Memphis re-signed free agent Darius Miles on Saturday after Portland sent out an e-mail Thursday threatening to sue any team that signed him just so the Blazers will take an $18 million hit on their salary cap. McHale just shook his head when asked about the situation and said the Wolves had no interest in Miles.
“We didn’t,” McHale said before he got ejected at the end of the first quarter for arguing with officials. “We have 15. We’re loaded.”
Basketball has been more fun for all the Wolves lately, including Carney, who credited injured guard Kevin Ollie for helping to keep him focused and working hard during the time he wasn’t playing.
As much as he enjoys scoring, Carney also knows that the key to his minutes is on the defensive end.
“That’s what I have to do to play,” he said. “If I didn’t play any defense, McHale wouldn’t put me out there. I want to get out there and guard one of the best players. … On the defensive aspect, that’s what I have to do to play, and that’s what I take pride in.”
In his first month on the job, he has seldom stomped his foot or screamed — at least at his own players — from the sidelines.
What kind of coach is he if he doesn’t yell at his guys?
“Yeah, he does,” Telfair said. “Mac comes in at halftime and loses his mind sometimes, kicks towels or whatever. He definitely gets going. He’s a player’s coach. He’s not the type who’s going to show you up in front of anyone. But once he gets behind those doors or in practice … if you’re not playing basketball the right way, he will definitely let you know, with no hesitation.”
Prior to the game, a majority of the players spent time in the training room getting ankles taped and spending time together. The training room is a media free zone, so the players know they can have a small amount of privacy for a while, knowing media members are able to overhear them, but cannot bother them. During that time, it sounded like a group of players who truly enjoyed each other’s company, certainly a byproduct of the largest winning streak in years. The familiar voice of Corey Brewer, a voice you can tell always emanates from a smiling face had returned to the mix and they were catching up with their friend.
It’s certainly great to see the camaraderie between the players and the return of Brewer, but the focus was not acceptable for a team struggling to become respectable. Yes, the level of play is dramatically higher as of late and wins have become slightly commonplace, but in the grand scheme of things, there is a long way to go. Because of the lack of focus in preparation for the game, it wasn’t surprising the team allowed Milwaukee to start strong.
From the Miami Herald (via the RealGM message board):
An NBA executive said several teams have expressed interest in Udonis Haslem — Atlanta and Minnesota are among his admirers — but nothing has piqued Miami’s interest.
With Saturday the day teams had to guarantee all remaining contracts for the balance of the season, several veterans are breathing easier today.
Among those who held non-guaranteed or partially guaranteed contracts and made the cut were former Heat center Sean Marks (Hornets), former Florida State standout Von Wafer (Rockets), Wizards guard Juan Dixon, Bobcats forward Juwan Howard, Bulls guard Lindsey Hunter and Timberwolves guard Kevin Ollie.
Kevin McHale is a pretty good coach. He went 19-12 in his last stint on the bench, and he’s responsible for this mini-surge.
He’s playing the right people (more Craig Smith, less Jason Collins and, to coin a redundancy, negligible Rashad McCants). He’s provided a common-sense framework for what had been an aimless offense, attacking weak defenders and exploiting mismatches.
McHale has also held players accountable, shortened the rotation and provided a more positive aura on the bench. NBA players tune out nagging. Most respond to constructive criticism and manipulation of their playing time. McHale isn’t Jerry Sloan, but he’s in a different league than his predecessor.
From Jerry Zgoda/Star Tribune:
Randy Foye, guard: Al Jefferson was named last week’s Western Conference top player. Foye should at least get consideration, depending upon Saturday night against the Bucks, for his play at both ends against Memphis and Oklahoma City. He scored (32 points in just three quarters against the Thunder) and blocked shots. He did both in a matter of moments to help beat O.J. Mayo and the Grizzlies on Tuesday.
San Antonio Express News compiles an NBA’s no-hope All-Stars list.
Center
Al Jefferson, Timberwolves: Don’t worry. Camby’s getting a spot on our team, but not in the pivot. He’s more of a perimeter player. Big Al, on the other hand, is strictly a post-up guy. He’s averaging 22.6 points and 10.5 rebounds, and of all the players on this team most deserves a real All-Star spot. Only if the Wolves extend their season-long four-game win streak to double digits will he have even the slightest chance of making it.