The Summer of Kevin Love

Kevin Love is a free agent after next season. The NBA season isn't even over yet, but it seems like the Minnesota Timberwolves forward is already looking for a new destination to play basketball this winter. It could be a simple coincidence he was in Boston checking out the sights and sounds hanging out at Fenway, running into Rajon Rondo, boozing with Gronk and getting tweets from David Ortiz, right?  K-Love just taking a weekend vacation to Boston, a team with an NBA franchise and a team reportedly interested in Kevin Love. If I am Love, I am spending the rest of my summer seeing all the different cities and its nightlife that want to trade for him. 

Everyone seems to believe that given Love spend his weekend in Boston that he will be in Celtic green by Fall. I would like to give everybody a big cup of relax with that one. It is not a stone cold lock, but the old saying 'If it smells like a duck, quacks like a duck, it's probably a duck.'  Love could be there, but this could end up being the best summer ever if you're Love. Minnesota announced today that Love is probably gone by Draft Day meaning he could spend the next couple weeks hanging around all of these cities and seeing what they have to offer. Boston is a great time in the summer. Here are all the places Love could look to ensuring a hell of a summer. 

Houston is another team that's interested in him. Head out to there to see an Astros game, run into James Harden or Dwight Howard at some point and crush some beers with JJ Watt. Houston's nightlife is supposed to be a damn good time. I would assume Slim Thug and Bun B would take care of him in a major way. 

Golden State would be an awesome time as well. As a suitor of Love, he could do a baseball doubleheader seeing what San Francisco and Oakland have to offer. He would somehow run into Steph Curry or Klay Thompson then explore the nightlife with Aldon Smith... Actually shit wait bad idea. Let's go with Colin Kaepernick, that's better. 

Let's throw Cleveland in the mix for the hell of it. He would be partying with Johnny Manziel and Nolan Murphy obviously, let's get that off the bat. I don't know if I take him to the Indians game given their attendance issues. Kyrie Irving and him could do a redux of the Pespi Max commercial minus all the Uncle Drew makeup get some runs at local Cleveland parks.  

Sacramento?  I have no idea what the hell you do in SacTown.  Do you see the capital or what? For their sake, might want to hope Kevin doesn't spend a weekend trip out there. 

Keep having a blast this summer Kevin, just don't get fat. 

Charlie.  

No Place For Love in the Twin Cities

Being a fan of small market teams like Milwaukee Bucks and Milwaukee Brewers, you tend to relate with other small markets when they have issues with their star player. Thus when news broke on Sunday morning that Kevin Love will be testing the free agent market next summer and doesn't have much interested in rejoining Minnesota, your heart breaks a little bit.  But the Timberwolves need to do the right thing and trade Love getting as many pieces possible because Minnesota has no one to blame but themselves for the reason why Love hasn't been to the playoffs.

This isn't a small market reason in my opinion for Love. He is doing fine in the Minnesota market as he became the face of the franchise, he has been in Taco Bell ads along with other things like playing on the United States National team. Love is one of the most well-known players in the game, and he could build something in Minnesota with ease yet management has led him array by assembling poor teams year after year. Ricky Rubio never amounted to the player everyone expected him to be when Minnesota drafted him from Spain, and that's a majority of the reason why Love wants to live as he sees this team has no hope in the Western Conference. 

Love also probably doesn't want to start over with a new coach as Rick Aldeman retired this season giving him more ammo for wanting to depart from the Twin Cites. People might call it selfish, but does Love really want to be labeled as a loser for the rest of his career?  I would bet not. It will be the same issue Kyrie Irving will be dealing with shortly. A successful player can only take so much losing before he knows it is time to move on and become a winner. Minnesota fans can hate him as much as they want, but this is more of the fault of David Khan and the ones that followed for not getting him a team Minnesota could carry to a playoff appearance, a place they haven't been since 2004 when Kevin Garnett brought the Timberwolves all the way to the Western Conference Finals. 

Minnesota shouldn't be too broken up over Love's probable departure. Love's defense makes me feel like he will never be a superstar because he cannot carry a team all by himself. Much of the reason why Minnesota didn't make a trip back to the playoffs had to do with the terrible defense of Minnesota and Love in general. He will be a hell of a second banana for a team, but Love doesn't have the defensive prowess to be a superstar in this league. But there will be many suitors to acquire Love this summer and they are all teams we hear about when these sort of things happen in the league. 

The two most interesting ones for Minnesota are Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics. The Draft Lottery is tomorrow night with the Timberwolves having some of the worst odds with them likely picking 13th, but Los Angeles and Boston have the fifth and sixth best odds. Minnesota could get two first round draft picks if one of those interested teams wanted to trade for Love. This would be a huge coup for Minnesota especially if either of these teams picked in the top three. If Minnesota could get a player like Joel Embiid or Dante Exum then get a James Young or Rodney Hood in the mid-first round, the future starts getting built quicker instead of being in limbo. Additionally, Love on either Boston or Los Angeles gives them an immediate boost and becomes a fringe title contender.  

Lakers and Celtics are among the bevy of teams reportedly interested in Love's services. Some of the names highlighted yesterday were Chicago, Golden State, Houston and New York.  First things first, Golden State and Houston are terrible ideas for Love. They both have massive issues with their defense right now, and they want to add a guy like Love whose one of the worst interior defenders. The Warriors would basically get a rich man's David Lee. New York is still pretty unknown when it comes to their situation. Carmelo Anthony is a free agent, they don't have a Head Coach so let's pump the breaks on the idea of Love to New York although it would be interesting. Chicago might be the most intriguing, but do you really want to lose Taj Gibson? He is likely gone because I highly doubt Chicago will go huge across the front line.

Love could stay in Minnesota and return in October which would be a little awkward although if I am Minnesota, I try to trade Love this summer. There is no reason to trot him out for a half year under a cloud of 'Will Love get traded?' It is detrimental to the team, and Minnesota could move on from Love with a new star.  

Charlie. 

Golden Gates Greater than Big Apple: Kerr Stays on West Coast

It seemed like a done deal. New York Knicks hired Phil Jackson to rite the ship and start to rebuild the New York Knicks franchise then Jackson would hire Steve Kerr, TNT analyst and former player for Jackson with the Chicago Bulls. It didn't happen. Kerr decided to coach Golden State and their wealth of young talent to the tune of five years and 25 million dollars. While many people were stunned Kerr spurned his former coach, there are many reasons why Golden State was the optimal position for the first time coach.

Kerr is a virtual unknown to coaching an NBA team. Granted, Kerr was a long-time General Manager of Phoenix Suns which he did without any experience. This is not his first rodeo. Kerr expressed multiple times publicly how he wanted to coach in the NBA someday and now he gets his chance with Golden State. The team is rich with talent as the Warriors have won 50 plus games in the past two years including two great guards although the pressure to win might be greater at Golden State than New York. In fact, it might be harder.

Golden State fired a coach for winning 50 plus games and not making it to the Western Conference Finals. That's a lot on your plate if you are Kerr to begin with. Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson are two great options to start the team, but after that, Golden State has more uncertainty than many people believe to be the case. Andrew Bogut cannot remain healthy, and the Warriors have his albatross contract for the next three years. Andre Igoudala underwhelmed for most of the season. Not to mention, Draymond Green is a free agent and will demand a pretty healthy contract.  Warriors have a great deal of issues, but my assumption is all of these issues at Golden State outweighed the problems with New York.

We don't need to cover all of the problems with the Knicks because it is two paragraphs deep including whether Carmelo Anthony will be on this basketball team in the Fall.  Kerr also seems to have a pretty good relationship with Joe Lacob, the majority owner of the Warriors versus the likely non-existent relationship he would have with James Dolan. Having Jackson in your front office can only go so far for Kerr plus who knows maybe he feared Phil would mettle in personnel decisions. Further, he didn't want to hear people say when the Knicks had success, 'Oh well Kerr is just a puppet, this is all Phil's doing anyways.' I couldn't stand that if I were Kerr so I don't blame him for staying on the West Coast.

Here's the one thing though we need to consider about Kerr. The Eastern Conference is terribly easy. If the Knicks patch work a couple things here and there, they could be a top three seed in the Eastern Conference next season. After Miami, there is a pure drop-off comparable to a roller coaster at Six Flags Great America. Kerr could have consistently put the Knicks in the top four, and people would assumed him to be king if he got the Knicks far enough. Yet that's the one alluring thing versus several in Golden State. Kerr will have to work for it in a tough Pacific division featuring the Clippers, rising Suns, Sacramento is not that far away and Lakers will be back to form in a year or two.

The hire is a nice one on paper and in the media, but he is still a new coach. There will be bumps in the road, but Kerr seems like the type of guy to handle it.

Charlie.

NBA Game Seven Weekend: Big Stars Shine the Brightest

Every night there is some sort of drama about the NBA Playoffs. Every game is worth talking about even if it is just to make fun of somebody. The recaps look at the game itself and what could be upcoming for the teams.  


Brooklyn hangs on after a near-collapse in Toronto
The poor Raps. They battled like hell back in the fourth quarter after being down 10, and it seemed like there was no chance they could win this basketball game yet Toronto came back to make it a game in the final minute. DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry did not have a defining Game 7 performances for the right reasons. DeRozan took it to the tin with three minutes left drawing an offensive foul and then a technical. Thankfully, Brooklyn came up empty on both attempts, but still, you need to keep their composure. Lowry had the final shot for a win and Brooklyn collapsed on him with three defenders yet he didn't pass the ball. That needed to happen, but instead Lowry tried to be the hero which did not work out for him.

Amid the comeback, Joe Johnson came to play on Sunday. We talked at the beginning of the series about how Brooklyn had closers on their team with Johnson, Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett. Joe Cool stepped out to close out this basketball game. He had eleven straight points for Brooklyn at one point in the fourth. Solid performance from Johnson.

Clippers close out Warriors with a big second half
What a great game this was to close us out on Saturday night. Golden State had an early lead, but slowly, but surely, Los Angeles started to put themselves back in the game with some tremendous performances by the primetime players for the Clippers. Once again, DeAndre Jordan played terrific making all six of his shots, having 15 points and grabbing 18 rebounds. I have said this once, will say it again, if Jordan provides this kind of production, Los Angeles is the best in the West. Chris Paul had a great game after some concern about him with his injuries to his hand and hamstring. Paul had 22 points with 14 assists. J.J. Redick came up big late in the game which helped send Golden State home.

I am trying to figure out what Golden State's management's issue with Mark Jackson. Stephen Curry wants him to keep his job which would probably be my indicator he should stay put, but if Golden State forces him out, it will be interesting to see what it does for team chemistry.

The best shine through in Oklahoma City. 
We tend to see big players step up to the plate when it comes to Game 7's. Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant are two of the best in the league, and they showed it on Saturday with major performances. Durant had 33 points with 12/18 shooting with eight rebounds. In the last two games since the whole newspaper snafu, he has been excellent. But the bigger story was Russell Westbrook. He had another triple-double with a bananas stat line. Westbrook finished the game with 27 points, 16 assists and 10 rebounds including a couple steals and blocks to go with it. He really looked strong out there, and if Russ is playing at this level with the good 90 percent, not the bad 10 percent, Oklahoma City is a scary, scary team. I like everything they are doing right now.

Pacers handle their business, dispose of Atlanta 
ROY HIBBERT FINALLY SHOWED UP. Well kinda. He had 13 points with seven rebounds making six shots which is more than what Hibbert has done in this whole series. Have to respect Frank Vogel for still trotting him out there and trusting him when literally no one had his back. Paul George was the bigger story. A primetime player stepped up in the big moment with 30 points taking over in the second half. George finished off the Hawks with great ease and looked great out there. Even though Indiana's story has been about their struggles, George is excelling in the playoffs. The numbers are up in both points and rebounds with George averaging a double-double with him being the top player on this team. Also worth noting how well Lance Stephenson played with an efficient scoring night with 19 points 14 rebounds and five assists.

Spurs wake up and finish off Dallas with ease 
Many people wondered how the Mavericks got to seven games with San Antonio? It seemed like Dallas could maybe get one or two games, but no one thought this team could bring it to seven games. San Antonio shot over 70 percent in the first two quarters meaning it was complete curtains for Dallas' chances to pull the upset. Tony Parker was excellent with 32 points with making eleven shots on 19 attempts with none being from outside the arc. Parker dressed down this Dallas team, and it is fair to say, he is healthy from his ankle injury which could be big trouble for Portland. Another thing to keep an eye on is Danny Green's performance, he had been struggling, but last two games, he is averaging 16.5 points with 6/8 from three. If Green comes to play, this is a different San Antonio team.

Charlie.

NBA Playoff Recaps: WE'RE GOIN' TO GAME SEEEEEVEN!

Every night there is some sort of drama about the NBA Playoffs. Every game is worth talking about even if it is just to make fun of somebody. The recaps look at the game itself and what could be upcoming for the teams.  

Indiana's furious late comeback saves their season 
It appeared like Atlanta was going to do it. They were up five points with three minutes left to go in the game, but then the #lemonbooty hit the Hawks like it has so many times before. Indiana went on a 14-1 run to force a Game 7.  Much of it was led by David West who played terrific with 24 points, eleven rebounds and six assists including some key shots to finish off the Hawks. Paul George had 24 points as well, but most came in the first three quarters of the game although he hit a big 3-pointer late to help push Indiana past Atlanta. For George, more is being talked about him leaving the bench during the George Hill and Mike Scott scuffle. Technically, George could be suspended for Game 7 for leaving the bench. I doubt Adam Silver will bring the hammer here eve though people will cry out conspiracy if George does not get suspended. George barely leaves the bench and he doesn't try to start the fight. Best game of the night in my opinion.

Mike Scott v. George Hill


DOY: Mike Scott - Probably the best one of the playoffs thus far.


Durant drops 36 in a blowout road win 
Earlier on Thursday, a  newspaper, The Oklahoman came out with a headline that read 'Mr. Unreliable' referring to Kevin Durant and his struggles against Memphis. Durant's people including his brother and mother took offense as well as others in the media. This led to the paper saying they overreacted a bit, but Durant shrugged it off. But you cannot tell me Durant had some added motivation dropping 14 first quarter points and finishing with 36 in a convincing 20-point win over Memphis plus he added 10 rebounds. He played with a chip on his shoulder that we haven't seen in a little bit from Durant. He seemed angry and wanting this game more than anyone on the court. He dazzled out there. Russell Westbrook wasn't shabby either as he went for 25 points, nine rebounds and five assists. The bash brothers were back, and I have a feeling they are sick of everyone's shit which could be trouble for Memphis.

Warriors hang on in an ugly, choppy game 
There is nothing from the box score that makes you happy. Three of the major players fouled out in the game - David Lee, J.J. Redick and Blake Griffin. Each team shot horribly from the free throw line with Golden State missing 14 attempts while Los Angeles missed eleven. Neither team shot the ball well either. But someone had to win the game, Golden State took it as they got a boost from their crowd and Andre Igoudala. In games where nothing seems to work, if you have a raucous crowd behind you, it can be the difference in the game. That's what it felt like on Thursday night at the Roracle.  Also it didn't hurt Iggy had seven big points down the stretch for the Dubs.  Out of the three Game 7's on Saturday, this might be the most unpredictable. I am not sure what exactly will transpire, but it has the potential to be a great finish into the wee hours of the night.

Charlie.

Donald Sterling - The Racist Clipper

People usually drop things to the media on Friday night to avoid the media buzz. Usually people do not talk about something as much on the weekend, and it can get ignored leading into Monday morning. Although there are things that are sometimes too big to ignore. An example would be Donald Sterling, the owner of the Los Angeles Clippers, making racial remarks to his then girlfriend where Sterling does not want 'black people at his basketball games.'  This became a firestorm as everyone weigh in with their opinion, and while Adam Silver's first playoffs are a roaring success on the court, he has to deal with a black eye off it. 

None of this should be a surprise to people when it comes to Sterling. He is a known racist. After reading his rap sheet, it is mind blowing Sterling still owns an NBA team. The audio released by TMZ and Deadspin is stunning and disappointing a discussion like this is still needed on Wednesday.  It becomes even more laughable when you look at the picture that soured Sterling. If the NBA does not act, there will be terrible consequences.  

The fact notable names such as LeBron James, President Obama, Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan all spoke against the Clippers owner as well as State Farm pulling their advertisements from the air featuring Clippers player Chris Paul. Sterling and his wife cannot attend Game 5 of the playoff game between Warriors and Clippers Tuesday night, and the belief is Sterling will be suspended by Silver indefinitely with probable suggestion Sterling should sell the team. But it is not that simple for the NBA as they do not have the same power that Major League Baseball did when it banned Marge Schott from baseball (I read this article about Schott six months ago which got her banned, absolutely fascinating and depressing stuff plus the fact Rick Reilly did a hell of a job reporting on it reminds you how good he once was a journalist). But could the Clippers possibly lose everyone and everything they have built in the last couple of years if Sterling remains owner? 

Blood is on the hands of David Stern for why the Clippers are the third seeded team in the Western Conference. Stern barred the trade sending Chris Paul to Los Angeles Lakers and instead he wound up traded to the Clippers forming one of the best duos in basketball with Blake Griffin. Stern doesn't allow it to happen, Griffin isn't on the team, Doc Rivers isn't the coach and this Clipper team is probably not a playoff team. Instead, they became one of the most public teams in basketball and professional sports as well as taking over the city of Los Angeles from the Lakers. Stern paved the way for his friend Sterling to get to prominence for the first time since the mid-80's. The fact Stern remained silent this weekend speaks volumes to how much Stern's hand was in the Clippers cookie jar. 

If Sterling remains as owner, I could see a mass exodus by the players. Paul, Griffin and Rivers are all under contract yet could all of them protest playing next season? I could see something where any of them could talk to their lawyers whom know a shit ton more than I do, could make a move saying 'This is an unsafe and unfair work environment.' My assumption is it will happen as the Clippers already made a statement on Sunday afternoon. Additionally, anyone whose a free agent next season is not coming back to Los Angeles if Sterling remains on as owner. All of this is more reason why Sterling should not be owning an NBA franchise in 2014-2015. 

But right now, Los Angeles has a critical Game 5 where they face a Warriors team that's beat them twice as well as once as Staples Center. There will likely be protests outside the arena as well as protests inside the arena. Clippers could use it as motivation finding a way to defy their owner and have all sorts of success without him getting to relish in the moments. Sterling loves the Clippers and thinks of himself as Mr. Clipper so if Los Angeles makes it to the NBA Finals without him sitting courtside would tear him apart in more ways than any of us probably know and might be the greatest punishment besides forcing him to sell the franchise.  

Sterling deserves to punished to the highest degree, and a part of me truly believes Silver will make a big splash as this is his first test as commissioner and if he screws up, it could be the avalanche of bad things to come in the next couple months. Hopefully Silver makes the right decision.

Charlie.