Nets/Wolves

[FNG]

Turns out I don't have NBA TV, so I'll be looking forward to an in-person report from WildWolf.

I was looking forward to a real game to see if our 3-0 start is meaningful or not, but with DLo, JMac and Josh all out, it will be another game that's going to be difficult to analyze. A lot of PatBev and Wright III tonight, so the offense will be quite a bit different.

Jaden's corner three looked really sweet last game in LA. Some guys rattle them in (Okogie, when they go in), but some guys shots barely move the net...Jaden is in the latter category when he's on. With guys like KAT, Dlo, Ant attracting a lot of attention, you have to believe Jaden will get a lot of open looks in the corner this season, and despite his slow start in the first 2 preseason games, I'm reasonably confident he will make more than 40% of them when he's wide open. We already know what he can do on defense, so becoming (or remaining) a reliable 3-point shooter will do a lot for this offense. I'm also hoping Durant plays, because it would be interesting to see Jaden defending him. It would also be fun to watch PatBev on Harden.

And then there's Beasley. It's bizarre that a one-trick pony like him only took 2 shots against the Clippers G-League team. I first noticed how fat he looked at media day, but I didn't think it would have as much impact on his game as it has. Even when he's in shape he doesn't play any defense, so an out of shape Beasley who can only get off a shot every 12 minutes can't be in the rotation of a team that wants to get to 40 wins. He needs to shake off the Wright County rust soon, or we're going to see a lot more of Eye Chart as 6th man.

[Leado01]

I'm going to guess that both teams don't give their stars much blow tonight.

I'm also going to guess that Beasley hoists up quite a few more shots tonight. He really is the guy we've seen the least of in the last 6 months and 10 months ago he was one of my faves to watch.

I disagree with your statement that he doesn't play defense because he historically works hard at all times on both sides of the ball, he just doesn't always play defense well and I wouldn't be surprised if that's been the primary focus for ANT and Beasley in practices (which could also account for why neither has been as aggressive offensively as we've seen in the past).

The weight gain is a concern, but their could be a multitude of reasons for that, having more to do with the possibility that he may have made some life changes in the last 6 months to get healthier in other areas of his life so he can continue to play basketball.

I wish him the best in finding balance.

[60WinTim]

Actually, I am quite intrigued to see Bolmaro get some run tonight over Wright III!

[Camden [enjin:6601484]]

I'd expect most of the starters to either play small minutes or absolutely none at all. I think Malik Beasley needs big minutes (and the cardio) to get some game shots up and get in some kind of a rhythm. I'd especially like to see a lot of Leandro Bolmaro and Jaylen Nowell tonight. Those two are wildcards for this roster moving forward and if either can breakout as productive rotation players I think it's a pretty big deal.

[WildWolf2813]

In the building!!!! So close I don't need the Jumbotron

[60WinTim]

I was hoping we would see a starting lineup with Prince...

[Camden [enjin:6601484]]

Channing Frye on NBATV continues to baffle me with some of his takes. He says it's all about who the Wolves are better than in the Western Conference when it comes to Minnesota making the playoffs. He says he thinks they're better than Oklahoma City and San Antonio. He doesn't think they're better than Memphis. And then he says he has them right with New Orleans...

Huh? The Pelicans might have actually downgraded their roster by allowing Lonzo Ball to walk and they replaced him with Devonte Graham. They traded Eric Bledsoe and Steven Adams -- two starters last year -- for Jonas Valanciunas. Zion Williamson is starting the regular season with an injury.

I just don't see how the Wolves won't be better than the Rockets, Thunder, Spurs, Pelicans, and Kings, which puts the Wolves at the 10-seed. And then we can talk about the Warriors and Grizzlies, who I don't think are overwhelmingly talented and probably overrated heading into the season.

[Camden [enjin:6601484]]

It's nice to see Malik Beasley bury a three.

[thedoper]

Channing Frye on NBATV continues to baffle me with some of his takes. He says it's all about who the Wolves are better than in the Western Conference when it comes to Minnesota making the playoffs. He says he thinks they're better than Oklahoma City and San Antonio. He doesn't think they're better than Memphis. And then he says he has them right with New Orleans...

Huh? The Pelicans might have actually downgraded their roster by allowing Lonzo Ball to walk and they replaced him with Devonte Graham. They traded Eric Bledsoe and Steven Adams -- two starters last year -- for Jonas Valanciunas. Zion Williamson is starting the regular season with an injury.

I just don't see how the Wolves won't be better than the Rockets, Thunder, Spurs, Pelicans, and Kings, which puts the Wolves at the 10-seed. And then we can talk about the Warriors and Grizzlies, who I don't think are overwhelmingly talented and probably overrated heading into the season.

I think your assessment of the Wolves is fair but I dont find the criticism of them baffling until they prove it. As sad as it is, placing us just above Houston, San Antonio and the Thunder is probably what we deserve.

[Camden [enjin:6601484]]

This lineup sucks. Nowell, Beasley, Layman, Vanderbilt, and Towns on the floor right now. Absolutely no creation on offense, as expected.