Social and Media. Safe to say you either love it or hate ‘em and not in any particular order. And after years in the media, I often think that people are pretty set in their opinions and that there is likely very little in between. Thumbs up or thumbs down. And figuring that we’ve become a society of hyper-plugged in 52/7, who should be surprised? Anywhere you go, just look around, there’s someone always checking the phone (or watch now). Always wondering. Wondering who’s doin’ what. What’s up? Who’s whattin’ where?!
You might assume that, since I work in the media, I wouldn’t begin this trek down Rant Boulevard. Well, I am. But with a basketball twist. And Sam, I am….very calm at the wheel down Rant Boulevard.
From West to East conferences and all those divisions in between, the playoff picture is beginning to take shape and the toll, from the marathon that an NBA season, is showing on players and teams.
Case in point, Cleveland. In particular, King James. My buddy Hoops (who happened to make our GameON! Spring Training trip to Florida with us last weekend) says LeBron gets what he deserves. “Media magnet. Camera hog. Egomaniac. But great player, too” is how Hoops describes the Cavs superstar. So again, no surprise, that James is fielding so many non-Cavs questions and bristling at most. James is getting pummeled by his training trips to Miami with former teammate Dwyane Wade. The King with a SMH tweet about media bombardment regarding his less-than-championship-caliber tested teammates and how difficult it will be to bring an NBA title to Cleveland.
The James Gang seems to be the best in the NBA East and a playoff lock but are they the NBA’s best? Don’t think so. And it’s no mistake that former Brooklyn standout Joe Johnson took his talents to South Beach to team with Wade in an effort to dethrone the King.
You see, I kinda’ like the old days when underdog looked forward to playing and then beating the big dawg on the block. The NBA’s been dominated by elite players gathering on the same team to dominate and it’s just not proved to be long lasting. Just because you’re LeBron and you are the self-proclaimed “Best player in the world” isn’t a guarantee that every player wants to share or be a part of that space, enjoy a sliver of your spotlight or even be on your team. And make no mistake, it is YOUR team. I smiled when I saw Johnson say so in his very quiet move to Miami. And that playoff match-up will be worth watching.
StateOfGame2:
If there is a team with so much promise but running on fumes it might just be OKC. The Thunder are a mess. New coach, two superstars and a predictable game that is undermining their greatness.
Oklahoma City is in a dogfight for the Western Conference’s third seed now that the LA Clippers have found their game and Memphis won’t back down.
Social media is all over Kevin Durant. Russell Westbrook can’t catch a break. That’s a good basketball team that, in my mind, just needs to get a few wins under its belt instead of blowing leads and losing games.
I’m a huge fan of Westbrook but Thunder struggles make me scratch my head. The beasts of the NBA West are clearly Golden State and San Antonio. Getting past those two teams in the post-season will be a herculean task. OKC has to get this mess figured out or just watch, Durant’s free agency will stir up another dust bowl like never seen.
Say What Rod?!
Thanks for the back and forth that you give me during the week. I enjoyed this email regarding the Wolves roster shuffling. It was Dave from Stillwater writing to my SimonsSays mailbag. Dave writes, “Rod, now I’m mad and getting madder. Did the Wolves really let go of (Andre) Miller and K-Mart (Kevin Martin)? What the heck is that?! I guess we don’t care about winning. I’d say plenty more but don’t want to read it and see you cut me. Keep up the good work and as you say on TV, Keep your GameON.
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Dav,e thanks for the note and the GameON! References. You really do watch if you’re using our lines. Love that and thanks.
As for the veteran departures and buy-outs, I have a love/hate relationship with these moves. Like them because it gives vets a chance to win titles and it gives our younger Wolves players a big time chance to develop in meaningful situations. The Wolves aren’t tanking, buddy. Just looking to the future. Great note. Stay on the team.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
There’s nothing like a birthday and one heck of a bash is planned for the best mascot in pro sports. I am a huge Crunch fan.
Crunch will celebrate his birthday tomorrow when the Wolves take on the Brooklyn Nets at Target Center. You can be a part of the festivities and celebration by being one of the first 2,500 fans in the building. Get in early and get a collectable Crunch birthday hat. I have been a fan even dating back to my days in Seattle and seeing Crunch on Sonics visits to Minneapolis. The Sonics had a mascot named “Squatch” (short for Sasquatch) and that dude was serious. Crunch is king though. It helps that whenever I brought my then little-baby daughter to the game, Crunch would take pictures with her. Later, Annie would call him “Crunchie” and our love for the mascot was locked.
Also, joining in the celebration will be NBA mascots including Utah Jazz Mascot Jazz Bear, Phoenix Suns Mascot Go the Gorilla (very good too), Oklahoma City Thunder Mascot Rumble, Portland Trailblazers Mascot Blaze the Trail Cat, Orlando Magic Mascot Stuff the Magic Dragon and Atlanta Hawks Mascot Harry the Hawk. Wolves@Fingertips!
If you don’t have it, download this basketball fan must-have! The Wolves mobile app gives fans instant access to exclusive Wolves content and live game coverage. Fans can download the free app on iOS and Android devices by visiting Timberwolves.com/mobile.
The official Timberwolves app offers fans the ability to follow live game content including the score, stats, shot charts and related social media conversations via the Game Tracker. The
app also allows fans to seamlessly check the team’s schedule, roster and conference standings. Fans on the go can stay engaged and updated with the team by accessing Wolves
articles, photo galleries and original videos through the app. New features including ticket sales integrations, fan experience modules, exclusive membership content and more will be
added to the app in the near future. The app is another step the Wolves have taken to accommodate the continued growth of mobile web use.
Got something to say?!
If you are a serious Timberwolves fan (and even the casual fan is allowed), drop me a note with your thoughts. Write me at rod@gameONtvMN.com.
SimonsSays on TV/PODcast:
I’d love for you to catch my TV show GameON!. GameON! is well into its 4th season and continues to showcase the
Timberwolves like no other broadcast show in the region. GameON! is powered by Birch’s at Long Lake, its broadcast in High Definition and can be found on ITunes, on demand via our new GameON! App (free and available for Apple/Android) and online @ www.gameontvmn.com. Don’t miss an episode of the Emmy winning GameON! @ 10am this Sunday morning on FOX’s My29 and throughout the weekend regionally on MidCo Sports Net. We’d love for you to “like” us on Facebook @ GameOnTvMN.GameON! is also seen in North & South Dakota and Western Minnesota on MidCo SportsNet several times a weekend. We reserve the right to use your e-mails here in SimonsSays @ Timberwolves.com.
We talk Wolves. Every day. High’s & lows. We’re there because we’re fans, just like you! Keep your GameON! See you soon!