Our bench would be nice. Flynn, Wes, Brewer/Harrison Barnes,Tolliver, and PekovicOriginally Posted by JPZx
Our bench would be nice. Flynn, Wes, Brewer/Harrison Barnes,Tolliver, and PekovicOriginally Posted by JPZx
The only team I'll give you is the Houston Rockets. Missing both Yao and Aaron Brooks.Originally Posted by Blazers21NTNP
Other squads have been missing players who will have a larger impact on their team's outcome than Flynn & Webster will have on the T'Wolves.Originally Posted by JPZx
How many teams are missing their starting PG and starting SG though?
Not trying to do the whole "woe is us" act... but damn we need to get healthy.
The only team I'll give you is the Houston Rockets. Missing both Yao and Aaron Brooks.Originally Posted by Blazers21NTNP
Other squads have been missing players who will have a larger impact on their team's outcome than Flynn & Webster will have on the T'Wolves.Originally Posted by JPZx
How many teams are missing their starting PG and starting SG though?
Not trying to do the whole "woe is us" act... but damn we need to get healthy.
[h1]Charley Rosen's Close Look: Michael Beasley's Talent Betrayed by Focus[/h1]
By Charley Rosen
NBA Writer
Text SizeAAA
Print this page|EmailShare on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on DiggShare on Lifestream
The possibility was intriguing: Michael Beasley, riding the crest of a hot streak, seemed ready to mount a serious challenge to Kevin Durant, last season's league-leading scorer.
If Monday's face-off turned out to be less than spectacular, it was nevertheless quite definitive.
Even the most casual NBA fans are well aware of Durant's game: Quick-draw jumpers from near and far, long-armed dunks on the run, savvy decisions, and slithery drives through heavy traffic. But after missing two games with a turned ankle, Durant never quite got his mojo working in Oklahoma City's 117-107 win over Minnesota. He shot only 6 of 16 from the field, but his point total (2was padded by his making 16 of 17 free throws. That's because the T-Wolves slow-footed front line of Kevin Love and Darko Milicic were routinely unable to rotate quickly enough to avoid fouling K.D.
On the other hand, Beasley was healthy and wealthy, but not always wise.
[size=+1]Beasley's Offense[/size]
The young man lacks blazing speed, yet he can usually find a way to drive left to the hoop or at least to an open spot. And driving left is the key to his game plan. He went to his right only four times -- missing three pull-up jumpers, and switching to his left hand to convert a layup.
Charley Rosen's Close Look
A lifelong student of the game, Charley Rosen has played, coached and written about basketball for over half a century.
With 15 books about basketball and a longtime column at FOX Sports to his credit, Rosen is bringing his talents to NBA FanHouse for a weekly look at some of the NBA's most intriguing matchups.
Previously:
Nov. 18: Derrick Rose Blooms, Tim Duncan Wilts
Nov. 11: Blake Griffin Exposed by Spurs
Nov. 4: Analyzing Boston's OT Win Over Bucks
All told, his springers were way off: he shot just 1 of 7, including two airballs. Moreover, he missed three of the nine layups he took. At first glance, Beasley's numbers were adequate -- 7 of 20 shooting, three assists, five turnovers (although one of these was erroneously discredited to him when a nifty pass hit a cutting Luke Ridnour in the hands), three assists, seven rebounds, and 15 total points.
From the low-post, Beasley missed a spinning flipper and converted a powerhouse baseline drive. But when a switch led to the 6-foot-10 Beasley's taking 6-3 Russell Westbrook into the pivot, he failed to take advantage of the mismatch and instead threw a foolish crosscourt pass that was easily intercepted.
Still, Beasley is the Timberwolves' go-to scorer. Yet with the game on the line in the waning minutes, he failed to see Love all alone directly under the basket and chucked up a wild banker that would have missed even had the basket been three-feet wide. On the next clutch sequence, Beasley airmailed an ill-advised 3-point attempt. It should be noted that he was usually guarded by Thabo Sefolosha, OKC's best wing defender.
Indeed, despite the impressive jump in Beasley's per game scoring totals -- 22.4 this season as against 14.3 during his two seasons in Miami -- he continues to make bad decisions at the worst possible times. Is he a choker? Or just a youngster who's still a stranger in paradise?
In any event, Beasley rarely moved without the ball, preferring to dance around the perimeter and calling for the ball by waving his hands. His handle was too loose, which makes his habit of dribbling into a crowd extremely risky.
Beasley only executed one spin-move and likewise dribbled-left and shot-right once. The point here being that his game lacks both razzle and dazzle. If he's shooting well, then Beasley can fake, go, and plunge into the paint. So for him to be a fail-safe scorer, it's absolutely necessary that his jumpers fall. Moreover, Beasley needs to be much more creative when he does attack the ring.
[size=+1]Beasley's Defense[/size]
What defense?
Yes, he blocked a careless layup attempt by Durant and drew a charge on Westbrook. But he also turned his head multiple times, thereby allowing Sefolosha to score a pair of uncontested layups, and permitting K.D. to make a backdoor cut and turn a lob pass into a resounding dunk.
Actually, Beasley's on-the-ball defense is barely passable, but his concentration vanishes when he's playing on the weak-side: losing touch with his man; not knowing whether to switch, to stay, or to show-and-recover; aimlessly wandering in no-man's land; getting faked off his feet by guards near the bonus-arc; and not even thinking of boxing out in the battle of the boards.
In other words, he's a chump on defense.
In face-to-face oppositions, Durant torched Beasley for nine points, Sefolosha got him for four points, and Jeff Green tallied a bucket. Tack on the six points that the Thunder registered on breakaways created by Beasley's turnovers and he was directly responsible for the hometown team's scoring 21 points. With his own 15 points scored, plus another six resulting from his three assists, Beasley's performance was a wash, and not helpful production from the Wolves' leading scorer.
Since he's not yet 22, Beasley certainly has the time and the talent to eventually fulfill his upscale potential. However, since Beasley is a prime example of how playing in the NBA tends to arrest the emotional development of too many players, it's not a given that he'll eventually be able to grow into his talents.
Otherwise, the Wolves did show some grit in rallying from a 17-point deficit to claim a 6-point lead -- even though they were unable to put the game on ice.
Darko Milicic was uncommonly aggressive and, in fact, his reverse jump-hooks were major factors in boosting his team back into contention. Too bad he seldom touched the ball when the game was up for grabs. Kevin Love is a big-time, 3-space rebounder who's more comfortable at the high-post than he is playing in the shadow of the basket. Unfortunately, neither of these guys can adequately defend.
Ridnour runs the offense much more effectively than does Sebastian Telfair (who is at best a third-string point guard). Corey Brewer can score and defend but can't shoot. Anthony Tolliver has a lively body and an improving long-range jumper.
What the Wolves need is a fleet-footed wing who can create his own shots, and a big man with excellent defensive range.
The team also requires more discipline. As the game progressed, their triangle offense flat-lined and they most reverted to one-on-one sequences.
The bad news is that the Wolves, like Michael Beasley, are still a work in progress. The good news is that, despite their current 4-11 record, there are unmistakable signs that everybody is slowly but surely moving in the right direction.
[h1]Charley Rosen's Close Look: Michael Beasley's Talent Betrayed by Focus[/h1]
By Charley Rosen
NBA Writer
Text SizeAAA
Print this page|EmailShare on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on DiggShare on Lifestream
The possibility was intriguing: Michael Beasley, riding the crest of a hot streak, seemed ready to mount a serious challenge to Kevin Durant, last season's league-leading scorer.
If Monday's face-off turned out to be less than spectacular, it was nevertheless quite definitive.
Even the most casual NBA fans are well aware of Durant's game: Quick-draw jumpers from near and far, long-armed dunks on the run, savvy decisions, and slithery drives through heavy traffic. But after missing two games with a turned ankle, Durant never quite got his mojo working in Oklahoma City's 117-107 win over Minnesota. He shot only 6 of 16 from the field, but his point total (2
On the other hand, Beasley was healthy and wealthy, but not always wise.
[size=+1]Beasley's Offense[/size]
The young man lacks blazing speed, yet he can usually find a way to drive left to the hoop or at least to an open spot. And driving left is the key to his game plan. He went to his right only four times -- missing three pull-up jumpers, and switching to his left hand to convert a layup.
Charley Rosen's Close Look
A lifelong student of the game, Charley Rosen has played, coached and written about basketball for over half a century.
With 15 books about basketball and a longtime column at FOX Sports to his credit, Rosen is bringing his talents to NBA FanHouse for a weekly look at some of the NBA's most intriguing matchups.
Previously:
Nov. 18: Derrick Rose Blooms, Tim Duncan Wilts
Nov. 11: Blake Griffin Exposed by Spurs
Nov. 4: Analyzing Boston's OT Win Over Bucks
All told, his springers were way off: he shot just 1 of 7, including two airballs. Moreover, he missed three of the nine layups he took. At first glance, Beasley's numbers were adequate -- 7 of 20 shooting, three assists, five turnovers (although one of these was erroneously discredited to him when a nifty pass hit a cutting Luke Ridnour in the hands), three assists, seven rebounds, and 15 total points.
From the low-post, Beasley missed a spinning flipper and converted a powerhouse baseline drive. But when a switch led to the 6-foot-10 Beasley's taking 6-3 Russell Westbrook into the pivot, he failed to take advantage of the mismatch and instead threw a foolish crosscourt pass that was easily intercepted.
Still, Beasley is the Timberwolves' go-to scorer. Yet with the game on the line in the waning minutes, he failed to see Love all alone directly under the basket and chucked up a wild banker that would have missed even had the basket been three-feet wide. On the next clutch sequence, Beasley airmailed an ill-advised 3-point attempt. It should be noted that he was usually guarded by Thabo Sefolosha, OKC's best wing defender.
Indeed, despite the impressive jump in Beasley's per game scoring totals -- 22.4 this season as against 14.3 during his two seasons in Miami -- he continues to make bad decisions at the worst possible times. Is he a choker? Or just a youngster who's still a stranger in paradise?
In any event, Beasley rarely moved without the ball, preferring to dance around the perimeter and calling for the ball by waving his hands. His handle was too loose, which makes his habit of dribbling into a crowd extremely risky.
Beasley only executed one spin-move and likewise dribbled-left and shot-right once. The point here being that his game lacks both razzle and dazzle. If he's shooting well, then Beasley can fake, go, and plunge into the paint. So for him to be a fail-safe scorer, it's absolutely necessary that his jumpers fall. Moreover, Beasley needs to be much more creative when he does attack the ring.
[size=+1]Beasley's Defense[/size]
What defense?
Yes, he blocked a careless layup attempt by Durant and drew a charge on Westbrook. But he also turned his head multiple times, thereby allowing Sefolosha to score a pair of uncontested layups, and permitting K.D. to make a backdoor cut and turn a lob pass into a resounding dunk.
Actually, Beasley's on-the-ball defense is barely passable, but his concentration vanishes when he's playing on the weak-side: losing touch with his man; not knowing whether to switch, to stay, or to show-and-recover; aimlessly wandering in no-man's land; getting faked off his feet by guards near the bonus-arc; and not even thinking of boxing out in the battle of the boards.
In other words, he's a chump on defense.
In face-to-face oppositions, Durant torched Beasley for nine points, Sefolosha got him for four points, and Jeff Green tallied a bucket. Tack on the six points that the Thunder registered on breakaways created by Beasley's turnovers and he was directly responsible for the hometown team's scoring 21 points. With his own 15 points scored, plus another six resulting from his three assists, Beasley's performance was a wash, and not helpful production from the Wolves' leading scorer.
Since he's not yet 22, Beasley certainly has the time and the talent to eventually fulfill his upscale potential. However, since Beasley is a prime example of how playing in the NBA tends to arrest the emotional development of too many players, it's not a given that he'll eventually be able to grow into his talents.
Otherwise, the Wolves did show some grit in rallying from a 17-point deficit to claim a 6-point lead -- even though they were unable to put the game on ice.
Darko Milicic was uncommonly aggressive and, in fact, his reverse jump-hooks were major factors in boosting his team back into contention. Too bad he seldom touched the ball when the game was up for grabs. Kevin Love is a big-time, 3-space rebounder who's more comfortable at the high-post than he is playing in the shadow of the basket. Unfortunately, neither of these guys can adequately defend.
Ridnour runs the offense much more effectively than does Sebastian Telfair (who is at best a third-string point guard). Corey Brewer can score and defend but can't shoot. Anthony Tolliver has a lively body and an improving long-range jumper.
What the Wolves need is a fleet-footed wing who can create his own shots, and a big man with excellent defensive range.
The team also requires more discipline. As the game progressed, their triangle offense flat-lined and they most reverted to one-on-one sequences.
The bad news is that the Wolves, like Michael Beasley, are still a work in progress. The good news is that, despite their current 4-11 record, there are unmistakable signs that everybody is slowly but surely moving in the right direction.
Originally Posted by Blazers21NTNP
Other squads have been missing players who will have a larger impact on their team's outcome than Flynn & Webster will have on the T'Wolves.Originally Posted by JPZx
How many teams are missing their starting PG and starting SG though?
Not trying to do the whole "woe is us" act... but damn we need to get healthy.
Originally Posted by Blazers21NTNP
Other squads have been missing players who will have a larger impact on their team's outcome than Flynn & Webster will have on the T'Wolves.Originally Posted by JPZx
How many teams are missing their starting PG and starting SG though?
Not trying to do the whole "woe is us" act... but damn we need to get healthy.
There is news that Rambis wants to see Flynn in more practices, but Johnny said he is ready. There is news that if there is no setback both Webster and Flynn should be back tomorrow against GSW.
There is news that Rambis wants to see Flynn in more practices, but Johnny said he is ready. There is news that if there is no setback both Webster and Flynn should be back tomorrow against GSW.
[h1]Michael Beasley Wants to Stay Long-Term With Minnesota[/h1]
By Chris Tomasson
Senior NBA Writer | Follow on Twitter: @christomasson
Text SizeAAA
Print this page|EmailShare on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on DiggShare on Lifestream
DENVER -- On a recent day, it was 70 degrees warmer in Miami than in Minneapolis. But Michael Beasley didn't mind.
Beasley, dealt from Miami to Minnesota last summer, loves his new surroundings. So much that the forward would like to sign a long-term contract extension with the Timberwolves.
"I would love to stay here long-term,'' Beasley said in an interview with FanHouse before Saturday's game at Denver. "Maybe we'll talk about it when the season's over.''
The third-year man is eligible under current collective bargaining rules to sign an extension next summer with Minnesota that would start in 2012-13, although it remains to be seen if anything might change after the CBA expires June 30, 2011. For now, Beasley said he's concentrating on this season. But he did make it clear how much he likes his situation with the Timberwolves.
"I've been playing the same basketball I've been playing my whole life,'' said Beasley, putting up 21.5 points a game this season with the Timberwolves after averaging 14.3 in his two Heat seasons. "It's just being given an opportunity to play more freely. In Miami, I was the third or fourth option ... I was kind of still learning the ways of the NBA. But (in Minnesota) I'm just playing free, just playing my game.''
Miami gave away Beasley last July for next to nothing to clear cap room for the free-agent signings of LeBron James and Chris Bosh and the re-signing of Dwyane Wade. The Heat got cash and a pair of second-round picks in return.
"It did at first,'' Beasley said when asked if he got extra incentive out of being traded for so little. "But, when you look at what they got, it's kind of lopsided. They got three of the best players in the NBA. And I was paid too much ($4.96 million this season). There's really no hard feelings.''
Beasley has fit in well with the young Timberwolves. He's also averaging 6.1 rebounds and has made 21-of-54 three-pointers (38.9 percent).
"It seems like he's more serious, has a defensive attitude a little more,'' said Nuggets coach George Karl. "And offensively he's a one-on-one nightmare a little bit. When you play small on him, he goes inside. When you play big on him, he goes outside.''
Beasley's problems in Miami have been well-chronicled. After being the No. 2 pick in he 2008 draft and averaging 13.9 points as a rookie, Beasley had a summer that included an NBA-mandated stay in a substance abuse program and a bout with depression. Shortly after Beasley arrived in Minnesota, Timberwolves president David Kahn was fined $50,000 and the team fined $50,000 by the NBA for Kahn saying Beasley was "a very young and immature kid who smoked too much marijuana," while in Miami.
Beasley is determined to leave the past behind, saying he doesn't want to discuss his difficulties while with the Heat. Still, he doesn't consider them to have been bad seasons on the court even though some had predicted more immediate success after he averaged 26.2 points in his only Kansas State season of 2007-08.
"I feel like I had a great rookie season,'' said Beasley, who averaged 14.8 points in his second season. "I was playing behind perennial All-Stars like Shawn Marion, Jermaine O'Neal, Dwyane Wade. To average 14 and to be the second-leading scorer on that team as a rookie, I feel like is great. To average (14.3) in two years, I feel like is not bad at all.''
Now, Beasley is averaging 33.4 minutes compared to 27.3 in his first two seasons. He's the leading scorer on the team.
"The only thing different is the weather,'' Beasley said of what it's been like going from Miami to Minneapolis from a city standpoint. "People are just about the same. Fans are the same. We're just not winning as much.''
Winning is something Beasley wants to rectify. As for the weather, he said snow is no problem due to having grown up in Washington, D.C. and going to school for a year in Kansas.
Put it all together and Beasley won't mind at all having a long stint in Minnesota.
Good to hear.
Even though were not winning, it's good to see these guys put some effort in. Defensively WE NEED TO GET BETTER. And I wouldn't call for a coaching change at all, no matter how anyone feels about Rambis. I think starting the new year we should go with Flynn, Webster, Beasley, Love, and Darko.
Shouldn't we trade Bassy, Lazar, Gaines, and Kosta for someone who can be beneficial maybe another valuable big? I don't think Gaines contract is guaranteed but let's move him.
Can Wayne please get some consisted minutes.
[h1]Michael Beasley Wants to Stay Long-Term With Minnesota[/h1]
By Chris Tomasson
Senior NBA Writer | Follow on Twitter: @christomasson
Text SizeAAA
Print this page|EmailShare on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on DiggShare on Lifestream
DENVER -- On a recent day, it was 70 degrees warmer in Miami than in Minneapolis. But Michael Beasley didn't mind.
Beasley, dealt from Miami to Minnesota last summer, loves his new surroundings. So much that the forward would like to sign a long-term contract extension with the Timberwolves.
"I would love to stay here long-term,'' Beasley said in an interview with FanHouse before Saturday's game at Denver. "Maybe we'll talk about it when the season's over.''
The third-year man is eligible under current collective bargaining rules to sign an extension next summer with Minnesota that would start in 2012-13, although it remains to be seen if anything might change after the CBA expires June 30, 2011. For now, Beasley said he's concentrating on this season. But he did make it clear how much he likes his situation with the Timberwolves.
"I've been playing the same basketball I've been playing my whole life,'' said Beasley, putting up 21.5 points a game this season with the Timberwolves after averaging 14.3 in his two Heat seasons. "It's just being given an opportunity to play more freely. In Miami, I was the third or fourth option ... I was kind of still learning the ways of the NBA. But (in Minnesota) I'm just playing free, just playing my game.''
Miami gave away Beasley last July for next to nothing to clear cap room for the free-agent signings of LeBron James and Chris Bosh and the re-signing of Dwyane Wade. The Heat got cash and a pair of second-round picks in return.
"It did at first,'' Beasley said when asked if he got extra incentive out of being traded for so little. "But, when you look at what they got, it's kind of lopsided. They got three of the best players in the NBA. And I was paid too much ($4.96 million this season). There's really no hard feelings.''
Beasley has fit in well with the young Timberwolves. He's also averaging 6.1 rebounds and has made 21-of-54 three-pointers (38.9 percent).
"It seems like he's more serious, has a defensive attitude a little more,'' said Nuggets coach George Karl. "And offensively he's a one-on-one nightmare a little bit. When you play small on him, he goes inside. When you play big on him, he goes outside.''
Beasley's problems in Miami have been well-chronicled. After being the No. 2 pick in he 2008 draft and averaging 13.9 points as a rookie, Beasley had a summer that included an NBA-mandated stay in a substance abuse program and a bout with depression. Shortly after Beasley arrived in Minnesota, Timberwolves president David Kahn was fined $50,000 and the team fined $50,000 by the NBA for Kahn saying Beasley was "a very young and immature kid who smoked too much marijuana," while in Miami.
Beasley is determined to leave the past behind, saying he doesn't want to discuss his difficulties while with the Heat. Still, he doesn't consider them to have been bad seasons on the court even though some had predicted more immediate success after he averaged 26.2 points in his only Kansas State season of 2007-08.
"I feel like I had a great rookie season,'' said Beasley, who averaged 14.8 points in his second season. "I was playing behind perennial All-Stars like Shawn Marion, Jermaine O'Neal, Dwyane Wade. To average 14 and to be the second-leading scorer on that team as a rookie, I feel like is great. To average (14.3) in two years, I feel like is not bad at all.''
Now, Beasley is averaging 33.4 minutes compared to 27.3 in his first two seasons. He's the leading scorer on the team.
"The only thing different is the weather,'' Beasley said of what it's been like going from Miami to Minneapolis from a city standpoint. "People are just about the same. Fans are the same. We're just not winning as much.''
Winning is something Beasley wants to rectify. As for the weather, he said snow is no problem due to having grown up in Washington, D.C. and going to school for a year in Kansas.
Put it all together and Beasley won't mind at all having a long stint in Minnesota.
Good to hear.
Even though were not winning, it's good to see these guys put some effort in. Defensively WE NEED TO GET BETTER. And I wouldn't call for a coaching change at all, no matter how anyone feels about Rambis. I think starting the new year we should go with Flynn, Webster, Beasley, Love, and Darko.
Shouldn't we trade Bassy, Lazar, Gaines, and Kosta for someone who can be beneficial maybe another valuable big? I don't think Gaines contract is guaranteed but let's move him.
Can Wayne please get some consisted minutes.
