DOY: Alexey Shved

One of the more disappointing things about Sportandfashion-news this year is my slacking on DOY. I really should be better about it.  I think it has something to do with me not being around the computer as much as I was during the season last year. Anywho, Alexey Shved enters the DOY lounge. This is definitely a first-time for him, and it could be due to being inspired from everything going on at Sochi. He throws down a mean dunk on Terrence Jones, and it seemed like Jones doubted Shved had it in him. This was the only highlight for Minnesota as they fell to Houston, 107-89. Shved finished the game with eleven points. (H/T @cjzero) 

Charlie.

Sportandfashion-news Future NBA Power Rankings: 19.) - 15.)

by Adam Hatlak, edited by Charlie Tritschler.  

Late December/early January is generally when the NBA starts to heat up. For this NBA season, this is especially true. With all of the injuries to major stars and one of the most anticipated draft classes in recent memory coming up, the landscape of the NBA is in store for a major shakeup. Due to all the changes, now is a good time to look at what the NBA will look like for the next 3-5 years. These Power Rankings were made from a fan’s perspective including many different variables: probability of future success, likeability of organization, trust in front office, and ability to acquire/retain quality players. All of the criteria are applied for the next 3-5 years, as anything further into the future is increasingly more difficult to predict. 

Teams ranked from 30.) - 25.) 
Teams ranked from 24) - 20.)
  

19.) Cleveland Cavaliers
Key Assets: Kyrie Irving, Luol Deng, Tristan Thompson, Dion Waiters, Anderson Varejao.

Reason for Hope: Irving is one of the best young players in the NBA and now with Paul George fully developed; Kyrie seems most likely to take the jump to true superstar status. Thompson has developed above what his early ceiling seemed to be, which also gives some hope for Anthony Bennett (Ed. note: Incredible the first overall pick of last year's draft is not a key asset nor does he deserve to be, what a world -CT). There’s a role for Waiters in the NBA, it’s just not as a starting guard, if the Cavs can find a way to make him a sixth man, his contributions will likely skyrocket. Varejao is a valuable trade chip for a desperate playoff bound team needing help on the front-line; he can be used to bring back some future value. Turning Andrew Bynum into Deng was a good move for the Cavs given that they can sign him long term.

Reason for Concern: The Cavs have been a mess this season, a season in which they hoped to turn the corner to playoff contender and set themselves up for a run at the future. Instead, they have taken a step backwards. Irving faced injury concerns throughout his career and possesses questions marks on the defensive end. Bringing in Bynum turned into a complete fiasco. There have been locker room problems, personality clashes, and a lot more losses. There was hope for a long time that LeBron James would come back, and pair with a new sidekick in Irving, but it is looking more and more likely that they will stay in the lottery for the near future.

Key Decision Looming: How do they keep Irving? There were long shot dreams of luring James back in free agency, now that those are gone, the team must focus on convincing Irving not to follow James’ path. Acquiring Deng was a step in the right direction, but needs additional follow-up. If Waiters and Irving continue to clash, the team will have to move Waiters, and keeping Thompson will likely need to stay as well. Regardless of what happens to Thompson and Waiters, Irving will need a quality running mate, either acquired in the lottery this season, or free agency. Cavs fans should be concerned about losing Irving for nothing.

18.) Philadelphia 76ers
Key Assets: Nerlens Noel, Michael Carter-Williams, Thaddeus Young, Evan Turner, 2 first round picks in 2014, Sam Hinkie.

Reason for Hope: This team has so many assets for the future. Carter-Williams and Noel are a good haul from a weak 2013 draft, and they also possess two first round picks this year. Adding two potential lottery players to this team could make a solid rotation of four, with Noel potentially being the weakest link. If they hit on all of these picks, they could be a legit title contender in a few years. Although it seems unlikely, if Turner and Young were willing to stay on past the rebuilding point, they could be great off the bench players for a developing Philadelphia team. Hinkie seems like the type of basketball mind that will make the correct decisions in this year’s loaded draft. It is entirely possible that they walk away the winners of the 2014 draft.

Reason for Concern: There is a lot of young talent on this team, and future talent coming in as well, but they need to find some guys who can shoot. Noel, Carter-Williams, Young and Turner all seem to be players who struggle at shooting a high percentage. A team can handle having a few of those types of players on their team, but to have the core of the team with that issue will result in difficulties in half-court sets. Noel has high upside as he was the assumed number one pick for a long time, but definite concerns regarding his injury issues and a raw offensive game. There are questions if he will be able to develop above this ceiling. Turner and Young do not look like they will be part of the rebuilding in Philadelphia, which is a shame, as both could be useful players if their roles and salaries were limited. 

Key Decision Looming: Who do they select in the 2014 NBA Draft? The 76ers seem to be trying to follow the Oklahoma City model to building a title contender, as they have absolutely bottomed out in a hope to acquire multiple high lottery picks. Noel and Carter-Williams can be good building blocks, but it is merely just a start for this team. If Philadelphia is going to be a dominant franchise, they need to acquire their franchise star in this draft, along with a good second or third option. Allowing Carter-Williams and Noel to focus on defense and being role players on offense will be great for Philadelphia’s future.

17.) Detroit Pistons
Key Assets: Josh Smith, Andre Drummond, Brandon Jennings, Greg Monroe.

Reason for Hope: The Pistons were able to bring a big name free agent to a team without a superstar already in place, something that seems to be difficult to do in today’s NBA. Smith has long faced questions regarding his decision-making ability, but he can still play defense, rebound, and get his own shot. Detroit has so much depth up front that Greg Monroe seems likely to be the odd man out, a problem many franchises would love to have. Detroit might be able to acquire some wing players for Monroe,and would be wise to do so making him one of the best assets on the trade market. The biggest win for this team was getting Drummond where they did in the draft, teams that can get solid building blocks in picks 7-15 have an advantage to getting out of the lottery, since those picking around them are usually just acquiring rotation players.

Reason for Concern: Both Jennings and Smith take too many bad shots to see this team really jumping in the standings. Both would be seen differently five years ago when high volume shot takers were more appreciated. Having both on the court results in too many wasted possessions on bad shots. While Drummond’s ascension is great on the court, the Pistons would like to have the front court strength balanced out with the backcourt weakness. This just does not have the feel of a team that can take the next step into winning a few playoff series, so unfortunately for them, they may be at their ceiling now.

Key Decision Looming: What is Monroe’s future? Monroe has been a solid player on a struggling Pistons team for his whole career and now they have some better players to put around him. The tough part is, he style does not fully mesh with Drummond, who is a better future player, and Smith, who is a better current player with a high salary. Monroe seems to be the odd man out if he cannot adapt or take a lower salary. The Pistons should consider trading him before the deadline, otherwise they risk losing with no return. Teams like Washington, Boston, Philadelphia, Denver and Memphis could be interested.

16.) Minnesota Timberwolves
Key Assets: Kevin Love, Ricky Rubio, Nikola Pekovic, Kevin Martin.

Reason for Hope: Love is a top-10 player in the league, and whenever a team has that type of star, they will be able to compete. If Love can continue at a high level of play, and get some help from other players on the team, the Timberwolves could make a leap. Rubio was acquired to run an offense in Minnesota with his passing ability and develop a solid pick’n’roll game with Love. If Rubio can start to develop out of where he currently is, this team could dominate. Having Pekovic as an additional inside threat is a problem many teams would love to have, and Martin has proven to be a quality addition for the team.

Reason for Concern: The optimism that comes from this team seems to mostly stem from the fact that they are out from under the old front office, but many of the problems that started a few years ago, are still largely issues. Love is not locked up for as many years as possible, and seems like a candidate for the superstar most willing to leave his team. Rubio has been going through well-documented struggles with his shot. If Rubio is unable to get his shot in order, teams will sag off on defense and take away passing lanes thus taking away his biggest asset. Love is the type of player who would attract a high quality running mate, but the Midwest seems like an unlikely place for that to happen, meaning Love would have to leave. 

Key Decision Looming: How do they convince Love to stay? For much of Love’s time in Minnesota, it  seems like a partnership doomed for a messy end. The development of Rubio and Pekovic made it seem like there was a chance that the Timberwolves would be able to keep the core long term, but Rubio got the contract Love wanted and took a step back, while Pekovic struggled playing at the same time as Love. In the end, the Timberwolves do not seem to have the inside track to retaining Love, perhaps increased development from Rubio could convince him to stay, but Love seems destined to end up in a large market in a few years.

15.) Denver Nuggets
Key Assets: Ty Lawson, Kenneth Faried, Wilson Chandler, Danilo Gallinari.

Reason for Hope: Lawson is one of the most entertaining point guards in the league due to his lightning quickness and constant improvement since entering the league. Faried is able to match Lawson’s intensity and energy, and helps the Nuggets do what they do best, run the court. The altitude has always been something that helps the Nuggets, especially given the high-paced brand of basketball they play. They were able to get one of the most impressive hauls of any team trading away a star player. Even though trading away Carmelo Anthony was a few seasons ago, the Nuggets never had to tank in order to get back into the playoffs, that type of rebound is impressive for an organization.

Reason for Concern: There was a lot of optimism around this team a few years ago after they were able to appear victorious after the Carmelo Anthony deal. Since then, they have made some decisions that have chipped away at that optimism. It seems like they overreacted to losing in the playoffs last year, firing George Karl in the process. While Brian Shaw has long been an upcoming star in the coaching ranks, Karl was able to overachieve with the roster he had. The team is now led by Lawson and Faried, whom are two quality players, but do not seem ready to advance far in the playoffs as the top two options. This team definitely needs a go-to option on offense, especially in the half-court set. Last year, they were a team with no superstar that was able to win playing ultimate team basketball, this year they are a team with no superstar that needs one.

Key Decision Looming: How do they acquire a star? The Nuggets are headed for the dreaded middle ground of the NBA, not good enough to contend, but not bad enough to get a high draft pick. Additionally, Denver has not traditionally been the type of team that attracts star free agents. The best chance this team has is going back to where they were a few years ago, where they were a team that had 10 guys who could play at a high level. They are still a deep team, but the strength in their depth has decreased slightly. If they are able to become deep again, they might be able to get by without a star.

The Battle of Minnesota's Two Kevin's.

I am going to start out off my first post of the year with a huge cliché: life is full of choices. You know it (Ron Burgundy voice). Soak that little ditty in another time (Burgundy again). You probably just thought about all the choices you make on a daily basis (my voice or Ron’s if you want I guess)….”Should I eat cereal or eggs this morning?”, “Is this 3^rdcup of coffee the one that is going to make me shit?”, “Should I masturbate a 2^ndtime today?”, “Should I wear my Jordan’s or my sweet loafers?”, “Hard shell tacos or soft shell?”, and of course “Should I rock my ponytail or let my beautiful hair flow?”.  All of these decisions prove crucial, as they will dictate how the day will ultimately unfold, and of course, there are an array of other decisions that do not get addressed.

I would like to think that I am a forward thinker. Recently, I had a day dream that I am sure will become a reality. I figure soon enough[1]holograms will be able to look so real, that we will be able to go to any event, from any situation, simulated live in front of us, with unexpected results. Let me explain more…

Youremember when “Tupac” showed up at Coachella?

Yeah, it was awesome, but it still looked a little sketchy. I like to think these holograms are going to improve in time, and probably looks even better indoors. I do not think it is out of the question to think that this technology will transfer over to sports seamlessly. Which, of course, it could end some age-old arguments.

If things progress in that field like I figure, and these things end up being REALLY REAL LOOKING, then I think that we will have the opportunity to watch a 24-year-old springy MJ against a post-accusations pissed off Kobe Bryant. It would come with a cost of course; royalties would need to be figured out. You would have to pay the original (actual) players because their talents would be being re-sold, and of course arenas and such to hold these events. But how sweet would it be to watch a game that featured MJ, Scottie, Oscar, Bill Walton, and Steve Nash against Kobe, LeBron, Bill Russell, Karl Malone and Allen Iverson? Or whatever match-up it ends up being. The possibilities are seriously endless. How can you tell me you would not pay for this in 40 years?  

Not to mention how cool this would be from a historical teaching standpoint. The “old greats” that are forgotten as generations past would be brought back to life for people to enjoy. I seriously think this could happen. Plus, everyone want to know how LeBron James stacks up against every good player in the last 60 years. 

I’m from western Wisconsin. I stay true to my state in my sports fandom. But a lot of Twin Cities’ influence infiltrated my home city. In football debates, the Cites influence can sometimes become shout-worthy. This is mainly because Green Bay Packers fans are stubborn as hell, and mostly correct, and furthermore because Minnesota Vikings fans generally lack ammo. But when it comes to Minnesota Timberwolves/Milwaukee Bucks arguments, differences are minimal, if even present at all. This is because we both generally suck. So with the Timberwolves becoming a somewhat exciting team in recent years, the NBA fans around the area have collectively cheered.

As a questioner and sports fan, I find it my duty to create some mild confrontation from time to time, even if it is in a friendly manner, seeing as that I definitely cheer for the Wolves in most games they play in. A trend that I have recently noticed is that Timberwolves fans really really go to bat for Kevin Love. Which is honorable for a number of reasons. One reason being he can grow a lumberjacks beard, and another is that he is wet from downtown. Super soaker wetness[2].

I found out this dedication by simply voicing my opinion that I think it would be smart for the team to trade Love straight up for Blake Griffin. The die-hards fly off the handle with this one. And I can understand why I guess… But why wouldn't they rather lock into at least five years of Ricky lobbing to Blake and finishing .500 or better, instead of only 2 more years of K. Love stroking lonely 3-pointers, as they struggle to go .500[3]?  Then Kevin Love would happily re-sign with the Clippers, and everyone is locked in for awhile, and we have a structure in the league. Kevin is happy back in his college town of LA, while Blake is considerably colder then he ever imagined he would be while playing in the League, but he is going to suck it up and dunk, and maybe (and hopefully) it pisses him off so much that he got traded that he becomes a high-flying Karl Malone. Then with Ricky Rubio, you could be potentially be talking about the next Stockton and Malone!!!

For some reason, potentially becoming the next Utah Jazz does not appeal to Wolves fans around here, and it kind of confuses me. That, however, was not the intention of this jargon, because what I take away from their short-sighted opinion with Kevin Love is actually the admiration they really have for him. They love the guy.

He breathed some positive air in that franchise and the fan base greatly appreciated it. They never want to see him, his beard, and his 3-ball leave town...ever. But when I noticed their dedication to him, I had to start asking the tough one.....

“Would you take Kevin Love or Kevin Garnett?”

To me the answer is easy; it’s KG all day, everyday, even though I might be scared of him. I will get to KG momentarily, but here's why it is at least honorable to want Kevin Love…Love, or as some call him, “Mr. Buttersworth[4]”, has big brass nuts. They are heavy. He has a skill set that is elite. Presently, he is scoring 26.3 points per game, which ranks second in the league. That is paired with 13.5 rebounds per game, which is tied for first with DeAndre Jordan. Only three other players boast per game averages that rank in the top ten of two of the three “big stat” categories;those being Steph Curry (23.3ppg (7^th)/9.6apg (2^nd)), LaMarcus Aldridge (23.2 points (8^th)/11.0rpg (6^th)), and DeMarcus Cousins (23.1ppg  (9^th)/ 11.4rpg (5^th)), and none of them are as substantial as ranking second in both category.  Love does certain things most guys just do not/cannot do. He stretches the floor while simultaneously rebounding everything. For his career, he averages 3.9 OFFENSIVE rebounds per game. That number, my friends, is absurd.

This season he has also started sharing better (A formidable act), averaging 4.1 assists per game. His offensive game is blossoming into uncharted territories. If he had one other consistent scorer on his team, or if Rubio would just start figuring how he is going to score in this league himself, then Love has the opportunity to end this playoff drought that Minnesotans thirst for. Not to mention, he is fantastic for the Midwestern demographic he resides in (Again he looks like a lumberjack, people around here get down with the thought of a burly lumberjack tearing up the NBA.).

But to take him before Kevin Garnett is tomfoolery.

Before I go much further, I will say that many of the people I was asking to make this decision are under the age of 22, and by and large do not remember a lot of the Big Ticket’s best years. But some of the trusted Wolves fans I talked to thankfully backed my opinion of KG’s superiority.

The really obvious first reason the choice is KG starts with the defensive end. Success in basketball almost always starts with defense. You get a lot farther, especially postseason-wise, with good defense. KG plays defense. Kevin Love does not. While no T-Wolves team in history has ever been defensively historic, it should be noted that KG’s MVP season doubled as the team’s most efficient defensive season of their short history, posting an efficiency rating below 100 for the only time, and it resulted in them going all the way to the Western Conference Finals.

While Garnett's offensive numbers neared career bests that season (averaging 24.5ppg/13.9rpg/5.0apg), his contributions on the defensive side of the ball that proved just as devastating to his opponents. He swiped the ball 1.5 times per contest, while also accumulating 2.2 blocks per game.  He was everywhere.

The snowballing of hustle stats like these are what ultimately trump Love. Love has never averaged more than one block or steal per game in any season, while KG to contrast has only came up short of averaging at least a steal and block in three of his 19 seasons. He also has been a better passer (KG:3.9apg/KL:2.2apg) for his career, and his defensive rebounding is tied with Love at eight per game. What numbers do not capture however, is voice.

Garnett's personality seems to be on par with exactly the kind of person it takes to be a great winner. An asshole. KG is a fiery asshole. One of my buddies told me they were at an open gym in the cities once at Hastings High School, and occasionally Timberwolves players would drop by and run games with them.  He relayed to me KG once berated some scrubby string bean of a 16-year-old for not securing rebounds. An NBA MVP is going to going to yell at a 16-year-old who will not even being playing competitively in two years for not securing rebounds in a June scrimmage? If you did not already guess it, I’m pretty sure KG would hate me. And I’m almost positive I would not agree with him on most things (Mainly because I don’t deal with assholes), but I am also pretty sure KG will say anything to anybody, and that is a major reason why he was the leader he was.  

I’m taking Kevin Garnett over Kevin Love because I know that when he steps on the court, he morphs into something that is so intense, I reckon his own mother does not enjoy seeing it. But it sets the tone for the team, and no one wants to be on KG’s bad side. Kevin Love just does not posses that same intense pressure to compete. He lacks the will to sacrifice for the team the way KG did.

If you need a final reason to really sway you to Kevin Garnett, it can be that his teams were much more successful. While Love is young, and will surely get his due in the league, KG dragged Minnesota to the playoffs eight times. Love is threatening to never bring them to the playoffs in his time spent there, which is now rolling through its sixth year.

When it comes to prospecting sports, there is never a right answer.  I have faith these debates will someday be put to rest with futuristic life-like holograms, but only time will tell that fantasy. And so in the meantime, sports bars and dorm rooms everywhere will have to banter on swapping opinions and defending their choices between swigs of beer, and chomps of ground beef.

But just know that if someone asks you if you would rather have Love or Garnett that you want Garnett. Everyday, and all day.

~Andrew

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[1]Anywhere between I would say 40 and 90 years.

[2]This link is specifically for the white girls that are reading!!  I don’t listen to this shit at all!!!

[3]Both versions of the team would significantly increase winning percentage if Rubio could score at all, and they had a viable second option.

[4]Okay, only I call him that.