AbeVigodaLive wrote:The rub will be having the second unit getting shots up... and hopefully in.
It could be a two-fold problem with Nowell this season. (1) The impending contract he's shooting for (literally) (2) a green light from the Wolves.
Whatever the case, he's been mostly bad at the role, which we've all detailed. And Rivers is much more of a semi-positive complementary piece IF he can be on the floor with really good players. Put him in a role that's over his head and he's going to struggle.
Totally agree on Rivers. Yeah, you need someone that can create off the bounce and that someone should not be him. I do wonder if you have a McLaughlin-Rivers-Prince-Anderson-Reid lineup if there is enough basketball IQ and ball movement to overcome the lack of iso-creators. And Anderson isn't bad in that role, so there's something.
This is where I think it makes sense to stagger lineups and get D'Angelo Russell or Anthony Edwards in there with those bench guys for stints so they have a shot-creator, shot-maker type on the floor with them. Russell or Edwards with four of Jordan McLaughlin, Austin Rivers, Taurean Prince, Kyle Anderson, and Naz Reid should be enough offense with complimentary players in spurts.
AbeVigodaLive wrote:The rub will be having the second unit getting shots up... and hopefully in.
It could be a two-fold problem with Nowell this season. (1) The impending contract he's shooting for (literally) (2) a green light from the Wolves.
Whatever the case, he's been mostly bad at the role, which we've all detailed. And Rivers is much more of a semi-positive complementary piece IF he can be on the floor with really good players. Put him in a role that's over his head and he's going to struggle.
Totally agree on Rivers. Yeah, you need someone that can create off the bounce and that someone should not be him. I do wonder if you have a McLaughlin-Rivers-Prince-Anderson-Reid lineup if there is enough basketball IQ and ball movement to overcome the lack of iso-creators. And Anderson isn't bad in that role, so there's something.
Low key everyone in that lineup can actually make plays for themselves or others. Rivers can create in spots and in games I have seen him play he has done a good job in picking those but yes he can't be relied on doing that every time down the court. One of the underrated aspects of Prince's game is he can play make more than people realize. He isn't a guard type but he isn't just a 3 point shooter and he can get his at times too.
Also I still believe in Nowell can have a positive impact for the Wolves this season partly because as Q points out the Wolves won't stay healthy the whole time he will get opportunities. If other guys are playing well and he continues to be uneven I hope the guys that deserve minutes then them.
