***The official respectful opinions only thread***

[longstrangetrip [enjin:6600564]]

I enjoy a good argument as much as the next guy, especially when it comes to the T-Wolves. But lately it seems that the opinions expressed have become quite a bit sharper than I am accustomed to on this board. I don't know, maybe it's the frustration of another losing season that shortens tempers. But whatever it is, it can lead to some rather non-productive discussion. I propose a "wrath-free" thread, which posters can use as an oasis when the other threads get a little too vitriolic. Any topic is welcome on the "respectful" board, and certainly any opinion can be refuted...that's what this forum is about anyway. The only rule is opinions need to be presented without anger or scorn. Careful, I'm going to be monitoring this thread closely! Violators will be subject to severe punishment, perhaps even capital.

Come on guys...let's make this work!

[thedoper]

This thread is stupid........



Sorry I had to do it.

[thedoper]

That being said I respect everyone on this board and their opinions. I think people getting too sensitive, if someone irks you, you don't have to respond. From what I can tell I think the people who are personally fighting like to.

We all love basketball and the Wolves. Let's celebrate this exciting time with some lively discussion.

[Coolbreeze44]

Since I seem to be a lightning rod currently for what is wrong with the board, allow me to start.

My topic is Adrien Payne's role on the team. The one thing that comforts me about this acquisition is the relationship between Flip and Izzo. Certainly before Flip made the move he consulted with his buddy to learn more about Payne and what his potential is. I'm fascinated to see what this guy can do. But that fascination is tempered by the memory that I really didn't think much of him in college. I remember an inconsistent, relatively low effort player who didn't get the most out of his talent. But I'll keep an open mind until he gets some run and we see what we have.

[longstrangetrip [enjin:6600564]]

This thread is stupid........



Sorry I had to do it.

No, no, no, doper...you're doing it all wrong. The correct response would be "LST is stupid for starting this stupid thread!"

[mjs34]

This thread is stupid........



Sorry I had to do it.

No, no, no, doper...you're doing it all wrong. The correct response would be "LST is stupid for starting this stupid thread!"

Blow it out your ass LST!

How was that?

[longstrangetrip [enjin:6600564]]

Since I seem to be a lightning rod currently for what is wrong with the board, allow me to start.

My topic is Adrien Payne's role on the team. The one thing that comforts me about this acquisition is the relationship between Flip and Izzo. Certainly before Flip made the move he consulted with his buddy to learn more about Payne and what his potential is. I'm fascinated to see what this guy can do. But that fascination is tempered by the memory that I really didn't think much of him in college. I remember an inconsistent, relatively low effort player who didn't get the most out of his talent. But I'll keep an open mind until he gets some run and we see what we have.

Ha, almost all of us have been lightening rods at one time or another, cool!

Maybe I'm basking in the joy of LaVine's performance this weekend, but I want Flip to give more minutes to both Zach and Adreian the last 29 games of the season. There are similarities in both of them. Both have exceptional physical gifts that didn't necessarily translate into great college success...or success in the NBA in their rookie years, for that matter. But based on physical attributes and talent alone, Flip needs to know what he has in these two prior to the draft, and the only way to get there is to give them consistent minutes.

This will be a challenge for Flip, because as long as we are healthy, there are other players at the 4 and 2 that are going to play also...Young and AB at the 4, and Martin and Wiggins at the 2. Since Flip knows what he has in Thad and Kevin, I don't find it as imperative for either of them to log big minutes the rest of the way. I would give AB and Payne the lion's share of minutes at PF, and let Young share minutes at the 3 with Muhammad...I think he has been more effective there this season anyway. And although most of us think Zach is a natural 2, the main thing he needs is more minutes. And with Drew and Kevin both playing the 2, I think Zach should be Ricky's backup at PG in addition to getting some SG minutes. Bud, Robinson, Neal and LoBro can stay on the bench as far as I am concerned.

[longstrangetrip [enjin:6600564]]

This thread is stupid........



Sorry I had to do it.

No, no, no, doper...you're doing it all wrong. The correct response would be "LST is stupid for starting this stupid thread!"

Blow it out your ass LST!

How was that?

I feel better already... :)

[60WinTim]

This thread is stupid........



Sorry I had to do it.

No, no, no, doper...you're doing it all wrong. The correct response would be "LST is stupid for starting this stupid thread!"

Blow it out your ass LST!

How was that?

I feel better already... :)

Yeah, a good "dump" will do that!! ;-)

[khans2k5 [enjin:6608728]]

Since I seem to be a lightning rod currently for what is wrong with the board, allow me to start.

My topic is Adrien Payne's role on the team. The one thing that comforts me about this acquisition is the relationship between Flip and Izzo. Certainly before Flip made the move he consulted with his buddy to learn more about Payne and what his potential is. I'm fascinated to see what this guy can do. But that fascination is tempered by the memory that I really didn't think much of him in college. I remember an inconsistent, relatively low effort player who didn't get the most out of his talent. But I'll keep an open mind until he gets some run and we see what we have.

Ha, almost all of us have been lightening rods at one time or another, cool!

Maybe I'm basking in the joy of LaVine's performance this weekend, but I want Flip to give more minutes to both Zach and Adreian the last 29 games of the season. There are similarities in both of them. Both have exceptional physical gifts that didn't necessarily translate into great college success...or success in the NBA in their rookie years, for that matter. But based on physical attributes and talent alone, Flip needs to know what he has in these two prior to the draft, and the only way to get there is to give them consistent minutes.

This will be a challenge for Flip, because as long as we are healthy, there are other players at the 4 and 2 that are going to play also...Young and AB at the 4, and Martin and Wiggins at the 2. Since Flip knows what he has in Thad and Kevin, I don't find it as imperative for either of them to log big minutes the rest of the way. I would give AB and Payne the lion's share of minutes at PF, and let Young share minutes at the 3 with Muhammad...I think he has been more effective there this season anyway. And although most of us think Zach is a natural 2, the main thing he needs is more minutes. And with Drew and Kevin both playing the 2, I think Zach should be Ricky's backup at PG in addition to getting some SG minutes. Bud, Robinson, Neal and LoBro can stay on the bench as far as I am concerned.

How many rookies can you honestly peg after just 1 season? It's just not realistic for Flip to know what he has in Lavine and Payne. Lavine is so young, but gifted that he could end up like Kobe or Shved and I wouldn't be shocked by either. Payne just hasn't played enough and there isn't enough time left in the season to comfortably know what he is going to bring to the table. Flip could make them starters or put them in the dog house. Either way he's not getting a definitive answer this year.