David Blatt: Kevin Love is not a max player

[Inferno]

https://twitter.com/BlakeEllington/status/554503568795787264

https://twitter.com/APkrawczynski/status/554505591339892736


Cleveland gonna implode again? :biggums:

[Mr.Kite]

There goes wiggins

[DirkNowitzki41]

its true. see what happens when he becomes the #1 option? They lose. Dude is overrated

[The Red Viper]

Ohh Dear. He is gone.

[inclinerator]

lol

[nba_55]

:lebronamazed:

[Lebron23]

https://twitter.com/BlakeEllington/status/554503568795787264

https://twitter.com/APkrawczynski/status/554505591339892736


Cleveland gonna implode again? :biggums:


Time to fire this guy.

[lilteapot]

Blatt is a ****ing idiot lol. Way to go buddy.

[oh the horror]

Blatt firing shots on the way out. This dude is getting canned.

[Lebron23]

Ohh Dear. He is gone.


http://i0.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/original/000/279/799/76b.gif

[hawksdogsbraves]

Wow, who is going to be gone first, Blatt or Love?

They can't just let Love leave after giving up so much for him. Got to fire Blatt asap or this season may really blow up on them.

[Crose]

cleveland is a mess at the moment.

first you have lebron taking a passive aggressive shot at his coach when hes supposed to defend him saying "well hes our coach who else do we have" , now this.

no leadership on this team only weak people with no sense of direction. the worst thing lebron did in his career is leave pat riley and dwade. they knew how to win and lead people to success. lebron wrote big letter acting like he could but truth is he never is that guy. blatt is a decent coach but he seems to be same way cant lead or reach the players.

[imnew09]

might as well make Love come out of the bench :lol :lol

Joke Franchise

[Lebron23]

Blatt firing shots on the way out. This dude is getting canned.


http://stream1.gifsoup.com/view6/3983617/daniel-bryan-yes-o.gif

[BasedTom]

not looking good in cleveland right now

[SwishSquared]

If he meant this as it's being taken, he must know something we don't (Love asking for Blatt to be replaced) or simply Love rebuffing him on coaching, period. I can't imagine even the angriest coach stating that about a guy who could have one foot out the door and expect all will sit well with him.

Or...he doesn't realize Love has a version of a max (and has not yet received a supermax contract yet), whereas Kyrie is the Cavs' "designated player," so he got a special first-time max extension, which he received right before Blatt's hiring. Blah I can't even justify it using that reasoning. LBJ better do some damage control or Love's bolting.

[Lebron23]

might as well make Love come out of the bench :lol :lol

Joke Franchise


Joke Coach. Mike Brown and Mike D'antoni are better than him.

[Mr.Kite]

cleveland is a mess at the moment.

first you have lebron taking a passive aggressive shot at his coach when hes supposed to defend him saying "well hes our coach who else do we have" , now this.

no leadership on this team only weak people with no sense of direction. the worst thing lebron did in his career is leave pat riley and dwade. they knew how to win and lead people to success. lebron wrote big letter acting like he could but truth is he never is that guy. blatt is a decent coach but he seems to be same way cant lead or reach the players.

That pompous bitch does that to every coach. Spo included. He tried to chest bump Spo, but riley backed up his guy.

Cleveland need to back up Blatt and control that pouting bitch

[Cactus-Sack]

Mike Blatt is a good coach, he's just been saddled with two "superstars" who make everyone around them worse, and the most beta MVP in history + role-players who were looking to piggyback.

I said this before the season, but Cleveland aren't doing shit with this squad.

[Lamar Odumbb]

Jordan Hill / Wesley Johnson for Love/Shawn Marion

Mozgov
Hill
Lebron
JR Smith
Irving

Tarik Black
Love
Marion
Kobe
Lin

[coin24]

Loser franchise stay shitty:lol

[Lebron23]

Jordan Hill / Wesley Johnson for Love/Shawn Marion

Mozgov
Hill
Lebron
JR Smith
Irving

Tarik Black
Love
Marion
Kobe
Lin


http://jeffpelline.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/1320397225_no_thanks_gag.jpg

[Droid101]

http://jeffpelline.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/1320397225_no_thanks_gag.jpg
Why not? I thought the Lakers were stacked with Hill but the Cavs were shit with Love?

Why not pick up the dude that will stack the team for a championship run?

[JohnFreeman]

Blatt knows he is fired

[Lebron23]

Why not? I thought the Lakers were stacked with Hill but the Cavs were shit with Love?

Why not pick up the dude that will stack the team for a championship run?

David Blatt is the cavaliers biggest problem right now. Love and Irving are 18-11 when they played with Lebron.

Teaming up with Lebron is much better than playing with Cancerbe Bryant

[sbw19]

Cavs are back to .500. Blatt distinctly denied he's a .500 coach not too long ago. You really expect him to acknowledge that he has two max players playing for him right now and implicitly bear the brunt of the blame?

He's safe for now but probably knows he's gone after the season is done, unless they win a title or at least make the Finals. He's got nothing to lose at this point, whether he's motivating or taking shots at his team stars.

[christian1923]

So Blatt expects him to take a pay cut to spend his winters in Cleveland being a third option :lol

[JimmyMcAdocious]

Phil Jackson school of motivating.

inb4 Love becomes a 30/15/8 outlet assists player

[Mr.Kite]

David Blatt is the cavaliers biggest problem right now. Love and Irving are 18-11 when they played with Lebron.

Teaming up with Lebron is much better than playing with Cancerbe Bryant.

Bran is the cavaliers biggest problem right now. Dude won't play, relaxes in MIAMI, destroys the franchises future, demands the max, ball dominant, makes star players to role players

[Lebron23]

Bran is the cavaliers biggest problem right now. Dude won't play, relaxes in MIAMI, destroys the franchises future, demands the max, ball dominant, makes star players to role players


He's still better than Kobe.

[Mr.Kite]

He's still better than Kobe.

Kobe at 30 was winning championships. Bran is bathing in Miami while watching his team, thats made to win now, lose

[Lebron23]

Kobe at 30 was winning championships. Bran is bathing in Miami while watching his team, thats made to win now, lose


Who said that this season is over?? Once Lebron is back they are going to start winning again

C- Timothy Mozgov
F- Kevin Love
F- LeBron James
G - JR Smith
G- Kyrie Irving

[lilteapot]

Lebron was in Sacramento tonight.

[BasedTom]

Who said that this season is over?? Once Lebron is back they are going to start winning again

C- Timothy Mozgov
F- Kevin Love
F- LeBron James
G - JR Smith
G- Kyrie Irving
They'd have a ton of ground to make up. Also, JR has looked worse- and probably isn't going to get much better when Lebron comes back and starts dominating the ball more.

[Milbuck]

I just can't believe Blatt would be this ****ing stupid to say something like this with how their season's been going, both on and off the court. Maybe it was about Love getting the 4 year extension instead of 5, and "yet" was in reference to his potential full-length max contract? If not, and this was just him being honest and/or an attempt to motivate Love...dumbass move on his part.

[lilteapot]

I just can't believe Blatt would be this ****ing stupid to say something like this with how their season's been going. Maybe it was about Love getting the 4 year extension instead of 5, and "yet" was in reference to his potential full-length max contract? If not, and this was just him being honest and/or an attempt to motivate Love...dumbass move on his part.
I think he still believes he can tell players to shut the **** up and it can be okay. lol.

[Lebron23]

I just can't believe Blatt would be this ****ing stupid to say something like this with how their season's been going, both on and off the court. Maybe it was about Love getting the 4 year extension instead of 5, and "yet" was in reference to his potential full-length max contract? If not, and this was just him being honest and/or an attempt to motivate Love...dumbass move on his part.


He really wants to get fired. I think he's receiving plenty of criticism from the cavaliers fans and Lebron fans. The stress of coaching in the NBA. He needs to go back to the euro league. That's a stress free environment.

[Twiens]

What a dumbass. If Love takes this personally then it's either Blatt or Love.....and you can't let Love go after trading Andrew freakin Wiggins for him.

[KembaWalker]

Blatt growing a pair and speaking the truth. GET EM!
INB4 he calls out LeBron

[Cactus-Sack]

He really wants to get fired. I think he's receiving plenty of criticism from the cavaliers fans and Lebron fans. The stress of coaching in the NBA. He needs to go back to the euro league. That's a stress free environment.

Euroleague fans are batshit crazy man. No NBA fans riot over losses.

[305Baller]

Love doesnt have a max contract. Whats the problem?

[navy]

Kevin Love isnt a max level player. Just the truth. Neither is Kyrie.

However, Kevin Love doesnt have the max yet is also correct. SO maybe it wasnt a "diss"

[Ariza4three]

Kevin Love isnt a max level player. Just the truth. Neither is Kyrie.

However, Kevin Love doesnt have the max yet is also correct. SO maybe it wasnt a "diss"
Love is on a max contract

[305Baller]

Love is on a max contract

Love makes $15.7 million this season. Not max.

[JebronLames]

If Lebron wins this year, he is the GOAT

[Ariza4three]

Love makes $15.7 million this season. Not max.
Yes it is.

[andremiller07]

Kyrie Irving is not a max player either

[TheMan]

Blatt is the Marc Trestman of the NBA...he's way in over his head :oldlol:

[305Baller]

Yes it is.

:confusedshrug:

So why does Kyrie make 20 mil? I dont understand the NBA cap.

[Ariza4three]

:confusedshrug:

So why does Kyrie make 20 mil? I dont understand the NBA cap.
Max is different for players. Depends on a lot of factors.

[Mr.Kite]

:confusedshrug:

So why does Kyrie make 20 mil? I dont understand the NBA cap.

depends on birds rights, years of playing, which contract were they on. In this case kyrie is max

[BigTicket]

Honestly, Blatt needs to be fired.

He's done a terrible job so far, and comments like that are just not acceptable.

[305Baller]

Shit. Blatt must know hes going to get canned and he just doesnt give a shit.

[navy]

Honestly, Blatt needs to be fired.

He's done a terrible job so far, and comments like that are just not acceptable.
At least get him real assistant coaches. Obviously he's in over his head.

[navy]

Shit. Blatt must know hes going to get canned and he just doesnt give a shit.
His job was pronounced safe bout a week ago.

[Ariza4three]

His job was pronounced safe bout a week ago.
week ago!
f*ck with us and then we tweakin hoe, run up on a n*gga get to squeezin hoe

[chosen_one6]

week ago!
f*ck with us and then we tweakin hoe, run up on a n*gga get to squeezin hoe

Wack.

[305Baller]

His job was pronounced safe bout a week ago.

safe until the end of the year maybe :lol

[konex]

I don't get this. He obviously meant that Love isn't being paid max money....yet.

[305Baller]

I don't get this. He obviously meant that Love isn't being paid max money....yet.

Thats what I thought but apparently he is.

[navy]

Thats what I thought but apparently he is.
He's not. Hence the yet at the end.

I cant find anywhere saying he got a max extension back on his old contract.

[BigTicket]

FYI, a max contract is 25% of the cap if you have less than 6 years experience, 30% of the cap if you have 7-9 years experience, and 35% if you have 10+ years experience. All of them with annual raises of course.

So the max amount if going to be different depending on each players situation.

[305Baller]

He's not. Hence the yet at the end.

I cant find anywhere saying he got a max extension back on his old contract.

Yeah Love got a max 4 year deal with a player option for a 5th year from Minny.

[bdreason]

Someone should have told Blatt that in the NBA, the players run the show.

[The Red Viper]

His job was pronounced safe bout a week ago.

Griffin also praised Dion that same game. Next game, Dion was traded. They are 1 and 9 without LeBron. And, if they lose to Suns, they will go under .500. Can't see him lasting if they lose to Suns really.

[navy]

Griffin also praised Dion that same game. Next game, Dion was traded. They are 1 and 9 without LeBron. And, if they lose to Suns, they will go under .500. Can't see him lasting if they lose to Suns really.
Rumor has it Lebron is coming back early vs the Suns.

Might save his job.

[AI09]

Although I agree with Blatt that Love isn't a max player I still cant grasp the fact that he actually said it. Like do you want to get fired? Love is a FA at the end of the season you traded your future for him 2 back to back first round picks and future picks chances are he's gone along with Blatt and Lebron. Poor Kyrie is going to be stuck with a chucking Jr Smith next year....

[Mr. Jabbar]

he knew he is a goner before this quote, otherwise :facepalm

[navy]

he knew he is a goner before this quote, otherwise :facepalm
Blatt for Scott. Who says no?

[Mr. Jabbar]

Blatt for Scott. Who says no?

its one of those cases where both

[Lebowski]

I don't care who coaches the Cavs or if they implode or not. But it does seem that Blatt might not be the right one.. who cares?

Having said that, I thank god the Celtics did not get the opportunity pay Love a max contract. Which means that I agree with Blatt I guess :confusedshrug:

[SwishSquared]

Yeah Love got a max 4 year deal with a player option for a 5th year from Minny.
He received a 4 year deal at the maximum amount for a guy who was still on his rookie contract. He didn't get the 5 year max that a team gives its "designated player," and he didn't trigger the "Derrick Rose" rule, which increases the value of the contract (by giving an even larger % of the cap to the player). Kyrie received this 5-year max from the Cavs last summer and maybe that's why Blatt believes this is a true max or something. If he's taking shots @ Love's abilities, then he's playing a very dangerous game.


I just can't believe Blatt would be this ****ing stupid to say something like this with how their season's been going, both on and off the court. Maybe it was about Love getting the 4 year extension instead of 5, and "yet" was in reference to his potential full-length max contract? If not, and this was just him being honest and/or an attempt to motivate Love...dumbass move on his part.
This is the only sane thing that I can think of that Blatt could have even been talking about. Maybe because Kyrie got the designated player extension, and Love didn't, Blatt assumed Love's not making max money or something. If this is Blatt calling out Love, that especially won't sit well. I think the front office and Lebron, just as importantly, know that they need to make Love feel much more involved/special in order to keep him engaged. It'd also help if LBJ didn't shoot him death stares 10 times a game.

I will say that I don't think the majority of the roster has given Blatt a fair shake and they do deserve criticism for that (if true). There's mostly a lack of an offensive system ("Shades of OKC") and the defense is almost non-existent for most of their games. Effort is lacking and low IQ plays are made.

[JtotheIzzo]

Or maybe Blatt is simply stating the reality of the situation.

Kevin Love is fools gold. Love probably seethed at not getting enough touches early in the season and now that he is the focal point, they lose.

Love and Irving don't know how to win.

[miggyme1]

WOW.....why is blatt getting hate for stating his opinion???

love HAS NOT been playing like a max player.....and dont give me any stats.....max players LEAD the team and WIN....two things kevin love has never done on any level of basketball. him and oj mayo were so hyped coming out of high school and look how underwhelmming their careers have been since college.smh

id seriously trade kevin love for amare stoudemire right now. laugh all u want

f#ck it id trade kevin love for patrick patterson,josh johnson,zach randolph,amir johnson,marese speights,josh mcroberts,david lee,paul milsap,pau gasol,chris bosh,larry sanders, one of the morris twins, or carlos boozer.

did i leave out anybody?

[pegasus]

Who said that this season is over?? Once Lebron is back they are going to start winning again

C- Timothy Mozgov
F- Kevin Love
F- LeBron James
G - JR Smith
G- Kyrie Irving
You should include their middle names too you fu*king robot.

[KungFuJoe]

Guys like Love don't win shit. His offense is becoming predictable and he plays zero defense. Kyrie is more imaginative on O but the same no D applies.

I'm not saying this stacked team can't do well on talent alone but it's no surprise to me that they aren't exactly taking over the NBA, even when bran was on the floor.

[Dragic4Life]

JVG will complete the championship recipe.

[Nash]

meh, poor blatt. :lol
Clearly what he meant was that Love is not on a max contract(got 4 years instead of max 5) and that hopefully they will make him a max player in Cleveland.
but of course, people read into it way too much and now he sounds like he's taking shots at Love.

[bluechox2]

kevin love got the largest deal possible based on how many years he played at the time of signing his current contract (after his rookie deal) with the wolves, he signed a max deal of 60 million for 4 years ( his next big contract can fetch him close to 100-120 mil ( or if he waits in 2016, can get over that amount

this year hes making roughly 15.7...and he has a player option for next at 16.7

its better for him to opt out like hes saying and sign a 1 year deal where he can make over 18 million than to pick up his option for 16.7

then the following year he can sign a new long term contract with a starting salary (new tv deal kicks in) 21-23 mil with incremental increases each year (can average 30 mil or more in final year )

[HOoopCityJones]

He'll be a Laker.

[R.I.P.]

What he meant was, that he is not a max player currently/yet, which is obviously wrong, cause it was Love

[Dragic4Life]

He'll be a Laker.
Another elite big to carry kobrick please!

[MrRogers]

I guess CB sees the axee coming from ownership so he's gonna get his money's worth lol

[Pointguard]

The real question was how is it that you have 3 max players, including the best player in the game, while Atlanta and has no max players, and they are 20 games over .500 and you are at .500. David cold Blatt showed no love for Kevin.

I don't think any team in the East has two max players outside of the 5th place Cavs, who are a game behind the no max Bucks, which is playing like ten minimum contracts :lol

Blatt was in a real corner.

[lilteapot]

I guess CB sees the axee coming from ownership so he's gonna get his money's worth lol
I never liked him. Hopefully he ****s off back to Tel Aviv.

[GimmeThat]

do people always tend to forget how max contract works in the NBA as it has something to do with the amount of the years you've been in the league?

to make this statement after this many years of Love being in the league is an absolutely different statement than when he got his first extension.

[El Kabong]

The real question was how is it that you have 3 max players, including the best player in the game, while Atlanta and has no max players, and they are 20 games over .500 and you are at .500. David cold Blatt showed no love for Kevin.

I don't think any team in the East has two max players outside of the 5th place Cavs, who are a game behind the no max Bucks, which is playing like ten minimum contracts :lol

Blatt was in a real corner.
A superstar team can beat a team of superstars. See Detroit in 2004 for an example.


Guys like Love don't win shit. His offense is becoming predictable and he plays zero defense.
Kevin Love, come on down! You're teaming up with Al Jefferson on the next edition of "Matador D"

[El Gato Negro]

:confusedshrug:

So why does Kyrie make 20 mil? I dont understand the NBA cap.
He dosnt kyrie makes 7mill this year. I don't know where people are coming up with 18/20?

[El Kabong]

He dosnt kyrie makes 7mill this year. I don't know where people are coming up with 18/20?
I know, and his contract doesn't even go that high until 2018. He makes $14 million next year, so double his current salary, which seems fair enough to me.

[Pointguard]

A superstar team can beat a team of superstars. See Detroit in 2004 for an example.

That's a far cry from having five teams ahead of you in the standings, including a starless rebuilding team that is the youngest team in the NBA not dedicated to tanking. Detroit was a very veteran team with a veteran coach.

[Practice?]

Time to fire this guy.

My guess is he thinks if he downplays Love (and Kyrie?) he won't look as bad because he can deny the team is stacked. Unfortunately, this type of thing will actually make him look worse and get him fired as previously suggested.

[Practice?]

He'll be a Laker.

Yeah, you'll probably end up with Blatt next year.

[Akrazotile]

That pompous bitch does that to every coach. Spo included. He tried to chest bump Spo, but riley backed up his guy.

Cleveland need to back up Blatt and control that pouting bitch



This.

Bron has a tendency to pout and point fingers when things get tough.

Dude needs to step up and be a positive leader right now.

You can do it Bran!!

[NoGunzJustSkillz]

Love: So I seen the comments you made last night. I'm not a max contract player?

Blatt: Kevin, are you on a max contract?

/thread

[lilteapot]

Love: So I seen the comments you made last night. I'm not a max contract player?

Blatt: Kevin, are you on a max contract?

/thread
....cont'd:

Kevin: Yes, I am.

Blatt: Oh.

Kevin: I'm leaving.

Blatt: I guess I am too.

[bagelred]

Hahahahaha they gave away Andrew ****ing Wiggins for Kevin Love....hahahahahaahahahahahaha....I called it from day 1. What a colossal mistake.

[boozehound]

....cont'd:

Kevin: Yes, I am.

Blatt: Oh.

Kevin: I'm leaving.

Blatt: I guess I am too.
right. while his last contract wasnt the 5 year max, it was till a max deal. why would the coach say this, even if it were true? Sometime you have to know when not to talk.

[HomieWeMajor]

http://www.nba.com/cavaliers/video
Quote was taken out of context everybody. You can put your pitchforks away

[NoGunzJustSkillz]

right. while his last contract wasnt the 5 year max, it was till a max deal. why would the coach say this, even if it were true? Sometime you have to know when not to talk.
Frustration setting in.

[Clifton]

I think it's a pity that a coach is being pilloried for not sucking up to stars like every other NBA non-coach does. If he does not improve his coaching he should be fired after this season. But in principle, a guy hired as a coach in the NBA being unafraid of his players or of criticism is awesome.

[edrick]

http://www.nba.com/cavaliers/video
Quote was taken out of context everybody. You can put your pitchforks away

It obviously was taken out of context, the haters won't want you to believe that though.

[DukeDelonte13]

Hahahahaha they gave away Andrew ****ing Wiggins for Kevin Love....hahahahahaahahahahahaha....I called it from day 1. What a colossal mistake.


Pretty much every national writer said the cavs would be idiots if they didn't pull the trigger on that deal. Let's not act like the trade for Love shocked the world and was a head scratcher of a move.

i don't know, i wasn't happy about it but whatever. Now I really don't even care if Love leaves for nothing; I don't think he's a cancer i just don't think he plays winning basketball.

You can't be a winner if your back is turned to the player shooting a J so you can grab the rebound.

I think he's "fixable" but as I see it the cavs are a rudderless ship without a leader on the floor. Lebron needs to step up and start leading by example rather than leading like a b*th and playing Kevin Love-esque basketball, which is what Lebron has been doing all year.

In no way shape or form can a team expect to win anything if their two best players are Kyrie and K-Love. Luckily the cavs have Lebron, but he seriously needs to step the f*ck up.

Best part is is that it doesn't matter if Cleveland's 3 stars play like p*ssies. In the end they will all get paid and it'll be Cleveland's fault they didn't win here because Cleveland. (and because nobody ever dares blame a player for a team's struggles)

[fpliii]

Yikes, just lost a ton of respect for Blatt, assuming context won't clear this up. I was one of his supporters, but when you have a player who is a FA next year, and for whom you traded Wiggins, there's a big problem.

Love is definitely underrated on this board by a long shot. He hasn't been put in positions to succeed in the games I've watched, so Cleveland hasn't been getting much out of him. Maybe it's an issue with Blatt's offense, or maybe it's an issue fitting in alongside Kyrie/LeBron, but I'm certainly not willing to write Love off just yet.

[DukeDelonte13]

Yikes, just lost a ton of respect for Blatt, assuming context won't clear this up. I was one of his supporters, but when you have a player who is a FA next year, and for whom you traded Wiggins, there's a big problem.

Love is definitely underrated on this board by a long shot. He hasn't been put in positions to succeed in the games I've watched, so Cleveland hasn't been getting much out of him. Maybe it's an issue with Blatt's offense, or maybe it's an issue fitting in alongside Kyrie/LeBron, but I'm certainly not willing to write Love off just yet.


When a player isn't even putting up his f*cking arms to contest a shot... it's not the coaches fault "for not putting him in a position to succeed"

he's still putting up numbers but he's a net negative because he's a turnstyle on defense and doesn't hustle at all. he plays with 0 strength or aggression.

[T_L_P]

Yikes, just lost a ton of respect for Blatt, assuming context won't clear this up. I was one of his supporters, but when you have a player who is a FA next year, and for whom you traded Wiggins, there's a big problem.

Love is definitely underrated on this board by a long shot. He hasn't been put in positions to succeed in the games I've watched, so Cleveland hasn't been getting much out of him. Maybe it's an issue with Blatt's offense, or maybe it's an issue fitting in alongside Kyrie/LeBron, but I'm certainly not willing to write Love off just yet.

Q: "People look at this team and say 'Lebron is out' but Kyrie Irving, Kevin Love, I mean they're two max players... they're here..."

Blatt: "Kevin's not a max player yet, is he? What? I mean, what does that mean?"

I dont think he understood the question.

[mehyaM24]

kevin love is adjusting like everyone else, and he isn't worth the max but kyrie is? what an idiot. i've been batting for blatt here, but this was unnaceptable. unless his quote was taken out of context, implying that kevin love doesn't get the max because of kyrie and lebron, or whatever, then he should be dealt with swiftly. way too much drama for a first year coach. way. too. much.

[fpliii]

When a player isn't even putting up his f*cking arms to contest a shot... it's not the coaches fault "for not putting him in a position to succeed"

he's still putting up numbers but he's a net negative because he's a turnstyle on defense and doesn't hustle at all. he plays with 0 strength or aggression.
He definitely has defensive issues, not going to contest that. But why is he looking more like the player we saw through 12-13 on that end, and not as good as he did last year? Is it lack of effort? Poor conditioning? Bad schemes? Makes no sense to me. He wasn't altering shots last year, but he was playing good team defense.

Anyhow though, from watching the video, looks like it's much ado about nothing. He was speaking purely about pay, and I think he's correct in saying Love isn't being paid max money this year. The reporter said traditionally max players = elite players, and Blatt had ZERO problem with that.

[fpliii]

Q: "People look at this team and say 'Lebron is out' but Kyrie Irving, Kevin Love, I mean they're two max players... they're here..."

Blatt: "Kevin's not a max player yet, is he? What? I mean, what does that mean?"

I dont think he understood the question.
Yeah, just watched.

Reporter: "Well it means they're among the top players in the league."

Blatt: "Okay", while nodding.

Reporter: "So, is there too much talent to have nights like this?"

Blatt: "No. It can happen to any team. Can happen to any team in the NBA, and we've seen it happen. Atlanta is the best team right now on paper in the East, and you saw us beat them by 40 points. So it can happen to any team. Certainly."

No problem then it looks like. Twitter gonna Twitter.

[bizil]

For me, Love is a max level player. And even if u don't think so, HE CERTAINLY brings enough to the table to command that salary. If u are a top three player at your position and arguably a top 10 player in the league, u deserve a max deal. The only PF FOR SURE I would take over Love is Davis. But I wouldn't argue anybody taking Blake or Lamarcus over Love either.

[NoGunzJustSkillz]

For me, Love is a max level player. And even if u don't think so, HE CERTAINLY brings enough to the table to command that salary. If u are a top three player at your position and arguably a top 10 player in the league, u deserve a max deal. The only PF FOR SURE I would take over Love is Davis. But I wouldn't argue anybody taking Blake or Lamarcus over Love either.
LMA/LeBron :facepalm it'd be over for the rest of the league.

[VengefulAngel]

LMA/LeBron :facepalm it'd be over for the rest of the league.

LMA/Lebron/Lilliard just imagine. My god that would be special to watch.

[Noyze]

woooooooooooooooooooooooow, can't believe Blatt said that.

Look, even if it's 100% true, as the coach you don't say that. Confidence is huge and he basically lowered the ceiling on this guy. Not to mention KLove can opt out.

[lilteapot]

LMA/Lebron/Lilliard just imagine. My god that would be special to watch.
For the record, people said the same thing about Kyrie/Lebron/Love

[Rooster]

For me, Love is a max level player. And even if u don't think so, HE CERTAINLY brings enough to the table to command that salary. If u are a top three player at your position and arguably a top 10 player in the league, u deserve a max deal. The only PF FOR SURE I would take over Love is Davis. But I wouldn't argue anybody taking Blake or Lamarcus over Love either.

I think you just have to pair him with a rim protector that can anchor the defense like Asik or DeAndre Jordan and he will look better. He's a max player, he just need a team that can neutralized his weaknesses and play to his strengths.

[lilteapot]

I think you just have to pair him with a rim protector that can anchor the defense like Asik or DeAndre Jordan and he will look better. He's a max player, he just need a team that can neutralized his weaknesses and play to his strengths.
Also maybe he'd work well with a passing PG? Rubio and Love worked pretty well together for the most part.

[Rooster]

Also maybe he'd work well with a passing PG? Rubio and Love worked pretty well together for the most part.

Yes that one too but pairing him with the big is more important. His offense is not a concern. If my Lakers trying to get him, they better have a big that can compliment him. Otherwise it would be the same problem that Minnesota has and Cleveland having right now.

[lilteapot]

Yes that one too but pairing him with the big is more important. His offense is not a concern. If my Lakers trying to get him, they better have a big that can compliment him. Otherwise it would be the same problem that Minnesota has and Cleveland having right now.

From what I could tell Pek and Love wasn't a bad pairing, but Pek just couldn't stay healthy enough. He was a guy that could score and take some of the pressure off of Love.

I think having Dieng there would also help, he has a good feel on the defensive end.

[bizil]

I think you just have to pair him with a rim protector that can anchor the defense like Asik or DeAndre Jordan and he will look better. He's a max player, he just need a team that can neutralized his weaknesses and play to his strengths.

Agreed! I think pairing him with guys like Asik and Jordan can cover up his weaknesses. What makes guys like Duncan and KG so unique is the fact that they were great two way players. Love isn't that kind of player, so as u stated it's best to have bigs who can cover the paint protection and defense.

[Rooster]

Agreed! I think pairing him with guys like Asik and Jordan can cover up his weaknesses. What makes guys like Duncan and KG so unique is the fact that they were great two way players. Love isn't that kind of player, so as u stated it's best to have bigs who can cover the paint protection and defense.

It's always been his weakness since he was at UCLA. Howland used to make defensive switch at the end of games because Love just cant play defense. If he is two way player then he would have that impact like his stats suggests but he's just not it.

[Purch]

You mean to tell me... That Kevin Love's impact doesn't match up with his godly stats?

You don't say

[zizozain]

that's it .. lebron is officially a cancer

a malignant tumor .... and a beta at it

[Hey Yo]

Dave McMenamin ‏@mcten 47 seconds ago

Blatt said he talked to Love about his max contract comment: "He had no problem with it"

[sd3035]

Bran ruins every franchise he is a part of

[lilteapot]

Bran ruins every franchise he is a part of
Stupid post, and an OKC fan? Sounds about right.

[ILLsmak]

Blatt firing shots on the way out. This dude is getting canned.


props for that tho. ****m.

-Smak

[bizil]

It's always been his weakness since he was at UCLA. Howland used to make defensive switch at the end of games because Love just cant play defense. If he is two way player then he would have that impact like his stats suggests but he's just not it.

Yep! I think people often tend to forget defense in the equation. For big men in particular, they are often defending guys who play closer to the basket. And those are high percentage shots. So in Love's case, defending the top PF's Davis, Blake, LMA, Pau, Zach, etc. is his Achilles heel. And if he has to guard a guy like a Bosh, Love doesn't have the foot speed to keep up. And if he's guarding a big stretch PF Dirk, he's too short and not athletic enough to even contest the shot.

And on the flip side, Love doesn't really force his will on the block scoring. So he doesn't create those double team opportunities to create shots for others. The ironic thing is that Love is a GREAT PASSING PF! But he doesn't create a lot of double team situations.

[themurph]

Yep! I think people often tend to forget defense in the equation. For big men in particular, they are often defending guys who play closer to the basket. And those are high percentage shots. So in Love's case, defending the top PF's Davis, Blake, LMA, Pau, Zach, etc. is his Achilles heel. And if he has to guard a guy like a Bosh, Love doesn't have the foot speed to keep up. And if he's guarding a big stretch PF Dirk, he's too short and not athletic enough to even contest the shot.

And on the flip side, Love doesn't really force his will on the block scoring. So he doesn't create those double team opportunities to create shots for others. The ironic thing is that Love is a GREAT PASSING PF! But he doesn't create a lot of double team situations.


Intelligent^^^^^basketball posting.....

[ralph_i_el]

Yep! I think people often tend to forget defense in the equation. For big men in particular, they are often defending guys who play closer to the basket. And those are high percentage shots. So in Love's case, defending the top PF's Davis, Blake, LMA, Pau, Zach, etc. is his Achilles heel. And if he has to guard a guy like a Bosh, Love doesn't have the foot speed to keep up. And if he's guarding a big stretch PF Dirk, he's too short and not athletic enough to even contest the shot.

And on the flip side, Love doesn't really force his will on the block scoring. So he doesn't create those double team opportunities to create shots for others. The ironic thing is that Love is a GREAT PASSING PF! But he doesn't create a lot of double team situations.

The first part is true....the second part is very false. He was one of the most efficient scorers from the post in Minny, and he drew constant double teams (he played in a bunch of poor-shooting lineups). He posts up on the left block....so does Lebron. That's why we haven't seen him down there as much this season.

[bizil]

The first part is true....the second part is very false. He was one of the most efficient scorers from the post in Minny, and he drew constant double teams (he played in a bunch of poor-shooting lineups). He posts up on the left block....so does Lebron. That's why we haven't seen him down there as much this season.

Well u just answered my question for me! Minny's talent pool dictated that Love get all the attention. They simply had a lack of scoring talent on that team. So why not load up on Love.

Secondly, when u compare Love to other postup PF's like McHale, Duncan, Gasol, etc., he's NOT ON THEIR LEVEL on the block!! However, I never said Love sucked on the block. With long athletic defenders, Love can be neutralized EASIER than guys like Duncan, McHale, Gasol, etc on the block. Those guys are longer and have more of an arsenal down low than Love.

For example, Duncan and McHale were the type of players TO FORCE THEIR WILL ON THE BLOCK!! It was their bread and butter and how they enjoyed DOMINATING THE MOST!! Love's bread and butter scoring to me is being a stretch PF. And also scoring off the glass.

Love's postup game isn't on par with his passing, shooting, or rebounding. While in the case of Duncan, WHAT HE IS KNOWN best for is his interior postup game. Once again, I NEVER SAID Love sucked on the block. But he doesn't PUNISH teams on the level of many great PF's in the past. Love doesn't put the fear of God in opponents on the block like many of the great PF's. Even in the case of Blake Griffin, he can make u a poster child in the paint. LaMarcus has a sick inside-outside game, a better one than Love BECAUSE of LMA's length, athletic ability, and skillset down low.