NBA Playoff Thread

[Q12543 [enjin:6621299]]

John Collins....Nice player....would be a huge upgrade for the Wolves as a starting PF. But....there is only so much a guy like him can do to impact a game. If you aren't a primary ball handler, elite volume shooter, or crazy good defensively, then there is only so much one can do.

Would he be worth the price?

[AbeVigodaLive]

I think Giannis has also finally realized that he just needs to put his head down and attack instead of taking the bait and launching jumpers.

But even that was blown out of proportion a bit, right? He's even pretty consistent there...

He's averaging 3.8 three point attempts over those 8 games.
He averaged 3.6 three point attempts during the regular season (fewer minutes).
And he averaged 4.0 during the first 6 games of the playoffs.

It's almost boring at this point. Chalk Giannis up for 30/10 night after night after night. Not always pretty. But consistent.

It reminds me of Duncan a bit over his career. His season averages were insanely consistent. You just knew what you were getting from the guy.

[SameOldNudityDrew]

John Collins....Nice player....would be a huge upgrade for the Wolves as a starting PF. But....there is only so much a guy like him can do to impact a game. If you aren't a primary ball handler, elite volume shooter, or crazy good defensively, then there is only so much one can do.

Would he be worth the price?

I don't think so. I know we've talked about this a lot on the board, but I've been against Collins mostly because I don't think he's a max-caliber player. If we added him to DLO, that would make 2 max guys who don't deserve the max on our roster. We'd be better, but we'd ceiling out as first-round fodder.

He's also just not at all what we need with DLO and KAT. I think you've been right, Q, to push for some defensive toughness and size in a big next to KAT, and I totally agree that's what we need. We don't necessarily have to get that guy as our third max, but I do think a we need a starting big like that with the current lineup we have. Collins is just too wiry I think. Arguably, he's more of a wing than a big. He's listed at 235 but that seems at least 15-20 pounds heavier than he looks. Physically, he reminds me of Cov.

[Q12543 [enjin:6621299]]

John Collins....Nice player....would be a huge upgrade for the Wolves as a starting PF. But....there is only so much a guy like him can do to impact a game. If you aren't a primary ball handler, elite volume shooter, or crazy good defensively, then there is only so much one can do.

Would he be worth the price?

I don't think so. I know we've talked about this a lot on the board, but I've been against Collins mostly because I don't think he's a max-caliber player. If we added him to DLO, that would make 2 max guys who don't deserve the max on our roster. We'd be better, but we'd ceiling out as first-round fodder.

He's also just not at all what we need with DLO and KAT. I think you've been right, Q, to push for some defensive toughness and size in a big next to KAT, and I totally agree that's what we need. We don't necessarily have to get that guy as our third max, but I do think a we need a starting big like that with the current lineup we have. Collins is just too wiry I think. Arguably, he's more of a wing than a big. He's listed at 235 but that seems at least 15-20 pounds heavier than he looks. Physically, he reminds me of Cov.

Exactly. I think we get a better ROI on a pure Center. Adams is the guy that seems gettable. He isn't cheap, but he's a lot cheaper than Collins would be and probably fits our needs a bit better. We need to protect KAT defensively early in halves by not having him guard bigs and man the paint so much. Let him be Dirk!

[Lipoli390]

John Collins....Nice player....would be a huge upgrade for the Wolves as a starting PF. But....there is only so much a guy like him can do to impact a game. If you aren't a primary ball handler, elite volume shooter, or crazy good defensively, then there is only so much one can do.

Would he be worth the price?

I don't think so. I know we've talked about this a lot on the board, but I've been against Collins mostly because I don't think he's a max-caliber player. If we added him to DLO, that would make 2 max guys who don't deserve the max on our roster. We'd be better, but we'd ceiling out as first-round fodder.

He's also just not at all what we need with DLO and KAT. I think you've been right, Q, to push for some defensive toughness and size in a big next to KAT, and I totally agree that's what we need. We don't necessarily have to get that guy as our third max, but I do think a we need a starting big like that with the current lineup we have. Collins is just too wiry I think. Arguably, he's more of a wing than a big. He's listed at 235 but that seems at least 15-20 pounds heavier than he looks. Physically, he reminds me of Cov.

Exactly. I think we get a better ROI on a pure Center. Adams is the guy that seems gettable. He isn't cheap, but he's a lot cheaper than Collins would be and probably fits our needs a bit better. We need to protect KAT defensively early in halves by not having him guard bigs and man the paint so much. Let him be Dirk!

I remain in sync with you on this one, Q. I also remain a big fan of Collins' game. However, as Drew pointed out, he's not worth a max contract and he's not what we need. I might reach a different conclusion if our PG was Simmons rather than DLO. But that's not the case and it's not going to happen.

As we've discussed, the Wolves need add a defensive big next to KAT. One type of defensive big would be a vertical rim protector like Myles Turner. The other type would be a physically bruising center like Adams. Those would be my top two choices. Both would fill our need for better interior defense and both will have nearly identical salaries. I'd lean towards Turner because it's an elite rim protector and a better offensive player with more mobility than Adams. On the other hand, he's not as physically imposing as Adams and we'd have to give up more to get him in a trade. I also have some concern about Turner's toe and whether he can be counted on to be healthy and adequately available.

What would you consider some realistic trade scenarios to get Adams?

[Lipoli390]

The war of attrition continues. Kawhi remains out indefinitely. Now Zubac is out tonight with a strained MCL. Trae Young is questionable for tomorrow night's game. At this point, the war of attrition is point towards a Suns-Bucks finals.

[Lipoli390]

Really disappointing first-half performance by the Suns. Yes, the Clippers have been shooting well. And yes, the Suns can be forgiven for missing shots. But the lack of intensity and urgency from the Suns in the first half is unacceptable. Suns players are getting repeatedly beat to loose balls. Even worse is watching Suns players failing to aggressively pursue those loose balls. Ayton has repeatedly allowed Clipper players to grab rebounds while making little or no effort to compete for those boards. The Suns have completely failed to attack the paint against the Clipper zone.

The Suns are playing in a close-out game on their home court with the chance to move to the NBA finals in front of a packed home arena. The Clippers are without the best player, Kawhi, and without Zubac. They've been without Ibaka throughout the playoffs. This is a game the Suns should absolutely win.

The fact that the Suns are only down by 7 at halftime is testament to how much better they are than the battered Clippers team. If the Suns play with some fire in their belly in the second half, they will advance to the NBA finals. If they don't, the Clippers just might win this series.

[Q12543 [enjin:6621299]]

John Collins....Nice player....would be a huge upgrade for the Wolves as a starting PF. But....there is only so much a guy like him can do to impact a game. If you aren't a primary ball handler, elite volume shooter, or crazy good defensively, then there is only so much one can do.

Would he be worth the price?

I don't think so. I know we've talked about this a lot on the board, but I've been against Collins mostly because I don't think he's a max-caliber player. If we added him to DLO, that would make 2 max guys who don't deserve the max on our roster. We'd be better, but we'd ceiling out as first-round fodder.

He's also just not at all what we need with DLO and KAT. I think you've been right, Q, to push for some defensive toughness and size in a big next to KAT, and I totally agree that's what we need. We don't necessarily have to get that guy as our third max, but I do think a we need a starting big like that with the current lineup we have. Collins is just too wiry I think. Arguably, he's more of a wing than a big. He's listed at 235 but that seems at least 15-20 pounds heavier than he looks. Physically, he reminds me of Cov.

Exactly. I think we get a better ROI on a pure Center. Adams is the guy that seems gettable. He isn't cheap, but he's a lot cheaper than Collins would be and probably fits our needs a bit better. We need to protect KAT defensively early in halves by not having him guard bigs and man the paint so much. Let him be Dirk!

I remain in sync with you on this one, Q. I also remain a big fan of Collins' game. However, as Drew pointed out, he's not worth a max contract and he's not what we need. I might reach a different conclusion if our PG was Simmons rather than DLO. But that's not the case and it's not going to happen.

As we've discussed, the Wolves need add a defensive big next to KAT. One type of defensive big would be a vertical rim protector like Myles Turner. The other type would be a physically bruising center like Adams. Those would be my top two choices. Both would fill our need for better interior defense and both will have nearly identical salaries. I'd lean towards Turner because it's an elite rim protector and a better offensive player with more mobility than Adams. On the other hand, he's not as physically imposing as Adams and we'd have to give up more to get him in a trade. I also have some concern about Turner's toe and whether he can be counted on to be healthy and adequately available.

What would you consider some realistic trade scenarios to get Adams?

Not sure....may be Beasley for Adams? Beasley basically fills the role Redick was supposed to play last season in being a volume 3-point sniper. I realize we take a hit with our shooting, but we'd still have DLO and KAT. I think the salaries work too or are pretty close. They may ask for Naz Reid too....

[Lipoli390]

John Collins....Nice player....would be a huge upgrade for the Wolves as a starting PF. But....there is only so much a guy like him can do to impact a game. If you aren't a primary ball handler, elite volume shooter, or crazy good defensively, then there is only so much one can do.

Would he be worth the price?

I don't think so. I know we've talked about this a lot on the board, but I've been against Collins mostly because I don't think he's a max-caliber player. If we added him to DLO, that would make 2 max guys who don't deserve the max on our roster. We'd be better, but we'd ceiling out as first-round fodder.

He's also just not at all what we need with DLO and KAT. I think you've been right, Q, to push for some defensive toughness and size in a big next to KAT, and I totally agree that's what we need. We don't necessarily have to get that guy as our third max, but I do think a we need a starting big like that with the current lineup we have. Collins is just too wiry I think. Arguably, he's more of a wing than a big. He's listed at 235 but that seems at least 15-20 pounds heavier than he looks. Physically, he reminds me of Cov.

Exactly. I think we get a better ROI on a pure Center. Adams is the guy that seems gettable. He isn't cheap, but he's a lot cheaper than Collins would be and probably fits our needs a bit better. We need to protect KAT defensively early in halves by not having him guard bigs and man the paint so much. Let him be Dirk!

I remain in sync with you on this one, Q. I also remain a big fan of Collins' game. However, as Drew pointed out, he's not worth a max contract and he's not what we need. I might reach a different conclusion if our PG was Simmons rather than DLO. But that's not the case and it's not going to happen.

As we've discussed, the Wolves need add a defensive big next to KAT. One type of defensive big would be a vertical rim protector like Myles Turner. The other type would be a physically bruising center like Adams. Those would be my top two choices. Both would fill our need for better interior defense and both will have nearly identical salaries. I'd lean towards Turner because it's an elite rim protector and a better offensive player with more mobility than Adams. On the other hand, he's not as physically imposing as Adams and we'd have to give up more to get him in a trade. I also have some concern about Turner's toe and whether he can be counted on to be healthy and adequately available.

What would you consider some realistic trade scenarios to get Adams?

Not sure....may be Beasley for Adams? Beasley basically fills the role Redick was supposed to play last season in being a volume 3-point sniper. I realize we take a hit with our shooting, but we'd still have DLO and KAT. I think the salaries work too or are pretty close. They may ask for Naz Reid too....

I wouldn't give up Naz and Beasley. In fact, I'd expect to get something in addition to Adams back in exchange for Beasley. I like Adams for our team, but he's a dinosaur with limited value around the League. He provides very little on the offensive end and, although he's a really good defender, he's not much of a rim protector. Meanwhile, Beasley has a high-value skill as a three-point marksman. He's also still young and very athletic with remaining upside while Adams is in his late 20s with nothing but downside ahead in his career.

I'd offer Ricky, Culver and a future 2nd round pick. Adams doesn't fit with Zion. Ricky's contract expires a year before Adams's contract. Culver allows the Pelicans to take a one-year flier on a recent #6 pick as they continue their rebuild. And the future 2nd round pick provides a little gravy. I think that's a fair deal. Realistic? Not sure.

I would, however, be willing to give up Beasley for Myles Turner.

[thedoper]

This Clippers collapse is feeling very Wolvesy. Nice seeing such a great crowd in Phoenix.