us with thoughts in the comment box below.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

It's confirmed: Rick Adelman is new #Timberwolves coach, two league sources say.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Look up. That could be a pig flying over you.

The Minnesota Timberwolves have done what many thought would never happen: they spent a considerable amount of money to hire Rick Adelman, a coach with pedigree.

Yes, we`re talking about those Timberwolves and the Rick Adelman. This oddball franchise that can’t get out the Western Conference cellar reeled in a top-flight sideline boss.

All it cost was cash. Lots of it. Adelman was reportedly seeking, and may well have gotten, a 5-year deal worth $25 million.

But this wasn’t just a franchise paying a coach. The Timberwolves bought credibility. And they kept their superstar, Kevin Love, happy.

Whenever the season starts, the young Timberwolves could be competitive. They may even challenge for the playoffs. Then the pigs will be flying, and hell will be freezing over.

--Oly Sandor

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

Rick Adelman still looks like the favorite, but here’s the tricky part: I hear he wants at least $5 million a year, and five years -- not four -- guaranteed. Do the math and that’s at least $25 million, sports fans.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Should the Minnesota Timberwolves spend $25 million over the next five seasons on Rick Adelman?

The answer: yes!

The Minnesota Timberwolves, who have spent the last half-decade making an annual jaunt to New Jersey for the draft lottery with the usual suspects of downtrodden NBA franchises, must change their culture.

Adelman, having made the playoffs in 16 of 20 seasons as a coach, brings credibility. And the veteran bench-boss has a relationship through his son with franchise-face Kevin Love, who the Wolves must appease to get his signature on a long-term extension.

Most importantly, signing Adelman to a big-ticket would show that owner Glen Taylor is willing to reach deep into his pocket and spend for top talent.

Taylor is still on the hook for the remaining 2-years and $4 million of Kurt Rambis’ pact, meaning, if Adelman were signed, the club would be spending $7 million annually on coaches through July of 2103.

Things are improving for the Timberwolves. All that’s left is to take the plunge and spend the money on Adelman.

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

Rick Adelman is definitely interested in #Wolves job, from great source, he has made calls to line up potential assistants.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: It would appear the Timberwolves have their coach. Most importantly, it would appear they have the right coach.

Reports indicate that Rick Adelman, the veteran sideline boss, is phoning contacts around the league to find assistants to join him in Minnesota.

So it would seem Adelman and Minnesota, the NBA’s one-time laughingstock, will soon make their union official. If this occurs, all parties deserve credit.

Minnesota executive David Kahn should be praised for hiring the best coach available, and avoiding the temptation to hire his former mentor in Larry Brown.

Minnesota owner Glen Taylor should be commended for meeting Adelman’s considerable salary demands while also honouring the final two years on Kurt Rambis’ pact.

Adelman could have retired, however, he opted for the challenge of turning around lowly Minnesota and developing young pieces like Mike Beasley, Kevin Love, Ricky Rubio, and Derrick Williams.

Adelman joining Minnesota would be good for all involved. Hopefully, it happens and the NBA's version of Siberia can begin a much-needed turnaround.

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

"We all know we'll have to sacrifice but something has to be done," Love told ESPN.com Tuesday night. "It has to be sooner than later. We have to get the ball rolling. We can't wait around until October or November and then nothing gets done. The owners will keep stalling and obviously they have more means than us to lock us out."

"I want to play basketball," Love said. "I want us -- the players -- to sign a great deal. I want us to make a compromise with the owners but not sign what they're proposing. We'll play hardball if we have to. I want there to be an NBA season but it's also apparent that we're going to miss games."

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: The NBA would have a new Collective Bargaining Agreement if more people had Kevin Love's attitude.

Love recognizes that both sides must compromise. And the compromising, known as collective bargaining, must begin as soon as possible. 

The longer the posturing, pointing, and blaming continues, the less likely there's a season.

Love's view supports an interesting idea proposed by Stephen Brotherston of Hoopsworld.com. Brotherston believes the players should make a highly competitive offer to the owners. And they should do it now.

Think about it: the owners know the players will eventually return to the bargaining table. But when?

It might be September. It might be November. Or it might be January. They will return, though. They have to.

Whenever they do return, the owners will dictate the terms of the new CBA. The process won't be easy for the players, as Stern and the owners will extract everything they possibly can from the players. They'll 're-set' the league's financial system and then some.

So why not undercut the owners' leverage by making those concessions today and doing it in the most public manner possible?

Suppose the players gave the owners a 52-48 split of Basketball Related Income. Suppose they found a happy medium between the owners' flex cap and the current luxury tax system. Suppose they agreed to significant salary rollbacks and, say, eliminated the Mid Level Exception and other costly loop holes.

Here's the key: suppose they informed every print/net reporter, radio broadcaster, TV host, and blogger of such concessions. The ball would be in the owners' court; the players would be 'the good guys'.

Something would get done. And that something would be far better for the players than a wait-and-see approach.

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.        

During his interview, the Minnesota Timberwolves forward (Kevin Love) was asked, “Did guys around the league enjoy the fact that the Heat didn’t win the championship?” You bet, Love responded. “Oh yeah, great amount of joy out of it,” he said. “Plus, for me, they say nice guys, good guys finish last. But Dallas, they just had a slew of great guys and veterans on their team that made for just a great team. “It wasn’t just two, three, four guys on the team, like Miami I kind of felt it was. “Around the league, it was kind of a consensus that guys were happy.”

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If they're willing to pay $4-5 million a year, the pick clearly seems to be former Houston coach Rick Adelman, a candidate who meets all of Kahn's criteria for style of play, winning track record and the unspoken but important Kevin Love Factor.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: This is a minor boondoggle by Minnesota Timberwolves standards, but a boondoggle nonetheless.

GM David Kahn has publicly stated owner Glen Taylor, who has never thrown money around, will dig deep into his pockets to pay the right coach.

Fat chance.

Can you see Taylor paying a top candidate $4-5 million annually for a minimum of three years, while also honouring the final $4 million owed to former coach Kurt Rambis?

So why would Kahn state that the Wolves would hire a pricey option like Rick Adelman, who enjoyed success with the Portland Trail Blazers, Sacramento Kings, and, most recently, the Houston Rockets?

Now the Wolves are stuck. If they hire a less expensive coach, for whatever reason, they’ll get criticized. If they hire an expensive coach, like Adelman, they’ll get criticized for wasting their limited resources on a bench-boss.

There’s one way Kahn, Taylor, and the Wolves can quiet the critics: start winning.

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

"They took everything off," Love told The Post. "I laughed, but it's not funny. You take everyone off? You go on our website and it's the dancers and Crutch our mascot. I think it's cool for the charity events, but not using any of the players, it's silly. Let's get this thing resolved and play basketball. It's disheartening to fans and to us. Let's get it figured out.''

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But I can see, especially with Derrick Williams, Ricky Rubio, Mike Beasley, Anthony Randolph and Wes Johnson—all the way down the line to Lazar Hayward and myself, we have a slew of guys that can really have a bang in this league and make moves and have a lot of success.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Kevin Love is right. His Minnesota Timberwolves are young, talented, and optimistic.

For years, the Wolves have finished at the bottom of the Western Conference, allowing them to stock the cupboard with blue-chip prospects like Love, Ricky Rubio, and Derrick Williams at the NBA draft.

Unfortunately, the Wolves are poorly run. Owner Glen Taylor is a disaster. His right-hand, David Kahn, has made more missteps than the worst of  boogying ‘celebs’ on Dancing With The Stars.

For instance, Taylor and Kahn had no issue letting former head coach Kurt Rambis dangle for months, even requesting he submit a homework assignment, before finally firing him.

No doubt about it, Rambis did not meet expectations. However, Taylor and Kahn embarrassed the former Laker reserve. Worst of all, they embarrassed themselves and, by extension, the Wolves.

Their new sideline boss will be well aware of the Rambis boondoggle. Trust between the coach and GM and owner will be an issue.

The players - like Love, Rubio, Williams, and Mike Beasley - surely see their GM and owner as dysfunctional. Sooner or later, if they want to win, they’ll leave.

--Oly Sandor.

--Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Well, at least we can laugh about the NBA lockout.

NBA players were involved in a funny skit at last night’s ESPY awards, poking fun at their out-of-work status. While the skit works, it only provides a temporary reprieve from the frustrating impasse between players and owners.

Anyway, watch Tyson Chandler, Blake Griffin, and Kevin Love participate in the ESPYs, and get at us with your thoughts on ‘Lockout Professionals’.

--Oly Sandor.

The topic of Pau Gasol and the Minnesota Timberwolves was discussed last week based on the word of ESPN's Chad Ford that the Wolves had interest in the Los Angeles Laker All-Star forward/center. Further research revealed that the Wolves do indeed have interest in Gasol, notably because of his relationship with guard Ricky Rubio.

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--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

Ricky Rubio has already signed a contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves and the holdup keeping him from leaving Barcelona is related to his buyout agreement, multiple sources told ESPN.com. "This is just a bump in the road for (the Timberwolves)," said one source. Rubio's Spanish club won the ACB championship Tuesday, after which Rubio said: "We are talking with Barcelona and we will soon see."

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Don’t assume the worst. The Prodigal Son is still coming. He’s just taking care of business first.

Ricky Rubio will join the Minnesota Timberwolves, the team that drafted him two years ago. The Spaniard is negotiating the terms of his buyout with FC Barcelona, who currently hold his rights.

Of course, it would be understandable if the worst was being assumed. Rubio crossing the Atlantic Ocean and joining Minnesota has had more delays than a Dr. Dre album.

When he arrives, there will be changes. Jonny Flynn, the Wolves other young point guard, will most certainly be moved -either to Toronto or perhaps Charlotte.

Then the hard work begins in Minnesota. Rubio, Mike Beasley, and Kevin Love will have the monumental task of righting the Wolves ship.

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

Yes, he will. A winding, often secretive 23-month saga over whether Spanish point guard Ricky Rubio ever will play for the Timberwolves is over. Rubio on Tuesday signed an NBA contract to play with the team next season, a league source confirmed Wednesday night to the Star Tribune.

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HoopsVibe`s Very Quick Call: After more delays than a Dre album, Ricky Rubio has finally crossed the Atlantic Ocean and signed with the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The Wolves drafted Rubio two years ago. But he stayed in Spain. For 23 months.

Rather than pay a multi-million dollar buyout to join the NBA`s Siberia, Rubio stayed in Spain. And the rumors flew.

Most assumed this was a ploy by the Spaniard to force a trade. And most, myself included, thought he`d never actually play for Minnesota.

Executive David Kahn was willing to wait. Rather than succumb to outside pressure, he held firm and sold Rubio on playing with budding stars like Mike Beasley and Kevin Love, the NBA`s Most Improved Player.

The hype and chatter is over. Rubio has landed state-side. And he must produce.

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

As the Timberwolves limp to the 50-loss mark and beyond, it becomes a question of which number will be greater at the end of the season: Minnesota's loss total or Kevin Love's double-double streak, which reached a record 52 Wednesday night. Of far greater certainty is the status of coach Kurt Rambis, who appears to be on his way out after only two seasons.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: The current state of the Minnesota Timberwolves is not Kurt Rambis’ fault.

It’s not Rambis’ fault the Wolves are the one of the NBA’s youngest teams.

It’s not Rambis’ fault the Wolves have one of the league’s lowest payrolls.

It’s not Rambis’ fault Executive David Kahn has given him a wing-heavy roster with one superstar in Kevin Love.

And it’s certainly not Rambis’ fault the Wolves have hedged their bets to Spanish sensation Ricky Rubio, who may or may not join the club two years after being drafted by Kahn in the lottery.

None of that matters, though. The rumor is that the organization is pushing to change the coach. This push is coming because Kahn knows he can’t change the players he accumulated, so he’ll change who sits on his bench.

The Wolves should consider firing Rambis –but only if they are serious about replacing him with a star sideline boss like, say, Mike Brown. Reports indicate they’re looking at an assistant with the Milwaukee Bucks, Kelvin Sampson.

Sampson may eventually turn out to be a good head coach. However, the Wolves need a guy with legitimate experience as an NBA head coach. Not a guy who needs time to learn on the job.

Gambling on a rookie head coach will likely produce the same results of fifty loss seasons and annual reservations at the draft lottery in New Jersey.

And that won’t do.

-Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below. 

The Timberwolves are one of the teams that have called the Suns to check on the availability of Steve Nash, reports Marc Stein.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Should Minnesota Timberwolves fans laugh or cry after hearing Executive David Kahn tried to trade for the Phoenix Suns’ Steve Nash?

After all, Nash isn’t a fit for the Wolves. And the Wolves aren’t a fit for Nash. These two would be the worst match since Anna Nicole Smith married that old billionaire.

Nash is 37 years old. The two-time MVP has a limited time horizon, and will only leave the warmth of Phoenix for a contender. Not a good playoff team, but a class organization with legitimate championship aspirations.

Class and championships are words one doesn’t associate with Glen Taylor’s Wolves. And Nash may retire rather than suit up for the rebuilding Wolves.

This would actually be a positive for the Wolves, who must develop Jonny Flynn and Ricky Rubio -whenever the Euro sensation crosses the Atlantic for America.

Kahn doesn’t see it that way, though. Perhaps he’s inquiring about Nash and Anthony to prove to pending free agent Kevin Love he’s serious about upgrading the team’s talent.

However, Kahn has no chance at either superstar. And his failures only reinforce the Wolves’ inadequacies.

--Oly Sandor.

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I’m not saying the Wolves are or should be looking to trade Love- the sole issue at point is that they would not hang up the phone immediately if Sam Presti came calling.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: On the surface, it doesn’t sound realistic –Kevin Love joining Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook with the upstart Oklahoma City Thunder.

Here are two facts about Sam Presti, the Thunder’s lead executive, resident whiz kid, and one of the up-and coming suits in pro sports.

First, after making his bones with the San Antonio Spurs, Presti has rebuilt the Thunder through astute drafting, collecting undervalued assets, and maintaining fiscal sanity. He’s ready to use some of these excess chips to put his club over-the-top with a significant trade and/or signing.

Second, that may mean trying to bring the league’s leading rebounder to Oklahoma City. After all, Presti has a plan for every situation and scenario, and knows how well Love would complement Durant, Westbrook, and the raw Serge Ibaka.

Right now, the Minnesota Timberwolves and Love seem connected. The country strong post has given the lowly Wolves an identity for the first time since you-know-who was dealt to the Boston Celtics.

These two are far from married, though.

Love may be having a fine season; however, he’s not untouchable. He has shown little interest in inking a long-term extension with the Wolves. His relationship with Coach Kurt Rambis is touch-and-go.

Bottom line: Love wants to win now. No more waiting; no more rebuilding. He knows he won’t win championships in The Frozen Tundra of Sota.

While it isn’t likely, Love to the Thunder isn’t impossible. It makes some sense. For now, that will keep us talking.

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Kevin Love was caught off-guard.

Before last night’s game against the Toronto Raptors, Minnesota Timberwolves coach Kurt Rambis invited the cameras into his locker room.

Rambis wanted to tell Love he was an All-Star. The NBA’s rebounding leader had been named as a replacement for injured center Yao Ming, who the fans voted in.

The personable Love was at a loss for words, which amused Bill Laimbeer, the former Detroit Pistons great who is currently an assistant coach with the Timberwolves.

Watch Love’s reaction and tell us if you think he should be an All-Star in the comment box below..

--Oly Sandor.  
 

The NBA announced the reserves of the 2011 All-Star Game on Thursday. Boston's Kevin Garnett, Rajon Rondo, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen were named to the team, along with Chris Bosh of Miami and Atlanta's Al Horford and Joe Johnson.

In the Western Conference, Dirk Nowitzki, Russell Westbrook, Pau Gasol, Blake Griffin, Deron Williams and San Antonio's Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili were named to the team.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Yesterday, the NBA announced the reserves for the upcoming All-Star game in Los Angeles. Three words: No Kevin Love.

Love may play for for the lowly Minnesota Timberwolves, but he’s been superb on the glass. And LaMarcus Aldridge has held the battered Portland Trail Blazers together through their injury woes.

Both deserve to be Western Conference All-Stars in Los Angeles.

Check out the list of All-Star reserves and get at us with thoughts in the comment box below.

--Oly Sandor.

Minnesota GM David Kahn called a New York Times report this week on Ricky Rubio "much ado about nothing" and "not worthy of a response." An unnamed source close to Rubio indicated that the point guard wants to play for Boston, New York or Miami when he comes to the NBA. Kahn said he remains "absolutely" certain Rubio will join the Wolves next season after a buyout with his Regal Barcelona team becomes affordable.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Will Ricky Rubio sign with Minnesota? Or, will he force a trade to a larger market?

Simply put, nobody knows. And nobody should be certain. Rubio, himself, is unsure what he’ll do when he can finally afford the buyout on his contract with Regal Barcelona this summer and cross the Atlantic to the NBA.

There’s some reason to believe the Spanish teenager will start his career with the Wolves. After all, Kevin Love has blossomed into a superstar, while Michael Beasley can certainly score.

David Kahn, the club’s lead executive, seems to have built a relationship with Rubio and his representatives.

This, however, is the Timberwolves. They’re one of the league’s worst teams. They play in one of the league’s worst markets. And they have an uncommitted owner who mistreated former franchise face Kevin Garnett.

Rubio knows this. So do his people. And where begins his career will be an unknown until he signs on the dotted line.

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
 

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Earlier this week, Kevin Love had 20 points and 20 rebounds against the Los Angeles Lakers. Last night, he became the first player in 28 years to tally over 30 points and 30 rebounds.

There are many explanations for Love’s fine play of late: he has always had talent; he’s finally healthy; he’s no longer sharing the frontcourt with Al Jefferson; he’s taken another step in year three.

Of course, conspiracy theorists believe Love has stepped up his play so other teams will call the Minnesota Timberwolves and inquire about his availability.

Perhaps there’s truth in all of these.

However, there’s no disputing winning a gold medal with Team USA at the FIBA World Championship in Turkey had a positive influence on Love.

Love is fitter, more confident, and understands his place in the game. The same can be said for Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook, who also benefited from representing stars-and-stripes.

Hopefully, other players take note of Love and Westbrook’s improved play and are more open to suiting up for their country.

Click the videos below to watch highlights of Love’s historic game and hear his comments on notching 30 and 30. 

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

One team that would be an ideal fit for Love, Houston, has explored the possibility to the point of presenting trade scenarios to the Wolves. Those overtures, sources say, have been met with an icy response. Another team to keep an eye on with regard to Love is the Trail Blazers.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: For NBA stars, the Minnesota Timberwolves are Siberia.

Minnesota is cold. The Timberwolves have annual reservations at the league’s draft lottery in New Jersey. And the franchise has never recovered from wasting Kevin Garnett’s golden years.

Make no mistake about it, Kevin Love wants out of Minnesota. He knows their rebuilding efforts are failing. And he knows lottery-pick Ricky Rubio will stay in Europe until he gets a trade.

The Rockets would be an interesting fit. Love could platoon with center Yao Ming and international four-man Luis Scola.

The Blazers would also be interesting. Love is from Lake Oswego, an affluent Portland suburb. However, LaMarcus Aldridge is firmly entrenched at the four-spot. He could clash with Love –like former Timberwolf Al Jefferson.

Bottom line: look for Love to continue lobbying for a trade. Minnesota, also known as Siberia, is no place for an up-and-coming star.

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.