Britt Robson/On The Ball on Monday’s summer league game against Dallas:
Biggest satisfaction: Kevin Love’s effort on defense.
You’ve probably read by now that Love picked up four fouls in the first
seven minutes. But most of that was simply the shock of his first NBA
splash in the pool, which creates a different intensity, even at this
minor level, than practicing against your own teammates. But then he
settled down and committed only two more in the next 23+ minutes.
Rotations don’t seem second-nature to him yet, and his hops are
ordinary. But the willpower is glowing, causing him to rotate hard and
decisively in the paint, especially in the second half when the Wolves
beefed up their D. He also has the grit to camp out in the low block
for offensive rebounds, but it remains to be seen if that is just the
mediocre level of competition or whether he has the knack for getting
position.
seven minutes. But most of that was simply the shock of his first NBA
splash in the pool, which creates a different intensity, even at this
minor level, than practicing against your own teammates. But then he
settled down and committed only two more in the next 23+ minutes.
Rotations don’t seem second-nature to him yet, and his hops are
ordinary. But the willpower is glowing, causing him to rotate hard and
decisively in the paint, especially in the second half when the Wolves
beefed up their D. He also has the grit to camp out in the low block
for offensive rebounds, but it remains to be seen if that is just the
mediocre level of competition or whether he has the knack for getting
position.
Last night, I watched MIN vs DAL. Kevin Love played well with 18
points and 13 boards. He showed he has the ability to play pick-n-pop
and surprised me with his ability to put the ball on the floor. He’ll
be a good trail man in transition as he can pass and understands the
offense.
points and 13 boards. He showed he has the ability to play pick-n-pop
and surprised me with his ability to put the ball on the floor. He’ll
be a good trail man in transition as he can pass and understands the
offense.
Matt Kamalsky and Mike Schmidt/DraftExpress on Monday’s summer league games:
Love struggled some defensively, but showed off inside and outside abilities on the offensive end in his NBA debut. He started the game facing the basket on the perimeter, and showed good form on his jumper and even drove to the hoop successfully a couple times. The rookie also showed tenacity on the offensive glass, using his perfect timing and strong body to collect a number of rebounds throughout the game. Defensively, the rookie must work on pick and roll defensive, where his reaction speed will be important at the NBA level. He does defend the post well enough, but his physical style led to a lot of cheap fouls throughout the day. With his high post and low post ability on offense, it looks like he will be a very good compliment to Al Jefferson.
Love collected four personal fouls before he barely broke a sweat
Monday — good thing you’re allowed 10 fouls a game in summertime play
— but delivered an 18-point, 13-rebound evening that featured his
fundamentals, his footwork and showed only glimpses of passing
abilities that have been compared to some of the game’s greats.
Monday — good thing you’re allowed 10 fouls a game in summertime play
— but delivered an 18-point, 13-rebound evening that featured his
fundamentals, his footwork and showed only glimpses of passing
abilities that have been compared to some of the game’s greats.
He vowed afterward to react quicker defensively, apply himself better
offensively and adapt to a pro game that’s 11 seconds quicker each
possession than the college game because of the difference in the shot
clocks. The Wolves led Dallas 8-2 early, then got outscored 33-6 in the
next 12 minutes during a resounding 88-74 loss to an opponent that
already had played, and lost, twice.
offensively and adapt to a pro game that’s 11 seconds quicker each
possession than the college game because of the difference in the shot
clocks. The Wolves led Dallas 8-2 early, then got outscored 33-6 in the
next 12 minutes during a resounding 88-74 loss to an opponent that
already had played, and lost, twice.
Bucks second-round pick Luc Mbah a Moute struggled from the field
(2-of-10), but received big minutes (30) towards his six boards. But
remember, he played in the frontcourt with Kevin Love at UCLA, so I
asked about his Bruin teammate after Milwaukee beat Detroit:
(2-of-10), but received big minutes (30) towards his six boards. But
remember, he played in the frontcourt with Kevin Love at UCLA, so I
asked about his Bruin teammate after Milwaukee beat Detroit:
"Kevin’s a great player, one of the best I’ve played with. He’s a
really good teammate and I think his best is yet to come. He can
rebound, pass, shoot, and do all the little things as a big man. He’s a
good player, and all good players find their niche. He was a big part
of what we did going to the Final Four, and he made all of us better.
Also, he’s a funny dude. A lot funnier than you think."
really good teammate and I think his best is yet to come. He can
rebound, pass, shoot, and do all the little things as a big man. He’s a
good player, and all good players find their niche. He was a big part
of what we did going to the Final Four, and he made all of us better.
Also, he’s a funny dude. A lot funnier than you think."
The Minnesota Timberwolves are updating their logo this season and are tweaking their uniforms. The Timberwolves began the process last year. They finally unveiled their new logo on the night of the NBA Draft.