A Rebuild In Progress

[mfbmike]

Rambis Unhappy With Results Of Flynn-Sessions Backcourt



Minnesota Head Coach Kurt Rambis says he has grown unfond of the Jonny Flynn/Ramon Sessions backcourt. "Right now, I'm not big on it," Rambis told reporters after the Wolves 118-115 win against the Kings.

"That may change in the future, but I'm not big on it. We've been able to see it over the past couple of weeks. Often times I go, 'Oooohhhhhh.' More often though it's kind of, 'Ehhhhhhhhh.'"

In the instances where both Flynn and Sessions are on the floor at the same time, the Wolves have showcased one of the most exciting fast break offenses in the league.

However, Sessions playing off guard has proven to be a huge defensive liability for the Wolves, as showcased most recently by Kevin Martin torching them for 46 in their last game. Furthermore, Sessions inability to knock down the 3 consistently has Rambis eager to try something new.

Enter Wayne Ellington.

Ellington, who played for the National Champion UNC Tarheels a year ago and was drafted 28th overall in the 2009 NBA Draft, has proven he is NBA ready. Aside from Jarvis Hayes, Ellington is probably the best outside shooter on the Wolves roster, though somewhat undersized at 6'4".

In 12 minutes a game this season, Ellington has averaged 5.6 points a game on 46% shooting from the field and 40% shooting from beyond the arch.

"Ramon will still see a significant amount of minutes out there," explained Rambis. "He's one of the best players we have on our squad and we are somewhat thin at shooting guard. We talked about the decision to start Wayne and he understands."

"There will still be stretches where you will see Ramon and Jonny out there together," added Rambis. "Wayne has played well for us so far this season and we are as excited as he is to show what he can do as a member of the starting 5."

The move will likely cut into Sergio Rodriguez's playing time while opening up opportunities for Damien Wilkins to see more time on the court after losing the starting job earlier this season.

[MRN]

Ellington ftw. Nice decision.

[James2Stapleton]

interesting

[mfbmike]

Transactions:

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The Cavaliers have traded Daniel "Boobie" Gibson to the Grizzlies in exchange for Steven Hunter. The Cavaliers shed Gibson's contract while gaining more financial flexibility for 2010 free agency where signing Lebron James will be their utmost priority.

Rumor Mill:


Morrow: I'm happy here in Golden State
- Celtics reportedly rescind offer of J.R. Giddens
- Chicago mum on Morrow despite reports


Report: Powe doesn't want trade
- Washington mum on Powe despite reports

Other News:

- Harris scores 38, Nets stop Lakers' win streak at 11
- Bobcats defeat Jazz 97-91, extend Jazz losing streak to 8
- Knicks losing streak reaches 8 following loss to Clippers
- Wizards' Coach Flip Saunders not fazed by dismissal rumors
- Manu Ginobli of the Spurs out 1-2 weeks with Torn Labrum
- Joe Smith of the Hawks out 2-4 weeks with Strained Achilles
- Erick Dampier of the Mavericks out 4-6 weeks with Broken Toe

[RockSteady]

interesting

what he said^^




Oh, and who is Steven Hunter?

[mfbmike]

+12 Turnover Differential Enough For Celtics To Snap 3 Game Skid Against Wolves

Starting Lineups:
Jonny Flynn PG Rajon Rondo
Wayne Ellington SG Ray Allen
Corey Brewer SF Paul Pierce
Kevin Love PF Rasheed Wallace
Al Jefferson C Kevin Garnett

(12-15) 105 @ 112 (20-5)


Paul Pierce walks off the court after his solid performance helped the slumping Celtics outlast the Wolves at the TD Banknorth Garden.



Player Of The Game:

Paul Pierce

Quote Of The Game:
"Turnovers plagued us this game. Our defense wasn't even really all that bad considering how much harder we had to work because of all the extra possessions we gave them. In the 1st half we trailed by as much as 20. In the 2nd half, I thought we did a much better job of taking care of the ball and we managed to cut their lead to as little as 5. We need to make plays, smart plays. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to understand how we got ourselves back into the game once we stopped turning the ball over." - Corey Brewer

Next Game:

[Vinsane]

K-Love continues to be a double/double machine. Hard to win when you're giving the other team all those opportunities, looks like the big 4 raped you too. fuck Boston.

[SuperNova854]

Tough loss

[LC AAU]

Tough loss

I just fucking used the gif. We need the interwebz police on the job



Big 4 pooped on you Michael. Get it together.

[goDawgs1433]

Hope the Hawks beat you...I mean...

[DJ Rhude]

Ugh, Boston's filthy with all that talent.....almost impossible to beat them when Allen and PP are popping like that....Still the Wolves were competitive

[mike3]

Tough loss, but you came pretty close. Sean Williams seems like hes been great off the bench

[James2Stapleton]

man PP had big nostrils

[mfbmike]

Wolves Near Miraculous Comeback Falls Just Short After Disastrous 1st Quarter

Starting Lineups:
Jonny Flynn PG Mike Bibby
Wayne Ellington SG Jamal Crawford
Corey Brewer SF Joe Johnson
Kevin Love PF Josh Smith
Al Jefferson C Al Hordford

(12-16) 108 vs. 111 (13-13)


Joe Johnson's 3 pointer with 7 seconds remaining in regulation slammed the door on the Wolves comeback efforts.



Player Of The Game:


Quote Of The Game:
"They came out firing on all cylinders in the early going. They really couldn't miss. The rim had to look like an ocean to them. As the game went on though, shots stopped falling for them as much and we fought ourselves back into it. We managed to tie the game with a minute left in regulation but Joe's late 3 was the dagger in the heart. We've had slow starts in our past two games. We need to hit the ground running and stop forcing ourselves to fight these uphill battles." - Jonny Flynn

Next Game:

[SuperNova854]

tough loss