Good morning, Coach K hates the Wizards
That and much more in Tuesday’s NBA newsletter.
Good morning. Let’s basketball.
AN OPEN SECRET: So it appears the Kevin Love deal between the Wolves and Cavaliers is totally done, the teams just need to wait a few more weeks so that Andrew Wiggins can legally be traded. Brian Windhorst reports that Anthony Bennett will also be on the move in the deal, though possibly to a third team like the Sixers.
HEARTBREAK IN INDIANA: I wrote that faced with Paul George’s lost season, the Pacers can only wait. It looks like the team will get a substantial disabled player exception, but it’s unclear what quality of player Indiana will be able to use it on. Bethlehem Shoals wonders if the Pacers’ window has already closed.
AMBASSADOR AUBREY: Drake gets a large Toronto crowd to chant “KD” while Kevin Durant (apparently) watches.The recruitment is on!
THE WIZARDS OF OUT: Team USA cut John Wall, Bradley Beal and Paul Millsap. Were I Coach K, I would have instead cut Mason Plumlee, Mason Plumlee and Mason Plumlee.
THE DEATH OF THE MECCA: Neil Paine at 538 on New York City’s shrinking relevance as a producer of basketball stars.
MATRIX IN CLEVELAND: The Cavaliers are trying to add Shawn Marion. Matrix + LeBron would have made me explode into cheer in like 2009.
THE MAGIC OF JOEL-HANS: The greatness of Embiid on Twitter, explained.
SCALABRINE STRIKES: Remember when some bit players riffed on The Decision a few years ago for their comparatively minor announcements? Brian Scalabrine just did that, but riffed off of LeBron’s SI letter.
THE SOURCE OF TANKING: Derek Bodner makes a convincing case that the NBA created the tanking problem by making rookie contracts so darned attractive.
WHAT SEPARATES KOBE: Interesting interview with Lakers trainer Gary Vitti, especially the stuff about No. 24.
BULLS UP: In his weekly Morning Tip, David Aldridge ranks Chicago as the second most improved team.
TOP OF THE LINE WINE: E-40’s wine label, Earl Stevens Selections, is like super popular, even compared to other celebrity offerings. Let’s go get perved!
Happy Tuesday. See you next time.
