MacMullan: Love-to-Celtics far from slam dunk

[RJ87]

another thing you will love is, having these guys hog the ball, play pnr all day long, even if its not working , letting everyone else watch the game instead of playing.

The 2007 Celtics won it all bc the person with the best chance to score got the ball usually. On the defensive end, everyone was helping each other out (there was synergy).   The current spurs and heat team for the most part play the same way. That's why they are always in the finals

I'm a realist but I can't help but point out that people made similar arguments against LeBron and Dwyane coexistingon the Heat. Winning changes a lot of bad habits.

[MBunge]

another thing you will love is, having these guys hog the ball, play pnr all day long, even if its not working , letting everyone else watch the game instead of playing.

The 2007 Celtics won it all bc the person with the best chance to score got the ball usually. On the defensive end, everyone was helping each other out (there was synergy).   The current spurs and heat team for the most part play the same way. That's why they are always in the finals

I do not know to what that is in response.  LeBron doesn't dominate the ball?  Tony Parker doesn't run the pick-n-roll?

Mike

[Tr1boy]

I don't think you have.

How many Twolf games have you watched over the last five years?

Mike

everytime they played the Celts.   I got NBA tv also so when the Celts didn't play, i would catch some games the Wolves played.

No doubt some game he was unstoppable on the offensive end. But in alot of games i saw him play, he scored 30 plus points but was shooting at 11 for 30, 9-24 or some crappy number like that. The guy has no end like Melo and will keep shooting. 

Poor defensive effort left and right.  Again how does a PF shoot at around 44 percent and be considered a star?    Give the green light to Sullinger or KO to shoot 25-30 shots and lets see if they don't score 30 points also

[chambers]

Yeah sorry, but after seeing Love in Boston and then hearing all these "Love was in Boston for basketball reasons" reports, I refuse to just throw cold water on this whole situation.

Had Love never came to Boston last week, then granted, there would be nothing to talk about.

But the fact not only was he in Boston, but made no intention of hiding the fact he was in Boston tells me there's something there.

I am not saying Love to Boston is a slam dunk, but I also think the chances of it happening are about 70% right now.

And then there's the optimist/dreamer in me that believes it's already a done deal

Again, why else would Love be in Boston last week? For the clam chowder?

And the Flip Saunders/Minnesota team owner part of the story, I feel, is meaningless.

lol. you are such a dreamer my friend.  He can't control where he goes to.   

You think the Wolves GM already heard Danny's offer and has already agreed to a deal?? He would be a stupid GM then. He has to hear what other teams have to offer also, play games to drive up the price

Danny also is cheap, has never overpaid and i doubt will . 

Draft night can't come fast enough.  When we don't get Love i bet there will be a riot in boston or something

Maybe I am a dreamer. No doubt I want to see the Celts land Love, badly.  But why else would Kevin Love be in Boston last week? Why else would there be a photograph of him and Rondo talking?

Can you answer that?

Also, I disagree with you on the Danny Ainge part. I have no way of knowing this, but I think Danny would do whatever it took to make this deal happen (and I haven't always agreed with every move Ainge has made, but I think he really wants to make a splash.)  If this deal doesn't materialize, it would be because of Minnesota, not Boston.

What does Rondo meeting Love have to do with anything??   I mean what can Rondo do right now?? Tell him to come? 

I already stated to you, Love has little to no control in all of this.  90 plus percent he is going to guarantee nobody he is going to sign an extension with them after this season is done. He wants to get paid the big dollars and also be able to choose his destination.  Also play for a team that has a chance to win

I can see with your hopes and dreams of wanting Love and him magically last week visiting Boston and the media going crazy but 1) it could be just a vacation 2) he is chekcing out the city to see how it would be like in case he is traded.  I think i was reading he has never visited Boston before. He can travel to San Antonio, Toronto, Miami , its his life.

Triboy sometimes I wonder if you're a professional troll.
Some of the stuff you say to back up your opinion and desires for this team are just mind boggling.

First you say that Love has no control over where he goes. Oh really? If you believe this you're as delusional as the Timberwolves fans who think the Cavs would trade their number one pick for 12 months of Kevin Love. He has control because he only wants to play on a winning team in a larger market and his agent can get the point across.
Just like KG controlled where he went. We wanted him, but it wasn't until we had Ray Allen that he agreed to the trade. He dictated that he wanted to play here. We also had the best realistic package. Kevin Love has 75% of the leverage. I know you want to draft Aaron Gordon, but please be realistic. You sound like a Minny fan or a jealous Lakers fan who will say anything to *pray* this Love to Celtics possibility away.

Secondly, how the hell is Sacramento's 8th pick+ Ben Mclemore and a future pick, worth more than the 6th pick + Jarred Sullinger and a future pick?
How does that logic work?

[Tr1boy]

Yeah sorry, but after seeing Love in Boston and then hearing all these "Love was in Boston for basketball reasons" reports, I refuse to just throw cold water on this whole situation.

Had Love never came to Boston last week, then granted, there would be nothing to talk about.

But the fact not only was he in Boston, but made no intention of hiding the fact he was in Boston tells me there's something there.

I am not saying Love to Boston is a slam dunk, but I also think the chances of it happening are about 70% right now.

And then there's the optimist/dreamer in me that believes it's already a done deal

Again, why else would Love be in Boston last week? For the clam chowder?

And the Flip Saunders/Minnesota team owner part of the story, I feel, is meaningless.

lol. you are such a dreamer my friend.  He can't control where he goes to.   

You think the Wolves GM already heard Danny's offer and has already agreed to a deal?? He would be a stupid GM then. He has to hear what other teams have to offer also, play games to drive up the price

Danny also is cheap, has never overpaid and i doubt will . 

Draft night can't come fast enough.  When we don't get Love i bet there will be a riot in boston or something

Maybe I am a dreamer. No doubt I want to see the Celts land Love, badly.  But why else would Kevin Love be in Boston last week? Why else would there be a photograph of him and Rondo talking?

Can you answer that?

Also, I disagree with you on the Danny Ainge part. I have no way of knowing this, but I think Danny would do whatever it took to make this deal happen (and I haven't always agreed with every move Ainge has made, but I think he really wants to make a splash.)  If this deal doesn't materialize, it would be because of Minnesota, not Boston.

What does Rondo meeting Love have to do with anything??   I mean what can Rondo do right now?? Tell him to come? 

I already stated to you, Love has little to no control in all of this.  90 plus percent he is going to guarantee nobody he is going to sign an extension with them after this season is done. He wants to get paid the big dollars and also be able to choose his destination.  Also play for a team that has a chance to win

I can see with your hopes and dreams of wanting Love and him magically last week visiting Boston and the media going crazy but 1) it could be just a vacation 2) he is chekcing out the city to see how it would be like in case he is traded.  I think i was reading he has never visited Boston before. He can travel to San Antonio, Toronto, Miami , its his life.

Triboy sometimes I wonder if you're a professional troll.
Some of the stuff you say to back up your opinion and desires for this team are just mind boggling.

First you say that Love has no control over where he goes. Oh really? If you believe this you're as delusional as the Timberwolves fans who think the Cavs would trade their number one pick for 12 months of Kevin Love. He has control because he only wants to play on a winning team in a larger market and his agent can get the point across.
Just like KG controlled where he went. We wanted him, but it wasn't until we had Ray Allen that he agreed to the trade. He dictated that he wanted to play here. We also had the best realistic package. Kevin Love has 75% of the leverage. I know you want to draft Aaron Gordon, but please be realistic. You sound like a Minny fan or a jealous Lakers fan who will say anything to *pray* this Love to Celtics possibility away.

Secondly, how the hell is Sacramento's 8th pick+ Ben Mclemore and a future pick, worth more than the 6th pick + Jarred Sullinger and a future pick?
How does that logic work?

Imo your the troll and do not read the details.  I explained to you , it's not ultimately up to him where he is traded to. Just bc he wants to play for the Lakers, its not like the Wolves Gm will bow to him and grant his wish. 

He can have all the control when he is a FA but right now the wolves have alot of say/power in this. There will be alot of teams that will be willing to give up extra even for  a 1 year rental.

Just think about it, so the guy comes to Boston, meets Rondo, media is going crazy and assuming he will be a celtic by next season.  Is it a certainty he will be?? if you think so , then you are dreaming like many other fans.

I want to put aside my want to not obtain love and give up the farm for him.  Just objectively thinking here, just bc a player in Love's situation visits a city he could potentially be traded to, does that mean that the deal is in the bag?

How does anyone know danny is willing to give up the 6th, sullinger and 2 future 1st for him? does anybody know Danny in person or have inside info?

come on man

[RJ87]

I don't think triboy is a troll, I think he's just really super into the "reverse jinx" thing. This is his ploy to make sure we get Kevin Love.

[Casperian]

Imo your the troll and do not read the details.  I explained to you , it's not ultimately up to him where he is traded to. Just bc he wants to play for the Lakers, its not like the Wolves Gm will bow to him and grant his wish. 

In theory, yes. Not in reality, though.

The only person who decides where Kevin Love will end up is Love himself. He can leave any potential new team after one year. I know it's not what americans are used to, but that's the reality of professional sports, nowadays. The players have all the power.

As I said, I'm confident it's already a done deal. We're just trying to make it look like it's not, to avoid any accusations of tampering.

[Tr1boy]

Imo your the troll and do not read the details.  I explained to you , it's not ultimately up to him where he is traded to. Just bc he wants to play for the Lakers, its not like the Wolves Gm will bow to him and grant his wish. 

In theory, yes. Not in reality, though.

The only person who decides where Kevin Love will end up is Love himself. He can leave any potential new team after one year. I know it's not what americans are used to, but that's the reality of professional sports, nowadays. The players have all the power.

As I said, I'm confident it's already a done deal. We're just trying to make it look like it's not, to avoid any accusations of tampering.

Not so fast (recent rumors)

- Buzz around #NBA is #Kings leaders in Kevin Love sweepstakes when/if occur. Don't care about extension. Will trade anything but Cousins

- Kings majority owner Vivek Ranadive is aggressive in his desire to see the Kings win ASAP and would take the chance of dealing for Love, as long as it doesn?t cost him Cousins.

- Love can become a free agent after the coming season, but that would not stop the Kings from acquiring him. The Kings traded for Rudy Gay knowing he could leave after this season

http://www.sacbee.com/2014/06/04/6458457/report-minnesota-discussing-deals.html

Jason Jones: Can confirm the Kings have made calls about Kevin Love. Won't trade Cousins to get him, but anyone else is fair game. Twitter @mr_jasonjones

[Rondo9]

Sam Amico isn't really a reliable source......

[fitzhickey]

Imo your the troll and do not read the details.  I explained to you , it's not ultimately up to him where he is traded to. Just bc he wants to play for the Lakers, its not like the Wolves Gm will bow to him and grant his wish. 

In theory, yes. Not in reality, though.

The only person who decides where Kevin Love will end up is Love himself. He can leave any potential new team after one year. I know it's not what americans are used to, but that's the reality of professional sports, nowadays. The players have all the power.

As I said, I'm confident it's already a done deal. We're just trying to make it look like it's not, to avoid any accusations of tampering.

Not so fast (recent rumors)

- Buzz around #NBA is #Kings leaders in Kevin Love sweepstakes when/if occur. Don't care about extension. Will trade anything but Cousins

- Kings majority owner Vivek Ranadive is aggressive in his desire to see the Kings win ASAP and would take the chance of dealing for Love, as long as it doesn?t cost him Cousins.

- Love can become a free agent after the coming season, but that would not stop the Kings from acquiring him. The Kings traded for Rudy Gay knowing he could leave after this season

http://www.sacbee.com/2014/06/04/6458457/report-minnesota-discussing-deals.html

Jason Jones: Can confirm the Kings have made calls about Kevin Love. Won't trade Cousins to get him, but anyone else is fair game. Twitter @mr_jasonjones

The Rudy gay thing is completely different. It's not like Love is giving up $19 mil a year by opting out. I think the Celtics can offer a much better deal than the Kings.

[Casperian]

Not so fast (recent rumors)

- Buzz around #NBA is #Kings leaders in Kevin Love sweepstakes when/if occur. Don't care about extension. Will trade anything but Cousins

- Kings majority owner Vivek Ranadive is aggressive in his desire to see the Kings win ASAP and would take the chance of dealing for Love, as long as it doesn?t cost him Cousins.

- Love can become a free agent after the coming season, but that would not stop the Kings from acquiring him. The Kings traded for Rudy Gay knowing he could leave after this season

http://www.sacbee.com/2014/06/04/6458457/report-minnesota-discussing-deals.html

Jason Jones: Can confirm the Kings have made calls about Kevin Love. Won't trade Cousins to get him, but anyone else is fair game. Twitter @mr_jasonjones

Papers need to sell copies, websites need clicks, and Love is a hot topic.

There are rules in professional soccer which are there to prevent tampering, too, and yet, top teams circumvent them all the time.

It all depends on Kevin Love. The same Kevin Love who already made a very public visit to Boston, and only Boston, who has the same agent as Paul Pierce. An agent who is on good terms with Ainge.

It's a done deal, man, with wink, nudge, handshake and everything. All that's left is Love's John Hancock under a new contract. Nothing we can do. Love's agent would lose all credibility if he decides to back out of it.

The Timberwolves are just throwing a fit because we're basically forcing them into submission to take our offer.

[moiso]

Imo your the troll and do not read the details.  I explained to you , it's not ultimately up to him where he is traded to. Just bc he wants to play for the Lakers, its not like the Wolves Gm will bow to him and grant his wish. 

In theory, yes. Not in reality, though.

The only person who decides where Kevin Love will end up is Love himself. He can leave any potential new team after one year. I know it's not what americans are used to, but that's the reality of professional sports, nowadays. The players have all the power.

As I said, I'm confident it's already a done deal. We're just trying to make it look like it's not, to avoid any accusations of tampering.

Not so fast (recent rumors)

- Buzz around #NBA is #Kings leaders in Kevin Love sweepstakes when/if occur. Don't care about extension. Will trade anything but Cousins

- Kings majority owner Vivek Ranadive is aggressive in his desire to see the Kings win ASAP and would take the chance of dealing for Love, as long as it doesn?t cost him Cousins.

- Love can become a free agent after the coming season, but that would not stop the Kings from acquiring him. The Kings traded for Rudy Gay knowing he could leave after this season

http://www.sacbee.com/2014/06/04/6458457/report-minnesota-discussing-deals.html

Jason Jones: Can confirm the Kings have made calls about Kevin Love. Won't trade Cousins to get him, but anyone else is fair game. Twitter @mr_jasonjones

Jason Jones from the Jon Stewart Show?

Kevin Love has 75% of the control in this situation but that still doesn't make it close to a done deal.  The Kings would be foolish to make a huge offer because the Cousins/Love combo isn't a good one, and I don't see how guys like Rudy Gay and Ben McLemore could be very enticing to the Wolves.

[colincb]

Love had better defensive ratings than LBJ in 2013-14. Per basketball-reference.com defensive points per 100 possessions (PPP) of the 482 players in the NBA last year, Love was ranked 102nd and LBJ 132nd. In fairness, LBJ had a down year defensively in 2013-14 compared to prior years. Love?s scores in the 2 prior years were also above average.  Like many bigs coming out of college, Love started as a poor defender, but got considerably better as his career went along. Love was rated 69th in the NBA in 2012-2013 with scores similar to Pierce, Perk, and Paul and better than Westbrook, Wade, and Rondo, all of whom are considered above average defenders.

You can go over to mysynergysports.com and plug in Love and LBJ and they show the same thing for 2013-14.  Love was ranked 109th in PPP allowed vs James at 148th.  While more exact than the BB-reference numbers, the Synergy rankings overstate the actual difference between the two which was only 0.02 PPP.  I don't think of Love as an elite defender like AB (when healthy) for example, but he's been a better than average defender for some time statistically. Love's defensive rating was tied for 3rd on a team which was 26th in defensive scoring. IOW, he very much outperformed his team. Love was ranked ahead of every BOS player in 2013-14 (but, his team wasn?t tanking). 

===

The idea that Love doesn't have a lot of leverage in determining where he goes is ridiculous. History has proven that to be the case and if Love?s agent tells a team he will not re-sign with them once he goes into free agency, it?s unlikely that team will deal for him for a one year rental.

===

Jackie M pointed out that "Cleveland has the No.1 pick and has interest in Love, sources confirm, but the feeling isn't mutual." I suspected that, but at least here is a confirmation. As bad as Cavs ownership is, I don't believe they'd try to pull this off.

===

I agree with the gist of Jackie 's article.  I rank Glen Taylor as the 28th worst NBA owner above Gilbert and Dolan of the NYK.  IMO, the T-Wolves will likely try to get players in trade to get them into the playoffs next year (even if they don't make it) rather than reset with a young promising player, multiple 1sts, and significant cap relief to contend in 2-3 years. They can't get FAs to come there and they can't draft, so there?s some inherent acknowledgement of their own incompetence. Good chance that we'll end up thinking that we put the best deal together, but the T-Wolves will go with a deal like GSW's.  The T-Wolves have drawn massive amounts of water through a straw for a very long time. There's a reason. 2-1 against landing Love. Hope I?m wrong (assuming a reasonable price).

[staticcc]

Love had better defensive ratings than LBJ in 2013-14.

Of course he did. Love was inside just waiting for opportunities to block shots plus Pekovic was there helping him. If Lebron just hanged in the paint with Pekovic alongside him, his D ratings would spike I guarantee you.

[j804]

Love had better defensive ratings than LBJ in 2013-14. Per basketball-reference.com defensive points per 100 possessions (PPP) of the 482 players in the NBA last year, Love was ranked 102nd and LBJ 132nd. In fairness, LBJ had a down year defensively in 2013-14 compared to prior years. Love?s scores in the 2 prior years were also above average.  Like many bigs coming out of college, Love started as a poor defender, but got considerably better as his career went along. Love was rated 69th in the NBA in 2012-2013 with scores similar to Pierce, Perk, and Paul and better than Westbrook, Wade, and Rondo, all of whom are considered above average defenders.

You can go over to mysynergysports.com and plug in Love and LBJ and they show the same thing for 2013-14.  Love was ranked 109th in PPP allowed vs James at 148th.  While more exact than the BB-reference numbers, the Synergy rankings overstate the actual difference between the two which was only 0.02 PPP.  I don't think of Love as an elite defender like AB (when healthy) for example, but he's been a better than average defender for some time statistically. Love's defensive rating was tied for 3rd on a team which was 26th in defensive scoring. IOW, he very much outperformed his team. Love was ranked ahead of every BOS player in 2013-14 (but, his team wasn?t tanking). 

===

The idea that Love doesn't have a lot of leverage in determining where he goes is ridiculous. History has proven that to be the case and if Love?s agent tells a team he will not re-sign with them once he goes into free agency, it?s unlikely that team will deal for him for a one year rental.

===

Jackie M pointed out that "Cleveland has the No.1 pick and has interest in Love, sources confirm, but the feeling isn't mutual." I suspected that, but at least here is a confirmation. As bad as Cavs ownership is, I don't believe they'd try to pull this off.

===

I agree with the gist of Jackie 's article.  I rank Glen Taylor as the 28th worst NBA owner above Gilbert and Dolan of the NYK.  IMO, the T-Wolves will likely try to get players in trade to get them into the playoffs next year (even if they don't make it) rather than reset with a young promising player, multiple 1sts, and significant cap relief to contend in 2-3 years. They can't get FAs to come there and they can't draft, so there?s some inherent acknowledgement of their own incompetence. Good chance that we'll end up thinking that we put the best deal together, but the T-Wolves will go with a deal like GSW's.  The T-Wolves have drawn massive amounts of water through a straw for a very long time. There's a reason. 2-1 against landing Love. Hope I?m wrong (assuming a reasonable price).

I have that feeling as well that GSW will swoop right in and land him. I think it'll be because emotions are involved too the Love visit, getting KG from them etc..