Wolves/Spurs Part II- Game Day thread

[Q12543 [enjin:6621299]]

Vando/Rodman comparison is gaining steam from multiple sources- two guys with knowledge of their offensive limitations but who also think every offensive rebound should be theirs. High praise for this kid's potential. Now, if we can only keep him away from North Korea...

Yeah, I've seen the same thing. Too soon perhaps, but in terms of just comparing their energy levels, it's fair.

We are starting to see the full "Jarred Vanderbilt Experience" these last few games. Last night he knocks the ball out of his own guys hands going for a rebound, can't handle a pass thrown his way, and makes another careless pass in transition. Then on the positive side he closes out hard on shooters, chases loose balls with abandon, and presents a great lob target for easy buckets. I think he can be a plus defender against almost any matchup outside of really quick guards and really huge Centers.

I'm hoping he smooths out the rough spots over time. If he does, then he could absolutely be an elite role player on a winning team. The good things he does lead to winning basketball.

[Q12543 [enjin:6621299]]

I guess I missed the best substitution Ryan made all night- putting Josh on the suddenly red hot Patty Mills when neither Ricky nor D-Lo were stopping him. Great move! This is a strange roster as many here have pointed out, but there are some interesting one-way talents to choose from. It's not an easy coaching job to make the right substitution at the right time with so few 2-way options, but Ryan handled the challenge like a veteran tonight.

And welcome back, Josh!

I'm kind of hoping Ryan can figure out the right formula with KAT back. Now you've got three guys in KAT, Beasley, and DLO that you absolutely can't leave alone behind the arc and all three can get you 20+ on any given night. If Naz can keep improving his shot, now you have a facsimile of KAT as the backup C. This allows having guys like Okogie and Vanderbilt play together and not completely ruin the spacing.

It's just a major downer to me that we have seen zero indication that Edwards, Okogie, and Culver have improved their outside shooting since last year.

[Q12543 [enjin:6621299]]

Glad to see the Wolves finally pulled a win from the jaws of defeat (after yesterday doing the reverse), also great to see some defense, even if one of the Spurs top players was out.

Only one thing to add here. Is anyone else a big disappointed with Ant playing below the rim so much? I say this mostly because he was supposedly the most explosive leaper in the history of the combine measurements or whatever it was, yet we're seeing it play out more in his hangtime and mid-air shot adjustment rather than just dunking on people. I only care about this because it feels like a lot of the time he makes a shot at the rim much tougher than he needs to. Given how much he claims to be a football player and claims to love contact, I'm just surprised he doesn't take it out on the rim.

Is it just me?

We've seen Edwards dunk a few times but it's rarely in traffic or right in a guy's face, so you are correct on that point. His main strategy seems to be to make contact and then use his strength to create enough space to squeeze a layup in versus just going balls out for the poster dunk. I've seen him go right into a guy that was in good position and easily make a layup. I also saw him try this last night and get totally stymied and throw up terrible shots.

Our bigger concern should be his 3-point shot. We can't keep drafting guys that can't get past the NBA version of the Mendoza line (30%) on 3s. This is the 3rd lotto pick in a row that struggles to shoot the ball.

[Q12543 [enjin:6621299]]

I would agree that Beasley has been our most consistent players of the guys that have been in the regular rotation from day one. His ability to knock down 3's in volume is really important.

Still....the measuring stick for success in the NBA is one's peers that play a similar role. As a starting NBA shooting guard, Beasley is average at best. He struggles mightily on defense despite trying hard, has a difficult time making advanced passes off the bounce, and generally needs a bit of help off the ball through screens and actions to free him up for his shot. He's not an elite offensive weapon by any stretch.

All that being said, he is living up to his contract value and ultimately would be a really good 6th man on a playoff-caliber team. In an ideal world, Edwards would be gradually nudging him out of the starting lineup, but we appear to be a long ways off from that.

[kekgeek]

D'Angelo Russell has been excellent in the last two fourth quarters.

Last night:
o 7 points
o 3/7 FG | 1/2 3PT
o 2 assists
o 1 steal
o 0 turnovers
o +1 in 8:46

Tonight:
o 10 points
o 3/6 FG | 1/2 3PT | 2/3 FT
o 3 rebounds
o 0 turnovers
o +6 in 9:43 https://t.co/sMdyHVJGXZ

[kekgeek]

D'Angelo Russell has averaged 12.5 drives in the last two games, compared to just 5.4 drives in the previous 8. a noticeable difference offensively.

[AbeVigodaLive]

D'Angelo Russell has averaged 12.5 drives in the last two games, compared to just 5.4 drives in the previous 8. a noticeable difference offensively.

He's made 20 free throws in the past 4 games.

He didn't make any in 5 of the first 6 games.

Keep the trend going.

[Q12543 [enjin:6621299]]

D'Angelo Russell has averaged 12.5 drives in the last two games, compared to just 5.4 drives in the previous 8. a noticeable difference offensively.

He's made 20 free throws in the past 4 games.

He didn't make any in 5 of the first 6 games.

Keep the trend going.

Yes, very positive trend. The one thing he has going for him is that for all of his slovenliness, he is a pretty big PG with a lengthy reach. He sometimes finishes shots at the rim I had assumed would be easily swatted away as he ambled into the lane.