Q12543 wrote:lipoli390 wrote:Q12543 wrote:As we've said before, there is no perfect player to put next to KAT unless Al Horford or Paul Milsap turn back the clock a couple years and get a whole lot cheaper. The ideal player is an elite defender AND a guy that can hit shots. Guys like that are really, really, really hard to come by. That's why players like Horford, Milsap, PJ Tucker, and Robert Covington are so damn valuable. These 3s and 4s that can defend and shoot the 3 are super rare role players or all-star caliber players.
So we either go with the no-defense shooter like Juancho; the potentially good defense modern "do-shit" forward that can't shoot like Vanderbilt; or the potentially great defense/not sure about offense draft pick like Wiseman or Okongwu.
I feel like that as long as we have DLO, KAT and Beasley in the starting lineup, we are pretty much forced to prioritize defense at the other two spots. You can't have literally just one guy (Okogie potentially) be the only one that can play defense in the starting lineup. That means I lean in the direction of either Vanderbilt or Wiseman for that other spot....and I realize neither are guaranteed to be good NBA defenders, but the potential and opportunity is there to grow into that kind of role since the offense is mostly taken care of.
That's right Q. There's no perfect fit next to KAT or next to anyone else on any other team.
I still believe talent (upside x probability of reaching upside) should dictate who the Wolves select at #1. To the extent the Wolves consider fit at all for any of their picks, defense has to be the top priority with 3-point shooting as the next consideration. I consider Wiseman and Okongwu the two most talented players in the draft and both are at their best on the defensive side of the ball and have the makings of elite NBA defenders. But what I also like is that both are skilled enough to suggest a lot of offensive upside as well. They both have nice touches and body control in the paint and they're both pretty good free throw shooters. They also appear to have good shooting mechanics. I think Wiseman is a bit ahead of Okongwu as a ball-handler, but it's hard to tell.
It's interesting that you continue to have a lot of faith in Vanderbilt. After looking at his limited stats and watching highlights of him, I'm not as impressed as you by his potential. I don't think he'll be on this roster after next season. But I sure hope I'm wrong. If he turns out to be the player you and some others think he can be, acquiring him will turn out to have been a huge feather in Gersson's cap.
I watched Vanderbilt quite a bit in the G-League and like his potential. He absolutely has the physical traits to guard every position. He's mobile, long, and strong. I'm not sure he always positions himself well, but all the raw ingredients are there for him to be one of these switchable 'tweener forwards that is quick enough to guard smalls and big enough to guard bigs.
Rebounding we already know he can do that well. Offensively, his ball handling and passing is intriguing, but a bit reckless at times. His shot isn't great, but that's not why I'd play him. He could be a poor man's Ben Simmons or Lamar Odom at a much lower price.
Interesting take. I hope he pans out.