Thursday, February 11, 2010
Posted by Jonah Ballow on February 11, 2010 4:30 PM.
Last time I checked, All-Star Weekend was supposed to take place in Dallas. The traditionally warm weather destination quickly turned into the southern version of Minneapolis. Alright, enough with the weather reports and time to recap an eventful first day.

Jonny Flynn and Kevin Love arrived late in the afternoon but unfortunately the rookie was missing an important part of the trip, his luggage. See, even NBA players go through the same frustrating experiences as the common folk. Adding to the bad run of luck, Jonny's family could not make the flight today and will have to make another attempt on Friday to join the 21-year old in Dallas. In true Jonny-style, he flashed the million-dollar smile and hit the media circuit without displaying a hint of despair.

Jonny took part in an insightful Rookie Roundtable discussion for the first part of Thursday's events. Stephen Curry, Tyreke Evans, Brandon Jennings, and Jonny were invited to the taping for NBATV. As biased as it might sound, Jonny was the star of the show with his sparkling personality and great sense of humor. While watching the shoot, I felt the players were a bunch of buddies just sitting around talking about basketball instead of high-profile athletes with stock media answers. Check out the pictures and audio at the bottom of the page for more multimedia of Jonny's Rookie Roundtable Discussion.

As I followed Jonny and Kevin through the endless doors of media shoots that included photo ops, video shoots, and interviews with the Craig Sager's of the world, I realized the intense atmosphere of All-Star Weekend. This must be the closest event to the Super Bowl. For four straight days, the NBA markets its product to the world and every media outlet is desperately trying to catch a glimpse of the madness.

With day one nearing a conclusion, tomorrow presents a whole new set of content opportunities. The rookies and sophomores will finally hit the floor to settle the score. Stay tuned…plenty of fun on the way…

Posted by Jonah Ballow on February 11, 2010 5:30 AM.
1,000 miles separate Minneapolis and Dallas but this weekend I will attempt to bridge the gap for in-depth All-Star weekend coverage. I'm jetting out to Big D early this morning with the laptop fully charged and Droid phone armed for heavy use. This opportunity is truly a thrill for a basketball junkie that has watched (taped) just about every All-Star game since 1990. Let's all hope for a memorable Rookie Challenge, a Vince Carter-esque Dunk Contest, and a version of Larry Bird shows up at the 3-Point competition. One thing is for sure, I do not want a road experience like the two guys on the right (Planes, Trains, and Automobiles is a must-rent movie if you haven't seen it). Wish me luck and I will check back this afternoon after meeting up with Kevin Love and Jonny Flynn at their hotel in Dallas.

Posted by Jonah Ballow on February 9, 2010 3:30 PM.
Welcome to All-Star Central!

This is your one-stop shop for everything Wolves' All-Star. Enjoy the interactivity on the site with the latest Twitter posts on the right side from the official Timberwolves account, Jonny Flynn, and my personal Twitter profile. Scroll to the bottom of the page to find up-to-the-minute Flickr photos, YouTube videos, and audio. Right here, I will provide a daily diary that chronicles the All-Star weekend experience through the eyes of Jonny Flynn and Kevin Love. Click on a specific day for a list of the upcoming schedule during a busy four days in the Lone Star state.

Join us for the exciting journey to Dallas and make sure to stop by every day, hour, and minute for comprehensive coverage.

To get you started, take a look at the Wolves' predictions for the Rookie Challenge.

"We're going to whoop-up on the rookies, it's not even going to be a contest; we are probably going to beat them by 37 points or something like that," -- Kevin Love

"I'm probably going to go out there just to clown around and probably check him one time at post, or something like that. Hopefully I sneak a block or a steal so I can talk some trash." -- Jonny Flynn

"Don't tell Jonny, but the sophomores have a better chance of winning; the big men just have to pound them in the inside. So I'm going for the sophomores." -- Al Jefferson

"I'm going to go with the rookies, why not, I'm a rookie." -- Wayne Ellington

"You know, that's the thing about the NBA, I think Lebron and those guys put it on the sophomores, but other than that. That change from that rookie year to sophomore year is so much growth. So there is definitely an advantage for the sophomores. Yeah, I don't know about 37 points, but probably about 20, 15-20." -- Ryan Hollins

"The guards, I'm going with the rookies, I'm going with the young folks." -- Ramon Sessions

"Here's what I was taught growing up. Size and strength wins in the end. That's all I'm going to say. I don't know who is going to win, but that's just what I was taught growing up, that size and strength wins in the end." -- assistant coach JB Bickerstaff

"I'm going with the sophomores, but I don't know about 37 points. I'd say more like maybe 15, but the rookie class has a lot of guards in there, and the other class has guys who can space the floor. It's going to be a fun game for the first half and up until about ten minutes to go in the second half, and then it's going to be 'alright, we gotta win this game,' and might pull some smaller guys up, but it will be interesting. I'm happy for both those guys. You know, we thought of course last year that Kevin Love maybe should have made the rookie game, but he got his chance to make it in the sophomore game this year. Jonny's been playing really well for us, and he has a chance to make it in his rookie year. It's a great experience, I'm sure, for them, and to be representing the Timberwolves and show us what our young core is about is huge for their confidence and huge for our franchise." -- Ryan Gomes
Friday, February 12, 2010
Posted by Jonah Ballow on February 12, 2010 4:07 PM.
A magical day to say the least. I may have reached the pinnacle of my career by chasing down my all-time favorite NBA player Magic Johnson. In the midst of a gigantic media crowd, I plowed my way through and spent some time with Magic discussing Kurt Rambis as a player and head coach. Magic also shared positive thoughts for Wolves rookie point guard Jonny Flynn.

Magic Johnson
Another NBA legend, Bill Walton provided a different perspective. He believes the Wolves are on the right path with the "visionary" guidance of president of basketball operations David Kahn. The former Celtics big man added, Kevin Love is "much better looking than me" when I asked him about the Minnesota power forward.

Bill Walton

I started today's journey at 8:30 this morning at the Jam Session to cover the rookie and sophomore practices. Last week, I predicted the sophomores would win the game due to superior length in the post. While watching both teams workout, I believe the sophomores were more focused and brought a business approach to the practice.

The entertaining portion of the practice took place when the rookies hit the floor later this morning. Stephen Curry (guard for the Warriors) drilled several full court shots, which amazed the rest of his classmates. Jonny Flynn summed it up best, "This is not a LeBron commercial!" The rookie squad seemed to have a strong bond and it showed throughout their morning practice. Scroll to the bottom of the screen for interviews I conducted with Curry, Eric Gordon, Brook Lopez, and Brandon Jennings.

Patrick Ewing has been designated the head coach of the sophomore squad tonight. Check out the interview below for his thoughts on Kevin and Big Al playing for the Olympic Team.

Before heading back to the Hyatt Regency, I checked with Jonny about his luggage. Luckily, Jonny's bags arrived early this morning, so he can show off his fresh threads throughout the weekend festivities.

From practice I jetted over to Burnet Elementary for an NBA community event. Jonny and Kevin helped create a Kevin Durant poster that will beautify the local school. Both guys showed terrific teamwork but the point guard took the lead for a majority of the time. Jonny made an interesting point by saying, "it gets you out of your comfort zone." The players are accustom to all the community work in Minnesota and now they can reach out to a different area to provide a more aesthetically pleasing place for the young children.

Posted by Jonah Ballow on February 9, 2010.
Schedule of Friday's Events:

11: 00 AM Rookie / Sophomore Practice Report
4:00 - 10:00 PM NBA Jam Session
6:00 - 8:00 PM NBA All-Star Celebrity Game
8:00 - 10:00 PM T-Mobile Rookie Challenge & Youth Jam

Rookie Team Roster
Omri Casspi (Kings)
DeJuan Blair (Spurs)
Stephen Curry (Warriors)
Tyreke Evans (Kings)
Jonny Flynn (Wolves)
Taj Gibson (Bulls)
James Harden (Thunder)
Brandon Jennings (Bucks)
Jonas Jerebko (Pistons)

Sophomore Team Roster
Michael Beasley (Heat)
Marc Gasol ( Grizzlies)
Danilo Gallinari (Knicks)
Eric Gordon (Clippers)
Brook Lopez (Nets)
Kevin Love (Wolves)
O.J. Mayo (Grizzlies)
Anthony Morrow (Warriors)
Russell Westbrook (Thunder)
T-Mobile Rookie Challenge GAMEDAY Recap
Posted by Jonah Ballow on February 12, 2010 12:07 PM.
The Wolves showed up tonight to prove the national audience they belong on the big stage. Jonny dished out seven assists to help the Rookies capture its first victory over the elder statesman. The former Syracuse point guard jumped off the bench for several highlight reel passes and just missed a windmill dunk on the fast break. Overall, Jonny was one of the key contributors in the impressive gameplan for the undersized Rookies.

Jonny looking back at the missed dunk opportunity:
"Ah man, if I would have got it early and count my steps better, you know I had to try it and get one for the fans. So, I tried but I missed."

Jonny on distributing the basketball:
"I was really trying to get 10 assists but came up a little short but I had a good time."

Jonny on making sure he returns to All-Star Weekend:
"It's big to come down here during this break. You know, a lot of people said they would have wanted to go home but why not be here with all the celebrities, why not be here on the big stage and play in front of everybody. This is definitely a lot of motivation to try to get back here; every single year of my career."

Kevin's overall thoughts on the game:
"You know, it's an All-Star game, in rare occasions in DeJuan Blair's game tonight, big guys rarely have good games in All-Star games but he was unbelievable tonight. I mean 22 points and 23 rebounds in 30 minutes, that's just incredible."

Kevin on big men struggling in All-Star games:
"Went 6-for-9 from the field, I felt like I played fine, you know with the minutes that I had. I have never done that great in All-Star games, so I was fine with the way I played."

Kevin on the atmosphere at American Airlines Center:
"Oh, it was great. All the kids screaming, kind of added to the atmosphere here and the aura of the place, so that was cool to see all that."

Kevin established a low post presence in the first half with 10 of his 12 points. On the blocks, K Love could not be held back and thrived when receiving the opportunity to work in the paint. The second-year power forward is not pleased with a loss but is motivated to earn a spot in a future Sunday All-Star game.

Jonny Flynn


Kevin Love


Posted by Jonah Ballow on February 12, 2010 10:07 PM.
Final Stats

Kevin Love
12 points 6-for-9 FG, 0-1 3PT, 6 reb 18 minutes

Jonny Flynn
9 points 4-for-10 FG, 0-1 3PT, 1 reb, 7 assists 17:40 minutes

Second Half Wolves Running Diary
Love at 14:10….85-73….
Flynn 3-ptr….nine points….deep right corner…88-73…14 min
Flynn steal….12:13 open floor but fouled
Flynn missed 10:52….98-84….missed a windmill dunk
Love carved out a spot deep in the post and mishandled the ball but finished for the two…12 points
Flynn at 8:44….108-94
Flynn with a sick no-look pass to Evans…7:55
Flynn missed layup off right rim....6 min

First Half Wolves Running Diary
Kevin Love
10 points 5-for-7 FG, 0-1 3PT, 1 reb 10:38 minutes

Jonny Flynn
6 points 3-for-5 FG, 0-1 3PT, 1 reb, 5 assists 10:03 minutes

15 min mark Love checks in….hits first bucket….19-17 Sophomores
Love and Gasol in the frontcourt together
Love misses third shot right baseline about 18 feet front rim
Flynn at 13:33 21-21 defending Eric Gordon
Love turn around fadeway jumper over Gibson 23-21 Sophs….13:20
Flynn right handed scoop pass to Harden…two flashy passes…12:26
Flynn drives to the rack at 12:20…27-23 Rookies
Westbrook drive and Love chest bump….12 min….29-26
Flynn pull-up jumper misses…..11:30….then dish out misses….29-28 10:57
Westbrook drives and finds Love for the easy two....30-29….11 min
Love misses deep two near 3-pt line…..32-30 Rookies…
Love out at 9:51…six points
Flynn long pass…cross court dish to Harden misses 3
Flynn driving past Lopez finds Jerebko for assist….40-37 Rookes 7:40
Flynn beautiful crossover and alley-oop to Harden….42-37…7:09...Rookies
Flynn and Love out
Love at 5:17 48-43
Love on the blocks, quick turnaround bank shot over Casspi….4:35….50-45 Rookies….eight points for Love
Flynn at 3:39…54-45 Rookies
Flynn playing in same backcourt with Evans, Jennnings
Flynn drives...hacked by Gasol...turnover….2:40….55-51….Rookies
Flynn in open floor layup 1:50…..59-51…Rookies
Flynn alley-oop to Brandon Jennings….1:15….63-53 Rookies
Flynn dime pass to Evans…blocked…then gets the ball back and drives for a layup…65-53 Rookies
Love the next basket at 48 seconds….65-55 Rookies….

Posted by Jonah Ballow on February 9, 2010.
Get your questions and comments ready for in-game coverage of the Rookie Challenge. Join the conversation as I update live from courtside at American Airlines Center in Dallas. Tipoff is scheduled for 8 PM on TNT.

Saturday, February 13, 2010
Posted by Jonah Ballow on February 13, 2010 5:25 PM.
One of the most exciting nights during All-Star Weekend takes place on Saturday. The Skills Challenge, 3-Point Shootout, and Dunk Contest brings out celebrities (see the McLovin picture in the photo gallery at the bottom of the page) and all the NBA All-Stars to witness the spectacle. There should be plenty of fireworks tonight, so without further ado let's get right to the predictions.

"I think my man Danilo is going to take the 3-Point Contest just because he is really not a jump shooter, he doesn't jump and he has a quick release. He is one of the best 3-point shooters in the league. I for the Dunk Contest, the guy you saw tonight in the Dunk-In is going to win, DeMar. I've seen DeMar do some crazy stuff." -- Kevin Love

"3-Point, I have to go with Stephen Curry. In the Dunk Contest, Shannon Brown is a little guy. You know when you look back at the McDonald's game, he got dunk against LeBron. I got to go with the rookies; I got to go with DeMar DeRozan. He said he has something up his sleeve, so I'm going with DeRozan and Curry. Got to rock it with the rookie class." -- Jonny Flynn

Here are my picks:
Skills: Deron Williams
3-Point: Stephen Curry
Dunk: Shannon Brown

Posted by Jonah Ballow on February 13, 2010 2:30 PM.
The mission was clear on Saturday morning. Chase down the brightest stars of the NBA to find out their opinions on Jonny Flynn, Kevin Love, Al Jefferson, the Olympic roster, Kurt Rambis, and the Timberwolves franchise. Impossible? Please. Check out the video below of Kobe Bryant and scroll to the bottom of the screen, click on Audio to hear Dwight Howard, Derrick Rose, and Steve Nash.
Posted by Jonah Ballow on February 9, 2010.
Schedule of Saturday's Events:

11: 00 AM All-Star West / East Report

6:00 PM - HORSE Contest
7:00 - 10:00 PM - All-Star Saturday Night

Taco Bell Skills Challenge Competitors
Brandon Jennings, Milwaukee
Steve Nash, Phoenix
Derrick Rose, Chicago
Deron Williams, Utah

Foot Locker Three-Point Shootout Participants
Chauncey Billups
Daequan Cook
Stephen Curry
Channing Frye
Danilo Gallinari
Paul Pierce

Sprite Slam Dunk Competitors
Nate Robinson
Gerald Wallace
Shannon Brown
Dunk-In winner (Eric Gordon or DeMar DeRozan)
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Posted by Jonah Ballow on February 14, 2010 11:07 PM.
Did you ever think 108,713 fans would convene in one place to watch a sporting event on a 160-foot screen? The spectacle witnessed on Sunday night was both amazing and peculiar. The size of Cowboys Stadium along with the incredible HD video board overshadowed an All-Star game that went down to the final buzzer. During all the chaos of Sunday night, there was a bit of Wolves news to cover.

In the midst of the Shakira/Alicia Keys performance at halftime, Kevin Love's mug was placed in clear sight in front of the record crowd. K. Love joined most of the US players that were selected for the team that will compete for spots on the official roster for the 2012 Summer Olympics. Al Jefferson also made the elite squad to give the Wolves a full week of positive stories at the midpoint of a trying season.

Two solid performances from Jonny Flynn (9 pts, 7 assists) and Kevin (12 pts) in the Rookie Challenge clearly showed the national audience there is something brewing in Minneapolis. To further illustrate this point, I conducted interviews with just about every All-Star and even legends Magic Johnson, Bill Walton, and Patrick Ewing to discover their opinions on the state of the Wolves franchise. Scroll to the bottom of the screen and select the Audio tab to hear all the interviews. I will recap the entire weekend festivities within the next week to provide the Wolves fan base a perspective from the stars of the league.

With that said, I head back to Minnesota (leaving cold weather for cold weather) feeling confident about the direction of the franchise. The All-Star experience will not be limited to just one Rookie Challenge; Kevin, Jonny, Big Al, and the rest of the Wolves are on a mission to represent the team in future All-Star games, whether it's in front of a record crowd or not.

Posted by Jonah Ballow on February 9, 2010.
2010 All-Star Game 7 PM :

Western Conference All-Stars
Carmelo Anthony (Denver)
Tim Duncan (San Antonio)
Kobe Bryant (L.A. Lakers)
Steve Nash (Phoenix)
Amar'e Stoudemire (Phoenix)
Pau Gasol (L.A. Lakers)
Kevin Durant (Oklahoma City)
Dirk Nowitzki (Dallas)
Zach Randolph (Memphis)
Chauncey Billups (Denver)
Chris Kaman (L.A. Clippers)
Deron Williams (Utah)

Eastern Conference All-Stars
LeBron James (Cleveland)
Kevin Garnett (Boston)
Dwyane Wade (Miami)
Allen Iverson (Philadelphia)
Dwight Howard (Orlando)
Al Horford (Atlanta)
Chris Bosh (Toronto)
Paul Pierce (Boston)
Gerald Wallace (Charlotte)
Joe Johnson (Atlanta)
Rajon Rondo (Boston)
Derrick Rose (Chicago)