Bleacher Report - Articles by Nam Huynh

Kevin Love Asked To Tweet for Timberwolves Basketball Popularity

Nam Huynh — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 02:26:06 -0400

As we all know, Minnesota Timberwolves’ power forward Kevin Love is an avid fan of Twitter. We have word that the guys upstairs in the Timberwolves’ front office are telling Love to tweet as often and as much as he wants.

Why, you may ask?

Attendance has been at its all-time-low in recent years, basically since the Timberwolves traded all-star power forward Kevin Garnett to the Boston Celtics. The interest for Timberwolves’ basketball is plummeting so fast that the team is hardly profitable anymore. In fact, reports are saying the team lost money from the lack of tickets sold, low merchandise sales, and decreased sponsorship.

The Timberwolves figure that if the fans feel closer to a player such as Love, the interest for Timberwolves' basketball will revive and potentially persuade them to come watch some games. Although, the main thing is to get Minnesotans simply interested again.

Love’s interaction with fans via Twitter is drawing in past and current fans. Even some tweeting Minnesotans who weren’t much of a fan to start with are interested, because they can follow a professional sports player while even receiving a direct reply or two.

The former UCLA player is surely creating a buzz on the internet. Known on Twitter as “kevin_love”, he currently has 31,136 people following him.

In recent days, Timberwolves.com created a section on their site called “#Wolves FanChatter” that shows tweets from Love, as well as any tweeter that mentions “#Twolves” on their tweet updates.

This Twitter-Craze is not all that surprising to me. We have our very own Twitter page, and it really does make you feel closer to whomever is tweeting.

Nam Huynh writes for Minnesota Sports Zone (http://www.mn-sz.com)

Visanthe Shiancoe Poised for a Big Year

Nam Huynh — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 23:47:21 -0400

When I asked Minnesota Vikings tight end Visanthe Shiancoe what we are going to see this year that is different from him last year, the sixth-year veteran responded with the words, “Intensity and grind!” The tight end does not lack intensity or grind, he hits the gym regularly and takes care of his body.

We do expect him to emphasize those words even more this season.

Shiancoe had a break out year in 2008, hauling in 42 passes for a career-high 596 yards and a career-high seven touchdowns. With the inevitable signing of quarterback Brett Favre, Shiancoe is poised to have an even bigger season.

The third-year Viking collected career numbers, despite catching from two different quarterbacks. Shiancoe caught passes from quarterback Tarvaris Jackson for the first two games, but had to adjust to quarterback Gus Frerotte when Jackson was benched.

But then the tight end had to adjust back to Jackson when the quarterbacks swapped again in week 14.

The signing of Favre gives the Vikings stability at the quarterback position. Despite having a quarterback that is 39-years old and coming off of surgery, this is the same quarterback that leads the league in consecutive games played. All reports are saying Favre’s shoulder is 100% healed and back to full strength.

When tight end Bubba Franks played with Favre in Green Bay all of those years, the tight end got many looks, even catching a career-high 54 receptions in 2002 from the future hall-of-famer. Just this past season with the Jets, Favre completed 48 passes to rookie tight end Dustin Keller for 535 yards.

At 29, Shiancoe is still young and in his prime. His “intensity” and “grind” is going to make this offense that much better. Luckily, he won’t have to do it on his own. If anything, his teammates will make the passing lanes wider for the tight end.

The addition of receiver Percy Harvin, the continued success of receiver Bernard Berrian, and a healthy receiver Sidney Rice will help spread the field and push defenders back. Oh, not to mention a guy that most defenders will keep an eye on, running back Adrian Peterson.

Throughout Favre’s career, he utilizes his tight ends very well and very often. Keep an eye out for No. 81.

Fantasy Note: Keep an eye on Shiancoe in your draft leagues. He flew under the radar last season and his value is on the rise, especially when the Vikings pair him up with Favre.

Nam Huynh writes for Minnesota Sports Zone (http://www.mn-sz.com)

How Much Will Harvin Get?

Nam Huynh — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 02:36:11 -0400

When the Minnesota Vikings drafted Florida receiver Percy Harvin with the 22nd pick on draft day, many experts around the league agreed that the Vikings got a steal. Many regard Harvin as a top-10 talent who dropped down because of concerns of character and reports of a failed marijuana test during the NFL combine.

Last year, 27 out of the 31 first round picks (remember, one of the Patriots' first round picks was forfeited) agreed to five-year deals, whereas the other four agreed to six-year deals.

We expect that Harvin will sign a five year-deal with the Vikings.

No wide receivers were taken in the first round in 2008, with receiver Donnie Avery being the highest taken at No. 33 overall to the St. Louis Rams. Avery signed a four-year, $4.8 million contract which includes $2.775 million guaranteed.

The signing bonus for a second rounder dramatically drops off, because the 31st pick, safety Kenny Phillips got an $11.15 million contract with nearly $6 million guaranteed.

Last year’s 22nd pick is running back Felix Jones of the Dallas Cowboys. Jones received a five-year, $10.5 million contract with $8M guaranteed.

Despite the fact that Harvin and Jones play different positions, both positions are play-making positions, so we can expect the salaries to be similar. Because it is another year, rookie salaries are going to go up again.

Now, what makes things interesting, is the reason why teams allowed Harvin to drop. Experts have said Harvin was a “risk pick” who has had off-the-field problems. The fact that Harvin missed the start of rookie OTAs and rookie symposium will work against him.

Based off the numbers we have from last year’s first rounders, we expect Harvin to sign for five-years, $14.5 million with only $7 million guaranteed. We expect the Vikings to give the receiver a lucrative contract that pays him well as long as he stays out of trouble.

Nam Huynh writes for Minnesota Sports Zone (http://www.mn-sz.com).

Rubio Withdraws Lawsuit With DKV Joventut

Nam Huynh — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 15:08:52 -0400

This buyout situation is starting to come together.

Spanish newspaper, La Vanguardia, reports point guard Ricky Rubio and his attorneys withdrew their lawsuit with DKV Joventut (english translation). The lawsuit is based off the money differential between his salary (under $100,000) and buyout (reportedly $6.7 million or more) cost.

We reported last week that DKV Joventut’s board of directors declined a recent buyout offer from Rubio’s team, stating they would not negotiate unless they withdraw their lawsuit for salary arbitration. The rejected offer was reportedly just over $3 million from Rubio’s attorneys.

This latest development means Rubio and his attorneys will be able to negotiate a potential buyout, especially with Timberwolves President David Kahn flying in to assist in lowering Rubio’s buyout. DKV Joventut’s board of directors will want to act quickly, because they surely do not want the lawsuit to re-emerge. The possibility of losing the lawsuit for salary arbitration would mean the team would not gain anything for allowing Rubio to leave.

All signs are pointing to a possible resolution by the end of this summer. Our recent Rubio posts suggests Rubio wants to play in the NBA as soon as possible, and that he has accepted the possibility of playing for the Timberwolves this season.

Nam Huynh writes for Minnesota Sports Zone (http://www.mn-sz.com)

Twins Interested In Jays' Relievers

Nam Huynh — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 03:33:27 -0400

Bob Elliot (Toronto Sun) notes in his article that the Minnesota Twins are interested in Blue Jays’ relievers Scott Downs and Brandon League. The Twins could make a deal for their 12-man pitching staff they plan on using after the All-Star break.

Of course, I did some research.

Scott Downs, 33, is a set-up reliever with a great ERA of 1.91 with 30 strikeouts in 28.1 innings of work. The left hander has a career ERA of 3.89 with excellent command. (Career: 385 K’s 186 walks)

Brandon League, 26, is a hard throwing middle-relief pitcher with an not-so-pretty ERA of 5.06 in 42.2 innings of work. The right hander does have a littler better career numbers, with a career ERA of 4.12.

Assuming that rumor is legitimate, let’s look at who they could possibly replace in the bullpen.

R.A. Dickey, Jose Mijares, Bobby Keppel, Matt Guerrier and of course Joe Nathan are pitching well out of the bullpen as of late. I do not anticipate seeing them losing their spot in the bullpen anytime soon.

Brian Deunsing is a lefty who had a couple good outings as well as a couple disaster outings. If the Twins were to acquire a lefty in Downs, Deunsing is the likely candidate to be sent down to the farm.

Anthony Swarzak is expected to take on a bullpen role when pitcher Kevin Slowey is activated from the disabled list, after spending most of his career as a starter. Swarzak as found some success in the rotation, but if a good trade becomes available, look for the Twins to send Swarzak down to continue to pitch innings.

Nam Huynh also writes for Minnesota Sports Zone. (http://www.mn-sz.com)

DKV Joventut Declines Rubio's Offer

Nam Huynh — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 16:51:03 -0400

We have got word that DKV Joventut, the team that holds Ricky Rubio under contract, will not negotiate with the point guard until he withdraws his lawsuit for an arbitration hearing on his salary. The lawsuit is based off the money differential between his salary (under $100,000) and buy-out (reportedly $6.7 million or more) cost.

As we reported yesterday, Rubio’s attorneys offered just over three million for the release of his contract. According to a source close with the situation, the board of directors for DKV Joventut rejected the offer and stated they would not negotiate unless he withdraws his claim for arbitration. The Spanish team would not even state whether or not the offer is enough.

Rubio has two years left in his contract with DKV Joventut, and the team will not deny him the right to complete it. Apparently, they would not consider negotiating out of the contract until the legal issues are settled.

The argument for his team is that they do not want a ongoing legal battle, even if they agree on a buy-out agreement now. The board of directors are worried that even after an agreement with Rubio and his attorneys, if Rubio’s side wins their arbitration hearing, the buy-put portion of his contract deal could be nullified.

If his buy-out portion of his contract is nullified, Rubio would not need to pay any buy-out to get out of his contract and any previous agreement to lower the buy-out cost could be then returned to Rubio.

The team and their board or directors would like for Rubio and his attorneys to completely withdraw their lawsuit claim, and then the team would negotiate with a stipulation in their agreement that they would not pursue another legal suit against DKV Joventut.

It looks as if DKV Joventut is willing to negotiate, but they don’t want to lose out on gaining large cash for it. The amount for a buy-out can be agreed on, its whether or not Rubio’s attorneys would continue to pursue an arbitration hearing.

To me, it sounds like Rubio’s representation have a valid argument, although I really don’t know how Spain’s government works.

Nam Huynh writes for Minnesota Sports Zone (http://www.mn-sz.com)

Keppel Is Making The Most Out of His Call-Up

Nam Huynh — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 01:00:20 -0400

Minnesota Twins’ relief pitcher Bob Keppel is pitching great in his long-relief role. Keppel pitched 3 2-3 scoreless innings against the New York Yankees for his fourth relief appearance Wednesday. The right hander has yet to give up an earned run in 11 1-3 innings of work since being called up late June.

His recent outing against a potent Yankees offense in a very close game showed his great composure and ability to get the job done. The Twins need Keppel to continue to step up as a reliable relief pitcher to help a struggling bullpen.

Since being called up to replace an ineffective Luis Ayala, the Twins used Keppel in a long-relief role for both close and not-so-close games. In the four games, he pitched 4 innings, 2 1-3 innings, 1 1-3 innings and his recent 3 2-3 innings, all scoreless and allowing only six total hits.

Before signing a minor league deal with the Twins, the 27-year-old pitcher had short stints in the Majors while with the Colorado Rockies and Kansas City Royals in 2006 and 2007. He gave up a combined 26 earned runs in 38 1-3 innings as both a starter and relief pitcher.

Starting the season at AAA Rochester this year, he posted an ERA of 2.43 while appearing in 23 games, striking out 28 and walking only 13. The former first round pick (In 2000, to the Mets) found success being used mainly as a relief at Rochester. He had previously spent the majority of his career as a starter, and posted below average numbers.

Looks like Keppel found his nitch as a relief pitcher, and we hope he continues his success with the Twins.

Nam Huynh writes for Minnesota Sports Zone (http://www.mn-sz.com)

Breaking News: Ricky Rubio Trying to Play this Season in NBA

Nam Huynh — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 16:14:32 -0400

Yesterday, Ricky Rubio’s attorneys presented a buyout offer to DKV Joventut, the Spanish team Rubio is currently under contract with.

According to persons familiar with the negotiations, the offer from Rubio’s attorneys is just over $3 million. The offer is currently being considered by the team’s board of directors.

This development could mean that Rubio's lawsuit for arbitration over his contract could be thrown out. The team has stated it would not negotiate an agreement unless Rubio withdraws his suit, but if the team agrees with the buyout, no arbitration is needed.

This is not the first offer that was made to DKV Joventut. Sometime shortly before the draft, Rubio’s attorneys offered $4 million for the release of his contract, but that deal was rejected immediately. This prompted Rubio's agent to inform Timberwolves President David Kahn that Rubio's DKV Joventut contract could pose a problem to his immediate future with the Wolves.

That could be why Kahn publicly said from the beginning that Rubio may not play in the NBA for a year or two.

The terms of his current contract agreement reportedly asks for $6.7 million for the release of his contract with the team. Some reports have that number jumping to nearly $9 million if a buyout is not exercised from the contract after a certain period of time.

The DKV Joventut board of directors may seriously consider this latest offer. Rubio’s offer of a little over $3 million is not likely to go up, now knowing his salary as the fifth pick of the 2009 NBA Draft. The original offer of $4 million was likely an assumption that he would be a top-three pick.

The 2009 Rookie Wage Scale calls for $2.7243 million his first year, and $2.9286 million his second year. A third-year option can be made for $3.1329 million, and a possible fourth year option for $3.9683 million.

It is not clear if Rubio’s current offer to his Spanish team includes the $500,000 the Timberwolves are allowed to pay for his buyout of his overseas contract. According to the Collective Bargaining Agreement, teams cannot pay more then $500,000 toward a buyout from any league for drafted players.

This is a sign that the point guard phenom wants to play in the NBA now. Reported offers from international basketball leagues do not top any more than just a little over $1 million to play for their teams, so that couldn't be his motive for trying to get out of his contract now.

Maybe he'll be playing for the Timberwolves this season after all.

Nam Huynh writes for Minnesota Sports Zone (http://www.mn-sz.com)

Ricky Rubio Trade Possibilities

Nam Huynh — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 19:19:46 -0400

Being a big Timberwolves fan, I want to see the point guard phenom in a Timberwolves jersey. Realistically, there is a strong possibility it won’t happen, and he could be dealt to a bigger market team at Ricky Rubio’s (and his dad’s) request.

Let’s look at some trade possibilities.

1. New York Knicks

Knicks have already expressed interest in Rubio. Coach Mike D’Antoni likes the run-and-gun offense with a point guard that can play quick and pass the ball around well, much like he had in Steve Nash in Phoenix.

D’Antoni would love to have the young point guard prodigy and he's been compared with D'Antoni's former point guard in Steve Nash. Current Knick’s starter, Chris Duhon, is a quality backup point guard, and is not considered the point guard of the future for the Knicks. Nate Robinson has great range as a shooter and attacks the hoop well, but does not possess the vision and passing skills D’Antoni would like in his point guard position.

The Knicks would need to package a deal that includes future pick's and the likes of Wilson Chandler, Danilo Gallinari, David Lee, Nate Robinson and possibly first round pick Jordan Hill.

2. Boston Celtics

There was talk before that draft that Boston was looking into acquiring the No. 2 pick to grab Rubio. Apparently, according to a source, Rubio was “a Danny Ainge type of player.”

A relationship between Rajon Rondo and GM Danny Ainge is also quietly heating up.

Ainge recently went on a radio show and said on air that Rondo was not a “max-type player,” responding to a question about Rondo’s contract status (one year remaining). The Celtic camp have criticized Rondo as being hard-to-coach and that is being considered before they give him a big contract. Rondo is at his peak value and may provide a scoring threat for the Wolves as a combo-guard.

3. Portland Blazers

Speculation around the blogosphere have the Blazer’s linked to the Timberwolves and their two young point guards drafted. Point guard is regarded as a position of need for the Blazers. The Blazers traded backup point Sergio Rodriguez to the Kings in a swap that includes second-round draft picks and would free up some salary cap space for the Blazers.

Steve Blake, 29, is listed as the starting point guard for the young squad, and is returning from an arthroscopic shoulder surgery on May 29 to repair a separated shoulder.

The Blazers would love to take either Jonny Flynn or Rubio from the Timberwolves. With Brandon Roy and Greg Oden presumably tagged untouchable, the Blazers have limited trade assets the Timberwolves would like. Players Nicolas Batum and Martell Webster would be considered, but may not be enough.

Future picks may also be required to lock a deal.

4. Dallas Mavericks

The Mavericks are a team heavy in veterans. They do not possess young assets the Timberwolves desire, but may be a big player in acquiring Rubio or Flynn. Dallas may look into contacting a third team, and look to trade Jason Terry and/or Josh Howard to a team looking to win now that possesses good young talent.

Jason Kidd is 36 (turning 37 next season), and Rubio could learn a lot playing a season or two behind Kidd. The Mavericks are undoubtedly interested, but will need help making it happen.

5. Sacramento Kings

The Kings are desperate for a starting point guard.

They recently acquired Sergio Rodriguez from the Blazers, but he’s not going to be the starter for the next decade. The Kings have an aging Bobby Jackson and inconsistent Beno Udrih listed at point guard.

The Kings have interesting trade candidates in Spencer Hawes, Jason Thompson and Kevin Martin. Some may feel Martin is untouchable, but this is a team that won 17 games last season and drafted shooting guard Tyreke Evans. Rebuilding a team around a Rubio and Evans doesn’t sound at all too bad.

There are definitely more candidates that can emerge out of the water. Many NBA teams are drooling over Rubio’s abilities and would be crazy not to at least speak internally about it.

Nam Huynh is a writer for http://www.mn-sz.com.