If you don't know by now you wouldn't be reading this, but the Minnesota Timberwolves have a fan base in complete and utter disarray after losing their Spanish Sensation Ricky Rubio for the season with a torn ACL. Already in need of a two guard the Wolves now have to depend on Luke Ridnour to be a leader at the PG position in Rubio's absence. Ambitious speculation landed Jamal Crawford in Minnesota but seems less likely after Ricky's injury. If I had a position in the front office I would have sold my soul for Eric Gordon months ago. That simply has no chance.
A familiar face in Ramon Sessions may venture back to the Target Center to redeem his dismal previous stint with the Wolves.
It has become clear that Magic superstar Dwight Howard is going to depart from the team. His preferred destination is any team that is already well off so he can backpack his way to The Finals. Pretty heavy lifting physically. Everyone is aware of what Dwight can provide, a monster presence on defense and at worst a decoy on the offensive side. According to sources the Golden State Warriors offered David Lee and Monte Ellis for Howard. Unsure if the Warriors offered both players at the same time, or package deals with Lee and Ellis and the main fixtures the Magic wanted no part of it. Dwight has made it clear he wants to play in the Staples Center, either joining 'Lob City' or teaming up with Kobe for the remainder of the Black Mamba's career.
Dwight Howard is a nuisance and doesn't realize how well off he is in Orlando. He is surrounded by spot up three point shooters, has a front office willing to pay him anything, and isn't too far removed from a Finals appearance. Orlando could make a serious run in the East if they were to heat up behind the ark. The Magic need to act fast if they wish to cash in on their Pre-Madonna. The Bulls and the Nets are dark horses to land the two time NBA defensive player of the year.
The Warriors have also inquired about Bucks center Andrew Bogut. In the same locker room, Brandon Jennings was scene on not one but two of his cell phones prior to Monday's game. He is trying to keep up with swirling rumors just like us and figures that maybe he will see his name pop up. Can't blame the guy for looking out for himself.
Two time MVP Steve Nash has been speculated a 'good fit' for Dallas, Portland, and even the Lakers. The guy is still ballin', but needs to be made available by the Suns before we can take this seriously. Nash is raising a family in Phoenix and a move is hard to picture, but his quest for a championship has not been completed. If Nash retires with no rings on his hand, Tim Duncan and Kobe should take him on a long vacation.
The Hornets, in the middle of rebuilding are shopping former Clippers Chris Kayman and Eric Gordon. The Pacers have shown pursuit of Gordon, but are more likely to aqquire him after the season. Gordon will be a Restricted Free Agent and the Hornets may match any offer before departure. I believe Kayman is underrated and could help a team looking to compete this season, if that team is willing to take on his gross contract. Golden State could have their hat in this ring as well.
Michael Beasley isn't welcomed by the Wolves coaching staff and front office.
Josh Smith has made it clear that he wants out of Atlanta. Atlanta fans aren't aware of this because they haven't found out the season has started.
With three days until the deadline, there won't be any speculation shortage of moves that may take place. Any trade will have a huge impact for teams involved, especially in this years condensed season.
Plenty more trade talk to come.
The Suns host the Wolves tonight, tip-off is 9pm central time.
good post zach. while i agree that Rubio's injury is relatively devastating, i find myself incredibly angry with the fans who are jumping directly to the "woe is me" mind set. nut the fuck up! Do we not stil have #42? Sure Ricky is great, sure he runs our offense like no one has in a very long time. But Love has been here through thick and thin. I feel like all the bandwagoners hopping back off the wagon is a slap in the cooter to poor kevin. give the man some credit. averaging 25 points per game and 13 rebounds per game, losing him would be a much larger blow to the wolves than losing Rubio (sorry Ricky lovers). Ridnour is a much improved player now having spent time playing with Rubio, Martell Webster has stepped up to the SG plate, not to mention that Wesley Johnson, while being up until now, a less than mediocre player, has recently started playing with a little more.....determination. basically, hes playing like his job is on the line (which wouldn't surprise me).
ReplyDeleteLosing to the Hornets the other night was indicative that the wolves might be on the down slide, but i think its jsut a momentary slip up, getting used to playing a different type of basketball, the kind without Rubio. We just need to exploit out talents and lock down on defense. sorry this wasnt really a trade oriented post. if i had to make a guess, i would say that even as the deadline for trades closes in, the wolves will most likely stay put with the roster they have. it was good to see Malcolm Lee get a few minutes the other night. I hope he gets more.
Dare I say, I love the Wolves Love? That's a pun right? I just don't see them making a move other than Sessions (maybe). Just from watching this first quarter it is clear the team is not insync, which is expected. I'm worried about the flow of our offense. Where will our scoring come from? Who creates? This road trip will tell. Tough Love. (Couldn't resist)
ReplyDeleteTime will tell. its unfortunate that Ricky's injury had to come right before a long road trip. that doesn't help the fact that we refiguring our team play. i think we just have to adjust our style (obviously) because its clearly cramped right now. I do think we still have a chance, be it a small one, but its there.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I agree our chances are slipping. Rubio's offense was that of a pick-and-roll, and with Ridnour and Webster in there, it seems like things have changed a bit. Plus Phoenix is a really tough matchup because we have to play to their strengths. I hope Lee does get more time, he was solid at UCLA.
ReplyDeleteWow, they stayed steady and got the victory. I know that Lin is getting mad props and all, but Pekovic has been simply stunning for most of this season. And ESPN hasn't said a word.
ReplyDeleteLee happens to be a lockdown defender from the Pac 12. Ridnour, Love, and Williams make a nice little Pac. Lin and Knicks just lost 6 in a row. All stats vs PHX are flawed, no one seems to play defense. Good win for the Wolves, Suns were the hottest team after All Star Weekend. Howl.
ReplyDeletesweet win for the wolves. ive been on a rampant blackout of unstoppable rage about just how little attention Sir Pekovic of Montenegro is getting compared to Lin. and yea, Lin and the knicks are on a not-so-hot streak while Pek is playing some unreal basketball. Its wonderful having him on the court, averaging like 13 points a game, not to mention how many fucking fouls he draws out there. The dude is a goddamn autobot on the court. Again, with tonights performance, i saw another increase in Wes Johnsons play (and by increase i mean actually making 2 or 3 baskets, thank god the ones he hit tonight were 3's). Also wayne Ellington decided to swing his dick around tonight scoring 15 off the bench. what up. yea this team has some rough seas ahead of them, but i think they still have a serious shot.
ReplyDeleteThe soles of Pek's shoes are constructed out of Ork blood. Pek like layup, Pek retrieve many rebounds! He was very poised. Could sense the urgency in their play. A very solid first half from B-Easyy. Did Wes know that Rubio wasn't playing? He has an incredible skill that allows the shots that he does miss to hit the rim 2 - 3 times before falling out. He falls for the pump fake everyyyyytimmeee and spent a lot of time on the bench. Wes trying to hard, Beasley maybe not trying enough. Tonight was big, but it is on to the next.
ReplyDelete"Rampant blackout of unstoppable rage" - maybe my favorite statement of all time. That's how I felt about Brett Favre's daily antics down in good 'ol Mississippi. Well, I will say this, if any of our #2's continue to decide to play hard & smart, this team has a shout at a playoff spot.
ReplyDeletefuckin right. as infuriating and untimely as Rubios injury is, this might be just the motivation our non regularly playing bench warmers need to get their shit together. with last night as an example, we had beasely and ellington both putting up 15 and d will throwin up 19. if we can average similar scores routinely....shbudubudbakhadf......the thought makes me wet. i was talking with zach last night and some other options we'd like to see is Brad Miller gettin some minutes, again, more malcolm lee on the floor, and my personal favorite (no matter how overly ambitious it may be) but i want to see anthony randolph gain 20to 30lbs and just become a fucking pit boss in the post. shit give me a broner.
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