Wolves vs Spurs SL GDT

[Monster]

If you haven't seen the Anthony Edwards interview you should. That guy is impossible not to like.

I agree with Q's assessment of McDaniels. His handle's not there yet and he still can't seem to score going all the way to the rim. But you see he's been working hard on that part of his game and I saw some promise in that area. He made one tremendous cross-over move, but then got stripped in the paint before getting to the hole. The positive aspects of his game that we saw last season were on full display. He has a really nice touch on his perimeter shot and his combination of length and high release point make it un-blockable. He also has excellent body control and balance that allow him to have a sweet touch on short and mid-range pull-ups off the dribble. His high defensive IQ was evident, but what impressed me was his offensive IQ and passing vision. He made some really nice passes to cutters tonight.

Q's right that the Spurs didn't have a true NBA size big to challenge Knight. But Knight's skill level, strength and motor were all impressive and I think he's going to be very good.

Can't say enough about Wright's effort, especially on the defensive end. He is relentless and super competitive. He's short, but stocky and strong. I don't know how good he'll be, but I'm confident he'll reach his full potential by sheer effort and force of will.

Nowell doesn't wow you, but he's solid. He has a knack for scoring in a number of different ways from different places on the floor and different angles.

A nice team effort and a good win.

If McDaniels can hit those pull ups a few feet from the basket who cares if he gets to the rim. His shoot looks so good and it's very easy.

Very different body types and one guy might be a HOF player but is McDaniels on sort of a Kwahi Leanoard trajectory? He was sort of a raw defender and shooter playing a role and Pop said he was going to be at least an All-star and people were surprised. There is no one with the resume of Pop suggesting McDaniels will achieve that level but to me if his jumper everywhere is like we saw today...imagine a longer more athletic Wally Z (Wally was strong though) who can defend at a high level. That's a freaking good player.

Whew. We've got Scottie Pippen and Kawhi Leonard comparisons on this board for Jaden McDaniels. I know neither were saying that he's for sure the next one of those stars, but that's a really tough ceiling to live up to. I'll take anything from a Robert Covington, Jerami Grant, or Jonathan Isaac -- or some hybrid version of all three. I think those are more accurate projections for this kid than the ones that compare him to a few of the top-30 players of all-time. I just want to temper expectations so we don't get disappointed with him.

Exactly. If he ends up being RoCo that is a really damn valuable piece - almost an ideal starting 3 with KAT and Edwards. Anything beyond that would be icing. Good to see they are trying to push the limits with him.

Eh I'm going all the way and say he is going to be a better defending Durant!

I should have been more clear and said IF someone is looking for that ultimate upside maybe look at Leonard's career. I'd be very happy if he became a Covington type. He will have a hard time being the defensive player Isaac would be if he could stay healthy and Isaac does have some ability offensively.

[Coolbreeze44]

I think you have to be encouraged by what Jaden showed tonight. Yeah, he's not going to be Chris Paul with the ball on a string, but he made more dribble drives tonight than he did all last year. He is so long, even longer than last year. He has kind of freakish physical attributes. It's okay that he hasn't turned into Pippen overnight. I love the fact the coaches are pushing him out of his comfort zone. If there was one thing that was disappointing, it's that he didn't demand the ball enough. He spent too many possessions in the corner. I'd like to see him get some post up opportunities to see what he can do down low. But overall I saw enough improvement to warrant the hype.

[kekgeek]

I think you have to be encouraged by what Jaden showed tonight. Yeah, he's not going to be Chris Paul with the ball on a string, but he made more dribble drives tonight than he did all last year. He is so long, even longer than last year. He has kind of freakish physical attributes. It's okay that he hasn't turned into Pippen overnight. I love the fact the coaches are pushing him out of his comfort zone. If there was one thing that was disappointing, it's that he didn't demand the ball enough. He spent too many possessions in the corner. I'd like to see him get some post up opportunities to see what he can do down low. But overall I saw enough improvement to warrant the hype.

I think that is what is exciting about mcdaniels. If the guy does not improve at all he is a legit 3 and D guy, that is literally his floor. When is the last non lottery pick the wolves just nailed (probably just Pek right).

Then he have the Wolves organization believing that he can be legit more. Yes his handle is still a little loose but with his length he can score over people and he tonight made a good number of off the dribble pull ups tonight. I think the exciting part is there is no real ceiling for him. You could legit tell me he will be an All NBA guy in a few years and I wouldn't call you crazy.

The thing is I legit think his floor is a starter on a finals caliber team. Might be getting my hopes way to high but I legit believe he will be a multi time All Defensive player and think he has a chance going into this year to be a top 5 perimeter defender in the league

[mrhockey89]

I was thinking Jaden looks more like Michael Jordan, except with more size.

[Tactical unit]

This board is really slipping :( Game ball goes to Renee Montgomery! She put on a clinic, grade A+ broadcasting right there. With that smile you see why there is a ring on her finger. (I seriously thought she was great).

What I loved about this game was the mindset, MN played hard on both ends. The team was amped about ball pressure, amped about AND 1's and super jacked when Miller went blast off with the massive dunk. The coach was into it if you watch him pointing, calling out sets. Calling timeout late in the game and really the whole team took this very seriously. Practice how you intend to play during the season!!!

ANT's personality is awesome, other big name players in the building for this game and they were into the game. It wasn't just show up because we had too, show up because it looks good to support the youth, they were present and fully engaged.

So that's what I liked most about the game and it had nothing to do with the performance of any individual players. Getting into players, I think I have a different take than most.

J. McDaniels - I was actually down on the performance, I thought he was being unleashed on summer league? He looked about as good as last year if you ask me, I am still high on his potential but I guess I expected more.

J. Nowell - I think most would see the game high 24pts as something positive but I already know Nowell can score. I wanted to see improved ball handling and crisper passing first and foremost as he is being pitched as a combo guard. I was left wondering if he was the same player or making strides of improvement in those areas. Needs more evaluation, the other aspect of his game I wanted to see was improved defensive ability especially laterally and keeping his man in front of him. He looked like G-Leauge Nowell to me, so again I was hoping for more but remain high on his potential to be a contributor.

N. Knight - Like the way he sets picks and rolls with space, he got Nowell an easy layup where the defender was in no mans land because of the way he rolled to the hoop with space and the defender had no good option. Knight appears to be strong and fights defensively as well as for rebounds. His effort on the glass lead to the go ahead bucket at the end of the game. I'll have to pay closer attention to how he defends pick and roll and how completive he can be once forced onto a guard out the pick in roll.

M. Wright - Was excited to watch him as I've compared him to a poor mans Andre Miller. He impressed me quite a bit, he can really defend and pick up full court. His defense on the final shot sealed the game. He was 4-4 shooting and had one floater that was a thing of beauty. This is the perfect player to try and develop, I would love to see him become much more aggressive looking for floaters off pick and roll. Offensive development would make him quite the steal, speaking of steals he had 5 in this game.

I. Miller - His defense was almost as good as Wright's and he had that awesome dunk that wasn't expected out of a 6'0" guard. I really didn't know much about Miller but after the game, he left me wanting to see more.

Renee Montgomery - Best female broadcaster?

[SameOldNudityDrew]

Was Finch on the broadcast? Did he said anything noteworthy?

He echoed the player development angle and relying on the team's stars -- Towns and Russell -- for their success this upcoming season. He said he only got to coach Beasley for four games so to get him back is like a free agent signing (eye roll). He noted that Wright has a path to carving out a role on the team and noted McLaughlin as the example. That was mainly it.

Was Finch on the broadcast? Did he said anything noteworthy?

He echoed the player development angle and relying on the team's stars -- Towns and Russell -- for their success this upcoming season. He said he only got to coach Beasley for four games so to get him back is like a free agent signing (eye roll). He noted that Wright has a path to carving out a role on the team and noted McLaughlin as the example. That was mainly it.

I thought it was telling that he also said the goal was to get guys reps playing the way they may be playing more of in the coming year, and he specifically called out McDaniels (I think he said scoring or looking to score with the ball) and Nowell running the point. Thought that was a little interesting, though not totally surprising.

[SameOldNudityDrew]

OMG Ant....one of a kind.

That dude is such a character. Hilarious. Huge bonus points for the Purple Rain allusion.

[Lipoli390]

I think you have to be encouraged by what Jaden showed tonight. Yeah, he's not going to be Chris Paul with the ball on a string, but he made more dribble drives tonight than he did all last year. He is so long, even longer than last year. He has kind of freakish physical attributes. It's okay that he hasn't turned into Pippen overnight. I love the fact the coaches are pushing him out of his comfort zone. If there was one thing that was disappointing, it's that he didn't demand the ball enough. He spent too many possessions in the corner. I'd like to see him get some post up opportunities to see what he can do down low. But overall I saw enough improvement to warrant the hype.

I agree, Cool. And yes, he looks even longer than last year. You make a great point about not expecting Jaden to become Scottie Pippen overnight. We all need to keep in mind that he doesn't even turn 21 until the end of September and, of course, he only played one year in college. So he's very early in his development and we need to be patient. If he puts in the work, his ball-handling and finishing skills should improve a lot over the next several years. Remember that Paul George had a very loose handle when he came in to the League after two years of college. Jaden will also put on a lot of muscle over the next several years as well. His upside is really huge. And as others have said, he's already displayed an impressive floor to his game.

[Lipoli390]

Tactical Unit - I had the same thought as you about Renee Montgomery. I thought she was tremendous. As I was listening to her I was thinking that the Wolves should recruit and hire her as part of their broadcast team.

[Monster]

Some may have seen this elsewhere but Meyer Orbach was with the Wolves contingent. Guess he is ok that he wasn't able to sell his shares when Lore and Arod came on board...

Dane Moore reported Vanderbilt was also there. I didn't see him.