Love and Rubio in FIBA World Championship and more
From Jonah Ballow/Timberwolves site: Love, Team USA Prepare for Worlds
Krzyzewski discussed Love's role following the impressive showing against Greece, "Not so much his standing but the fact that we can use him at different times. It’s not going to be always Tyson (Chandler) coming in for Lamar (Odom), it depends on situations. But he had a very strong performance. I thought Danny (Granger) did a good job too… it’s tough to play everybody. I thought they showed great attitudes, we’re in good health, and it will be situational with those guys."
Moving forward, Love adds an important dimension to a team that only features one 7-footer. Obviously, his rebounding efficiency is a valued attribute but Love also creates offensive scoring opportunities with his passing ability. On the defensive end of the floor, expect Love to jump in front of streaking opponents inside the FIBA's trapezoid lane.
"He's the only guy on our team that takes charges, and can get in the post, and put a body on some of these international fours and fives that are big and strong. He's going to help us down the road, coming up," Ronzone said.
From Henry Abbott/TrueHoop: 10 Things to Watch in the World Championships
2. Ricky Rubio unleashed
Although Minnesota general manager David Kahn has been maligned for picking a player who stayed overseas, the truth is that Rubio is developing nicely, and his rights may be the Timberwolves' most important basketball asset.
One of the sad things about this tournament is the great many players who will miss it due to injury, and Spanish point guard Jose Calderon is near the top of those who will be missed.
However, having the young and flashy Rubio as the unquestioned leader of one of the tournament's best teams will make for good viewing, and good basketball.
From Jerry Zgoda's twitter account:
#Timberwolves will face Tyreke-less Kings in season opener. Evans gets 1 game NBA suspension today for his reckless driver arrest