LeBron tops jersey sales for sixth time; Durant 2nd

LeBron James tops the jersey sales this season. (USATSI)

More NBA: Season Awards | Grades: East | Grades: West | Seasons in Review

The NBA announced the most popular jerseys in sales for the 2013-2014 season, and the reigning MVP LeBron James remains on top with the presumptive 2014 MVP Kevin Durant just behind him. It is James' sixth time at the top of the list, which he has ruled since winning his second title in 2012.

The list:

1. LeBron James, Miami Heat

2. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder

3. Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers

4. Derrick Rose, Chicago Bulls

5. Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors

6. Carmelo Anthony, New York Knicks

7. Dwyane Wade, Miami Heat

8 Chris Paul, Los Angeles Clippers

9. Kyrie Irving, Cleveland Cavaliers

10. James Harden, Houston Rockets

11. Blake Griffin, Los Angeles Clippers

12. Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder

13. Rajon Rondo, Boston Celtics

14. Tim Duncan, San Antonio Spurs

15. Paul George, Indiana Pacers

James leading isn't a surprise, nor is Durant right behind him. But it's impressive that Bryant managed the third spot at his age while only playing six games. It speaks to his legacy and the popularity of the Lakers. It makes you wonder how popular he'll be after he retires.

Derrick Rose also appears despite missing most of the season for a second year in a row with a knee injury.

This is, unbelievably, Tim Duncan's first appearance since 2007. Steph Curry is the cool new kid, headed up the ranks, while Blake Griffin apparently is no longer capturing the imagination of fans despite his improved play and omnipresence on commercial airwaves. The Pacers and Spurs won 117 games combined and have two dudes on the list, but whatever.

Kyrie Irving remains fascinatingly popular despite the struggles in Cleveland.

Here are the top ten teams in jersey sales:

1. Miami Heat

2. Los Angeles Lakers

3. Chicago Bulls

4. Oklahoma City Thunder

5. New York Knicks

6. Boston Celtics

7. Brooklyn Nets

8. Golden State Warriors

9. San Antonio Spurs

10. Los Angeles Clippers

How about the Nets on the list despite not having a top fifteen guy on the list. Also, hey, good news for the Knicks! Still making money, no matter the failures!

I really wish the NBA would release the numbers on sleeved jerseys. That would be fascinating to see.

Topics: Blake Griffin, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul, Derrick Rose, Dwyane Wade, James Harden, Kevin Durant, Kobe Bryant, Kyrie Irving, LeBron James, Paul George, Rajon Rondo, Russell Westbrook, Stephen Curry, Tim Duncan, Boston Celtics, Brooklyn Nets, Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets, Indiana Pacers, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, New York Knicks, Oklahoma City Thunder, San Antonio Spurs, NBA

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Report: Tom Izzo, Fred Hoiberg and Stan Van Gundy on Timberwolves’ coaching wish list

The Timberwolves probably can’t keep Kevin Love beyond next season.

But if they trade him, they probably won’t land a player of his caliber anytime soon, anyway.

So, I see some logic in Minnesota’s apparent strategy – keeping Love until his contract expires and daring him to take less money to leave. It’s a plan that will probably fail, but the alternative will probably fail, too. It’s just a matter of which unlikely proposition carries better odds.

If the Timberwolves are going to impress Love enough to re-sign him, that starts with hiring a coach to replace reportedly outgoing Rick Adelman.

Marc J. Spears of Yahoo Sports:

Assuming Rick Adelman leaves, a source said Minnesota’s coaching wish list includes Tom Izzo, Fred Hoiberg and Stan Van Gundy.

Timberwolves president Flip Saunders became friends with Izzo while coaching the Pistons. I don’t believe Izzo’s hard-nosed motivational style translates directly to the NBA, and I’m not sure he could adjust. I wouldn’t want to pay the salary it would take to lure him to find out, even though I respect Izzo’s overall coaching acumen. Saunders could definitely foster a welcoming environment for the Michigan State coach, perhaps alleviating some concerns. Minnesota could have competition for Izzo.

Hoiberg previously worked in the Timberwolves’ front office, so he’s another name with ties. I love what he’s done at Iowa State, and he’d be high on my list if I were running an NBA team. His style translates so well, and he’s young, enthusiastic and still improving.

Van Gundy is just a flat-out good coach. His biggest weakness is probably how he wears on players, and his relationship with Dwight Howard notably turned sour. But he hasn’t alienated any Timberwolves yet, so why not start the clock now while the franchise is at such a critical point? This is the time to get the best of Van Gundy.

As far as wish lists go, this one is pretty good. The Timberwolves real challenge is actually landing one of these coaches or, if they can’t, finding a strong alternative.