I would like this board to recognize...

[LordBaldric]

I think Baldric does have one valid point - people make too big of a deal over Love's lack of defense.

Yeah but not to the degree he portrays. When are people calling for Love to block more shots or calling him the worst defender ever?

He is clearly fishing.

I've seen people on the general board literally accuse him of being the worst defender in the NBA. One just yesterday. The idea is out there, and by the way some here act it seems they might agree with that idea.

And as far as bashing goes, most of the players who have played for us this year suck. Was even more true last year. I've praised Darko and Beasley at times, and generally liked Big Al. I also bashed Love during his terrible game vs the Lakers. It's nothing personal, and the idea the Love is our only consistently good player right now is hardly a radical idea.

[LordBaldric]

Ignoring the narcissism in the thread title (which is part of what is drawing the bad reactions) you have one good point. Ending possessions is important, and Love is unquestionably a good rebounder.
But his length and quickness are always going to be a liability too. His effort this year is greatly increased over last year, and it shows. He's clearly a very valuable player. But he's a player you are going to have to compensate for defensively. That means to build around him, we need to build a team that can compensate for love's weaknesses. That means good wing defense, and more importantly an ERASER at the 5 who can guard the more talented PF/C 1 on 1.

We're partway there. Darko has helped Love loads this year with his dominant defensive play (I don't care what your PPS stat says). Our wing D is another story (although Wes has been somewhat impressive).

I think you should also recognize what we are giving up by building around Love. We're never going to be as solid defensively as teams with Odom/Bynum/Gasol or KG/Perkins or even Horford/JSmoove or Aldridge/Camby front lines. Defense wins playoff games, and if this team is going to win playoff games in 2 or 3 years we are going to have to have good to great D at the other 4 positions. Ricky/Webby/Wes/Darko all have shown some pretty good promise on that end.

The not fouling is great (and commendable), but I would like to see Love's hand in the face of a jump shooter more consistently. I also disagree about Darko being in foul trouble because he's contesting shots. He's been very good at contesting without fouling. Many of his fouls have been out of frustration, like overpursuing an offensive rebound or overcommitting on the show in a pick and roll because he doesn't trust his teammate to get around the pick (ahem, brewer, ahem), and he certainly can stand to cut down on his frustration fouls.

I think expecting him to defend Amare without a center in the game was unfair. We put up very, very little resistance around the rim and Amare knew it. I think as Wolves fans we're all thrilled with the effort and numbers Love has been putting up (myself being a big offseason critic), and if you read through the gamthreads you will have to acknowledge that there's been a tremendous amount of praise on this board for his improved play this year.

I have never said we should "build around" Love. He would have to have a much better shot creator before thinking that. I agree with pretty much everything you said.

[B Calrissian]

I think Baldric does have one valid point - people make too big of a deal over Love's lack of defense.

Yeah but not to the degree he portrays. When are people calling for Love to block more shots or calling him the worst defender ever?

He is clearly fishing.

I've seen people on the general board literally accuse him of being the worst defender in the NBA. One just yesterday. The idea is out there, and by the way some here act it seems they might agree with that idea.

And as far as bashing goes, most of the players who have played for us this year suck. Was even more true last year. I've praised Darko and Beasley at times, and generally liked Big Al. I also bashed Love during his terrible game vs the Lakers. It's nothing personal, and the idea the Love is our only consistently good player right now is hardly a radical idea.

The general board has what to do with this one?

It's not about who you bash this season (i've already seen flipflopping in this very thread). You were the most negative person on the board over the summer. Everything was terrible but Love. It's clear people think of you as a Love fan before Wolves fan. The walkout on the first page for example.

[Cutter]

As a Suns fan I am always stopping by the Wolves board to read about Love. Trust me a large part of the NBA fan base is watching this kid and wondering how he would fit on their team. I read some posts in this thread concerning Love's play on Amare and his lack of defensive effort. I didn't see the game, but Amare was with the Suns for 8 (?) years and it was very much a love/hate relationship. Amare always got crap for his lack of defense and avearge rebounding (8.x rpg I think).

As for KL I think he would be fantastic in the Suns system. We are built to run and shoot the ball and with Steve nash's veteran leadership the Suns are consistently one of the top scoring tems in the league. Defensively we absolutely stink, worst in the league so far this year. From what I have seen of KL he can run the floor, is a great outlet passer and from what I heard he can rebound a little . Suns consistently get killed on the boards and with him getting defensive rebounds and quick oulet passes to Nash to start the run and gun this team becomes instantly relevant again after losing Amare to the Knicks.

KL is not perfect, lack of defense...MEH. Suns went to the WCF final last year and and 2006-07 with minimal defense. If he can play average defense and rebound/pass like hell Suns are back in the game. I read with great interest the talk about whether the FO for the Wolves will really keep or trade him. If you decide to trade come give Nash and the Suns a chance to do a deal.

Peace.

[Basti]

If you decide to trade come give Nash and the Suns a chance to do a deal.

Peace.

In case we're really exploring a Love trade it had to be a 3 team trade. The Suns have nothing that would make me want to trade for if it means giving up love. Getting Lopez would be nice but not at the expense of Love.

[funkatron101]

Get up to speed, LordBaldric. Today Love is an athletic beast. Athleticism that not even Chris Paul can match.

[Klomp]

Guys, I'm not a mod here but cool down a bit and take out the personal insults. Please keep the discussion civilized. It's one of the reasons we have such a great board.

*warns for backseat modding*

J/K

but, yeah, what he said.

what he said.

(basti, not lupus)

[Cutter]

If you decide to trade come give Nash and the Suns a chance to do a deal.

Peace.

In case we're really exploring a Love trade it had to be a 3 team trade. The Suns have nothing that would make me want to trade for if it means giving up love. Getting Lopez would be nice but not at the expense of Love.

After reading several comments on this board concerning the Love and Beasley situation, I'm confused. Which if any of the following are true?

1) Beasley is definitely playing out of position at the 3. T or F
2) Wolves FO want to trade Love for for a longer more athletic big to play PF. T or F
3) Wolves FO wants a legit SF so they can move Beasley to PF. T or F
4) Beasley is definitely playing out of position at the 3. T or F
5) Beasley / Love are the set 3 / 4 combo for years to come. T or F
6) If a trade had to be made to make the team better, FO will trade Love before Beasley. T or F
7) Wolves are a better team with Beasley at PF and complimented by a very good SF. T or F

[horaceworthy]

1) F
2) F
3) F
4) F (trying to trick us?)
5) Unknown, possibly
6) Unknown
7) F

[LOBO 7]

1) F
2) F
3) F
4) F (trying to trick us?)
5) Unknown, possibly
6) Unknown
7) F

This.
Except, for 5 I would lean towards "unknown, hopefully" and for 6 I would lean towards "unknown, hopefully none of the above".

[Zeitgeister]

Heaven forbid people criticize the bad parts of a good players game.

Were you also defending Als passing the past few years?

If Kevin's overall defense is as bad as you say, explain how he was 2nd best last season at his position in opponent's PPS, while Darko was one of the worst.

I plainly admitted his help defense is poor. Will you admit that it's nice he's keeping opposing teams from getting 2nd and 3rd opportunities by his work on the glass?

That difference has a lot to do with matchups. 9 times out of 10 Darko is put on the better offensive front court player.

We all love Love's rebounding. However, it's not his defensive reboundign that makes him special, it's his offensive rebounding. It would be nice if he just lifted his arm three feet once in a while instead of allowing Stoudemire bury jumpers from the free throw line. That shouldn't come at the expense of his rebounding numbers. Moreover, a lot of the times, rotating and closing out on a shooter allows another player on the team to get the rebound. That's why they call rebounds a team statistic. In my opinion, or at least as I was taught, closing out on the shooter should be the #1 priority. The closer than boxes out the shooter and everyone else should be in position to box out the other four players.

I'd say it's pretty special. Especially since he leads the league in defensive rebounding percentage and averages 11.1 RPG on defensive rebounds alone. I believe that just by virtue of his defensive rebounding he'd be in the top 7 in the league in rebounding.

[shangrila]

After reading several comments on this board concerning the Love and Beasley situation, I'm confused. Which if any of the following are true?

1) Beasley is definitely playing out of position at the 3. T or F
2) Wolves FO want to trade Love for for a longer more athletic big to play PF. T or F
3) Wolves FO wants a legit SF so they can move Beasley to PF. T or F - Already have one in Johnson anyway
4) Beasley is definitely playing out of position at the 3. T or F
5) Beasley / Love are the set 3 / 4 combo for years to come. T - Although ultimately unknown or F
6) If a trade had to be made to make the team better, FO will trade Love before Beasley. T - Judging from our "insiders" this is how it is, but Love will only be moved reluctantly or F
7) Wolves are a better team with Beasley at PF and complimented by a very good SF. T or F - Who the hell knows? I know they're better with Love on the roster then off it though

[TrentTuckerForever]

As a Suns fan I am always stopping by the Wolves board to read about Love. Trust me a large part of the NBA fan base is watching this kid and wondering how he would fit on their team. I read some posts in this thread concerning Love's play on Amare and his lack of defensive effort. I didn't see the game, but Amare was with the Suns for 8 (?) years and it was very much a love/hate relationship. Amare always got crap for his lack of defense and avearge rebounding (8.x rpg I think)...

Good point on Amare. Heck, I remember sports talk radio here in the Cites slamming KG before he was traded - couldn't win games on his own in the clutch, didn't save another gear for the playoffs, etc. Garnett is a surefire hall of famer and one of the most complete players of all time.

I think the criticism of Love has more to do with the fact that people want to see a winner. Would the Woofies win more if Love closed out on shooters better? Maybe, but the Wolves are too young across the board to win much this year. Love's flaws are going to be exposed by more minutes, but I personally believe he's going to keep working on them (his improvement from last season until now is significant.)

[TrentTuckerForever]

After reading several comments on this board concerning the Love and Beasley situation, I'm confused. Which if any of the following are true?

1) Beasley is definitely playing out of position at the 3. T or F
2) Wolves FO want to trade Love for for a longer more athletic big to play PF. T or F
3) Wolves FO wants a legit SF so they can move Beasley to PF. T or F
4) Beasley is definitely playing out of position at the 3. T or F I'm confused... still F
5) Beasley / Love are the set 3 / 4 combo for years to come. T or F
6) If a trade had to be made to make the team better, FO will trade Love before Beasley. T or F
7) Wolves are a better team with Beasley at PF and complimented by a very good SF. T or F

I underlined my answers above, but let me make it simple - IMO the Wolves will not move Love or Beasley this season, unless it's for an established All-Star (think Chris Paul.)

Don't get hung up on positions - both Love and Beasley play multiple positions for the Wolves, (Beasley 3/4, Love 4/5.) I thinik given their youth and potential, Kahn would be foolish to give them any less than a season, or even until the trade deadline next season, to gel.