Points in the Paint

» October 21, 2009 5:27 PM | By Brandon Hoffman

One of many must-read nuggets from Britt Robson’s latest piece at SI.com: “New Timberwolves coach Kurt Rambis is predictably having early trouble installing some modified elements of the triangle offense he learned under Phil Jackson and Tex Winter in Los Angeles. The Wolves are next to last, ahead of only Miami, in assists, and relating the difficulty of ‘learning a new system’ has become a postgame mantra in the locker room. The triangle requires spontaneous reads of opponents’ reactions, nuanced adjustments that take months for even the smartest, most talented players. But the greater question is whether the Wolves have the personnel to make even rudimentary parts of the system work. The triangle is generally thought to require accurate perimeter shooters and a big man who can foster ball movement. Minnesota is shooting 28 percent (21-of-75) from behind the arc, and low-post stud Al Jefferson has only four assists in 116 minutes.”

The Boston Herald has an interesting article on the benefits of Kinesio tape, which reportedly “lifts the skin away from the body at injured areas, improving blood and lymphatic flow to help reduce swelling.” Kevin Garnett wears the tape on his surgically repaired knee.

A writer at the Philadelphia Inquirer rips Kobe Bryant for rooting for the Dodgers in the NLCS. Food for thought: Bryant spent seven formative years living in Italy. He was drafted by the Lakers at the age of 17. Because of this, I have a hard time categorizing him as a Philadelphia-reared superstar.

Jeff Eisenberg of the Riverside Press-Enterprise: “The most memorable matchup on Tuesday figured to be between Kobe Bryant and Golden State’s Stephen Jackson, who stormed to the locker room and didn’t return after picking up a technical and five first-quarter fouls trying to guard the Lakers star in a recent preseason game. The disgruntled swingman later publicly lashed out at Bryant, telling reporters he’s ‘not a fan’ of Kobe, accusing him of playing dirty and suggesting ‘If it came down to a real fight, I know what would happen.’ ‘That’ll motivate Kobe,’ Phil Jackson said ‘I was wondering why he was so hyped up to start the game.’ Although Bryant insisted he didn’t read any of those unflattering comments, he still attacked Jackson in the post or off the dribble on the Lakers’ first few possessions and showed a little extra emotion after early buckets. Bryant scored with 21 points on 7-for-12 shooting, glaring directly at Jackson after one bucket and shaking his head at him as he back pedaled down court after another.”

Shaquille O’Neal on his upcoming free agency: “I will have opportunities. My plan is to play and win. If I play and win, trust me, my options will be plentiful.”

I’m with David Thorpe: Cleveland improved this summer, but they still have more holes on their roster than Boston and Orlando.

Kevin McHale has been hired to replace Gary Payton on NBATV’s Tuesday night telecasts, joining Chris Webber and new host Ernie Johnson. Good riddance. Loved the Glove as a player. Couldn’t stand GP the analyst.

Bill Simmons excerpts a section from his new new book, “The Book of Basketball: The NBA According to the Sports Guy.”

SI’s Ian Thompson: “By picking Boston to win the title, I’m predicting that the Celtics’ defense will be the dominant story in the league — not necessarily in the first month but rather as the year wears on. Age may limit them during the regular season as Doc Rivers sacrifices a win here and there while resting Ray Allen, Wallace and Garnett (all 33 or older), but let’s assume they’ve been well paced and they’re healthy going into the playoffs. By then, their age and experience should rally them as they realize this may be their final chance at a title together.”

Jeremy Olshan of the New York Post: “NBA star Devin Harris is now available for bar mitzvahs. The New Jersey Nets are renting him and some of the team’s other players out by the hour to help sell season tickets in a tough economy. For $25,000, fans get four courtside seats to 10 games, food and drinks and a 60-minute house call from their favorite star under a new program dubbed ‘Your Ticket to a Player.’ ‘The players were willing to package themselves with the tickets,’ Nets CEO Brett Yormark told The Post. ‘They’re used to making appearances at birthday parties at our arena.’ The players will show up at the event of the fan’s choice and will spend an hour shaking hands, signing autographs and taking pictures. They receive no additional compensation for these visits. Only 20 such packages will be sold, and several fans already have expressed interest since the offer was announced yesterday, Yormark said.”

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