Where 4 art Love?
by Stop-n-Pop on Feb 25, 2009 9:18 AM CST
26 comments
First of all, it was a busy day in Wolves and former-Wolves-dom. Marko secretly ties the knot, Starbury gets released, Hoopus becomes part of Yahoo...
Let's cut right to the chase: last night's tilt was the second game in a row where the Wolves top pick (and best player with Al Jefferson sidelined for the rest of the season) was benched for the entire fourth quarter. For the second straight night, the team's biggest rebounding and foul shooting threat (to say nothing of the cliched "little things" that we go on and on about with the Big Piranha) found himself firmly planted on the pine in a close, winnable game.
Love started out the night on fire; gathering 11 points (3-3 from the line), 2 boards, and 2 assists in the first quarter. He was yanked when Joey Graham subbed in for Chris Bosh with just under 4 minutes remaining in the quarter. The Wolves were +10 when the switch happened.
Look, I get that Love can't play the entire game. I get that teams are starting to run out hybrid forwards in place of centers and straight up 4s to jack up the Wolves' rotations, but when your best player is off to that type of start, and when your team just responded to a 5-0 Toronto run with a 6-0 run of their own, you let the big fella finish out the quarter. I don't care if the Raptors sub in a 6-nothing guard for Chris Bosh, you make your lineup work around the guy who is driving the action. Figure. Something. Out.
In the second quarter, Love re-entered the game alongside of a player that is the oil to his water, Craig Smith. How much larger of a sample size do we need to see to know that these two players just do not mix? Alongside of The Artist Formerly Known As The Rhino, Love took zero shots and gathered a single rebound. The team was -12 with this obviously mismatched pair on the court. Love and Brian Cardinal are the best frontcourt pairing this team can put on the court from here on out; Love and Smith is the worst. How hard is it to make sure that oil and water don't mix for 48 minutes a night ?
Changing gears, last night's game marked the first time in quite a while where I've had serious second thoughts about Kevin McHale remaining on the bench for next season. It was at the beginning of the 2nd quarter; Smith, Cardinal, Bobby Brown, Kevin Ollie, and Rodney Carney were on the court for my favorite team. Let me repeat that: last night, the Wolves put out a 5 man rotation of Craig Smith, Bobby Brown, Brian Cardinal, Kevin Ollie, and Rodney Carney. Really? It was at this precise moment where I was jolted into a flashback of the pre-Christmas days of Randy Wittman and Rashad McCants. "Holy balls," I said to myself. "This team is almost completely void of talent." How did this happen?
With each passing quarter after the Big Al injury, it is becoming more and more obvious that this team has 2 starting level talents: Al and Love. You can make a good case for Randy Foye being the 3rd member of this group but this all depends on the makeup of the remainder of the roster. Say what you will about the team's undersized frontline, but Foye has more than his share of troubles with guards over 6'4". Everyone else is replacement-level or lower. His success is completely dependent on who else is out there with him.
Long time readers of this site know that I am a huge proponent of small ball. I don't care about having specific sizes and skill sets at the 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. That being said, I do care about balance and proficiency. Good small ball teams need to have some form of positional flexibility and...wait for it...talent. I get that the team is still less than two years removed from the KG trade. This is a rebuilding process and I'd be lying to you if I said that I didn't think the front office has made a series of solid moves that have put this team back on the right track. However, when the Wolves ran out the Brown, Smith, Cardinal, Ollie, Carney quintet I found it very easy to change the channel.
I guess what I'm trying to say here is that I still find it incredibly hard to swallow the fact that McHale walked away from the mess he created while Wittman was fired. I know the team probably couldn't find a better coach right now. I know that the team probably wouldn't respond better to an outside voice at this particular moment. However, a new set of outsider eyes is what this team has always needed and they will never get it with McHale being located anywhere near the vicinity of 600 First Avenue. This squad is about to enter the most important offseason in the history of the franchise. It is the fulcrum upon which the team will rise or fall. While I guess it is something of a positive that I don't have the feeling that this team will 100% EPIC FAIL with their considerable assets, I also do not have the sense that it will work out for the best. The #1 reason for this feeling is that Kevin McHale is still there. I think fans deserve to know that he will in no way, shape, or form have any decision, impact, or influence on what happens in the offseason. Following the end of the season, the team should send him on a summer-long outdoors excursion up north and let Jim Stack, Fred Hoiberg, and Rob Babcock do the work without him. I still think the team needs a set of outside eyes but, practically speaking, this is the best we can hope for.
BTW: Don't forget to sign up for Hoopus Night at the Target Center on April 11th. Here are the details:
- Call Britt at 612-673-8366 or email her at bcarlson@timberwolves.com
- Tell her you're signing up for Hoopus Night
- Transmit to her $25 USD
- Use the time between ordering your ticket and April 11 to plan your outfit
- Show up 4/11 ready to watch the Wolves take on Nash, Shaq & Company with a bunch of people whose fervent interest in basketball borders on irrational
We hope to see you there.
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I'm trying desperately to understand
the lack of PT for kevin love in the fourth quarter. I posted about this the other day at Britt’s place and I continue to half-wonder if this is about Love’s emotions as well as his play. For example, Love was pulled last night almost immediately after he barreled into Bosh and picked up his fourth foul. This happened after a play at the other end of the court (I can’t remember the exact play) where Love felt he got jobbed or hit or something.
I feel like his running over Bosh was a result of his being pissed off and because of that, not making a good basketball play. I’ve seen a weak pattern (also weak because of my memory and the lack of stats on emotional outbursts) of McHale taking love out of the game when the guys shows emotion. When he yells loudly or gets that frustrated Love look he gets yanked. I’ve even seen him have an outburst then look to the bench and motion that he is OK and then still have McHale yank him.
Has anyone else noticed this or should I put down the crack pipe?
I’m not saying I agree with the strategy, but I think McHale is trying to enforce a certain amount of focus in Love’s game end eliminate highs and lows emotionally (or at least the lows).
by littleboxes on Feb 25, 2009 10:42 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
is that more of a guideline
or a rule?
by littleboxes on Feb 25, 2009 5:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Small Ball...
I’m surprised to hear you mention the issue with small ball, and not even bring up the line-up McHale sent out there during the final like 7 minutes of the 4th quarter. Telfair, Foye, Carney, Miller, and Gomes vs. Calderon, Parker, Marion, Bosh, and Bargnani. I think we’re undersized at every single position. We also got no offensive rebounds, could not protect the paint at all, and just completely blew the game.
My current frustration with “Mac” is the complete hypocrisy of what he’s doing. He Drafted Kevin Love knowing full well that teams are getting smaller, but very few teams are getting smaller while maintaining the athleticism (or lack thereof) of bigger line-ups (i.e. Minnesota). So what’s the point of drafting a player like Love, and then immediately adjusting when other teams counter with more athletic players. If you draft him because you think he’s better then other more athletic players at the same position, then PLAY HIM AGAINST OTHER MORE ATHLETIC PLAYERS AT THE SAME POSITION.
It’s actually my biggest frustration with basketball coaches in general, they always think they need to make adjustments and tinker with line-ups as a way of feeling important. While the Greg Popovich’s of the world just let their best players play, and look how it works out for him.
by Blakeley on Feb 25, 2009 10:42 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Congrats on the Yahoo, snp!
Looks like canis is on the up and up, which we can’t quite say for the wolves, who are on the down and down. I was watching the 4th last night on the illegal feed and was squinting real close to the screen, trying to figure out which blurry figure was Love, only he wasn’t in there. Did he play at all in the 4th? I think I watched the last 8 minutes and he wasn’t in there at all.
That 4th quarter line-up was horrendous, you knew there was no way they were getting any stops down the stretch. The best (or worst) was when Miller “made the extra pass” to Bassy in the corner and I just cringed. All my hoopus reading has ingrained in me the thought, “When Bassy shoots the three it’s a lost possession” and sure enough— CLANG!
by BDavige on Feb 25, 2009 11:21 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Miller
Can anyone explain to me why Miller is trying to lead the team in rebounding and assists? He has reinvented his game completely. The wolves traded for a shooting guard, so they need him to score when he’s on the floor.
by WhaHuh on Feb 25, 2009 11:45 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
I think
Miller has become the Joaquin Phoenix of the NBA, completely transforming himself into something unrecognizable from his former self. It is truly baffling. We so desperately need him to jack it up. The drives and dishes to Telfair especially must stop. He is really hurting the team with those plays.
by Rascal Flatts on Feb 25, 2009 12:04 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Smallball and Length
I’m not a smallball advocate. Although it’s entertaining basketball, it doesn’t win championships. Just look at the best teams in the NBA. They all have incredible talent AND length. We are missing both in spades. Right now we are fielding a bunch of short and squatty guys that try hard, but just don’t have the physical gifts to matchup against most NBA teams.
I go back to this past season’s second round where we had the opportunity to pick-up two first round talents (in a normal draft year) that could step in and help our squad right away: Chalmers and Jordan. Both have very good size for their respective positions and tend to be more advanced defensively than offensively. How much more I’d look forward to watching this team if we had Chalmers backing up Telfair and Jordan taking some of Smith’s minutes. Although our record wouldn’t be much better, at least we’d have some upside guys that would be developing before our eyes. That to me is the great *&%$!-up this past offseason.
by Rascal Flatts on Feb 25, 2009 12:15 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
My only worry
is that McHale won’t want to be coach next year and walks away from the organization. I’m biased because I’ve always been a McHale fan and I have always rooted for him to redeem his image. I thought he made the necessary moves begining with the KG trade, but after the start with Wittman this year, even I felt that it was time for McHale to go.
But the move from the front office to the bench has me back in his corner. I really don’t think you can make anymore judgements on the roster or McHale’s coaching since Big Al went down, but this does bring to mind the only rational reason one can support McHale being sent away.
He is just plain jinxed. There is a serious black cloud hanging over McHale and the organization and Big Al’s knee injury might have been the most obvious evidence that someone is sitting with a voodoo doll somewhere poking pins into either Crunch or McHale. But, McHale isn’t the problem. I think he has shown he assembled a roster that can win if given the right coaching. Either that, or WIttman has to be the worst coach in the history of the NBA which, I admit, might be true also. But, there is no doubt that McHale has been a victim of bad luck more than anything. I mean, does anyone ANYONE, think that the Timberwolves have any ANY chance of winning this years draft lottery no matter how many ping pong balls they are awarded. It just won’t happen. There is no luck charm Fred or anyone else from the Wolves organization can uncover that will overcome the curse that was put on the Wolves sometime after McHale and Flip took over the organization. Perhaps it was the deal that got nixed to move the WOlves to New Orleans. It may have taken some time to take effect, but the ghost of Marie Laveau must certainly of been summoned after David Stern said no way and the Wolves began to suffer as soon as googs signed with Phoenix. Its been one disaster after another ever since.
But, back to last night and Love. I just wonder why Williams was not summoned from the bench to play along side of Love. I think the problem is that Smith always has these moments like against LA where he shows he can be a matchup nightmare for some situations that keeps McHale going back to him. Williams plays and either Smith or Cardinal has to sit and Cardinal sat all game against someone recently, plus hes one of the best Wolves players right now. I think its time to let go of the idea of Smith being anymore than an occassional matchup in the Wolves favor and let him settle for many DNP-CD the rest of the season while going with the Williams/Love/Cardinal at the 4 and 5 for the remainder of the season.
by Andy B on Feb 25, 2009 12:22 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
disagree
Wanting McHale away from this franchise is a purely spiteful attitude? One month of the team playing well proves McHale the GM rebuilt a winner? I took both those sentiments away from your post and I don’t think that is the case at all.
On the bench or in the Front office he is the dominating figure on every deal this team makes as long as he is an employee. McHale had years and years to build around a guy who completely locked down the front court of the team. As of 3 years ago they had NOTHING surrounding him, no assets and no cap flexibility to rebuild around him. Getting to that point WAS HIS FAULT.
As for January proving he has put together a winning team… I don’t think winning when you are out of the playoff race proves you are a winning team. When you win when each night teams are taking you seriously and you are dealing with the pressure of expectations, then you’ve proven something.
by Pants_ on Feb 25, 2009 1:15 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
One sentiment is accurate the other I'm not sure where it comes from
I did infer that one month of playing well demonstrates that McHale the GM was in the process of building a winner and for that I admit my bias was for hoping McHale can redeem himself.
But, I have no illusions that the case cannot be made that McHale has been a disruptive influence over this organization. I don’t think I inferred that making this argument must mean that one is motivated by spite. If I did, I take it back. I only tried to make the argument that McHale has been a victim of bad luck and I certainly could be wrong about that. But it is an argument I believe. The organization has been cursed.
by Andy B on Feb 25, 2009 1:58 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
My opinion
He doesn’t want Love to get 35 minutes a game. He wants him to learn the little things first, and get those extra minutes next year, or the year after that… or whenever he turns 32.
I applaud McHale for limiting his minutes… it’s as if he’s saying to me, “We WILL get that top pick this summer!”
by simsypoo on Feb 25, 2009 2:42 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Shame
You are not giving enough (or any) credit to Gomes. At times this year (and especially the last five games or so), he’s been our best overall player…
by College Wolf on Feb 25, 2009 3:11 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
co sign
on gomes..or gomez mayn! ah mayn i heard dat bitch sya gomez like 3 diff times on nba tv!
Gomes clearly dun redd de SNP “Ryan Gomes is a bench player is a bench player is a….” line cuz de boy st8 wildin out mayn! ah mayn he playin like a starter nah mean i know he gittin de shots but he makin dem an mah fantasy team is sayin MAYN HOL UP cuzza it!
MAYN HOL UP!
by MAYNHOLUP on Feb 25, 2009 4:31 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Word
Fo sho he be readin SNP hatin on him sayin he ain’t a starter lol. I’d be mad too.
by College Wolf on Feb 25, 2009 6:49 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
he's also.....
…having a bad year. I would very, very, very much disagree with the idea that he’s been anywhere close to the team’s best overall player this year. Last year, yes. This year, no. If he were performing this year like he did last year, the team would have a few more wins.
The World's Leading Exporter of Small Area Quickness
www.canishoopus.com
by Stop-n-Pop on Feb 25, 2009 5:03 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I didn't say this year...
I said “at times” this year, but more specifically the past 5ish games or so. It’s not like Love is a better overall player than Gomes. Love is getting abused on defense. At least Gomes is above average in that category, which more than makes up for any possible advantages Love might have on offense. Also, Gomes can reliably hit the three. I’d cringe if/when Love shoots a three.
by College Wolf on Feb 25, 2009 6:51 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
he'll be fantastic off the bench when they get a real 3
;)
The World's Leading Exporter of Small Area Quickness
www.canishoopus.com
by Stop-n-Pop on Feb 25, 2009 7:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
CW pointed out the past 5 games about Gomes
In the past 5 games, Gomes has been stroking it from outside, shooting a high percentage, averaging something like 22 PPG while playing solid D and adding some rebounding. He looks like a quality NBA starter and is definitely our best player right now.
by roundhouse on Feb 25, 2009 5:24 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
NEW COLUMN UP
u alreddy know…j pete shudde thworn on de song i posted lass nigth when bosh wuz trynna plex wit Cardinal nah mean mayn!
MAYN HOL UP!
by MAYNHOLUP on Feb 25, 2009 5:52 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
http://www.cocaineblunts.com/blunts/?p=2023
MAYN HOL UP!
by MAYNHOLUP on Feb 25, 2009 5:52 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Thanks
I enjoy reading these. Z Ro is tight, I ain’t gonna lie.
by College Wolf on Feb 25, 2009 6:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I even got hooked on him...
….and I haven’t bought a hip hop record since De La Soul.
The World's Leading Exporter of Small Area Quickness
www.canishoopus.com
by Stop-n-Pop on Feb 25, 2009 7:05 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
iss cuzz DASS DAT RO MAYN!
MAYN HOL UP!
by MAYNHOLUP on Feb 25, 2009 8:15 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
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