Good morning, here come the Kevin Love rumors
That and more in Sunday’s NBA newsletter.
Good morning. Let’s basketball.
WHAT WE’VE BEEN WAITING FOR: It seemed predestined back in October -- heck, back in last June! -- but it’s finally here: Pacers vs. Heat for a trip to the NBA Finals.
The game tips at 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC. Mark Jackson will be calling the game with Mike Breen and Jeff Van Gundy.
Paul Flannery caught up with the Heat last week, and writes about how they drown out the noise in their quiet quest for No. 3.
THE LONG AND WINDING ROAD: Woj reports that Flip Saunders is now considering Kevin Love trade scenarios as he searches for a coach who will a) be willing to take the Wolves job knowing Love might leave and b) could help keep Love in town. That search has led to Sam Mitchell.
So, basically, June is going to be filled with Love rumors. Tuesday’s draft lottery is as much a Kevin Love sweepstakes as it is an Andrew Wiggins sweepstakes.
Also, there’s a report that the Wolves interviewed Lionel Hollins three weeks ago and are not interested in George Karl.
DX SIREN: New extended DraftExpress mock going 40 picks deep and taking team needs into account. Dougie McBuckets higher than Air Gordon?
MAN OF MYSTERY: Flannery profiles Dante Exum, who was the center of attention NBA Draft Combine despite not participating.
MEANWHILE, IN SACRAMENTO ... Good Q&A with Michael Malone on his first season as a head coach and what he sees out of the Kings.
HUH: Donald Sterling, worth $1.9 billion, skips out on property taxes by leaving properties under the names of his grandmother and mother, both of whom died decades ago. There’s a tale behind these homes, too.
Happy Game 1 Sunday. See you next time.
