While O.J. Mayo has become the focal point of Memphis’ offense — his team-leading 21 points-per-game average illustrates that — Wolves forward Kevin Love is experiencing so far a typical NBA rookie season: up one night, down the next. A 20-point, eight-rebound game in his first pro start Friday at Sacramento followed by an 0-for-7, two-point, seven-rebound game Saturday at Portland, his hometown.
“The results are what they are, but his effort level and his play have been consistent,” coach Randy Wittman said…
Center Jason Collins has recovered from elbow surgery, but he still hasn’t played in a game for the Wolves.
Wittman said he wanted Mark Madsen’s energy in the Wolves’ lineup against Portland, and Golden State’s small-ball, running style made Tuesday’s game a poor fit for Collins’ debut.
Sooner or later, though, the Wolves will find room in their lineup for the legitimate 7-footer they have been missing.
Charles Hallman/Timberwolves site on Mike Miller:
“He’s a gym rat – he is in the gym all the time, before practice and after practice,” Wittman said. “I think that’s why he created the career he has.”
“He’s a gym rat – he is in the gym all the time, before practice and after practice,” Wittman said. “I think that’s why he created the career he has.”
Miller affirmed this as well. “Growing up in South Dakota, my only option [if] I wanted to make the next level was to spend a lot of time in the gym.”
“His mission is to be the greatest shooter on the planet,” said a smiling Bickerstaff. Then seriously, he added, “I’ve never seen a guy be in the gym as often and consistent as he has been.”
Love is also helping to kick off the inaugural Rookie Relief for St. Jude, a fundraising campaign to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The Rookie Relief for St. Jude auction is a fundraising promotion created out of the partnership between the NBA Summer League and St. Jude. The auction will be the cornerstone of annual fundraising program featuring top NBA rookies.
As ambassador of the campaign, Love joins the NBA’s top rookies and select league veterans in donating autographed game jerseys for an eBay auction starting today (Tuesday, Nov. 11) and ending on Nov. 20. “Becoming an ambassador of Rookie Relief for St. Jude was an easy decision,” said Love, who has committed to matching funds raised through the auction up to $12,500. “As rookies, we are blessed to make it to the NBA and play a game we love as a job. It’s our duty to give back. I hope NBA fans will join us in support of Rookie Relief for St. Jude and help kids fighting cancer.”
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
