“There’s effort there,” Rambis said of Flynn. “But the coach is making it very difficult on him. He’s used to having more freedom, and I’m asking him to step out of that zone.”
The Timberwolves’ offense needs structure to work, the coach said, and it’s imperative that the point guard sets the triangle into motion for it to work. Flynn has shown he has the skill to penetrate in this league, but he’s not getting the team “organized,” in Rambis’ words, up front.
“This offense, it’s not easy,” Sessions said. “It’s going to take a while. It feels like game by game, I’m starting to get more comfortable out there. I’m just trying to run the team. That’s what Coach wants. That’s what I’m trying to do.”
After Flynn threw the ball away with about four minutes left in the game — his fifth turnover in 21 minutes — Rambis benched Flynn and sent Sessions back in to run the team. Sessions played 26 minutes last night and only had two turnovers.
So that’s part of Rambis’ M.O. as a coach: control the ball. Generally, the Timberwolves did that last night, with only 12 turnovers versus 18 for the Clippers. But Rambis obviously wants his rookie point guard to be smarter about handling the ball.
“Do you have a girlfriend?” The question received a chorus of laughter from the adults in attendance and Hollins was caught off guard.
The 7-footer bounced back and replied, “Yes, I have known her since we were five years old, like some of you guys.”
Following the event, Hollins chuckled when asked about the inquiry, “I’d say yeah, and I have kids also, so you guys need to hush, pay attention a little bit. It’s priceless, you know, the things that come to their minds, the joy, the smiles, the games, the laughter, it’s just natural with them — kids being kids.”
I had never traveled with a rock star until now. To me, Ricky’s nickname is Rock Star. When I got drafted to New York, I played with Latrell Sprewell and I thought that was something. Everybody wanted a piece of Spree, everybody wanted an autograph, but there’s no comparison on the attention Ricky commands. It doesn’t matter where we’re at. Anywhere in Spain, in Europe… We can be in Turkey, everywhere. That’s why I call him the Rock Star, because I actually see people crying over him. I’ve never seen it! Girls crying! People want pictures, they come to the hotel to find him… It’s unbelievable. And he’s such a good kid though. He handles all these situations so well. His parents did a great job raising him because he’s such a humble and nice kid. He’s special.
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