GDT: Wolves vs. Celtics

[Lipoli390]

I decided to watch this game and go back and watch some others later.

This was a pretty fun game. The Celtics are an interesting team and the Wolves start 2 rookies and playing McLaughlin. Okogie is a flawed player but he is useful. Overall lots of good things happened in this game and it's a bit of a shame they couldn't pull off a win.

Tatum was bonkers in this game. Grant Williams looks smaller than PJ Tucker. He looks more like a guard than he does a big.

I did the same thing, Monster. I had some of the same thoughts as you. It was definitely a fun game. Since I already knew the Wolves had lost when I watched it, I didn't get caught up in the score. The Wolves played well against a really good team. But for a really bad 3rd quarter and those two really bad no-calls when Okogie should have gone to the line, the Wolves would have won.

Speaking of Okogie, I agree with your take. This game further convinced me that Okogie's a keeper. If the top talent on this team develops, Okogie will be a great complementary player for the rotation. Okogie's offense has been worse this season than ever before. I believe he's better offensively than he's shown this season. It's clear that Finch really likes him and I trust Finch.

This game also showcased the potential of Ant and McDaniels. I loved the play where Ant started the fast break with a steal and behind the back dribble and then fed the ball to McDaniels for the finish. That was a great glimpse into the future. I think it's critical to hang onto to both players and develop them as cornerstones along with the still young KAT.

Finch is still bringing DLO back gradually. I'm not a big DLO fan and still dislike the deal that brought him here. But there's no doubt in my mind that the Wolves would have won if DLO had played another 5-10 minutes. At some point, there will have to be a reckoning with DLO and/or Beasley. I don't see how the Wolves can keep both and expect to play the level of defense necessary to be a contender. The Wolves will have to move one of them. Right now, I'd say that it's far more likely the Wolves move Beasley than DLO.

[Monster]

I decided to watch this game and go back and watch some others later.

This was a pretty fun game. The Celtics are an interesting team and the Wolves start 2 rookies and playing McLaughlin. Okogie is a flawed player but he is useful. Overall lots of good things happened in this game and it's a bit of a shame they couldn't pull off a win.

Tatum was bonkers in this game. Grant Williams looks smaller than PJ Tucker. He looks more like a guard than he does a big.

I did the same thing, Monster. I had some of the same thoughts as you. It was definitely a fun game. Since I already knew the Wolves had lost when I watched it, I didn't get caught up in the score. The Wolves played well against a really good team. But for a really bad 3rd quarter and those two really bad no-calls when Okogie should have gone to the line, the Wolves would have won.

Speaking of Okogie, I agree with your take. This game further convinced me that Okogie's a keeper. If the top talent on this team develops, Okogie will be a great complementary player for the rotation. Okogie's offense has been worse this season than ever before. I believe he's better offensively than he's shown this season. It's clear that Finch really likes him and I trust Finch.

This game also showcased the potential of Ant and McDaniels. I loved the play where Ant started the fast break with a steal and behind the back dribble and then fed the ball to McDaniels for the finish. That was a great glimpse into the future. I think it's critical to hang onto to both players and develop them as cornerstones along with the still young KAT.

Finch is still bringing DLO back gradually. I'm not a big DLO fan and still dislike the deal that brought him here. But there's no doubt in my mind that the Wolves would have won if DLO had played another 5-10 minutes. At some point, there will have to be a reckoning with DLO and/or Beasley. I don't see how the Wolves can keep both and expect to play the level of defense necessary to be a contender. The Wolves will have to move one of them. Right now, I'd say that it's far more likely the Wolves move Beasley than DLO.

The Wolves also had some calls go their way later in the game. Honestly IMO this was one game I don't think the officiating was something that they had to overcome.

The key with players like Okogie is what contract you sign them to. Idk what my upper end is for Okogie but let's just say you get him for 3 years 18 million or something in that range (obviously lower the better) you are basically paying him like a solid bench player not a starter. Okogie's offense would be just fine paired with lots of offensive players around him...which could easily be the case.

McDaniels had a couple really nice moves where he faked or ripped his way past his guy. He has mostly stayed within himself and hasn't done much offensively but again I think he has some real upside there.

Beasley because of his contract will be MUCH easier to move. Russell is still a ball handler AND shooter so that's going to have value around the league. If Nowell is legit (even as a bench scorer) along with Ant the Wolves will have sort of the embarrassment of riches at guard the Nets had. If the Wolves can leverage those players as assets correctly it could really help the roster. Idk who I would move at this point because the pieces simply haven't been put together yet and if the Wolves have another high first round pick...it could be even more crowded on the perimeter next season.

[Lipoli390]

I decided to watch this game and go back and watch some others later.

This was a pretty fun game. The Celtics are an interesting team and the Wolves start 2 rookies and playing McLaughlin. Okogie is a flawed player but he is useful. Overall lots of good things happened in this game and it's a bit of a shame they couldn't pull off a win.

Tatum was bonkers in this game. Grant Williams looks smaller than PJ Tucker. He looks more like a guard than he does a big.

I did the same thing, Monster. I had some of the same thoughts as you. It was definitely a fun game. Since I already knew the Wolves had lost when I watched it, I didn't get caught up in the score. The Wolves played well against a really good team. But for a really bad 3rd quarter and those two really bad no-calls when Okogie should have gone to the line, the Wolves would have won.

Speaking of Okogie, I agree with your take. This game further convinced me that Okogie's a keeper. If the top talent on this team develops, Okogie will be a great complementary player for the rotation. Okogie's offense has been worse this season than ever before. I believe he's better offensively than he's shown this season. It's clear that Finch really likes him and I trust Finch.

This game also showcased the potential of Ant and McDaniels. I loved the play where Ant started the fast break with a steal and behind the back dribble and then fed the ball to McDaniels for the finish. That was a great glimpse into the future. I think it's critical to hang onto to both players and develop them as cornerstones along with the still young KAT.

Finch is still bringing DLO back gradually. I'm not a big DLO fan and still dislike the deal that brought him here. But there's no doubt in my mind that the Wolves would have won if DLO had played another 5-10 minutes. At some point, there will have to be a reckoning with DLO and/or Beasley. I don't see how the Wolves can keep both and expect to play the level of defense necessary to be a contender. The Wolves will have to move one of them. Right now, I'd say that it's far more likely the Wolves move Beasley than DLO.

The Wolves also had some calls go their way later in the game. Honestly IMO this was one game I don't think the officiating was something that they had to overcome.

The key with players like Okogie is what contract you sign them to. Idk what my upper end is for Okogie but let's just say you get him for 3 years 18 million or something in that range (obviously lower the better) you are basically paying him like a solid bench player not a starter. Okogie's offense would be just fine paired with lots of offensive players around him...which could easily be the case.

McDaniels had a couple really nice moves where he faked or ripped his way past his guy. He has mostly stayed within himself and hasn't done much offensively but again I think he has some real upside there.

Beasley because of his contract will be MUCH easier to move. Russell is still a ball handler AND shooter so that's going to have value around the league. If Nowell is legit (even as a bench scorer) along with Ant the Wolves will have sort of the embarrassment of riches at guard the Nets had. If the Wolves can leverage those players as assets correctly it could really help the roster. Idk who I would move at this point because the pieces simply haven't been put together yet and if the Wolves have another high first round pick...it could be even more crowded on the perimeter next season.

Calls went both ways and were fairly balanced overall. But the two no-calls on Okogie early in the 1st quarter were particularly egregious because they were in plain view. At least one of those calls should have gone Okogie's way. And that would have led to a win in regulation for the Wolves.

I agree that Beasley's contract makes him more moveable than DLO. If I were Rosas, I'd deal DLO this upcoming offseason. But I'm certain Rosas won't do that. DLO's a shot-taker. He's a perimeter scorer and a good pick-and-roll player. And remains a poor defender. But KAT's defense has improved this season so maybe we'll see similar improvement from DLO.

The only players I absolutely would not trade are KAT, Ant and McDaniels. I'd be reluctant to trade Naz Reid or Nowell because both have great team-friendly contract and, I believe, lots of remaining upside.

[Monster]

I decided to watch this game and go back and watch some others later.

This was a pretty fun game. The Celtics are an interesting team and the Wolves start 2 rookies and playing McLaughlin. Okogie is a flawed player but he is useful. Overall lots of good things happened in this game and it's a bit of a shame they couldn't pull off a win.

Tatum was bonkers in this game. Grant Williams looks smaller than PJ Tucker. He looks more like a guard than he does a big.

I did the same thing, Monster. I had some of the same thoughts as you. It was definitely a fun game. Since I already knew the Wolves had lost when I watched it, I didn't get caught up in the score. The Wolves played well against a really good team. But for a really bad 3rd quarter and those two really bad no-calls when Okogie should have gone to the line, the Wolves would have won.

Speaking of Okogie, I agree with your take. This game further convinced me that Okogie's a keeper. If the top talent on this team develops, Okogie will be a great complementary player for the rotation. Okogie's offense has been worse this season than ever before. I believe he's better offensively than he's shown this season. It's clear that Finch really likes him and I trust Finch.

This game also showcased the potential of Ant and McDaniels. I loved the play where Ant started the fast break with a steal and behind the back dribble and then fed the ball to McDaniels for the finish. That was a great glimpse into the future. I think it's critical to hang onto to both players and develop them as cornerstones along with the still young KAT.

Finch is still bringing DLO back gradually. I'm not a big DLO fan and still dislike the deal that brought him here. But there's no doubt in my mind that the Wolves would have won if DLO had played another 5-10 minutes. At some point, there will have to be a reckoning with DLO and/or Beasley. I don't see how the Wolves can keep both and expect to play the level of defense necessary to be a contender. The Wolves will have to move one of them. Right now, I'd say that it's far more likely the Wolves move Beasley than DLO.

The Wolves also had some calls go their way later in the game. Honestly IMO this was one game I don't think the officiating was something that they had to overcome.

The key with players like Okogie is what contract you sign them to. Idk what my upper end is for Okogie but let's just say you get him for 3 years 18 million or something in that range (obviously lower the better) you are basically paying him like a solid bench player not a starter. Okogie's offense would be just fine paired with lots of offensive players around him...which could easily be the case.

McDaniels had a couple really nice moves where he faked or ripped his way past his guy. He has mostly stayed within himself and hasn't done much offensively but again I think he has some real upside there.

Beasley because of his contract will be MUCH easier to move. Russell is still a ball handler AND shooter so that's going to have value around the league. If Nowell is legit (even as a bench scorer) along with Ant the Wolves will have sort of the embarrassment of riches at guard the Nets had. If the Wolves can leverage those players as assets correctly it could really help the roster. Idk who I would move at this point because the pieces simply haven't been put together yet and if the Wolves have another high first round pick...it could be even more crowded on the perimeter next season.

Calls went both ways and were fairly balanced overall. But the two no-calls on Okogie early in the 1st quarter were particularly egregious because they were in plain view. At least one of those calls should have gone Okogie's way. And that would have led to a win in regulation for the Wolves.

I agree that Beasley's contract makes him more moveable than DLO. If I were Rosas, I'd deal DLO this upcoming offseason. But I'm certain Rosas won't do that. DLO's a shot-taker. He's a perimeter scorer and a good pick-and-roll player. And remains a poor defender. But KAT's defense has improved this season so maybe we'll see similar improvement from DLO.

The only players I absolutely would not trade are KAT, Ant and McDaniels. I'd be reluctant to trade Naz Reid or Nowell because both have great team-friendly contract and, I believe, lots of remaining upside.

I think the reason I wouldn't trade Russell is I'm not sure that I would get the right value for him now and it also would seem like I never really saw what he could or couldn't do here but maybe we will have a better answer after the season finishes. Obviously we need a player next to Towms but I don't see the path to that with dealing Russell or quite frankly not sure who that guy is that's reasonable to acquire. Of course what MIGHT be the case is Russell just needs to be moved like the Warriors did with Monte Ellis. If that is the case I think finding a taker wouldn't be too difficult. Honestly the reason I would consider trading Russell is that I like seeing Ant having the ball. If there was some sort of deal where I got reasonably good value for Russell sure. Some trades come out of nowhere. I wouldn't be so sure Rosas wouldn't pull a trigger one a Russell deal especially if the Wolves end up with a draft pick that may add another perimeter player. It will be interesting to see if Ant keeps up what he is doing the past few games...Rosas might see a need to make another move. Rubio being dealt is more likely and that would help somewhat with the guard logjam. I think the Wolves have some decent moveable assets that could get them back into the first round (even if it was just the end of the first) of this upcoming draft if they do end up losing their pick.

I agree with your list of guys I wouldn't move. I feel pretty strongly against dealing Nowell. What exactly would we get back in a deal for a guy that legitimately looks like a guy that COULD be a starting SG?

I was thinking the other day that I've talked a lot about what Rosas did to replace Saric with guys like Vonleh and then Juancho or maybe even Vanderbilt. The reality is Naz was/is that guy. I still like Saric but if I had to pick between the two players I would pick Naz. Naz passes well and is a nifty scorer. He isn't the same type of player but I could see him continuing to get better and become a Montrez Harrell impact guy. Naz might actually be more useful because I think he is actually worthwhile defensively. Naz is probably a little like Dieng in that he more of a center that can play PF. Naz is a better athlete and better offensively too. Naz turns 22 in August. That's 3 more seasons till he would turn 25. Idk what kind of potential he has but I think he could be one of those complimentary players/starting center on a good team. He would be a nice piece in a trade if something pretty significant came back.

Rosas is a mixed bag of basket all decisions but Reid, Nowell and McDaniels are making him look smarter than most Minnesota GMs of the past what like 20 years (low bar but still...) in being able to find legit players in the late 1st and after. Even the good GMs make mistakes and you gotta make up for those with other smart selections acquisitions. We don't know for sure if he has done that yet but there are some legit good signs. I'm still a fan of McLaughlin but the shooting percentages aren't something I can overlook at this point. He will be another guy to watch and see if he can play well to finish out the season.

[Lipoli390]

Monster - I can't disagree with your assessment of the merits of trading Russell. I think you captured both sides of that issue and I tend to agree that we probably wouldn't get the right value for him now. As you noted, we might have a better idea by the end of the season. I certainly like the way he played tonight against the Bulls.

I also agree that Naz is the guy to fill the role vacated by Saric. I like the idea of KAT and Naz together at the 4 and 5 with McDaniels at the 3.

[kekgeek]

I decided to watch this game and go back and watch some others later.

This was a pretty fun game. The Celtics are an interesting team and the Wolves start 2 rookies and playing McLaughlin. Okogie is a flawed player but he is useful. Overall lots of good things happened in this game and it's a bit of a shame they couldn't pull off a win.

Tatum was bonkers in this game. Grant Williams looks smaller than PJ Tucker. He looks more like a guard than he does a big.

I did the same thing, Monster. I had some of the same thoughts as you. It was definitely a fun game. Since I already knew the Wolves had lost when I watched it, I didn't get caught up in the score. The Wolves played well against a really good team. But for a really bad 3rd quarter and those two really bad no-calls when Okogie should have gone to the line, the Wolves would have won.

Speaking of Okogie, I agree with your take. This game further convinced me that Okogie's a keeper. If the top talent on this team develops, Okogie will be a great complementary player for the rotation. Okogie's offense has been worse this season than ever before. I believe he's better offensively than he's shown this season. It's clear that Finch really likes him and I trust Finch.

This game also showcased the potential of Ant and McDaniels. I loved the play where Ant started the fast break with a steal and behind the back dribble and then fed the ball to McDaniels for the finish. That was a great glimpse into the future. I think it's critical to hang onto to both players and develop them as cornerstones along with the still young KAT.

Finch is still bringing DLO back gradually. I'm not a big DLO fan and still dislike the deal that brought him here. But there's no doubt in my mind that the Wolves would have won if DLO had played another 5-10 minutes. At some point, there will have to be a reckoning with DLO and/or Beasley. I don't see how the Wolves can keep both and expect to play the level of defense necessary to be a contender. The Wolves will have to move one of them. Right now, I'd say that it's far more likely the Wolves move Beasley than DLO.

The Wolves also had some calls go their way later in the game. Honestly IMO this was one game I don't think the officiating was something that they had to overcome.

The key with players like Okogie is what contract you sign them to. Idk what my upper end is for Okogie but let's just say you get him for 3 years 18 million or something in that range (obviously lower the better) you are basically paying him like a solid bench player not a starter. Okogie's offense would be just fine paired with lots of offensive players around him...which could easily be the case.

McDaniels had a couple really nice moves where he faked or ripped his way past his guy. He has mostly stayed within himself and hasn't done much offensively but again I think he has some real upside there.

Beasley because of his contract will be MUCH easier to move. Russell is still a ball handler AND shooter so that's going to have value around the league. If Nowell is legit (even as a bench scorer) along with Ant the Wolves will have sort of the embarrassment of riches at guard the Nets had. If the Wolves can leverage those players as assets correctly it could really help the roster. Idk who I would move at this point because the pieces simply haven't been put together yet and if the Wolves have another high first round pick...it could be even more crowded on the perimeter next season.

Calls went both ways and were fairly balanced overall. But the two no-calls on Okogie early in the 1st quarter were particularly egregious because they were in plain view. At least one of those calls should have gone Okogie's way. And that would have led to a win in regulation for the Wolves.

I agree that Beasley's contract makes him more moveable than DLO. If I were Rosas, I'd deal DLO this upcoming offseason. But I'm certain Rosas won't do that. DLO's a shot-taker. He's a perimeter scorer and a good pick-and-roll player. And remains a poor defender. But KAT's defense has improved this season so maybe we'll see similar improvement from DLO.

The only players I absolutely would not trade are KAT, Ant and McDaniels. I'd be reluctant to trade Naz Reid or Nowell because both have great team-friendly contract and, I believe, lots of remaining upside.

I think the reason I wouldn't trade Russell is I'm not sure that I would get the right value for him now and it also would seem like I never really saw what he could or couldn't do here but maybe we will have a better answer after the season finishes. Obviously we need a player next to Towms but I don't see the path to that with dealing Russell or quite frankly not sure who that guy is that's reasonable to acquire. Of course what MIGHT be the case is Russell just needs to be moved like the Warriors did with Monte Ellis. If that is the case I think finding a taker wouldn't be too difficult. Honestly the reason I would consider trading Russell is that I like seeing Ant having the ball. If there was some sort of deal where I got reasonably good value for Russell sure. Some trades come out of nowhere. I wouldn't be so sure Rosas wouldn't pull a trigger one a Russell deal especially if the Wolves end up with a draft pick that may add another perimeter player. It will be interesting to see if Ant keeps up what he is doing the past few games...Rosas might see a need to make another move. Rubio being dealt is more likely and that would help somewhat with the guard logjam. I think the Wolves have some decent moveable assets that could get them back into the first round (even if it was just the end of the first) of this upcoming draft if they do end up losing their pick.

I agree with your list of guys I wouldn't move. I feel pretty strongly against dealing Nowell. What exactly would we get back in a deal for a guy that legitimately looks like a guy that COULD be a starting SG?

I was thinking the other day that I've talked a lot about what Rosas did to replace Saric with guys like Vonleh and then Juancho or maybe even Vanderbilt. The reality is Naz was/is that guy. I still like Saric but if I had to pick between the two players I would pick Naz. Naz passes well and is a nifty scorer. He isn't the same type of player but I could see him continuing to get better and become a Montrez Harrell impact guy. Naz might actually be more useful because I think he is actually worthwhile defensively. Naz is probably a little like Dieng in that he more of a center that can play PF. Naz is a better athlete and better offensively too. Naz turns 22 in August. That's 3 more seasons till he would turn 25. Idk what kind of potential he has but I think he could be one of those complimentary players/starting center on a good team. He would be a nice piece in a trade if something pretty significant came back.

Rosas is a mixed bag of basket all decisions but Reid, Nowell and McDaniels are making him look smarter than most Minnesota GMs of the past what like 20 years (low bar but still...) in being able to find legit players in the late 1st and after. Even the good GMs make mistakes and you gotta make up for those with other smart selections acquisitions. We don't know for sure if he has done that yet but there are some legit good signs. I'm still a fan of McLaughlin but the shooting percentages aren't something I can overlook at this point. He will be another guy to watch and see if he can play well to finish out the season.

You just have to think of that draft as the 1st round pick was Naz. 2nd round Nowell and the undrafted players McLaughlin and Culver.

In a redraft Naz would be in legit discussions as a top 10 pick in that draft