From Jon Krawczynski/AP Sports:
It was the latest disappointing news in a week full of it for the Wolves. Rookie Kevin Love, despite leading all rookies in rebounds and the entire league in offensive rebounds per 48 minutes, was left off the roster for the NBA rookie challenge against the sophomores on Saturday.
“Guys are really upset about that,” point guard Sebastian Telfair said. “That wasn’t right. One of them should have got in, if not both. … It’s a sad thing they didn’t make it.”
In a profession where athletes often search high and low for chips to place on their shoulders for motivation, Jefferson thinks he was just handed a boulder by the rest of the West.
“I made that clear two weeks ago,” he said. “If I don’t make it, it’s going to be clearly motivation.”
“What hurt Al wasn’t his performance,” McHale said. “What hurt Al was the team’s performance early. I think had the team performed better, Al definitely would have made it.”
The Lakers’ Phil Jackson, who will coach the Western Conference team, said he voted for O’Neal and that team success is a factor…
McHale said veteran Kevin Ollie won’t return from a dislocated left elbow until after the all-star break.
An ESPN.com report this week estimated there’s a 65 percent chance Miller will be traded by the Feb. 19 deadline and, quoting no sources, said Miller “reportedly has been miserable in Minnesota.”
“I haven’t heard that one yet,” Miller said. “It’s interesting that I haven’t heard I’m miserable. People are going to say what they want to say. I’m back home and enjoying myself. I’m happy where I’m at. We’re winning games, and that’s all that matters to me.”
Charles Hallman/Timberwolves site on Kevin Love:
According to Wolves assistant coach J.B. Bickerstaff, that truly exemplifies what the young man can do on the court.
According to Wolves assistant coach J.B. Bickerstaff, that truly exemplifies what the young man can do on the court.
“That’s the kind of guy Kevin is going to be — he’s a double-double who you don’t have to call a play for,” Bickerstaff said. “But there are certain nights where he will have a match up in his favor and you throw the ball down to him, and he can get you more. You get him the ball in his spots, and he is pretty good down there around the basket — great touch with either hand.”
Andrew Bynum, the Lakers’ young center, dominated from the start, scoring at will over Wolves center-by-necessity Al Jefferson. Bynum had 23 points and 13 rebounds by midway through the third quarter, as the Lakers built an 18-point lead.
That prompted Wolves coach Kevin McHale to insert Mark Madsen, his way of saying, “See, kids, any of you could grow up to play in the NBA.”
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