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.

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"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.

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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.

I hope we have a plan. I don't know what it is at this point. We obviously made a lot of moves, but I'm out there playing and thinking between the lines, not making decisions. I'm just trying to hope for the best and that we keep getting better as a team.

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: He hasn't earned the right. Not yet anyway.

As a third-year post known for more for twittering than on-court play, Kevin Love doesn't have the superstar pedigree to bash Minnesota GM David Kahn.

In July, Kahn dealt Al Jefferson to the Utah Jazz, so Love could play the four-spot, his natural position. And Love repays the organization's loyalty with criticism that appears on CNNSI's website.

Of course, Love is also missing the point: he is The Plan. He's the leader by default. And this is his team.

His comments will set a negative tone for current and potential teammates. After all, what will the mood be at training camp? And Spanish sensation Ricky Rubio will be even more opposed to crossing the Atlantic and joining the Wolves.

Ironically, Love wants to ink an extension with Minnesota and be part of a contending team. Perhaps he should choose his words more carefully.

--Oly Sandor.

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Darko Milicic has agreed to a four-year, $20M deal with Minnesota.

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David Kahn admitted on Friday that he is exploring a trade of Al Jefferson and the likelihood of a trade increases if the Wolves re-sign Darko Milicic.

"It's the right time finally for us to explore this," Kahn said of a possible Jefferson trade. "I've met with Al and discussed this. If Darko comes back, there could be a need to create some playing time. We really need to get our front line settled."

The Memphis Grizzlies and Minnesota Timberwolves are close to swapping first-round draft picks, a source with direct knowledge of the situation tells ESPN.com's Andy Katz. The Grizzlies would send their 25th and 28th overall picks to Minnesota for the Timberwolves' 16th pick.

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: On the surface, this rumor seems insignificant.

However, it does show that Memphis and Minnesota are looking to improve and will be active during Thursday`s draft and free agency.

For instance, the Grizzlies recently called the Hornets about Chris Paul, while the Timberwolves turned down the Pacers' lottery pick for point guard Jonny Flynn.

Both squads also have larger issues to contend with.

Memphis wants to re-sign restricted free agent Rudy Gay -but only for reasonable money. A sign-and-trade involving Gay is an option.

And Minnesota must decide if forwards Al Jefferson and Kevin Love can play together. They`ve also got to convince 2009 lottery pick Ricky Rubio to cross the Atlantic and run the offense in 2012.

These teams will be linked to more rumors and will be stay all summer.

Got thoughts?