Kawhi Leonard News - MinnesotaSportsFan https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/tag/kawhi-leonard/ Minnesota sports, but different Tue, 16 Apr 2024 08:45:29 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.3 https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=32,height=32,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/cropped-cropped-MSF-favicon-1.jpg Kawhi Leonard News - MinnesotaSportsFan https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/tag/kawhi-leonard/ 32 32 Clippers Big-2 > Timberwolves Big-2; Losing Streak Reaches 7 Games https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/minnesota-timberwolves/clippers-big-2-timberwolves-big-2-losing-streak-reaches-7-games/ https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/minnesota-timberwolves/clippers-big-2-timberwolves-big-2-losing-streak-reaches-7-games/#respond Sat, 14 Dec 2019 12:59:04 +0000 https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/?p=19928 .embed-container { position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; } .embed-container iframe, .embed-container object, .embed-container embed { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; }
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The Minnesota Timberwolves dropped their 7th-straight game on Friday night, losing to the star studded Los Angeles Clippers 124-117. The Wolves now own the second longest current losing streak in the NBA, behind the New Orleans Pelicans, who have 11 losses in a row (more good news on the Pelicans below). The Wolves have a lackluster 4-12 record at the Target Center this year and have yet to win a game in the month of December.

    Despite a rather surprising late comeback effort, the Clippers were just too much. Towns & Co. had no answer when it came to stopping Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, combining for a total of 88 points. Almost half of Kawhi’s points came at the free throw line where he was a perfect 17-17, it is really hard to keep a guy in check when you give him 17 points from the line. Leonard had more points from the charity stripe than all but 3 Timberwolves, had total points. 

    Although the Wolves continued their losing streak, there were some positives to take from this game. Former #1 picks, Andrew Wiggins and Karl Anthony Towns, scored a combined 73 points. Towns provided his 19th double-double on the season, with 12 rebounds to go along with his 39 points. 

    As of right now, it seems like the Timberwolves will be stuck in the middle of the pack once again, leaving them with an end of lottery draft pick. I say we tank for *Lamelo Ball and start our own big three!

    I mean really, all I want for Christmas is to write a positive article about any Minnesota Basketball team… is that too much to ask for?

    The Wolves look to get of the schneid against,-that’s right; the coldest team in the NBA, the New Orleans Pelicans, Wednesday night at the Target Center.

*sarcasm

Cam Thompson | Minnesota Sports Fan

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]]]> https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/minnesota-timberwolves/clippers-big-2-timberwolves-big-2-losing-streak-reaches-7-games/feed/ 0 Sat, 14 Dec 2019 07:15:16 +0000 Minnesota Timberwolves Nemanja Bjelica May Stay in NBA After All; Wants “Some Kind of Stability” https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/minnesota-timberwolves/nemanja-bjelica-may-stay-in-nba-after-all-wants-some-kind-of-stability/ https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/minnesota-timberwolves/nemanja-bjelica-may-stay-in-nba-after-all-wants-some-kind-of-stability/#respond Thu, 19 Jul 2018 21:04:49 +0000 https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/?p=10329

Early Wednesday, after months of speculation, the disgruntled superstar, that is Kawhi Leonard, was officially shipped out of San Antonio.

Naturally, the vast majority of the day’s NBA discussions centered around that blockbuster agreement.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, lost in the shuffle of Gregg Popovich & Co. literally sending Leonard to another country, was this surprising development regarding a familiar ex-Timberwolf’s unanticipated return to the country:

That’s right, ladies and gentlemen. Approximately 24 hours after initial reports surfaced that Bjelica would be returning to Europe, in lieu of a handshake agreement with the 76ers; current indications now strongly suggest there is a good chance he’ll spend the upcoming season back on an NBA roster.

As you can imagine, the Bjelly’s switcheroo didn’t bode well with the all-too-familiar Philadelphia sports fans.

But, before anyone jumps down the Serbian’s throat, let his recent interview with the Athletic’s Jon Krawcyznski shed further light on the situation. During their discussion, which was prior to these Sacramento developments, the 30 year-old said “family and some kind of stability” was why he passed on the opportunity to join the up-and-coming 76ers.

He also stated that his decision was “not about the Philly organization. Brett Brown, he’s a great guy and a great coach.”

Fast forward to the now:

While news has released today, that the Celtics and Marcus Smart have agreed to a 4 year-$52 million deal, there is no signed and sealed agreement between the former Euro-star and the Kings (or the Sixers I guess) .

When it’s all said and done, from what I’ve read on the situation, if Sacramento or any other organization is willing to give Bjelica his expressed desire for a longer-term contract, I’d fully expect him to continue his basketball career via the NBA. In regards to the Philly faithful’s wounds, they’ll heal up just fine. When it comes to losing out on the potential to secure a former European Timberwolf, this isn’t the fan base’s first rodeo.

Johnny Minnesota (@TheJohnnyMN)
MinnesotaSportsFan.com

]]> https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/minnesota-timberwolves/nemanja-bjelica-may-stay-in-nba-after-all-wants-some-kind-of-stability/feed/ 0 Thu, 19 Jul 2018 16:04:49 +0000 Minnesota Timberwolves With Jimmy Frustrated, Andrew Wiggins’ Time in Minnesota May be Up https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/minnesota-timberwolves/with-jimmy-frustrated-andrew-wiggins-time-in-minnesota-may-be-up/ https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/minnesota-timberwolves/with-jimmy-frustrated-andrew-wiggins-time-in-minnesota-may-be-up/#respond Sun, 17 Jun 2018 12:35:08 +0000 https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/?p=10086

Before breaking down the most recent Minnesota Timberwolves’ reports, I’d like to give a quick shout-out to 26-year-old superstar, Kawhi Leonard.

If it weren’t for the rumors confirmation that Leonard “wants out” from San Antonio, this report from the Sporting News’ Sean Deveney would have been blown even further out of proportion:

In this piece, Sean Deveney starts by patting the Timberwolves on the back for their recent progress, before moving to the topic of Karl-Anthony Towns.

Despite Brian Windhorst’s previous suggestion that Towns may be traded to Bean-Town, Deveney takes the more popular opinion that KAT is “too talented to be traded.”

via GIPHY

From there, the topic shifts to the other 2/3 of Minnesota’s “Big Three”. According to Sporting News, like your cocktails during this aggressively warm weekend, Jimmy Butler and Andrew Wiggins’ relationship is on the rocks:

This behind-the-curtain look should come as no surprise to Wolves’ fans who have been paying attention.

Jimmy Butler is an absolute grinder and that’s a secret to no one. The Tomball, Texas native made it to the NBA against incredible odds. Once in the league, the 30th overall pick in the 2011 draft transformed himself into a superstar via the same absurd work ethic that got him there. On top of different NBA upbringings and mentalities, Butler also came out MULTIPLE times last season and questioned the mentality of unnamed teammates. He didn’t really need to name them…

Mr. Buckets has done this dance with teammates before (2015):

Jimmy’s well-documented mindset of always giving 110% isn’t the only thing making the fallout reports with Andrew believable. Let’s remember, the Timberwolves aren’t far removed from reports of Andrew Wiggins’ unhappiness with his current role in the organization.

As explained in our piece from over a month ago, Wiggins greatest asset is his offensive prowess. While this part of one’s game would make Wiggins stand out positively on a lot of NBA teams (including the T-Wolves earlier in his career), when partnered with KAT and Butler…. well this headline says it best:

Minnesota’s two reigning All-Stars demand (rightfully) their fair share of field goal attempts. Jimmy is a proven NBA baller on both sides of the court and KAT is one of the best offensive weapons in the world. And let’s not forget, both KAT and Butler have contract extensions on the table. Glen Taylor, Thibodeau, & Co. need to do everything in their power to ensure those all-important agreements are reached.

For those reasons, if the sometimes-lackadaisical Wiggins doesn’t want to attend a “come to Jesus grit” meeting, and that makes Jimmy unhappy, it’s time for an immediate full court press to trade the Canadian-born baller.

Securing and satisfying Minnesota’s other two top-tier players is a much more important priority.

Sidebar: Do you think trader Rick Spielman has a minute? We could use his assistance. 

In closing, Deveney’s article also touches on the beloved Minnesota native, Tyus Jones. Apparently, he was going to request out of his home-state, when he heard that Derrick Rose may be returning. That wouldn’t have finally caused the mob to start marching to Target Center with torches and pitchforks, would it? Well, before you buy your lighter fluid…

R-E-L-A-X:

Johnny Minnesota (@TheJohnnyMN)
MinnesotaSportsFan.com

]]> https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/minnesota-timberwolves/with-jimmy-frustrated-andrew-wiggins-time-in-minnesota-may-be-up/feed/ 0 Sun, 17 Jun 2018 07:52:56 +0000 Minnesota Timberwolves Timberwolves Best and Worst Trade Options Available for Andrew Wiggins https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/minnesota-timberwolves/timberwolves-best-and-worst-trade-options-available-for-andrew-wiggins/ https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/minnesota-timberwolves/timberwolves-best-and-worst-trade-options-available-for-andrew-wiggins/#respond Mon, 14 May 2018 15:14:17 +0000 https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/?p=9661

While the NBA’s version of the Final Four battle it out in their respective Conference Finals’ matchup, the Association’s other twenty-six franchises are on to the next one.

In case you forgot, the 2017 offseason was one of the craziest in its history. The plethora of blockbuster trades involving the likes of Kyrie Irving, Isaiah Thomas, Jimmy Butler (sup?), Chris Paul and others drastically altered the NBA’s landscape.

With all due respect to the NBA Draft (June 21st) and an immensely talented free agent pool, let’s the save the best for last first. Whether it involves the stock market, fantasy football, professional sports rosters, or another realm you partake in; it’s damn near impossible to out-do the adrenaline rush associated with a good trade.

The euphoria of the Jimmy Buckets acquisition seems extremely difficult to match. For the magnitude of any of this offseason’s fireworks to remotely compare to 2017’s proverbial pyrotechnics, Andrew Wiggins would have to be involved in a MASSIVE deal:

Although the Bill Simmons’ created website wants to see Wiggins dealt, I’m extremely torn on the topic.

First off, it’s important to remember that Maple Jordan is a mere 23 years-old. The man who isn’t even near his prime posted 23.6 PPG (45.2 FG%) during the 2016-17 season. His offensive talents are off the charts.

On the flip side, when breaking down his 2017-18 statistical drop-off, only some of Wiggins decreased numbers make sense. It doesn’t take a basketball guru to comprehend that Jimmy Butler is going to attempt more FGs than the likes of Brandon Rush. While the difference in teammates helps explain the drop in production by 5.9 points per game, it certainly doesn’t justify his decrease in player efficiency rating.

  • 2015-16 PER: 16.5
  • 2016-17 PER: 16.5
  • 2017-18 PER: 13.0

Second of all, my willingness to appreciate an Andrew Wiggins trade, (obviously) depends on who the Timberwolves would receive in return. For example: If a hypothetical transaction involves receiving the likes of Andre Drummond or Hassan Whiteside, I’ll tweak. Spazz City.

To me, a proposed formula that Minnesota improves by trading for one of these two doesn’t equate. If you want to do the New Orleans style dual big man thing, both need the ability to shoot with range. While Drummond and Whiteside are studs defensively, I’m not sure either knows how to perform a jump shot, let alone make one.

via GIPHY

Now that the “ I can’t hit a free-throw crew” has been addressed, here are some other names to keep an eye on:  

Kawhi Leonard:

After a soap opera worthy ’17-’18 campaign with the Spurs, Leonard “wants out” of San Antonio.

While the potential of acquiring the 2x Defensive Player of the Year for a Wiggins package may seem ideal, unless you’re the Lakers, trading for The Klaw puts to many eggs in next season’s basket:

As much as I adore the artist known as The Klaw’s game, parting ways with Wiggins (and more) for the 2019 Free Agent (who is a Los Angeles native) seems extremely shortsighted.

DeMar Derozan:

The 28 year-old DeMar Derozan has spent his entire career in Toronto. After the Raptors once again got Lebron’d out of the playoffs, his name is being aggressively involved in trade rumors. With Wiggins being a native of Canada, the swap (plus a Wolves’ pick or two) comes off to some as ideal:

I’m of the adage that unless it’s basically straight up, you pass on this veteran. In addition to his putrid three-point percentage, the USC product’s defense has been referred to as “porous.” Andrew Wiggins’ ceiling towers over DeRozan’s already-reached peak.

Kyle Lowry:

DeRozan’s backcourt teammate? No, no, no, no. They can keep the 32 year-old. When you parlay Lowry’s age, with his plummeting 2017-18 stats, it’s not pretty.

Honestly, I thought he was about to take up accounting:

Russell Westbrook:

Pipe dream, right? I’m not so sure about that. Check out this quote from ESPN’s Zach Lowe:

Surprisingly, the 2016-17 NBA MVP is already 29 years old. In addition to Westbrook’s age, Paul George is expected to leave OKC to join the Lakers. As the end of Russ’ prime inches closer and closer, the logic behind the Thunder calling for a complete rebuild begins to make more and more sense.

I’m not alone in this mindset:

The Timberwolves have to (at least) make a phone call, right? The Suns probably will, right?

Assuming the Thunder front office laughs at a Wiggins, Jones, and first round pick proposal, the Wolves have more to offer (Dieng, Teague, Patton, other picks, etc.). Mix that shit up. Get passive aggressively aggressive. If it helps, include my soul in the negotiations. Screw it.

We’re talking about Russell f*cken Westbrook.

via GIPHY

When it’s all said and done, I’m certainly not holding my breathe on the 7x All Star making Minnesota his new home. However, if it happened, these two would probably want to ride this Minnesota Timberwolf thing out:

Johnny Minnesota (@TheJohnnyMN)
MinnesotaSportsFan.com

]]> https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/minnesota-timberwolves/timberwolves-best-and-worst-trade-options-available-for-andrew-wiggins/feed/ 0 Tue, 16 Apr 2024 03:45:29 +0000 Minnesota Timberwolves