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.

The Lakers' front office knows Kobe Bryant is looking for it to improve the roster, and GM Mitch Kupchak has been working the phones. He's spoken to Minnesota about Michael Beasley, and sources say the Lakers are intrigued by the Timberwolves' small forward. The Lakers were actually in discussions with Minnesota about a potential trade for Beasley before the season started. If they would have been able to pull off the deal for Chris Paul, there is a good chance that a trade for Beasley would have followed.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: It makes sense.

Acquiring Michael Beasley would be wise for the Los Angeles Lakers because the NBA’s glamour team is old and stale.

With Shannon Brown in Phoenix and Lamar Odom doing the reality television thing in Dallas, the purple-and-gold struggle to get easy hoops in the open court.

Beasley, despite having off-court issues, can flat-out score. He can hit the three, get to the hoop, and post up opposing forwards on the block.

Moreover, superstar Kobe Bryant could mentor Beasley and steer him away from off-court temptations in Los Angeles and the trappings of Hollywood.

Most importantly, the Lakers need a jolt if they’re to rebuild on the fly, contend in the Western Conference, and capitalize on the final years of Bryant’s career.

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

Minnesota Timberwolves rookie point guard Ricky Rubio will have an MRI on his left knee Saturday morning amid fears he tore his anterior cruciate ligament, a league source told Yahoo! Sports.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: They waited for him to cross the Atlantic Ocean and suit up in The Frozen Tundra of ’Sota.

Now there are fears Ricky Rubio, the point guard sensation and cult hero, won’t complete his first season with Minnesota due to a torn knee ligament sustained in a collision with Kobe Bryant.

Rubio’s MRI test is this weekend, which means the Timberwolves’ renaissance season could soon go down the toilet.

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

Lakers front office telling people that "nothing is happening" with Pau Gasol, league sources say. For now, anyway.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: The Los Angeles Lakers want great, not good.

So it doesn’t matter that Pau Gasol was an integral part of the purple-and-gold winning two championships. To stay great, the Lakers must make changes -and that likely means parting with Gasol.

In the last year, the Spaniard has been linked to the Minnesota Timberwolves, included in Dwight Howard trade talk, and nearly sent to the Houston Rockets as part of the nixed Chris Paul deal.

Bottom line: Lakers’ management are willing to sacrifice their All-Star so they can rebuild for another championship on the fly.

Fair enough. What if the Lakers can’t trade Gasol for a superstar before the deadline?

Then Kobe and company will have the unenviable task of pushing for a championship with a disgruntled second star.

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

Lakers getting Beasley, Jamal Crawford to Minnesota and and Steve Blake to Portland is getting close, the News Mitch Lawrence reports.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: If reports are true, this three team deal will soon be official.

While not a blockbuster, the Los Angeles Lakers, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Portland Trail Blazers would all benefit from this swap of useful parts. Here is why:

1) The big winner would to be the Lakers. Beasley, a terrific scorer, would allow Metta World Peace to return to the bench.

2) Jamal Crawford would provide the Wolves with scoring and depth because Ricky Rubio is, of course, injured.

3) Blake, who has had two previous stints with the Blazers, would stablize the one-spot in Rip City.

Expect this deal to soon become official. All three teams will get a boost for the stretch drive.

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.

Beijing Ducks, led by former NBA star Stephon Marbury who notched game-high 41 points on Friday night, clinched their first-ever title of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) league. Edging defending champions Guangdong Hongyuan 124-121 at home, Beijing Ducks, who entered the finals for the first time, won 4-1 on aggregate in the best-of-seven series. Guangdong had been crowned seven times in the past eight seasons.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: I have a confession. I never thought Stephon Marbury would be a champion in any league or at anything.

After all, Marbury had toxic traits -wearing out his welcome in Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Phoenix, and the entire NBA.

Things often got weird, too. There was his bizarre interview where he referred to his wife has his better ‘ho’. There was his preacher-like sermon when the Knicks acquired Zach Randolph. There was his role in Isiah Thomas’ sexual harassment case. There was his banishment from the New York Knicks and some bizarre youtube clips.

Too Marbury’s credit, he has moved on. The past is the past. In China, he won a championship, sold sneakers, and even served as a go-between when J.R. Smith got into trouble with his Chinese club a few months ago.

The entire episode reminds me of the redemption flick Mr. Baseball, where Tom Selleck finds his way in Japan after bottoming out with the New York Yankees. 

So, wll Marbury stay in China or return to America if he scored an offer from an NBA side? Whatever happens, it will be interesting. Things always are with Marbury.

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.

Remember when, not all that long ago, Brandon Roy's career was considered "over"?

HoopsVibe Very Quick Call: Apparently, there is still some life left in those kness after all.

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.

Would AK-47 turn his back on Russia to rejoin the NBA? Fresh off being named the Euroleague's 2012 MVP,  he is reportedly considering a return to the NBA.

HoopsVibe Very Quick Call: It isn't a question of if or when he will return to the NBA, but how much money it will take to get him back.

At one time Kirilenko was one of the most well rounded, efficient players in the entire league. At 6-9 and as a former 1st team All-NBA defensive player, his career averages speak to his versatility: 12.4 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 2.8 apg, 2.0 bpg, 1.4 spg all while shooting 47% from the floor, 31% from three and 76% from the line made him a rare talent and defensive nightmare for opposing teams.

AK left the US to play in Russian prior to last season . Even though he has 10 years of NBA experience under his belt, he is just 31 years old and has plenty of good run left.

Today, Kirilenko told a group of reporters what his plans for the upcoming season potentially consisted of. "I want to decide my new team before the Olympics. There are several options in the NBA, but the final choice has not been made yet."

Kirilenko also told a Russian news outlet the following, further hyping his return: "I'll continue my career in the NBA. Which club in particular, we'll know in a day or two."

Rumors are swirling that the Brooklyn Nets would have an advantage seeing as how fellow countryman Mikhail Prokhorov owns teh squad. And in some capacity, PG Deron Williams is trying to convince Kirilenko that he is the missing piece for a championship run.

But would he really accept the veteran's minimum (which is all the Nets can offer) to play in Brooklyn? Even though the new NBA trend is for veteran stars in search of a ring to take lower money in hopes of corralling a championship, it sure seems unlikely, considering the money he can get from other interested teams, most notably the Minnesota Timberwolves and Golden State Warriors.

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

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

Ricky Rubio may finally be back in action.

HoopVibe Very Quick Call: T-Wolves are finally close to full strength.

21 years ago today, Tim Hardaway had the worst shooting performance in NBA history.

HoopsVibe Very Quick Call: Even John Starks' 1994 Game 7 Finals performance was better.

On 12/27/91, Golden State Warriors point guard Tim Hardaway set the NBA record for most field goal attempts in a game without making one, by going 0-17. In spite of his efforts, the Warriors beat the newly formed Minnesota Timberwolves 106-102 in overtime. Hardaway became known as more of a three point shooter during the latter parts of his career, especially during his time with the Heat. But of the 17 shouts he missed, only two were three point attempts.

But in '91, this was young Hardaway, one of the quickest players in the league, the proprietor of the "Killer Crossover" that was unguardable in the time prior to the NBA allowing zone defense. He was shooting roughly 47% during his third year in the league when this game occurred.

From this era, you could easily envision a guy like "Mad Max" Vernon Maxwell or another three point gunner having an 0-17 game. But Hardaway was never one for frivolous shots. Even though he only scored two points (on free throws) in the game, he dished out 13 assists, several of which went to a hot-shooting Chris Mullin who went 15 of 24 while pouring in a game high 36 points. But in 44 minutes I'm just amazed he couldn't get an easy layup while taking Scott Brooks or Pooh Richardson to the cup.

But "Tim Bug" doesn't want you to remember him for one game he played 21 years ago right now. He wants you to remember that he reached 5,000 points and 2,500 assists faster than every player in NBA history, other than Oscar Robertson. He'd also prefer that you think of the season he had in 1991-92 (the same year as the abysmal 0 for 17 shooting game), where he became the seventh player in NBA history to average 20+ ppg and 10+ apg in the same season.

Even great players can have a bad game. Who in today's NBA can you see challenging Hardaway's record this year?

The Cavs are rumored to be hungry to trade their #1 draft pick for Kevin Love.

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: If they can get their hands on a proven commodity like Love, they should take it.

Trade Rumors: Minnesota Timberwolves have the money, needs, and hunger to land Andre Iguodala this off-season.

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Looks like a great fit for everyone concerned except the Denver Nuggets who will be significantly weaker without Iguodala.

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.

HoopsVibe's Breaking Down The NBA Blog regularly provides a snapshot of the best NBA stories you should be reading from the three dubyas. We call it Best of the Web ...

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. 

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: A well executed in-bounds play.

Click the video below and watch LeBron James find Dwyane Wade for a last-second alley-oop to give the Miami Heat the win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. 

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.

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Yesterday Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook blew by Minnesota Timberwolves table-setter Luke Ridnour.

Here’s the question: did Westbrook break Ridnour’s ankles with a killer crossover or did the T-Wolves reserve lose his footing?

Watch the video, form your opinion, and get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below. 

--HoopsVibe News.

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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.

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 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.

In today's edition of Out of Bounds, Marija discusses grown men bitching, sub-par officiating and why Darko Milicic should zip his lip.

Timberwolves forward Michael Beasley has kept busy during an extended, locked-out NBA summer when he played ball everywhere from China to Manhattan's famed asphalt playgrounds. He has also taken up ballet to transform his body and hired a public- relations agency to improve his image.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Forget Yoga. Forget working with Michael Jordan’s old trainer Tim Grover. And forget elaborate diets.

The newest training trend for NBA players is ballet. Michael Beasley has taken to the classical dance to prepare for the season -if owners and players ever settle on a new collective bargaining agreement.

While unorthodox, ballet has helped Beasley improve his balance, strength, and coordination. Best of all, the Baltimore native is fifteen pounds lighter than his 2011 playing weight of 240 pounds.

Of course, there’s no doubt this news leaking is part of Beasley’s public make-over. Remember, Minnesota police caught him speeding with marijuana and cell-phone cameras captured a confrontation with a fan at a playground run.

Bizarre news is good news for Beas‘, especially when you’re looking to rehsape your image and  score a multi-year extension for mega-millions.

--O.Sandor.

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.

The exact details remain somewhat murky. But here’s what’s being reported by HoopChina: Michael Beasley may have a fractured left wrist.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: When it rains, it pours. Isn’t that so Mike Beasley?

First, the Minnesota Timberwolves drafted Derrick Williams, who plays the same position as Beasley, second overall in June‘s entry draft.

Second, Beasley was cited for marijuana possession after getting pulled over by Minnesota area police.

Third, Beasley was involved in a skirmish with a fan/heckler while playing in a streetball run. The incident was captured by cell-phone camera and is now a youtube favourite.   

And now there are reports Beasley broke his wrist playing in an exhibition game in China. The injury does not appear career threatening and Beasley, since NBA players are locked-out, isn’t in violation of his contract. He probably has  insurance, too.

Still, this should alert players about the risks of playing overseas with clubs or exhibition tours.

--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.

(Mary Schmitt Boyer) Based on everything I'm hearing, I would be surprised if the season started before January. As for Sessions, I'm not sure if the organization has made up its mind to trade him. I think the team is intrigued by playing any two of these point guards together. If a move is made, I would expect an attempt to get more scoring and athleticism on the wings.

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Once again, his spot seems at risk.

Ramon Sessions is a solid third guard and spot starter, however, he has the unfortunate habit of joining teams who are stocked in the backcourt.

For instance, he left Milwaukee because the Bucks had Brandon Jennings and Luke Ridnour at the one-spot. Minnesota deemed him expendable with Jonny Flynn, Ridnour (again), and Ricky Rubio's eventual migration from Spain.

So, the Wolves dealt him to the lowly Cleveland Cavaliers. And it seemed he finally had a home and regular minutes.

Well, wrong.

The Cavaliers acquired Baron Davis at the trade deadline, assuming the remaining two years and $29 million on his contract, while Kyrie Irving was drafted first overall and anointed The Future.

Both are point guards. It would seem Sessions will get his minutes playing next to Davis and Irving -or he won't get minutes at all.

And the Cavaliers will likely be listening to any or all offers for the nomadic guard.

--Oly Sandor.

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

"When you take on the triangle, you have to have your whole organization geared toward it," said Krause. "It takes a very specific kind of player to play in it. I saw the Minnesota guy hire Rambis, after he took two players in the draft who couldn’t possibly ever run the triangle. I have no idea if Rambis is a good coach or not, but Kahn screwed him right off the bat." He's referring to Ricky Rubio and Jonny Flynn, who are not natural fits, in yet another public black eye for Kahn.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Just the latest evidence Minnesota Timberwolves Executive David Kahn hasn't a clue.

At the Hall of Fame induction, Jerry Krause, the former Chicago Bulls GM, criticized Kahn for not giving former coach Kurt Rambis the players to run the Triple Post.

Rambis, of course, was recently fired by Kahn. Not before Kahn made him wait two months to hear his fate -even having Rambis submit a homework assignment before turfing him.

Krause is right: the Triple Post works if you have players with specific skill-sets and strong basketball IQs.

For instance, Luc Longley, Will Purdue, and Bill Wennington weren’t flashy or talented, but were smart, resourceful, and could pass.

B.J. Armstrong, Steve Kerr, and John Paxson could knock down shots, play off the ball, and knew their limitations.

Unfortunately, the Wolves were full of youngsters, who struggled with the pro' game and were no match for the complicated, intricate Triple Post.

So, according to Krause, Kahn is lost. Well, the architect of the six-time champion Bulls has the pedigree to say what he likes.

--Oly Sandor.

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

“Goodman league. The best league in the f______ world,” Beasley said. “The Drew league is OK. They play indoor, man they don’t know anything about this hard life. It’s the streets out here man.”

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Where are they? Where are the people who claim to have Mike Beasley’s interests?

Those people - friends, family, coaches, agents, and fellow players - need to check in with the former second overall pick from the 2008 draft.

 The last month hasn’t been easy on Beasley. He was cited for marijuana possession. He became a youtube sensation after shoving a heckler during a game in New York.

Now he’s spouting off to the press about the Goodman League being better than the Drew League because 'it’s the street’.

After personal and professional struggles in Miami, the forward found his way in Minnesota. Those strides have been undone. 

The Timberwolves must have concerns. They won’t give Beasley an extension because of their logjam at forward, and they can’t get equal value in a trade because no team wants a problem.

Worst of all, the Timberwolves can't reach out to Beasley because the lockout bans teams from talking with players. 

Bottom line: Beasley’s doing irreparable damage to his career. Somebody, anybody needs to make him aware of this.

--Oly Sandor.

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

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: There's a saying: 'the game is the game'.

The Minnesota Timberwolves' Michael Beasley knew the rules of ‘the game’ when he agreed to play in a street-ball run in New York City.

Fans sit close up. And they heckle, especially if you play in the NBA. Everything is fair: personal lives, video-vixen girlfriends, mothers, sisters, and indiscretions.

Beasley had to know his arrests for marijuana possession and history of mental health issues would come up. This isn’t right or fair, however, it’s the risk he assumed when suiting up for a pick-up match.

While Beasley is not technically an employee of the Timberwolves due to the lockout, he still must act like a professional.

His choice to go after, and make contact with, a fan will have repercussions and consequences for his professional career.

Suppose you’re an NBA GM. Would you trade for Beasley or sign him to a long-term extension for millions with this gem making the viral rounds?

The answer is simple: no. Fans wouldn't have it. Neither would the media. 

Right now, Beasley is failing in both the pro and pick-up ranks. He needs to (re)learn the rules of both games.

Watch the video below, form an opinion, and get at us with thoughts on Beas’ making like Ron Artest and fighting a fan.


 

--Oly Sandor.

 

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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After interviewing Rick Adelman and Don Nelson over the weekend, the Timberwolves intend to interview Larry Brown and possibly one or two others in this first phase to replace fired coach Kurt Rambis.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: It makes some sense -more than hiring Don Nelson, at least.

Larry Brown is best when spreading his ‘Play The Right Way’ mantra amongst a young, impressionable group. After all, Brown considers himself a teacher of the game, and clearly he suffers for his students.

Well, the Minnesota Timberwolves are young and impressionable. They've won just 32 games since 2009, so Brown’s message would, at least initially, hold weight.

The on-court dynamic would be fine -for a while. The off-court end of things sounds dicey.

Yes, Wolves GM David Kahn has known Brown since their days at UCLA. In fact, Kahn considers Brown a mentor, who guided him as a young, impressionable reporter on the west coast.

This is a problem. Brown, to be effective on the sideline, needs a strong counterweight in the front office, who can laugh off his idiosyncrasies, worrying, and perfectionist nature.

There was the legendary Donnie Walsh in Indiana. There was the enthusiastic Pat Croce in Philadelphia. And there was Joe Dumars, who at the time still possessed his magical touch in Detroit.

This trio knew when to listen and when to ignore Brown. Not surprisingly, this formula worked in Indiana, Philadelphia, and Detroit.

Kahn is already a disaster. He would misread, misquote, and mishandle Brown, which, in turn, would have a negative impact on those young, impressionable, and talented players.

The nomad sideline boss isn’t right for the Wolves. But this is about Kahn's inadequacies, not Brown's.

--Oly Sandor.

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

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.

Don Nelson will gladly trade those breezy Hawaiian trade winds for Minnesota winters and the chance to coach again, this time with the Timberwolves. "I think it'd be a great fit," he said. "I love Minnesota."

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: I have two words for Minnesota Executive David Kahn –‘do not’.

Do not let him charm you. Do not let him fill your head with thoughts and ideas. Do not overlook his past. Most importantly, do not hire Don Nelson to coach your Timberwolves.

After all, ‘Nellie’ is the NBA’s version of scorched earth. He sets fire to, burns, and destroys everything he touches.

In the 1990s, he sued Chris Cohan and the Warriors. He walked on the New York Knicks. He went back to court and sued Mark Cuban and the Mavericks. And his second go-around with the Warriors wasn’t much better.

Most troubling, Nelson has an odd relationship with his players. For instance, he clashed with Chris Webber, struggled with Monta Ellis, and flip-flopped on Stephen Jackson and Al Harrington. In no time, Nelson would alienate, aggravate, and annoy Mike Beasley, Kevin Love, Ricky Rubio, and/or Derrick Williams

This must worry Kahn. After years of being an oddball outpost, the Wolves have young assets. Hiring the wrong coach, like Nelson, would compromise those young assets.   

If Kahn wants a veteran sideline boss, he should consider Rick Adelman, Lawrence Frank, or even try pulling Hubie Brown out the broadcast booth to recreate his Memphis-magic in Minnesota.

Point blank: Nelson is done. The game has passed him by. He needs to cash his coaching 501K plan and spend his days walking the beaches of Maui and not an NBA sideline.

--Oly Sandor.

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

I want to thank Kurt for his contributions to our franchise and wish him the best in his future endeavors," Kahn said in a statement announcing the firing. "His arrival signaled we were serious about building a championship-contending ballclub over the course of time. We have accumulated a solid nucleus of young talent with a bright future during the last two years. I am hopeful Kurt receives his share of the credit for helping develop that talent and his contributions are not forgotten as we become a better basketball team."    

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HoopsVibe`s Very Quick Call: They are perhaps the worst organization in the NBA –maybe in all of professional sports. And yes, that includes Donald Sterling's Los Angeles Clippers.

Take the Minnesota Timberwolves handling - or mishandling - of Coach Kurt Rambis, which is another hit against executive David Kahn and owner Glen Taylor. 

Now Rambis was by all accounts a poor coach –regardless of the extremely limited hand he was dealt by Kahn. But Rambis –despite not winning much of anything- deserved better.

After all, Kahn kept Rambis twisting in the wind for months, not letting the former Los Angeles Laker know if he'd return to the Midwest for 2011-12 or join the unemployment line.

Kahn even gave Rambis homework, making him write a report on how he'd improve the team if brought back. Of course, Kahn knew his assignment was meaningless –the decision to fire Rambis was made long ago.

So what's the big deal about the Wolves mistreating Rambis? They simply hire another coach, right?

Well, wrong. Professional organizations treat employees with respect and decency -or, for lack of a better word, like professionals.

Kahn, Taylor, and their lackeys in the front office should model this for their players. Such an approach is necessary to win a championship or even qualify for the playoffs –and it starts at the top.

Consider Michael Beasley's recent marijuana citation. Sure, the troubled forward broke the law, but the Wolves, specifically Kahn, will surely be upset with Beasley's lack of respect for the organization.

This would be fair -except Kahn showed an utter lack of respect for Rambis.

The acts and circumstances may be different. But Kahn has no credibility to criticize Beasley for hurting the reputation of the Wolves. He has done this time-and-time again.

Rambis is the latest black eye for the Wolves. It won't, however, be the last on Kahn and Taylor's watch.

--Oly Sandor.

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

Minnetonka Police say Minnesota Timberwolves forward Michael Beasley was cited for marijuana possession and speeding in Minnetonka last week. Beasley was pulled over on June 26 for speeding around 3 a.m. on Interstate 394 and Carlson Parkway. He was clocked at 84 mph in a 65 mph zone.  Police also found 16.2 grams of marijuana in Beasley's vehicle.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: We were wrong.

We were wrong to think Michael Beasley was passed this. We wrong to think he left his troubles at the clubs in South Beach. And were wrong to applaud his fine season with the Minnesota Timberwolves.

He fooled us. All of us.

Reports indicate police pulled Beasley over for speeding last week and found 16 grams of marijuana in his vehicle.

This is not a good look for anyone, especially a pro athlete who has battled addiction and mental health issues.

Clearly, Miami's nightlife wasn’t the issue. The issue is Beasley, who found trouble in quiet Minnesota. Once again, he has slipped. Once again, he needs help.

Then there’s the basketball side of this. The Timberwolves seemed interested in giving Beasley a multi-year extension when the lockout ended.

They’ll reconsider. In fact, they'll probably pass.

Expect the Wolves to commit more resources, time, and money to developing second overall pick Derrick Williams, a talented and athletic forward with none of Beasley’s baggage.

Problem is, there won't be much of a market for Beasley. Few, if any, teams will take a chance on him via trade or by floating an offer in free agency.

He still has time; time to change. Just ask Lamar Odom, Chris Webber, and Jason Williams. The clock is ticking, though.

Hopefully, Beasley gets it right. And fast.

--Oly Sandor.

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

Finally, the NBA Draft is here. The gossip, speculation, and home videos of mysterious Euro prospects is no more.

Below is how things officially unfolded in real time, with live analysis at the HoopsVibe News headquarters. So get at us with thoughts, ideas, and opinions in the comment box below.

1) Kyrie Irving to Cleveland Cavaliers.

Details: PG, 6-2, 181, Duke Blue Devils, Fr.

Pros: Irving is a good athlete, who uses his quickness and feel for the game to attack the basket. He’s smart, tough, and had little issue leading more experienced teammates during the NCAA tournament.

Cons: While Irving is a good athlete, he isn’t explosive or big. And he missed much of his freshmen year with a toe injury. So the New Jersey native is a risk.

Fit: He'll be fine as long as he doesn't follow Baron Davis' training routine or try to replace that LeBron guy.

2) Derrick Williams to Minnesota Timberwolves.

Details: PF, 6-9, 248, Arizona Wildcats, So.

Pros: He’s a pick-your-poison scorer. In his second season, Williams improved his ability to attack the basket, while also being able to knock down jump shots. This combination of skill and athleticism should make Williams a difficult match-up for opposing defenses.    

Cons: Some feel Williams is a ‘tweener’, stuck between the 3 and 4 spots. And they’re unsure if his athleticism can compensate for his 6-9 height,   

Fit: Is there room for Kevin Love, Mike Beasley, and Williams in the frontcourt?

3) Enis Kanter to Utah Jazz.

Details: C, 6-10, 260, Turkey, 19 years of age.

Pros: Strong, skilled, and tough is how most describe Kanter. His polished game and physical tools should make a pretty good NBA player.

Cons: Kanter is undersized and not especially explosive for a five-man. And can his knee hold up to the grind of an NBA season?

Fit: His strong IQ and blue-collar approach makes him perfect for the Jazz.

4) Tristan Thompson to Cleveland Cavaliers.

Details: PF, 6-9, 225, University of Texas, Fr.

Pros: Thompson should have a nice NBA career because of his wingspan, improving body, and lefty skill-set. His energy and work on the glass is also a plus.

Cons: Despite shedding baby fat, Thompson is still a little undersized to handle NBA power forwards. 

Fit: The Canadian can play, but going fourth overall was a surprise. He'll need time to develop his offensive game for the Cavs.

5) Jonas Valanciunas to Toronto Raptors

Details: PF, 6-10, 230, Lithuania, 18 years old.

Pros: Valanciunas is an energetic player, who is active on the offensive glass and gets his share of put-back points. At 18, some believe he has the most upside of any player in the draft.

Cons: He’s extremely raw and could take several years before making an impact.

Fit: Of course, GM Bryan Colangelo had to take a Euro. But the young Lithuanian has a chance to be real good.

6) Jan Vesely to Washington Wizards.

Details: PF, 6-11, 240, Czech Republic, 21 years old.

Pros: He’s not your typical Euro. Long, athletic, and explosive, Vesely loves to get up the floor and throw down monster jams. His length and versatility makes him a force on both ends of the floor.

Cons: Vesely needs to extend his offensive range beyond put-backs and highlight reel jams.

Fit: Strap up Washington. This kid is a walking highlight reel.

7) Bismack Biyombo to Sacramento Kings (picking for Charlotte Bobcats).

Details: PF, 6-9, 243, Congo, 19 years old.

Pros: He’s an athlete. Biyombo has scouts drooling with his frame, wingspan, leaping ability, and quickness.

Cons: But he’s raw. Many of those same scouts are worried about his lack of skill and age.

Fit: Some say he couldn't score if locked in a gym by himself. He also needs to negotiate a buyout with his FIBA club. But he’s an incredible athlete.

8) Brandon Knight to Detroit Pistons.

Details: PG/SG, 6-3, 177, Kentucky University, So.

Pros: Knight was always a terrific scorer, but showed he could involve others towards the end of his season at Kentucky. His athleticism and outside range makes him a strong prospect. 

Cons: Some feel he’s more of a shooting guard than a natural point guard.

Fit: Hopefully, he survives a Piston team that was highly dysfunctional in 2011.

9) Kemba Walker to Charlotte Bobcats.

Details: PG, 6-1, 172, University of Connecticut, Jr.

Pros: Walker has the ‘quicks’ to get to the basket and can also punish sagging defenders with his much-improved jumper. This made him unstoppable during his terrific 2011 season at UCONN.  
 
Cons: Well, size. Walker plays like a shooting guard, but has the body of a point guard.

Fit: Walker will bring leadership and confidence to Michael Jordan's Bobcats.

10) Jimmer Fredette to Sacramento Kings.

Details: PG, 6-2, 190, Bringham Young Unviersity, Sr.

Pros: He's a magical shooter with a cult-like following at Bringham Young University. 

Cons: Can he defend NBA point guards? Is he a point guard? 

Fit: Fredette`s range will mesh nicely with Tyreke Evans and the offensive-minded Kings.

--Oly Sandor.

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