Britt Robson I don’t think it is being overly melodramatic to say that tonight’s NBA draft is the most consequential one for the Wolves in over a decade. It is very deep, and Minnesota is staring at the distinct possibility of losing their superstar and two first-round picks over the next three years. But let’s think happy … Read more
Most of the time I either ignore or mock Sid Hartman’s ravings–it’s better on the blood pressure. But this morning’s Strib column, entitled “Minneapolis City Council could step up, but it won’t,” hit a nerve and continues to aggravate. So I guess today is the day to call out this asshole. The thrust of the … Read more
Ever since Bill Monroe and the Stanley Brothers essentially invented it, bluegrass has been the soul music of white people, and the outfit known to fans as AKUS is a worthy heir to that tradition. Exquisite soulfulness is pervasive in the God-fearing religion they wear on their sleeves and keep in their hearts; it’s also … Read more
The Providence, R.I.-based MC Sage Francis hops topics with a cerebrally voracious fervor reminiscent of Slug. It’s no surprise, then, to see Ant (Slug’s cohort in Atmosphere) laying down the beats on the sports-themed “High Step” from Sage’s May release, Human The Death Dance. While it’s more autobiographical and less overtly political than his previous … Read more
Patrick Reusse may not be the greatest twirler of words in town, but the guy has usually possessed good, pithy instincts and an impeccable sense of timing. Today’s column, in which Reusse posits that, A) Cornerstone players Kevin Garnett and Torii Hunter should be traded from the Wolves and Twins, respectively; and B) That it … Read more
If the Cavs and Spurs had played 20 times this month, I am now convinced San Antonio would have won 18-19 times. For Denver it would be 15-16; ditto Utah; for Phoenix, 13-14; and ditto Dallas, the tough matchup they avoided with the Golden State upset. Which is to say that the Spurs’ fourth championship … Read more
It’s not quite moving a deck chair on the Titanic, but the straight (and still unconfirmed) trade of Mike James to Houston for Juwan Howard seems more of an addition-by-subtraction and a bid to install locker room leadership than a significant upgrade in on-court talent. First, the upside. Howard is a quality individual, a hard … Read more
On the flight back to Cleveland after his 48-point, double-overtime performance in Game Five of the Eastern Conference Finals, LeBron James was so literally drained of energy that he required intravenous fluids. Well, somebody better have that drip bag ready two or three times minimum for the NBA Finals that kick off Thursday night in … Read more
Among the more contrarian aspects of my sports fandom is an aversion to hyperbole in general, and Big Events in particular as a means of describing and defining the games I witness. It’s probably a snobbish impulse, because Business 101 tells us that supersizing anything is the way to bring in the casual consumer, and … Read more
On April Fools Day, I convened two of the smartest diamond watchers I know, The Rake’s own Brad Zellar (of Warning Track Power) and veteran Twin Cities journalist David Brauer for a Twins diablog. You can go back and find it in the archives or take my word that it was absolutely the most prescient … Read more