Roster Keepers

[Lipoli390]

The Wolves have 12 players under contract for next season. The contracts of Vando and Ed Davis have expired. Thinking about who we should keep next season, I've divided our roster into four categories: (1) untouchables keepers, i.e., players we should not make available for trades under any circumstances; (2) tradable keepers, i.e., players we should keep but be open to trading if we can get a deal that's likely to significantly move the needle; and (3) shopable keepers, i.e., players we should be inclined to keep, but actively shop; and (4) non-keepers, i.e., players we should actively shop and trade unless we can't get anything of value, including cap space, in return.

UNTOUCHABLE KEEPERS

1. Ant - He's the most exciting player this franchise has had since KG. If he continues to progress as he did the last half of this season, he'll be our undisputed best player and our true franchise guy. He also has a great personality and will be the fan favorite.

2. KAT - He's still this team's best and only all-star level player. The scope of his offensive game is unique and he's also an elite rebounder. He has three years left on his deal and the Wolves need to ride it out with him for the next two years not that KAT finally has another great player to play with, namely Ant. The last time KAT had another great player with him on the roster, the Wolves made the playoffs and would have likely been a 4th seed if Butler hadn't been injured.

3. McDaniels - This guy is brimming with talent. He's already perhaps our best defender and I think he has tremendous offensive talent. All that on a very team-friendly rookie contract.

4. Vando - I'm sure there's some head scratching going on over this name in the untouchable category. His energy, active defense and rebounding are invaluable to this team in my view. But it's more than that. The more I watch him, the more I see a lot of untapped talent that will ultimately make him more than just a high-energy defensive guy. He has good ballhandling and passing skills and he's pretty good scoring around the basket. What he lacks is a decent perimeter shot - even from short range. That's something he can and undoubtedly will work on. Furthermore, it won't cost a lot to re-sign him and this team has to look for bargains given how close they are to the luxury tax threshold. Given what he brings as well as what he could potentially bring in a couple years, all at a reasonable cost, he's a guy the Wolves should absolutely re-sign.

TRADABLE KEEPERS

1. DLO - I've never been a big DLO fan and I'm particularly down on the trade that brought him here. But he is a high-level talent as both a scorer and passer. He has shown good defensive effort lately and has recently played fairly well on that end. I also think he's proven himself to be a good teammate. He's still young and you can't discount the possibility of further improvement from him. With all that in mind, I have to acknowledge that he might ultimately live up to the expectations that Rosas obviously had when he traded for him. The emergence of Ant allows DLO to become our #3 guy. Although that might make it harder to justify DLO's max salary, I think it makes him a better fit and more of a positive for the team. I also think his close friendship with KAT makes it very hard to consider trading him. At the end of the day, DLO's a keeper even though I'd be open to a major difference-making deal for him.,

2. Beasley - I was a fan of the Beasley acquisition even though I wasn't thrilled with the H-Gomez part of it. Beasley is one of only two truly elite 3-point shooter. KAT is the other one. DLO is a good 3-point shooter, but his career percentage suggests something less than elite. Beasley more than just a spot-up 3-point shooter on the offensive end. He's a terrific athlete who runs the floor and finishes above the rim. He can shoot off the dribble as well as the catch and he has a mid-range game to go with his three-point shooting. He's also an excellent rebounder at his position. In addition, he brings a toughness and passion to the court. He's suspect defensively and I don't know how much he can or will improve on that end. He seems quick enough laterally to at least become a decent defender. Whether he improves defensively or not, he provides valuable 3-point shooting and high octane offensive production on a reasonable contract. His rebounding as well as his ability to run the floor and finish above the rim are bonuses. Note that he's still only 24 years old and has been getting significant minutes for only 3 seasons. Hearing that he's comfortable in a 6th-man role, I'd be strongly inclined to keep him unless he's part of a great needle-moving deal. I used to think he absolutely had to trade for a proven big to start next to KAT. But I think we can upgrade our front court adequately by trading Ricky and Culver, or via free agency, without trading Beasley or DLO.

SHOPABLE KEEPERS

1. Okogie - He's a difference-maker on the defensive end. His defense, steals, rebounding and overall energy don't generally show up in the box score, but they often make a positive difference for the Wolves. He also has a knack for getting to the line on both ends and he's a very good free throw shooter when he gets there. His contract is reasonable and it probably won't cost much to re-sign him after next season. Every contender needs a player or two like Okogie. Unfortunately, his perimeter shooting has been bad since coming to the NBA and it was as bad as ever this season. His lack of improvement as a shooter is disappointing and troubling. So while I'd be inclined to keep him as a relatively cheap, high energy defensive stopper, his poor shooting would also incline me to shop him around for a good deal.

2. Nowell - I've been a huge Nowell fan since Rosas drafted him in the second round two years ago. His shooting has been a bit inconsistent, but I think it will become consistent over time. He's always been a high-percentage shooter from both mid-range and behind the arc in college and the G-League. He's also more than a shooter. I like his ball-handling and instincts. He's someone who can play some lead guard. He also looks like a good, committed defender. And of course, he's on a very team-friendly deal. Given how crowded our backcourt is, I'd shop him, but I'm be more inclined to keep him.

3. JMac - He reminds me of JJ Barea, except he's quicker and more athletic than JJ. With consistent minutes I think he'll become a reliable shooter. I just love the way he handles the ball and how quick he is with the ball. He can get to any spot on the court with the ball. He's terrific at breaking down opposing defenses. I thought we should have given him he final roster spot this season on the minimum multi-year deal. I still think we can lock him up for a few seasons on a very cheap team-friendly deal. I'd be inclined to keep him.

4. Ricky Rubio - He barely made the cut to be included in this group rather than the non-keeper category. I like the way he runs the offense and by all accounts he's been a terrific mentor for our young guys, especially Ant. That matters. He has clearly regained most of his prior form after looking terrible earlier this season. On the other hand, the only role that makes sense for him on this team is backup PG and $17M is a lot to spend for a backup at any position. So I would definitely shop him. That would include shopping him for cap relief to sign a meaningful free agent or to acquire a starting big who can significantly upgrade our front court. Having said that, I'd still lean towards keeping him to start next season since he has only one year left on his deal. As an expiring contract, he'll likely have more trade value at the trade deadline next February and if not traded his expiring contract will provide the Wolves with significant salary relief and more flexibility after next season.

NON-KEEPERS

1. Ed Davis - Great guy, but doesn't provide what the Wolves need. Not sure whether he has anything left in the tank to help any team at this point. His contracts is expiring and there's not point in re-signing him.

2. Jarret Culver - Maybe he'll become an NBA-caliber some day. But that possibility is in doubt and, if it happens, I don't see it happening with the Wolves. Ideally, I'd like to keep and play him in an effort to enhance his now negligible trade value. Unfortunately, I don't see how we can do that with out crowded backcourt and the goal to contend for playoff position next season. It would probably make sense to keep him if the Wolves trade Okogie and either Ricky or Nowell. But otherwise, I see Culver as a non-keeper. I'd like to believe we can get a second-round pick for him or maybe even a low 1st-round pick from an upper tier team looking to add a young guy with upside.

3. Juancho - There are times when his play marginally supports the decision to trade for and then re-sign him. But those times have been few and far between. Moreover, I haven't seen anything to suggest he's worth $7M per year. Our defensive problems make Juancho a particularly bad fit for this team. I'd like to believe we can trade him for a 2nd round pick and a non-guaranteed contract that we can waive to open up more room under the luxury tax threshold.

Rosas should see if he can package Ricky and Culver or Ricky and Juancho (maybe all three) for a needle-moving defensive big to play alongside KAT. Short of that, then I perhaps we can deal Culver and Juancho for 2nd-round picks and a couple non-guaranteed or partially guaranteed contracts to free up luxury tax space to upgrade our front court via free agency.

[KiwiMatt]

Good analysis Lip. However you forgot arguable the MIP on this team in big Naz Reid. He'd be in your 'tradeable keepers' I can imagine.

I didn't watch many games this season but from what I saw I don't think this team was a bad as the record suggests. Ryan Saunders was never head coach material and once Finch took over we saw the players and team improve. Add to that the fact we are the youngest team in the league.

I really liked the starting lineup of Russel, Edwards, McDaniels, Vanderbilt and Towns. And I wouldn't be disapointed if this was our starting line up come first game of next season. Add Beasley, Rubio and Reid off the bench and that's a solid 8 man rotation. Mclaughlin and Nowell provide good depth in the backcourt. We just need to fill in the gaps which is another starting calibre PF or C. I think we need to give Culver one more year, unless we can get a pick for him.

[Coolbreeze44]

I go back and forth in my mind on Towns. I marvel at his offensive game but get just as easily frustrated with his lack of overall impact on the franchise. I'm afraid to trade him and equally afraid to keep investing in him. Last year I wanted to trade him, and sometimes I still wonder what kind of package we could get if he was shopped. Next year I want to see him put winning above everything else. That means he needs to mature and not let his emotions bring him and the team down. He needs to get a key deflection or blocked shot at a critical time. He needs to make winning passes when he gets too much defensive attention. And he needs to be a much better leader. If he can't have a bigger impact on the outcome of games, I think we know what we need to do.

[Lipoli390]

Good analysis Lip. However you forgot arguable the MIP on this team in big Naz Reid. He'd be in your 'tradeable keepers' I can imagine.

I didn't watch many games this season but from what I saw I don't think this team was a bad as the record suggests. Ryan Saunders was never head coach material and once Finch took over we saw the players and team improve. Add to that the fact we are the youngest team in the league.

I really liked the starting lineup of Russel, Edwards, McDaniels, Vanderbilt and Towns. And I wouldn't be disapointed if this was our starting line up come first game of next season. Add Beasley, Rubio and Reid off the bench and that's a solid 8 man rotation. Mclaughlin and Nowell provide good depth in the backcourt. We just need to fill in the gaps which is another starting calibre PF or C. I think we need to give Culver one more year, unless we can get a pick for him.

Whoops. That's a big oversight. You're right that he'd be on my tradable keepers list. I'd be very reluctant to trade him and would have to get a lot of value in return. Naz is already a very good offensive player and he's just scratching the surface of his abilities. He's also on a really team-friendly bargain contract. The only reason I wouldn't put him on the untouchable list is that he's not a good defender and this team really needs to improve defensively, especially up front.

I agree that this team isn't nearly as bad as it's record. Their post-all-star record, 3 games over .500, more accurately reflects the status of the team right now. Given the youth of this roster and the opportunity for improvement during a full offseason and training camp, there is good reason to be optimistic about this team heading into next season even if they don't significantly alter or add to the roster this offseason.

[Lipoli390]

I go back and forth in my mind on Towns. I marvel at his offensive game but get just as easily frustrated with his lack of overall impact on the franchise. I'm afraid to trade him and equally afraid to keep investing in him. Last year I wanted to trade him, and sometimes I still wonder what kind of package we could get if he was shopped. Next year I want to see him put winning above everything else. That means he needs to mature and not let his emotions bring him and the team down. He needs to get a key deflection or blocked shot at a critical time. He needs to make winning passes when he gets too much defensive attention. And he needs to be a much better leader. If he can't have a bigger impact on the outcome of games, I think we know what we need to do.

I've never given a second thought to keeping KAT - so far. But I completely agree with you that he has to mature and show more leadership.

There's a problem when one of your rookies show more maturity on the court than your 5-year veteran leader. That has to change. KAT needs to get a better grip on his emotions and play smarter. Getting control of his emotions is probably the key to KAT playing smarter. His emotions clearly cause him to lose focus and do dumb things. Nevertheless, he did improve defensively this season and he's reduced his whining at the officials even though he still whines too much. His passing has also improved even though he makes too many ill-advised passes that result in turnovers.

What is sometime under-appreciated with KAT is how consistently great he is game after game. It's rare that he doesn't give you at least 20 highly efficient points as well as 10+ rebounds. He averaged 24.6, 26.5 and 24.8 points per game in respectively in each of the last 3 seasons. That's not 35 points one game and 15 points the next. It's 20+ just about every game and always efficiently. More recently, he's been piling up assists, averaging 4.5 assists the past two seasons. He's just too good not to continue trying to build around. He just hasn't had talent around him and the one season he had another elite player on the roster, this team went to the playoffs and would have finished as a 4th or 5th seed if Butler hadn't gotten hurt. KAT was only 21 at the time. I think we'll appreciate him more as he enters his prime the next couple of seasons paired again with talented players like Ant, McDaniels, DLO and Beasley.

We can always get just as much in exchange for KAT two years from now as we could get now or could have gotten last year. He has three years left on his deal. The way I look at it is that we have two seasons to make this work with KAT and DLO. If we're not a really formidable playoff team by then, the Wolves will have to trade KAT. Until then, the organization has to do everything possible to make it work. I can finally see it working, thanks to the addition of Ant and McDaniels. makes

[thedoper]

The only untouchable for me at this point is ant. I listen for deals for any other player. Their value in getting an asset(s) in return as I see it is:

1.KAT
2. ANT
3. McDaniels
4. Beasley
5. DLo
6. Reid
7. Rubio
8. Vando
9+ The rest of our fodder

Dealing KAT/DLo would be ballsy, dealing McDaniels would hurt but if it was the difference in landing us a legit 3 year option at the 4 I think you listen. If we deal anything from Beasley down, were not getting that much value unless we attach picks.

[Lipoli390]

The only untouchable for me at this point is ant. I listen for deals for any other player. Their value in getting an asset(s) in return as I see it is:

1.KAT
2. ANT
3. McDaniels
4. Beasley
5. DLo
6. Reid
7. Rubio
8. Vando
9+ The rest of our fodder

Dealing KAT/DLo would be ballsy, dealing McDaniels would hurt but if it was the difference in landing us a legit 3 year option at the 4 I think you listen. If we deal anything from Beasley down, were not getting that much value unless we attach picks.

This team needs some continuity at this point. That's why I have so many keepers on my list. I disagree with you on Beasley. I think he could fetch a very good player without having to give up a draft pick.

[Monster]

Lip good write up but one sort of nitpick thing I think you are underrating JJ Barea's athletic ability. It's honesty a compliment to be considered that quick and athletic. J-Mac is longer though and I think he has a chance to be a more well rounded player. JJ had a nice career I would be thrilled if J-Mac became that level of impact player in the league. Like you I want to bring him back...although that may depend on what all they do with the roster this offseason including if they end up keeping their pick and selecting a guard.

Edit: For fun I looked up some measurements and Barea isn't even 5'11" with shoes NBA started listing him at 5'10". J-Mac measured at 5'10.75" barefoot. JJ's wingspan is reportedly under 6'. J-Mac measured out at 6'4.5" that's a pretty big difference. I never really thought about JJ having short arms but yeah the dude could play. He also averaged 8.4 assists (4.7 turnovers) his last year at Northwestern.

[Lipoli390]

Lip good write up but one sort of nitpick thing I think you are underrating JJ Barea's athletic ability. It's honesty a compliment to be considered that quick and athletic. J-Mac is longer though and I think he has a chance to be a more well rounded player. JJ had a nice career I would be thrilled if J-Mac became that level of impact player in the league. Like you I want to bring him back...although that may depend on what all they do with the roster this offseason including if they end up keeping their pick and selecting a guard.

Edit: For fun I looked up some measurements and Barea isn't even 5'11" with shoes NBA started listing him at 5'10". J-Mac measured at 5'10.75" barefoot. JJ's wingspan is reportedly under 6'. J-Mac measured out at 6'4.5" that's a pretty big difference. I never really thought about JJ having short arms but yeah the dude could play. He also averaged 8.4 assists (4.7 turnovers) his last year at Northwestern.

Interesting info, Monster.

Actually, I wasn't underrating JJ's athleticism. I agree with you he's pretty quick and athletic. I'm just really impressed by JMac's quickness and athleticism. We've all seen the way he gets off the floor for dunks.

JMac is longer than I realized. A 6'4.5 wingspan is solid for a PG and longer than I would have guessed. Just another reason to be optimistic about JMac. If we can get a decent return for Ricky, I'd be very comfortable going into next season with JMac as our primary backup PG. It helps that Edwards and possibly even Nowell can play some lead guard as well.

[Monster]

Lip good write up but one sort of nitpick thing I think you are underrating JJ Barea's athletic ability. It's honesty a compliment to be considered that quick and athletic. J-Mac is longer though and I think he has a chance to be a more well rounded player. JJ had a nice career I would be thrilled if J-Mac became that level of impact player in the league. Like you I want to bring him back...although that may depend on what all they do with the roster this offseason including if they end up keeping their pick and selecting a guard.

Edit: For fun I looked up some measurements and Barea isn't even 5'11" with shoes NBA started listing him at 5'10". J-Mac measured at 5'10.75" barefoot. JJ's wingspan is reportedly under 6'. J-Mac measured out at 6'4.5" that's a pretty big difference. I never really thought about JJ having short arms but yeah the dude could play. He also averaged 8.4 assists (4.7 turnovers) his last year at Northwestern.

Interesting info, Monster.

Actually, I wasn't underrating JJ's athleticism. I agree with you he's pretty quick and athletic. I'm just really impressed by JMac's quickness and athleticism. We've all seen the way he gets off the floor for dunks.

JMac is longer than I realized. A 6'4.5 wingspan is solid for a PG and longer than I would have guessed. Just another reason to be optimistic about JMac. If we can get a decent return for Ricky, I'd be very comfortable going into next season with JMac as our primary backup PG. It helps that Edwards and possibly even Nowell can play some lead guard as well.

Bolmaro is another option as well. I think leaving it up to those guys for PG depth is a honestly a little risky but I'm with you.

I was curious about standing reach of JJ. Kemba Walker and Isaiah Thomas both ended up with 7'7.5" standing reach although Kemba theoretically should be a few inches longer. Thomas is probably about the same height as JJ but with 6'1" wingspan. Lets say JJ standing reach is 7'6". That means to just touch the rim he has to have a 30" vertical. I believe what kept JJ from dunking was he has small hands so palming the ball was a problem. There are videos of JJ doing ally oop dunks in warmups etc and it looks pretty easy in terms of him getting up. My guess is J-Mac along with his length has larger hands maybe even above average for a guy his size. Just a quick look there aren't measurements for that but that's my guess.

Idk if MJ actually had enormous hands or what but his ability to palm the ball in one hand and do stuff with it was a big time weapon. I mean he would do ball fakes with the ball in one hand before he drove. Who do you see do that!?!? I mean aside from Wolves legend Othyus Jeffers. Obviously that ability was a big deal in finishing around the basket and probably was some part of his seemingly floating through the air as he could simply control the ball with one hand more than a lot of players. I believe this was part of what DR. J could do as well. I'm old enough to remember him playing but damn that was a long time ago. I had a computer game When I was a kid I'm pretty sure it was Larry Bird vs DR. J those graphics and game play... lol

Anyway yes I got to talking about MJ and Jordon McLaughlin in the same post. It makes sense they share a name and initials. ;)