I was watching my watch. I admit it. Nervous. Distracted. Couldn’t sit still and why?! I’m not even the player, or his family, his teammate or someone remotely connected to ’em.
I was glued to news and reports regarding the NBA trade deadline. You see, as in other professional leagues, this is a high profile event that stirs fans connected to every team in the league. Normally, shopping and shifting for players gives the fan hope of better things to come. From inside the team HQ, it often has more to it. The NBA of today moves players and contracts for the now and the road ahead.
There are plenty of fans who have had it up to here with Wolves point guard Ricky Rubio. Many bark, “Rubio can’t shoot,” “He’s an offensive liability” and the insults stack up. However, I’m one who’s already been on record as a Rubio loyalist. Just look at my past SimonsSays blogs. It’s there. I won’t hide from it. In fact, I’ve come to my feelings by grabbing a great deal of my Intel from NBA coaches, head and assistant, over the past few years that give me the information I need to judge No. 9.
Listen. Rubio might not be the best shooter on the floor. I’ll give that to you. But what he lacks there Rubio gives back three fold with leadership and what I see as D & D…he’s defensive and a “disher.” I had a current NBA assistant and head coach tell me recently that Rubio is always discussed during their team’s advance player sessions, and in depth, with the team’s point guards and I’m told it’s an in depth discussion. Rubio can disrupt an opposing offense. According to far smarter NBA minds than me, Rubio would be deadly if his shooting was more accurate but his passing and defense is among league best. In their words, Rubio makes the Wolves a better team. Bottom line.
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In fact, one east coast NBA insider told me in San Francisco recently that they don’t get the fan’s snapping at Rubio. “The offense is built around (Andrew) Wiggins, KAT (Karl-Anthony Towns) and those stallions the Wolves bring off the bench. Just worry about getting them the ball. Your coaches know that. Sooner or later fans will too. Just have Rubio get them the ball. He’s a last offensive option and I’d imagine that’s just fine to all those inside the organization.” I agree. Completely.
So, I’m glad there’s no Wolves movement at the NBA trade deadline. I believe standing still will give better direction to Team T’Wolves.
Say What Rod?!
During my recent trip to the Bay Area, in addition to getting my fill of WarriorMania, I had the opportunity to dive into my SimonsSays mailbag. Even though it’s a twin note from a different fan, I loved this one.
Kathy writes, “”Rod, I’m a longtime and long suffering Wolves fan. I love your blog and I also miss you on the news here. I just had to ask, do you REALLY think this team will find its way to respectability? I see too many holes. And I still can’t get over that loss to Philadelphia when the Sixers were in that crazy losing streak. My boyfriend and I love the games and try to get to a couple every season. Keep up the good work.
Kathy and boyfriend, thanks for taking the time to drop me your note and concerns. Kathy obviously has been here before and knows that my Wolves Crunch mug is always half full and I believe for good reason.
Here are two games that give me immense hope. When I was in San Francisco, I arrived in time to catch Minnesota tangling with the Clippers. It was just prior to Super Bowl 50 and it was a game that most people assuredly thought the Wolves would lose. It was played in LA and the Wolves had been struggling for weeks.
However, what we saw that night was pure sweetness. Wiggins was real, 31 points and no matter whom the Clips tossed his way as defense, A-Wigg lit ’em up. Four quarters and 48-minutes, the Wolves stood tall and stared down the mighty Clips. We’ve been talking about Rubio…No. 9 was outstanding. Down the stretch, spearheading a 10-4 run to close the game. Also, Rubio drawing the J.J. Redick technical with 20 seconds remaining then burying the free throw was solid. KAT-man played special all night and combined, the Wolves ended a string of some-14-straight losses to the Clippers. That 108-102 win was one of my highlights Super Bowl week.
Secondly, the Wolves rally from 18-down to beat Toronto. The Raptors are clearly one of the beasts of the East and at that point, was having their way with any team having won 14-of-15 they’d played. KAT dropped 35, snared 11-boards. Wiggins scored 26 and four other Wolves got into solid double figures. Again, step for step with a great team, 48-minutes, never giving up.
I’m again, just saying, it’s too easy to throw up your hands and toss ’em when your team has an off-night, or four. Young, passionate and never quitting, these Wolves are going to turn the key to legit soon and you do want to be one who believed early. SimonsSays isn’t going out on a limb insisting that KAT is rookie of the year. And with some consistency that will come, Wiggins will be a top-10 player. The ceiling is high.
For those two reasons, I’m optimistic about the final couple dozen games in the season.
Hearts Break for Williams:
There’s a very good chance you missed one of the saddest NBA stories this season. It involved a former head coaches wife named Ingrid Williams. She was married to OKC assistant Monte Williams and died when her car was hit head on by a car that crossed over the center lane. Mrs. Williams died at the hospital from massive trauma and the driver of the other car was killed at the scene.
What fans forget is that, off the court, these coaches and players have lives and so many other cherished moments. Monte Williams life, his families lives, the families of the other driver are all in chaos after this tragedy.
Mrs. Williams was just laid to rest and it breaks my heart to think of the amazing grief that grips this family and the OKC team as well. Amazingly, it wasn’t worse and it could have been. Mrs. Williams had three of her kids with her in the SUV when they were hit and it’s reported that the children are OK.
I can’t even imagine a loss like that. I live for the time spent with my wife and 10-year old Annie. Monte Williams and Ingrid had five kids, the youngest five and the oldest in high school at 17. His world is turned upside down. The kids have to be devastated. This story breaks my heart and even though I didn’t know them, it’s unimaginable. Our hearts go out to the Williams, OKC and New Orleans Pelicans families for their loss.
Wolves@Fingertips!
If you don’t have it, download this basketball fan must-have! The Wolves mobile app gives fans instant access to exclusive Wolves content and live game coverage. Fans can download the free app on iOS and Android devices by visiting Timberwolves.com/mobile.
The official Timberwolves app offers fans the ability to follow live game content including the score, stats, shot charts and related social media conversations via the Game Tracker. The app also allows fans to seamlessly check the team’s schedule, roster and conference standings. Fans on the go can stay engaged and updated with the team by accessing Wolves articles, photo galleries and original videos through the app. New features including ticket sales integrations, fan experience modules, exclusive membership content and more will be
added to the app in the near future. The app is another step the Wolves have taken to accommodate the continued growth of mobile web use.
Got something to say?!
If you are a serious Timberwolves fan (and even the casual fan is allowed), drop me a note with your thoughts. Write me at rod@gameONtvMN.com.
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