Free Agent Targets for March

[Lipoli390]

When the Wolves season resumes next week after the all-star break, we'll be closing in on March 1 when the Wolves can apparently sign a free agent without any risk of hitting the luxury tax threshold this season. Given that the Wolves have an open roster spot, it would seem inevitable that the team will sign a free agent on our around March 1. The only question is who.

The Wolves obviously need to add size to the roster, which should team they're likely to sign a big.. And as the team gets repeatedly out-rebounded, it seems clear to me that should sign the best rebounding big available and willing to sign with us. Barring any change in availability between now and March 1, the best available rebounding big will be Moses Brown. I liked what we saw from Monroe when he was with us for a brief stretch this season. And I know he brings some nice passing and scoring skills as well as veteran savvy. But Moses Brown in the better rebounder. He hasn't done much of anything this season in very limited minutes with Dallas. But just last season he averaged 8.9 rebounds in 21.4 minutes. That's a great rebounding rate. He's also an excellent shot blocker and the biggest free agent available. For a team that needs size and rebounding more than anything, he'd be the best addition the Wolves could make from the list of free agents that might be available this March. I'd be OK if we added Monroe instead. But I think Brown would be the better choice for what the Wolves need the most.

[Camden [enjin:6601484]]

This will come as no surprise to anyone, but I'm also strongly leaning towards Moses Brown as my free agent of choice. Like I've said before, you can't teach 7'2, 245-pounds with a 7'5 wingspan and a 9'5 standing reach. Brown is a raw talent who's still adjusting to his unique physical traits and has only a basic understanding of the NBA game, but there's no denying that he's huge, relatively mobile, and plays with a lot of effort. Still just 22-years old, there's a solid rotation big, or better, in there if a team is patient enough to discover and develop him.

Speaking of which, Minnesota's front office made it quite clear at the deadline that they still had their eyes on the future. Their actions indicated that improving this year's team is not the top priority. If that wasn't the case, then they would have made a meaningful acquisition and improved the depth on this roster before the deadline. They chose to instead hold on to their assets. I disagree with their thinking, but if they're consistent then they would prefer the 22-year old Brown over a veteran option. Again, why? Because it's not necessarily about this season.

I mention this because Brown probably doesn't make this year's team better than the veteran Greg Monroe does, but Brown has a good chance of developing into someone who would be better next year or the year after that with some seasoning. I'd compare his path of progression to someone like Hassan Whiteside. Ideally, Brown would get a multi-year deal for the minimum with no guarantees and team options built into the contract.

[Lipoli390]

This will come as no surprise to anyone, but I'm also strongly leaning towards Moses Brown as my free agent of choice. Like I've said before, you can't teach 7'2, 245-pounds with a 7'5 wingspan and a 9'5 standing reach. Brown is a raw talent who's still adjusting to his unique physical traits and has only a basic understanding of the NBA game, but there's no denying that he's huge, relatively mobile, and plays with a lot of effort. Still just 22-years old, there's a solid rotation big, or better, in there if a team is patient enough to discover and develop him.

Speaking of which, Minnesota's front office made it quite clear at the deadline that they still had their eyes on the future. Their actions indicated that improving this year's team is not the top priority. If that wasn't the case, then they would have made a meaningful acquisition and improved the depth on this roster before the deadline. They chose to instead hold on to their assets. I disagree with their thinking, but if they're consistent then they would prefer the 22-year old Brown over a veteran option. Again, why? Because it's not necessarily about this season.

I mention this because Brown probably doesn't make this year's team better than the veteran Greg Monroe does, but Brown has a good chance of developing into someone who would be better next year or the year after that with some seasoning. I'd compare his path of progression to someone like Hassan Whiteside. Ideally, Brown would get a multi-year deal for the minimum with no guarantees and team options built into the contract.

Cam - I think you've made the more compelling case for signing Brown. His main value is longer term and not necessarily so much the end of this season or this year's playoffs. However, I do think he could have significant short-term value to this team based on his rebounding, which is the point I was making in my initial post. Overall, Monroe probably adds more in the short term. But Brown could address this team's short-term need for improved rebounding.

[thedoper]

Lebron

[Monster]

If you had told me last offseason that Moses Brown would be waived be left unclaimed and still available a few days later and he wasn't injured I would have been surprised. It makes me wonder if he isn't as intriguing as I thought he was.

Are there other worthwhile players like guys having success in the G-league that are worth considering if we are looking at someone with some level of potential? I'm certainly not against adding Moses Brown but my guess is he isn't the only young somewhat intriguing big available...which of course could be part of why Brown is still available.

I still think I'd rather go with a vet that can help now. The Wolves have plenty of young guys on the roster and will likely add at least 1 or 2 more via the draft next year. Beverly is the only player on the roster over the age of 27. I think there could be value in getting a guy that can play now and has been there done that. I'm cool with either direction though

[AbeVigodaLive]

How would signing Brown this season help for next season?

Because while I think he'd offer nothing in the playoffs/play-in... he does seem a heckuva lot more intriguing than Monroe next season. He's huge. And bouncy. And he looked good last season.

[Note: To be fair, a guy like Nathan Knight can post numbers in random regular season games, too.]

[FNG]

Moses Brown is a fun guy to watch, as evidenced by this highlight video from last season:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gTnYPjPco5s

He's obviously as raw as any player in the association, but this is what I like. You can't miss seeing him on the court, because he is just so much bigger than everyone else. He's relentless on the offensive boards, using both his length to rebound over his opponent and his instincts and strength (similar to Vando) to establish position. And finally watch how easily he runs the court leading to easy dunks. Sadly, the third highlight features him blocking a shot by KAT, and then scoring on a fast break dunk before KAT has even appeared crossing half court.

Yeah, sigh this guy and let's see what he can do with backup center minutes.

[TheFuture]

I personally would prefer a body that can actually play PF and switch a bit decently, maybe shoot. Or just rebound. We have absolutely nothing behind Vando. KAT and Reid cannot hang at PF. Jaden is too skinny and best used at the wing to be versatile. Prince cannot hang either. Then what, everyone else is below like 6'5. Knight isn't ready yet.

[AbeVigodaLive]

Moses Brown is a fun guy to watch, as evidenced by this highlight video from last season:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gTnYPjPco5s

He's obviously as raw as any player in the association, but this is what I like. You can't miss seeing him on the court, because he is just so much bigger than everyone else. He's relentless on the offensive boards, using both his length to rebound over his opponent and his instincts and strength (similar to Vando) to establish position. And finally watch how easily he runs the court leading to easy dunks. Sadly, the third highlight features him blocking a shot by KAT, and then scoring on a fast break dunk before KAT has even appeared crossing half court.

Yeah, sigh this guy and let's see what he can do with backup center minutes.

I remember that play!

I even remember posting it here... watch both Towns AND Edwards on defense. LOL.

Gross. I'm glad we're seeing much less of that from both this season.

[Lipoli390]

How would signing Brown this season help for next season?

Because while I think he'd offer nothing in the playoffs/play-in... he does seem a heckuva lot more intriguing than Monroe next season. He's huge. And bouncy. And he looked good last season.

[Note: To be fair, a guy like Nathan Knight can post numbers in random regular season games, too.]

To be more fair, Moses Brown averaged 8.9 rebounds in 43 games, averaging 21.4 minutes in those games. That's a solid statistical sample of what he can do. I doubt Nathan Knight has had 9 rebounds in more than one or two games. :)