Out comes the Suns - GDT

[bleedspeed]

No KG tonight, but we have a shaken not stirred Sun's team to play. Who will start at PF for us tonight? If it is Payne it will say a lot about AB.

[longstrangetrip [enjin:6600564]]

I kinda thought this GDT would appear earlier than usual...I actually thought about teeing it up last night!

You're right, bleed...it will be interesting to see who Flip starts at PF. I'm guessing AB gets the start since Payne has only had two practices and only 18 minutes of NBA experience, but Flip has also raved about Payne's defense in practice, so that may influence his decision.

I'm encouraged to see the Wolves actually favored by 2 1/2 points against a Western Conference team that currently sits in a playoff position. Of course, Dragic is gone and this has a big impact on the Suns, but it's still only a handful of games against conference opponents that we have seen the Wolves favored this year.

At any rate, the buzz should be back in the arena tonight even with KG a no show. It was clear that Rubio was thrilled with the trade based on his comments yesterday, and I look for him to bring a little extra energy tonight. And when he does, good thing usually happen. Tonight is a good time to start building on the good vibes from All-Star weekend!

[AbeVigodaLive]

It'll be interesting how Phoenix responds. Management has clearly stated "you're not good enough this year" with its trades. Will the team accept that or rebel against it via pride?

And will the now-gone distraction of Dragic's contract situation and too many PGs actually simplify and even inspire the Suns a bit?

[60WinTim]

Yeah, Payne starting would be a pretty big statement...

But I'll offer up another possibility: Dieng.

I was one of the more vocal proponents for trading Young, regardless of the return. Reason being that as long as Young was here, he would be our starting PF. And that was a bad situation for everybody. I was worried we wouldn't find a taker for Young. The fact that we traded him for a "culture change" instead of "on court production" is a heady move by Flip. The nostalgia angle is just icing on the cake.

[60WinTim]

And lost in the shadow of Dragic is Isaiah Thomas, who is also departed. Bledsoe might get kinda tired tonight!

[Camden [enjin:6601484]]

Flip's said that he doesn't like having Dieng play on the perimeter defensively and that "he doesn't understand the concepts" as a PF. Think about the PF we're going up against tonight (Morris). I'd assume we'd see Bennett get the start based off him being the only guy we have rather than him actually deserving it. I miss Robbie Hummel.

I'm wondering how Payne will look in his debut. I'm so against that trade we made that it's hard to really get excited for it, but nonetheless I hope he plays well.

[bleedspeed]

I'm wondering how Payne will look in his debut. I'm so against that trade we made that it's hard to really get excited for it, but nonetheless I hope he plays well.

I am too. Based on yesterdays deals I think we would have a hard time getting a lottery protected first for Dieng or Shabazz. I just hope Flip proves to us his talent judgement is so good it trumps his trade tactics. It is hard to say, but I felt Kahn did better job in getting fair value on trades. He just couldn't judge talent to save his ass.

[Coolbreeze44]

Yeah, Payne starting would be a pretty big statement...

But I'll offer up another possibility: Dieng.

I was one of the more vocal proponents for trading Young, regardless of the return. Reason being that as long as Young was here, he would be our starting PF. And that was a bad situation for everybody. I was worried we wouldn't find a taker for Young. The fact that we traded him for a "culture change" instead of "on court production" is a heady move by Flip. The nostalgia angle is just icing on the cake.

I have to admit that the culture needs to change, and the trade yesterday is a step in the right direction. To be honest, I'm not so upset about that deal. What bothers me more is what we didn't do. Unless injuries rear their head once again, and they very well could, some of our guys that need to play aren't going to get much run. I'm talking about Zach, Bazz, and Gorgui for the most part. So far Flip has not shown any inclination to limit the minutes of Martin and Wiggins. I like Andrew getting at least 35, but 43 is too many. And I'd play Martin no more than 30, but I don't see that happening.

[60WinTim]

It'll be interesting to see whether Zach at PG continues, or if LoBrown gets those minutes with Zach finally getting SG minutes.

I saw a comment from Flip that he wants Zach to be able to play both guard positions, but you can't learn to play PG if your are playing SG. That explains the forced PG minutes pre-all star break.

I just finished watching yesterday's press conference. It's well worth the 20+ minutes if you have the time...

http://www.nba.com/timberwolves/video/teams/timberwolves/2015/02/19/KGTradePressConferencemp4-3523402

[60WinTim]

One question answered... Bennett gets the start tonight.