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Post by Nick K on Oct 16, 2024 20:16:38 GMT -6
We have Garza, dilly, Minott, Dozier and Shannon to finish this one off and we're right there.
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darko
Full Member
Posts: 186
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Post by darko on Oct 16, 2024 20:27:02 GMT -6
If they add a pre-season cup I think we should lean into it.
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Post by WolvesLife on Oct 16, 2024 20:44:45 GMT -6
Randle is definitely going to take time to find his sweet spot. Naz really should start for the season, we need him to space the floor more
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Post by Nick K on Oct 17, 2024 6:37:33 GMT -6
Randle is definitely going to take time to find his sweet spot. Naz really should start for the season, we need him to space the floor more Sorry, but I just don't see Naz as a starter period. Maybe but only if you had to. Naz is so great coming off the bench. You need guys like that.
I thought Randle looked surprisingly good for his 1st game here. I like the different look he gives us. He's good inside and I liked how quick he was off the dribble.
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Post by kingsxman on Oct 17, 2024 6:43:28 GMT -6
I guess the problem is citing 17 on offense (aside from how flawed just that number is anyway), it assumes Finch maximized that group offensively. I don't get why anyone would think that based on what we've watched for several years now. What if the regular season ends with a schedule like that asterisk year's Jan/Feb, and offense looks gangbusters? Despite what those numbers would point to, the offense is still going to have the same issues they've had in the Finch era. No question we can tinker, and tick that up or down, but we also could have with last years team. It's great we're playing Finch ball now, but that stubborness in having to stick to his principals on offense is a big reason why Wolves O was middling. We legit would have been better off having Micah, Mike or Kyle call O. You're the only one that brings up 17th. Not all us "dumb fans". What we look at is we were 24th in pace and and 22nd in turnovers. So we played slow, but still turned it over way too much. We were 3rd in 3PT%, but only 23rd in attempts. Which means we didn't take advantage of one of our biggest weapons (and KAT was a big problem there).And right there is why KAT is a Knick.
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Post by XRaySpecs on Oct 17, 2024 8:50:00 GMT -6
Preseason isn't gospel, but some things are becoming more clear.
Josh Minott forcing his way into minutes is a HUGE development. He looks visibly stronger/thicker and his confidence is deservedly high. I don't think he's magically become some 40% 3pt assassin, but he's clearly worked on his shot and it looks like he's going to be respectable from deep. He always seemed to me to be a guy who could make an impact without having stuff run for him and that seems to be playing out as he's grabbing rebounds, blocking shots, etc. His previously uncontrolled mayhem now looks to be controlled mayhem which is good. I still have to see him have the discipline to play good D consistently without mental errors, but I'm not sure how Finch can just keep him on the bench at this point.
Personally, I'd give any minutes that were going to go to Dillingham to Minott. Let Donte, Ant, or Randle handle the backup PG duties so that Minott can get on the court. NAW doesn't look comfortable in the role, but there should still be enough ball handling with other guys to function when Mike is resting. If Conley is out for rest or injury, then Dilly can have the backup minutes.
A top of 9 of the starters plus Naz, Donte, NAW, and Minott makes the most sense to me from what I've seen.
Jaden has had several good playmaking sets so far including 3 awesome passes last night. I wish he was a higher volume 3 guy, but I'll settle for him getting back to his high 30s from 3 with a mildly expanded role creating.
Ant is launching 3s. I like it, but I also don't want him to stop driving/drawing fouls. I'm sure it's just preseason, but I like the # of 3s hes taking.
Donte is also launching. He didn't shoot well vs. Chicago, but him being willing to shoot helps spacing. He's going to be a valuable player for us.
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Post by wunderwolf on Oct 17, 2024 9:50:46 GMT -6
I think Finch tipped his hand last night if you will... with the rotation he's going to start the year with..
Looks like Dillingham and TSJr are out of the main 9-10 man rotation as they didn't come in until the last 5 minutes.
And Minnott is in, but I expect Ingles to get spot minutes as well (10th guy).
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Post by levine on Oct 17, 2024 10:08:28 GMT -6
If Minott plays like this when games count, he's going to bump NAW to 9th man.
14.5 PPG (65/57/67), 5.5 RPG, 2.5 Stocks in 23 Minutes.
.765 eFG%, 3.5 Ast/TO, 148.6 ORtg, 104.4 DRtg
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Randle looks slimmer than the past few years, but is still just as much of a bull. A couple tough shots, but did not attempt a 3. His passing and handle for his size is tremendous.
McDaniels might be the new "Rudy Whisperer" now that KAT is gone. Finch talked about how good he is at finding Rudy, and it was on display last night.
Garza did some good things, but there were like 4 straight plays in the 4th where they attacked him and it was bucket or foul every time. I don't expect him to be much more than an "innings eater" in lopsided games.
We really could use one more legit big. Even if its only to play when Rudy is missing games. I'd try to move KBD for a 2nd and cut Dozier, and maybe sign Biyombo to be that guy.
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Post by quinn on Oct 17, 2024 10:28:04 GMT -6
Preseason isn't gospel, but some things are becoming more clear. Josh Minott forcing his way into minutes is a HUGE development. He looks visibly stronger/thicker and his confidence is deservedly high. I don't think he's magically become some 40% 3pt assassin, but he's clearly worked on his shot and it looks like he's going to be respectable from deep. He always seemed to me to be a guy who could make an impact without having stuff run for him and that seems to be playing out as he's grabbing rebounds, blocking shots, etc. His previously uncontrolled mayhem now looks to be controlled mayhem which is good. I still have to see him have the discipline to play good D consistently without mental errors, but I'm not sure how Finch can just keep him on the bench at this point. Personally, I'd give any minutes that were going to go to Dillingham to Minott. Let Donte, Ant, or Randle handle the backup PG duties so that Minott can get on the court. NAW doesn't look comfortable in the role, but there should still be enough ball handling with other guys to function when Mike is resting. If Conley is out for rest or injury, then Dilly can have the backup minutes. A top of 9 of the starters plus Naz, Donte, NAW, and Minott makes the most sense to me from what I've seen. Jaden has had several good playmaking sets so far including 3 awesome passes last night. I wish he was a higher volume 3 guy, but I'll settle for him getting back to his high 30s from 3 with a mildly expanded role creating. Ant is launching 3s. I like it, but I also don't want him to stop driving/drawing fouls. I'm sure it's just preseason, but I like the # of 3s hes taking. Donte is also launching. He didn't shoot well vs. Chicago, but him being willing to shoot helps spacing. He's going to be a valuable player for us. I might be all the way back in on the Lawnmower. He looks like a completely new player. His confidence is incredible. He HAS TO HAS TO HAS TO start the season in the rotation. He's going to be a great energy guy to come in, defend hard, and get out in transition. His shot still looks goofy and, like NAW, I wonder if it'll be a real streaky thing. But for now, he's absolutely earned minutes.
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darko
Full Member
Posts: 186
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Post by darko on Oct 17, 2024 10:50:53 GMT -6
One of the things that will be helpful for Wolves fans as far as appreciating Randle is to see times when flow with Naz does not work which will be against good defensive teams. I thought Wolves looked decent, but I wouldn't say either team was in mid-season form.
One thing that was interesting to me was Giddey struggled finishing, perhaps given the new contact sport we're allowing again. If I'm Bulls I'm trying to add a center/rim force to get him downhill so he can carve it up with his passing. It was a little of the Kat or Love screens with Vuch last night.
Minott has shot well in pre-season, hopefully continues to trend the right way. I'm sure they'll be plenty of games it's not dropping, but so far looks like a helpful player.
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Post by wunderwolf on Oct 17, 2024 10:51:20 GMT -6
Preseason isn't gospel, but some things are becoming more clear. Josh Minott forcing his way into minutes is a HUGE development. He looks visibly stronger/thicker and his confidence is deservedly high. I don't think he's magically become some 40% 3pt assassin, but he's clearly worked on his shot and it looks like he's going to be respectable from deep. He always seemed to me to be a guy who could make an impact without having stuff run for him and that seems to be playing out as he's grabbing rebounds, blocking shots, etc. His previously uncontrolled mayhem now looks to be controlled mayhem which is good. I still have to see him have the discipline to play good D consistently without mental errors, but I'm not sure how Finch can just keep him on the bench at this point. Personally, I'd give any minutes that were going to go to Dillingham to Minott. Let Donte, Ant, or Randle handle the backup PG duties so that Minott can get on the court. NAW doesn't look comfortable in the role, but there should still be enough ball handling with other guys to function when Mike is resting. If Conley is out for rest or injury, then Dilly can have the backup minutes. A top of 9 of the starters plus Naz, Donte, NAW, and Minott makes the most sense to me from what I've seen. Jaden has had several good playmaking sets so far including 3 awesome passes last night. I wish he was a higher volume 3 guy, but I'll settle for him getting back to his high 30s from 3 with a mildly expanded role creating. Ant is launching 3s. I like it, but I also don't want him to stop driving/drawing fouls. I'm sure it's just preseason, but I like the # of 3s hes taking. Donte is also launching. He didn't shoot well vs. Chicago, but him being willing to shoot helps spacing. He's going to be a valuable player for us. I might be all the way back in on the Lawnmower. He looks like a completely new player. His confidence is incredible. He HAS TO HAS TO HAS TO start the season in the rotation. He's going to be a great energy guy to come in, defend hard, and get out in transition. His shot still looks goofy and, like NAW, I wonder if it'll be a real streaky thing. But for now, he's absolutely earned minutes. In addition to Minnott's productive numbers Levine posted, and bolded above, what I have also really been impressed with is his bball IQ looks improved. For example, he has consistently made the simple play (moved the ball to open players when he doesn't have an opening to drive or shoot). He is just playing within the flow, not forcing anything, and still putting up numbers. I'm sure the coaches have coached him up in this area.
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Post by levine on Oct 17, 2024 11:39:08 GMT -6
This Is How Minnesota Wants To Use Julius Randle.
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Post by kingsxman on Oct 17, 2024 17:32:54 GMT -6
Preseason isn't gospel, but some things are becoming more clear. Josh Minott forcing his way into minutes is a HUGE development. He looks visibly stronger/thicker and his confidence is deservedly high. I don't think he's magically become some 40% 3pt assassin, but he's clearly worked on his shot and it looks like he's going to be respectable from deep. He always seemed to me to be a guy who could make an impact without having stuff run for him and that seems to be playing out as he's grabbing rebounds, blocking shots, etc. His previously uncontrolled mayhem now looks to be controlled mayhem which is good. I still have to see him have the discipline to play good D consistently without mental errors, but I'm not sure how Finch can just keep him on the bench at this point. Personally, I'd give any minutes that were going to go to Dillingham to Minott. Let Donte, Ant, or Randle handle the backup PG duties so that Minott can get on the court. NAW doesn't look comfortable in the role, but there should still be enough ball handling with other guys to function when Mike is resting. If Conley is out for rest or injury, then Dilly can have the backup minutes. A top of 9 of the starters plus Naz, Donte, NAW, and Minott makes the most sense to me from what I've seen. Jaden has had several good playmaking sets so far including 3 awesome passes last night. I wish he was a higher volume 3 guy, but I'll settle for him getting back to his high 30s from 3 with a mildly expanded role creating. Ant is launching 3s. I like it, but I also don't want him to stop driving/drawing fouls. I'm sure it's just preseason, but I like the # of 3s hes taking. Donte is also launching. He didn't shoot well vs. Chicago, but him being willing to shoot helps spacing. He's going to be a valuable player for us. I might be all the way back in on the Lawnmower. He looks like a completely new player. His confidence is incredible. He HAS TO HAS TO HAS TO start the season in the rotation. He's going to be a great energy guy to come in, defend hard, and get out in transition. His shot still looks goofy and, like NAW, I wonder if it'll be a real streaky thing. But for now, he's absolutely earned minutes. "Caw Caw Caw!!". What is that you say? Thats the crow that I'm getting ready to eat on Minott. And happy to do so. Last year I said he wasnt an NBA player. I am not sure when I've seen a bigger turnaround from one year to the next in a player. I'd say he has to be in the rotation at this point. If for no other reason than to build his value. Yes, he's making the smarter play now but thats because he's being afforded the opportunity to make the smart play. He doenst have to try to impress coaches by entering the game with 1:45 of garbage time.
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Post by levine on Oct 17, 2024 19:35:53 GMT -6
Denver is just going through the motions. But it’s still cool seeing our third string hang with their starters.
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Post by kingsxman on Oct 18, 2024 10:44:36 GMT -6
Denver is just going through the motions. But it’s still cool seeing our third string hang with their starters. I was surprised at how well our 3rd stringers did against their starters also. Granted, if it was a regular season game it would probably be a different story...but Denver seems to have lost something. At least in preseason it appears that way. I'm sure they can flip a switch at some point but I dont think the "juice" is there that used to be there. Dozier did nothing for me last night. Minott continued to look good. Dilly looked....not good. I am SO glad we dont have to rely on him for much. He is going to need some time to figure things out. But he's got the tools. Is it possible we're shooting too many 3's? We seem a bit reliant on them.
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