HOOPSWORLD | Basketball News & NBA Rumors

KG Has No Regret

Chinese sneaker spokesman Kevin Garnett isn’t apologizing for allegedly punching Suns center Channing Frye in the groin, he wrote on his blog for the Anta shoe company.

Garnett periodically writes on the site to update his Chinese fan base on his latest games. This time around, Garnett brought up the subject of his ejection from Boston’s Jan. 28th loss in Phoenix.

"This game was physical as well and super ugly," Garnett wrote on his blog. "I never apologize for my actions, as I play with passion. I actually got ejected for (the ref said) ‘talking too much.’ Can you believe that. (sic) It was unfortunate and i (sic) hate to leave my team out there without being around to support them. Doc got ejected and then fined $15,000 for not leaving the court in a timely manner. A TIMELY MANNER. WOW" (For more information on the incident, here is Ben Rohrbach’s Green Street Blog.)

Nobody should have expected an apology from Garnett, who has a history of rattling opponents with borderline antics. In any case, the Suns visit Boston on March 2nd, so we can look forward to Round 2 between Frye and Garnett.

Wear a cup.

Where’s the Love?

In the NBA at 2, Bill Ingram made a great case for LaMarcus Aldridge as the biggest All-Star snub. Of course, no All-Star discussion is complete without three or four disgruntled millionaires, so here’s another log for the fire: Why no Kevin Love?

The third-year power forward out of UCLA ranks sixth in the NBA in Player Efficiency Rating and third in rebounding rate (percentage of missed shots rebounded). He has a commanding lead over Orlando’s Dwight Howard for the league rebounding title (15.5 RPG to 13.6) and he has the 10th best qualifying 3-point percentage in the league. He even has 43 double-doubles in 48 games.

It’s not every year that someone scores over 20 PPG (Love averages 21.4), leads the league in rebounding and also has a shot at the 3-point percentage crown as well, but that’s the kind of season Love is having. So why isn’t he in the All-Star Game?

In an interview with esteemed Timberwolves beat writer Jerry Zgoda of the Minneapolis Star Tribune, Love said he "wasn’t surprised" by the decision, given Minnesota’s 11-37 record. But even if he is playing on a losing team, Love felt he has put forth an All-Star resume in the season’s first half.

"I truly and firmly believe in my heart that solely on play alone, I should have been in there," Love told Zgoda.

"When it comes down to it, the 11 with the 36 or 37 behind it, that kind of killed me," he continued. "We know why I didn’t make it… I know winning plays a big factor. I didn’t want to be too upset. I’m not too bitter about it."

Love has been getting plenty of support from his family, friends, Twitter followers and TNT’s Charles Barkley, who said he is "so mad right now" he wasn’t sure if he could continue broadcasting after hearing the decision.

"I know I’ve had a ton—a ton—of support," Love said. "Maybe more support than others have had in the past… I’m happy and thankful for that."

And like any true All-Star, Love believes this disservice will make him more focused.

"The good thing is, it’ll put a chip on my shoulder and make me work harder," Love went on to say. "It’s not going to hurt how I play or how I approach things. It’s only going to make me work harder to make myself better, to make our team better. It’s only going to make me more hungry."

Love can still make the team as a replacement for Houston’s Yao Ming, who was voted in by the fans (although I’ve yet to meet anyone who voted for him).

{AUTHOR_BOX}Who Needs a Center?

Take a look at the Top 5 centers in the NBA in terms of Player Efficiency Rating (both qualifying players and those on pace to play less than 500 minutes).

Does Ian Mahinmi’s name stick out?

Obviously the 24-year-old big man from Rouen, France isn’t seeing as much playing time as Howard or Duncan (just 6.5 MPG), but he’s definitely made the most of his chances this season. Mahinmi has made 27 of 43 field goals this season (62.8%) and 37 of 43 free throws (86%). The Mavericks are loaded at center with Tyson Chandler and Brendan Haywood, but Mahinmi has looked like a viable NBA pivot in the seven games in which he’s played 10 or more minutes this season.

His best performance came against the Warriors on Dec. 7 when he logged 21 minutes and hit eight of 10 free throws to finish with 12 points an 10 boards in a winning effort.

As injuries mounted for the Mavs in mid-January, he played a total of 47 minutes over three consecutive losses. Most notably, Mahinmi scored 17 points and grabbed six rebounds in 21 minutes against the Grizzlies.

"Like I’ve always told him, he has the potential to be very successful," said Knicks center Ronny Turiaf, Mahinmi’s countryman. "He has all the tools: the size, the athleticism, the speed, the basketball IQ to be a tremendous NBA player. It’s just a matter of him being able to showcase his skills."

Originally drafted by the Spurs in 2005, the 6-11 Mahinmi has yet to post a PER under the league average. Admittedly, he’s seen only 377 minutes over the parts of three seasons, but the results have been overwhelmingly good. Mahinmi has bulked up to 230 pounds, which has helped him remain ready even when he’s riding the bench.

"It’s tough for him that he’s not getting those minutes, but it doesn’t stop him in his preparation," Mavs guard Jason Terry told HOOPSWORLD. "His work ethic is great. And when he does get the call, he takes advantage of it. He’s blocking shots, he’s dunking, he’s scoring the ball."

What’s interesting about Mahinmi’s situation is that there are a handful of teams around the NBA that are in desperate need of a big man. The Lakers need depth behind oft-injured Andrew Bynum. The HEAT have a negative PER differential at the center position, according to 82games.com. Even Orlando is desperate for a replacement for Marcin Gortat, which is kind of ironic to Terry.

"Not the way he plays, but the impact he has reminds me of Marcin Gortat [when he was] with Orlando," Terry said. "There’s a logjam at the center position, so he’s not going to get his opportunities. But given those opportunities, he’s a valuable commodity."

Given the need for centers, it wouldn’t be crazy to see some team make a play for Mahinmi. However, he’s enjoying his time with Dallas.

"This is how it’s been my whole career: waiting for my opportunities," he told HOOPSWORLD. "When I get it, I try and make the most of it. Each year I’ve gained more and more playing time. It’s great for me, it’s great for my career and I think being able to play for a winning team and a winning organization is just a big thing. I’m pretty happy with my situation right now."