To me it just kind of shows what’s inside of Ron. On both ocasions, the first thoughts Ron is having are about other people and what they are going through. And it makes it all the more unique given that Ron is one of the most intense, tough and respected players throughout the NBA. I first played againt Ron Artest in college in 1999 in New York City in a tournament at Madison Square Garden. A year or two later, Artest had an injury and my older brother who was doing his orthopedic surgery residency in New York City was one of the doctors that initially met with him. All my brother could say was how cool of a guy Ron was. Over the years, we’ve developed a friendship through the bustle of the seasons. I guess I just hope that fans can get to know Artest for the community service he does and for his very real and down to earth self that he is.
Bryan Armen Graham/SI.com lists Kevin Love at #5 in his weekly rookie rankings.
The forward-center has put together two impressive, consistent months: After averaging 12.6 points and 10.0 rebounds in January, he produced 12.2 points and 10.0 rebounds in February. Love, however, has not been able to prevent the Timberwolves from floundering without Al Jefferson. Minnesota has lost eight of nine since its leading scorer and rebounder sustained a torn ACL.
The Timberwolves have done something like this before. Last year, they offered the “Pay The Pick” promotion, where 500 fans got to pay the position of the Wolves lottery pick (No. 3) for each game during the season, resulting in a $129 season ticket.
Well, trust me, when I say that the Timberwolves have to be among the most creative teams in the NBA for a reason. Their average per game attendance has plummeted steadily over the last five seasons by almost 20 percent.
From Solomon Lieberman/Minnesota Timberwolves Examiner:
“We have to react,” said a careful Glen Taylor today while announcing a salvo/public relations play meant to soothe the hearts and minds of season ticket-holders hounded by the recession.
“We have to react,” said a careful Glen Taylor today while announcing a salvo/public relations play meant to soothe the hearts and minds of season ticket-holders hounded by the recession.
In an effort to curry favor with a frustrated Timberwolves fan base – other than the more affluent courtside attendees – Taylor outlined a three-point plan of price restructuring, pinned at the corners by euphemistic contributions from copywriters: affordability, protection and convenience.
Rebuilding with young players and future draft picks can take its toll on coaches, and right now, I don’t know if McHale is up to the task without having any say in who those players are. With that being the case, after the season is over, look for him to explore his options with other franchises that are looking for front-office help.