Love might not deserve the starting role over Chandler quite yet since the reigning defensive player of the year fits better with the scoring-heavy starting lineup. But Love should be getting more national recognition than the status quo. If anything, his strong play should mark the end of coach Mike Krzyzewski's super-small lineups that lack a legitimate big man underneath (a list that is two names long).

With Love's shot efficiency and stellar production, there's no real reason why we should see the super-small lineup -- which has practically given away free points to opponents all summer -- on the floor for the rest of the tournament.

This is all to say that there should be no question that Love belongs -- on Team USA and in the NBA's elite circle.

Suns banking on Johnson, Beasley

''I feel great,'' Kirilenko said after scoring 35 points on 14-for-17 shooting against Britain on Sunday. ''Look at me. I'm running like a young deer.''

Agree on what PDX wants. RT @EConway3 @<a

Something tells me this is a no-no. Kahn must have said hell no to D-Will going.

Farmar to exercise player option....

Which hinders Brooklyn's financial flexibility. Wolves make a
quick trade for an expiring contract so the Nets gain some $$$
to sign Williams and Kidd?

Tony Easley will go to Vegas with the Minnesota Timberwolves after a solid season in Italy.

Source confirms @memphisnews report that the Grizzlies will not tender qualifying offer to guard O.J. Mayo, making him an unrestricted FA.

"Minnesota has only worked out one player -- White -- who could be considered for the No. 18 pick, according to the Star Tribune, which has lead to speculation that he's the choice. However, David Kahn may also try to trade out of the first round and that's why he has not brought in more first round prospects with under a week to go until the draft."

The Timberwolves announced today that the team will play Maccabi Bazan Haifa, from the Israeli Basketball Super League, in a preseason game at Target Center on October 16th, 2012.

Tom Hanneman is moving to new role as FSN studio host for Wolves, Wild, Twins and Gophers. FSN will hire new Wolves play by play guy