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Post by darko on Sept 14, 2023 7:23:04 GMT -6
It will be unnatural for me to remain quiet.
I put zero into any of the numbers the NBA regular seasons has produced post FOM. But the context of our offense and D-Lo is really big deal.
Ant can be the best player on a chip team, but no one is doing it alone. It seems like there’s this idea that other all-star guys are perfect players. Ant is really, really good, and no question bout to level up.
I just listened to Craig and Dane’s pod, they were talking about who’s going to take the leap this year, and the obvious one for me should be the offense. If we still look slow, confused, poorly space, Finch’s got to go.
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Post by kingsxman on Sept 14, 2023 9:17:23 GMT -6
It will be unnatural for me to remain quiet. I put zero into any of the numbers the NBA regular seasons has produced post FOM. But the context of our offense and D-Lo is really big deal. Ant can be the best player on a chip team, but no one is doing it alone. It seems like there’s this idea that other all-star guys are perfect players. Ant is really, really good, and no question bout to level up. I just listened to Craig and Dane’s pod, they were talking about who’s going to take the leap this year, and the obvious one for me should be the offense. If we still look slow, confused, poorly space, Finch’s got to go. You bring up a really good point. Regardless of individual player "leaps", the offense itself has to take a leap. The question is, can we do that with Rudy? I think we can. But it will be with people sharing the ball and, honestly, a bit more structure in the offense. But what Ant or McD do individually wont really matter if the offense doesnt improve. And I DO believe that this is on Finchy.
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Post by Nick K on Sept 14, 2023 10:52:17 GMT -6
It will be unnatural for me to remain quiet. I put zero into any of the numbers the NBA regular seasons has produced post FOM. But the context of our offense and D-Lo is really big deal. Ant can be the best player on a chip team, but no one is doing it alone. It seems like there’s this idea that other all-star guys are perfect players. Ant is really, really good, and no question bout to level up. I just listened to Craig and Dane’s pod, they were talking about who’s going to take the leap this year, and the obvious one for me should be the offense. If we still look slow, confused, poorly space, Finch’s got to go. Towns will take a step up this year! As long as Finch let's him.
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Post by Nick K on Sept 14, 2023 10:54:38 GMT -6
It will be unnatural for me to remain quiet. I put zero into any of the numbers the NBA regular seasons has produced post FOM. But the context of our offense and D-Lo is really big deal. Ant can be the best player on a chip team, but no one is doing it alone. It seems like there’s this idea that other all-star guys are perfect players. Ant is really, really good, and no question bout to level up. I just listened to Craig and Dane’s pod, they were talking about who’s going to take the leap this year, and the obvious one for me should be the offense. If we still look slow, confused, poorly space, Finch’s got to go. You bring up a really good point. Regardless of individual player "leaps", the offense itself has to take a leap. The question is, can we do that with Rudy? I think we can. But it will be with people sharing the ball and, honestly, a bit more structure in the offense. But what Ant or McD do individually wont really matter if the offense doesnt improve. And I DO believe that this is on Finchy. It is on Finchy. No doubt. We have a ton of talent. We just have to get the most out of it. First thing is quit trying to make Rudy into what he is not.
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Post by darko on Sept 14, 2023 10:57:33 GMT -6
You bring up a really good point. Regardless of individual player "leaps", the offense itself has to take a leap. The question is, can we do that with Rudy? I think we can. But it will be with people sharing the ball and, honestly, a bit more structure in the offense. But what Ant or McD do individually wont really matter if the offense doesnt improve. And I DO believe that this is on Finchy. Don't think it's about Rudy, it'w been a Wolves issue for two years, despite what the asterisk season O rankings might have indicated. Utah figured it out just fine, but they changed a tish if you look at 2017-18 compared to the blender post FOM. Some fans seem keen to dismiss how big of a role it played, that's fine, but there is a reason Finch is making the rounds on JJ (who called it one of the most profound conversations he's ever had), and Dane's pod talking about what HE can do to improve spacing/flow. You could legit have let Ricky or Mike call the entire game and they would have been better off the past two years. Figuring D-Lo out as the release should have happened immediately after he said "I dance to one play, and one play only, Ed Davis pick and roll," hard to say how long it would have taken them if Kat did not get hurt last year, but they finally did, and it was far and away D-Lo's best stretch here. In Ricky's year, the clear way for both to work offensively should have been Ricky on ball, initiating the drive, oppose putting Rubio in the corner, and doing a D-Lo/Kat pick and roll, and Russell driving away from the screen, which led to nothing. Even then, it's better to have Ricky, Ant, and Kat in that release/upper trap/stretch the floor role we finally got D-Lo in. If I am Lore and A-Rod I am having brunch with Jordi and Becky. If it works with Finch that's awesome, but if not we can't have a third year of this.
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Post by darko on Sept 14, 2023 10:59:01 GMT -6
Towns will take a step up this year! As long as Finch let's him. The Kat-Man! And his role in first group v bench should different. First group, upper trap, second group, we can spread the floor for him and he can do his Magic Johnson/best point guard in the league stuff.
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Post by XRaySpecs on Sept 14, 2023 12:21:53 GMT -6
Wolves apparently kicking the tires on Cam Payne now that he's cleared waivers per Doogie.
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Post by darko on Sept 14, 2023 13:45:11 GMT -6
Conley, Shake, Healthy J-Mac, Ant, NAW, Kyle, Jaden is probably enough handle to start. Payne would be okay, but wouldn't love as a long term fit.
I could see starting with the group we have, and then once we have a better idea of keepers, maybe look to return a point in a future deal.
I saw Elfrid Payton worked out as well, he was a high lotto, but no idea what his sitch is.
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Post by Nick K on Sept 14, 2023 13:48:09 GMT -6
Wolves apparently kicking the tires on Cam Payne now that he's cleared waivers per Doogie. I like him but why is he available and can we afford him? I'd take him over J Mac any day. He's signed thru the 23-24 season at $6.5 mil but SA waived him.
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Post by darko on Sept 14, 2023 13:53:50 GMT -6
I like him but why is he available and can we afford him? I'd take him over J Mac any day. He's signed thru the 23-24 season at $6.5 mil but SA waived him. I'm a little surprised Suns didn't try to bring him back, seems like they could use help there as much as anyone.
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Post by XRaySpecs on Sept 14, 2023 15:34:06 GMT -6
He's signed thru the 23-24 season at $6.5 mil but SA waived him. He's cleared waivers so is available to everyone for any price. I believe San Antonio is on the hook for the difference between the $6.5M and whatever he signs for. I think that's how offset works. If that's the case then I'd expect him to sign for the minimum as a team has no incentive to sign him for more other than to save San Antonio money. The Wolves could be an interesting option for Payne as Conley is an older player and the Wolves will need to fill that spot in the future. I doubt he'd choose the Wolves over other options though.
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Post by XRaySpecs on Sept 14, 2023 15:35:47 GMT -6
I'm a little surprised Suns didn't try to bring him back, seems like they could use help there as much as anyone. Once they traded him, I believe he can't be reaquired this season. They saved A LOT of money trading him I believe.
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Post by levine on Sept 14, 2023 16:18:47 GMT -6
I saw Elfrid Payton worked out as well, he was a high lotto, but no idea what his sitch is. You'd love him. Bigger PG that can't shoot a lick.
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Post by levine on Sept 14, 2023 16:21:11 GMT -6
Krejčí, a 6-foot-8 point guard with a ton of positional flexibility, spent most of his last career in the G-League, splitting time between the Oklahoma City Blue in 2021 and the College Park Skyhawks in 2022. The Czech product has less-than-ideal stats in the NBA but was very impressive during his time in the FIBA Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament, where he averaged 14 points per game, to go along with just around six rebounds and six assists. That is where Krejčí’s strength might show itself on this Minnesota Timberwolves roster. The 2020 second-round pick will likely be an injury replacement player at best, but his versatility should be his best chance to play a role. Despite the lesser competition, Krejčí played full-time point guard and the tape during the FIBA qualifiers is pretty impressive. Just take a look at his 16-point, eight-assist performance against North Macedonia. It’s worth noting that training camp deals rarely convey into two-way contracts and almost never lead to anything beyond that. However, the Wolves badly needed a “break in case of emergency” point guard. They have that now. The Wolves badly needed a smart cutting wing off the bench. They have that now. The Wolves badly needed a 3-point shooting specialist. They definitely still don’t have that. Krejčí has many flaws, but his shooting is the one that prevents him from being anything better than a fringe NBA player. Shooting under 25% from deep is not a way to get playing time on a roster with Rudy Gobert and Anthony Edwards. Krejčí is a fun player to have around. Will he play any role or even be on the roster in two months? No clue. But the ride will be fun in the meantime. And for all you fellow basketball sickos, I’d suggest you watch the Czech National Team. Oh and he has a full arm sleeve of just wolves tattoos. Safe to say, he is raised by them. www.canishoopus.com/2023/9/14/23873901/minnesota-timberwolves-sign-guard-forward-vit-krejci-to-training-camp-contract-nba-free-agency-2023
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Post by Nick K on Sept 14, 2023 21:28:43 GMT -6
Krejčí, a 6-foot-8 point guard with a ton of positional flexibility, spent most of his last career in the G-League, splitting time between the Oklahoma City Blue in 2021 and the College Park Skyhawks in 2022. The Czech product has less-than-ideal stats in the NBA but was very impressive during his time in the FIBA Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament, where he averaged 14 points per game, to go along with just around six rebounds and six assists. That is where Krejčí’s strength might show itself on this Minnesota Timberwolves roster. The 2020 second-round pick will likely be an injury replacement player at best, but his versatility should be his best chance to play a role. Despite the lesser competition, Krejčí played full-time point guard and the tape during the FIBA qualifiers is pretty impressive. Just take a look at his 16-point, eight-assist performance against North Macedonia. It’s worth noting that training camp deals rarely convey into two-way contracts and almost never lead to anything beyond that. However, the Wolves badly needed a “break in case of emergency” point guard. They have that now. The Wolves badly needed a smart cutting wing off the bench. They have that now. The Wolves badly needed a 3-point shooting specialist. They definitely still don’t have that. Krejčí has many flaws, but his shooting is the one that prevents him from being anything better than a fringe NBA player. Shooting under 25% from deep is not a way to get playing time on a roster with Rudy Gobert and Anthony Edwards. Krejčí is a fun player to have around. Will he play any role or even be on the roster in two months? No clue. But the ride will be fun in the meantime. And for all you fellow basketball sickos, I’d suggest you watch the Czech National Team. Oh and he has a full arm sleeve of just wolves tattoos. Safe to say, he is raised by them. www.canishoopus.com/2023/9/14/23873901/minnesota-timberwolves-sign-guard-forward-vit-krejci-to-training-camp-contract-nba-free-agency-2023Good stuff.
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Post by jojo on Sept 15, 2023 7:30:41 GMT -6
Big slow European but if he can shoot I’m good.
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Post by darko on Sept 15, 2023 10:07:36 GMT -6
You'd love him. Bigger PG that can't shoot a lick. Done. Sign him! I lean towards seeing what we have with our current mix, but yes I prefer guys that play basketball versus straight line drive or shoot dudes. I'd like to see if J-Mac is healthy, and give Moore Jr a little burn, in theory Payton would be a better J-Mac no? Give us a bigger body on d, while being able to do trad point guard things. Cam Payne is in my hall of fame of guys who were out of the league pre-FOM. He would not be in the NBA if they still played basketball.
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Post by darko on Sept 15, 2023 10:20:42 GMT -6
It's why NAW and Moore Jr can likely fill those back out "point guard minutes", especially with Kyle or Kat eating in that second group. I will be interested to see where Naz is most used, to me it almost makes more sense for him to play next to Rudy, with Kat dominating that second unit, but will be fun to see how it all works. How much will we see of Reid and Kat, versus Reid and Gobert, versus Gobert and Kat.
We keep saying this team has five centers, but I do think Kat and Naz are closer to fours than fives, unless you have a defensive minded four that can play next to Kat, which is why Ibaka would have been a great fit circa 2016-17.
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Post by darko on Sept 15, 2023 11:16:59 GMT -6
Vit and Poku among the top point guards in the NBA right now given you can't even ask someone to not drive to the rim.
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Post by levine on Sept 15, 2023 11:18:05 GMT -6
Big slow European but if he can shoot I’m good. He can not.
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Post by levine on Sept 15, 2023 11:20:34 GMT -6
It's why NAW and Moore Jr can likely fill those back out "point guard minutes", especially with Kyle or Kat eating in that second group. I will be interested to see where Naz is most used, to me it almost makes more sense for him to play next to Rudy, with Kat dominating that second unit, but will be fun to see how it all works. How much will we see of Reid and Kat, versus Reid and Gobert, versus Gobert and Kat. We keep saying this team has five centers, but I do think Kat and Naz are closer to fours than fives, unless you have a defensive minded four that can play next to Kat, which is why Ibaka would have been a great fit circa 2016-17. What has Moore Jr shown you that makes him a rotational player? He had that nice stint defending Ja, but otherwise he's yet to show he can shoot, pass or make good decisions at the NBA level.
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Post by darko on Sept 15, 2023 11:32:16 GMT -6
What has Moore Jr shown you that makes him a rotational player? He had that nice stint defending Ja, but otherwise he's yet to show he can shoot, pass or make good decisions at the NBA level. I'm saying I want to see it. Can he defend, move the ball smart/efficiently (not meaning prime initiator), and stand in a corner? He fits the mold of a low usage guy next to Ant and in a perfect world McD. I haven't seen enough either way, but I did watch a lot of Forbes, Rivers, and D-Lo to know I would have rather tried Moore. He makes more sense than whatever that summer league dude guys were fans of. Whether he can grow into that at the NBA level we'll see. Most likely not a starter, but I think it's possible he can be a utility/rotation guard. It's funnier to me to rule it out given how little we've seen, but he certainly isn't as flashy as say Naz or whatever punk iso dweeb people like.
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Post by darko on Sept 15, 2023 11:39:12 GMT -6
Personally I'd like to watch Kit and Moore Jr before I decide which is more likely to stick in the NBA, it's a weird tick I know.
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Post by XRaySpecs on Sept 15, 2023 12:08:33 GMT -6
What has Moore Jr shown you that makes him a rotational player? He had that nice stint defending Ja, but otherwise he's yet to show he can shoot, pass or make good decisions at the NBA level. I'm saying I want to see it. Can he defend, move the ball smart/efficiently (not meaning prime initiator), and stand in a corner? He fits the mold of a low usage guy next to Ant and in a perfect world McD. I haven't seen enough either way, but I did watch a lot of Forbes, Rivers, and D-Lo to know I would have rather tried Moore. He makes more sense than whatever that summer league dude guys were fans of. Whether he can grow into that at the NBA level we'll see. Most likely not a starter, but I think it's possible he can be a utility/rotation guard. It's funnier to me to rule it out given how little we've seen, but he certainly isn't as flashy as say Naz or whatever punk iso dweeb people like. This might seem kind of crazy, but maybe look at his stats? He shot 42/29 in the G League and then stunk it up in summer league as a sophomore. He hasn't been good against non-NBA talent and you need to see it to be sure? He can't shoot and doesn't have good size, length, or the athleticism of an NBA wing. I'm not sure how he fits into "the mold of a low usage guy next to Ant". Like not at all. Also, if a guy is only going to pass the ball and "stand in the corner" on offense, he better be SPECTACULAR at defense or ball handling or something.
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Post by XRaySpecs on Sept 15, 2023 12:14:29 GMT -6
Personally I'd like to watch Kit and Moore Jr before I decide which is more likely to stick in the NBA, it's a weird tick I know. No one has said that Krejci should make the team over Moore. You're making a false comparison. It's not really an "or" option. Krejci has no bearing on whether or not Moore is an NBA player. Nothing Moore has done to this point has shown demonstrates he's even close to being a rotation guy in the NBA. His SL was awful and his rookie year for Iowa wasn't good either. Krejci likely isn't an NBA player either.
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