The Last Stand (Wolves vs. The Butlers)

[Lipoli390]

One of KAT's worst games. As I mentioned in another post, KAT is completely out of gas mentally and physically. You can tell he has tired legs based on his perimeter shot, which is now often hitting the front of the rim. He's been doing much better lately controlling his emotions, but his familiar immaturity returned in the 4th when he picked up that technical. I understand his frustration. He was getting double and triple-teamed all night and was repteatedly getting physically assaulted possession after possession all night. He has so little talent around him and no teammates who make the game easier for him. But still no excuse for acting out and picking up that technical.

To be fair, this loss wasn't the result of that technical or KAT's game overall. It was the result of the fact that the Sixers are a better team than the Wolves - duh - even without Embiid. They are more talented (Simmons, Butler, Harris, Redick) and better coached. I was at the game with a friend from Philly. He said Bolden has been impressive since he started playing this season. Good organizations get players like Bolden in the second round. Bolden made a difference last night, but my friend said that wasn't the first time.

Saunders rode Bayless in the 4th quarter and overtime against the Warriors and it paid off, although I'd argue that we would have won in regulation if not for some of his ballhogging late in the 4th when the ball should have gone to KAT. But last night, riding Bayless again in the late 3rd quarter and entire 4th quarter was pretty dumb. Bayless was 2-11. And he provides nothing else if he's not shooting well. I don't know that we would have won the game with Tyus rather than Bayless playing in the 4th. But it couldn't have been worse and at least we would have been going with 23 year old who might be around beyond this season instead of a 33 year old who definitely won't and shouldn't. I'm a tanking supporter as you all know, but not if it means having to watch Jared Bayless dribble around and jack up bad shots.

Gorgui had another nice game as did Tolliver. Wiggins had another good game by his standards. But in typical Wiggins fashion he piled up a lot of points during a particular period of the game and then disappeared. I liked the 20 minutes we saw from KBD against last night. Okogie wasn't hitting his shots, but he got to the line 4 times and made in his 20 minutes. Again, he should have played 30 minutes. Maybe his shot would have started to fall. At least he was agressive and getting to the line. Reynolds looked pretty good. He was hitting his threes and had a nice runner going to the basket. He actually looked pretty good defensively as well.

Anyway, I'm glad the tank is back on track. :)

[kekgeek]

One of KAT's worst games. As I mentioned in another post, KAT is completely out of gas mentally and physically. You can tell he has tired legs based on his perimeter shot, which is now often hitting the front of the rim. He's been doing much better lately controlling his emotions, but his familiar immaturity returned in the 4th when he picked up that technical. I understand his frustration. He was getting double and triple-teamed all night and was repteatedly getting physically assaulted possession after possession all night. He has so little talent around him and no teammates who make the game easier for him. But still no excuse for acting out and picking up that technical.

To be fair, this loss wasn't the result of that technical or KAT's game overall. It was the result of the fact that the Sixers are a better team than the Wolves - duh - even without Embiid. They are more talented (Simmons, Butler, Harris, Redick) and better coached. I was at the game with a friend from Philly. He said Bolden has been impressive since he started playing this season. Good organizations get players like Bolden in the second round. Bolden made a difference last night, but my friend said that wasn't the first time.

Saunders rode Bayless in the 4th quarter and overtime against the Warriors and it paid off, although I'd argue that we would have won in regulation if not for some of his ballhogging late in the 4th when the ball should have gone to KAT. But last night, riding Bayless again in the late 3rd quarter and entire 4th quarter was pretty dumb. Bayless was 2-11. And he provides nothing else if he's not shooting well. I don't know that we would have won the game with Tyus rather than Bayless playing in the 4th. But it couldn't have been worse and at least we would have been going with 23 year old who might be around beyond this season instead of a 33 year old who definitely won't and shouldn't. I'm a tanking supporter as you all know, but not if it means having to watch Jared Bayless dribble around and jack up bad shots.

Gorgui had another nice game as did Tolliver. Wiggins had another good game by his standards. But in typical Wiggins fashion he piled up a lot of points during a particular period of the game and then disappeared. I liked the 20 minutes we saw from KBD against last night. Okogie wasn't hitting his shots, but he got to the line 4 times and made in his 20 minutes. Again, he should have played 30 minutes. Maybe his shot would have started to fall. At least he was agressive and getting to the line. Reynolds looked pretty good. He was hitting his threes and had a nice runner going to the basket. He actually looked pretty good defensively as well.

Anyway, I'm glad the tank is back on track. :)

Thanks as always for the report. Thing that scares me is that there is a chance that we are starting 4 of our 5 starters next year in these games and I don't know how we get legit better talent to pair with KAT, outside of the #1 or #2 pick.

Im worried that Kat has finally went over the hump on getting a quick T whistle. He picked up a T quick but Im just worried that the refs are sick of his shit and if they are we are in some big trouble.

Wiggins played really good, I think we are so sick of Wiggins (including myself) that when he does play good we say stuff like good for Wiggins standards, I mean he had 24/6/5/2 on 50% shooting he was probably the biggest reason why we were in the game.

Gorgui played great again and has played damn good since he has returned to the rotation. I know you mentioned Thibs ruined Gorgui and to some extent that could be true but we have to remember he also had his best year under Thibs. I think Gorgui really misses Lavine. They had great on court chemistry. Gorgui will never live up to that contract but he can be a solid back up Big.

I think Reynolds and KDB have a shot to be good cheap role players next year what is huge based on how our cap situation looks.

Just a complete random question think on how we can get better would you guys do. Wiggins/Teague/Okogie/KDB/Saric/1st round pick (assuming not 1 or 2) for Wall and Beal. Gives the Wizards young players and gets them off Wall terrible contract. We get Beal an All NBA player and we take on the terrible Wall contract but when he plays he can be an top 10 PG in the league.

[Monster]

This team is now 24-13 at home. If they lost their remaining 4 home games they would equal the 2013-2014 40-42 season home record. Winning at home seems like a step in the right direction for a franchise that before last year wasn't particularly good overall in that regard and sometimes it felt like they would even play better on the road.

Meanwhile LeBron is done for the season and we have the tiebreaker on the Lakers as well. Lakers also have a pretty tough schedule remaining. Its probably gonna take a pretty good streak from a team (one way or another including the Wolves) to make the Wolves to move much from where they are at in the standings. Might as well just cheer them on and let the chips fall where they may.

[Monster]

One of KAT's worst games. As I mentioned in another post, KAT is completely out of gas mentally and physically. You can tell he has tired legs based on his perimeter shot, which is now often hitting the front of the rim. He's been doing much better lately controlling his emotions, but his familiar immaturity returned in the 4th when he picked up that technical. I understand his frustration. He was getting double and triple-teamed all night and was repteatedly getting physically assaulted possession after possession all night. He has so little talent around him and no teammates who make the game easier for him. But still no excuse for acting out and picking up that technical.

To be fair, this loss wasn't the result of that technical or KAT's game overall. It was the result of the fact that the Sixers are a better team than the Wolves - duh - even without Embiid. They are more talented (Simmons, Butler, Harris, Redick) and better coached. I was at the game with a friend from Philly. He said Bolden has been impressive since he started playing this season. Good organizations get players like Bolden in the second round. Bolden made a difference last night, but my friend said that wasn't the first time.

Saunders rode Bayless in the 4th quarter and overtime against the Warriors and it paid off, although I'd argue that we would have won in regulation if not for some of his ballhogging late in the 4th when the ball should have gone to KAT. But last night, riding Bayless again in the late 3rd quarter and entire 4th quarter was pretty dumb. Bayless was 2-11. And he provides nothing else if he's not shooting well. I don't know that we would have won the game with Tyus rather than Bayless playing in the 4th. But it couldn't have been worse and at least we would have been going with 23 year old who might be around beyond this season instead of a 33 year old who definitely won't and shouldn't. I'm a tanking supporter as you all know, but not if it means having to watch Jared Bayless dribble around and jack up bad shots.

Gorgui had another nice game as did Tolliver. Wiggins had another good game by his standards. But in typical Wiggins fashion he piled up a lot of points during a particular period of the game and then disappeared. I liked the 20 minutes we saw from KBD against last night. Okogie wasn't hitting his shots, but he got to the line 4 times and made in his 20 minutes. Again, he should have played 30 minutes. Maybe his shot would have started to fall. At least he was agressive and getting to the line. Reynolds looked pretty good. He was hitting his threes and had a nice runner going to the basket. He actually looked pretty good defensively as well.

Anyway, I'm glad the tank is back on track. :)

Thanks as always for the report. Thing that scares me is that there is a chance that we are starting 4 of our 5 starters next year in these games and I don't know how we get legit better talent to pair with KAT, outside of the #1 or #2 pick.

Im worried that Kat has finally went over the hump on getting a quick T whistle. He picked up a T quick but Im just worried that the refs are sick of his shit and if they are we are in some big trouble.

Wiggins played really good, I think we are so sick of Wiggins (including myself) that when he does play good we say stuff like good for Wiggins standards, I mean he had 24/6/5/2 on 50% shooting he was probably the biggest reason why we were in the game.

Gorgui played great again and has played damn good since he has returned to the rotation. I know you mentioned Thibs ruined Gorgui and to some extent that could be true but we have to remember he also had his best year under Thibs. I think Gorgui really misses Lavine. They had great on court chemistry. Gorgui will never live up to that contract but he can be a solid back up Big.

I think Reynolds and KDB have a shot to be good cheap role players next year what is huge based on how our cap situation looks.

Just a complete random question think on how we can get better would you guys do. Wiggins/Teague/Okogie/KDB/Saric/1st round pick (assuming not 1 or 2) for Wall and Beal. Gives the Wizards young players and gets them off Wall terrible contract. We get Beal an All NBA player and we take on the terrible Wall contract but when he plays he can be an top 10 PG in the league.

Lip in the Tyus Bayless thing...there were a few defensive possessions Bayless made some good plays. In Ryan's press conference after the GS game he said he was going back to Tyus later in the game and Tyus said Bayless was going good so he said he should leave him in there. There has been reporting Tyus isn't really up to speed from that ankle injury and the most reliable is Jon K saying he doesn't think Tyus conditioning is there after the long layoff. Meanwhile Bayless was a reason they lost that game down the stretch but if he makes some of those layups they are right there. He got good looks at times just flat out missed them. Did he take a couple bad shots? Sure. I don't want to defend Bayless or the decision to play him over Tyus too much but I think there is a bit more at play than on the surface.

It's is a bit troubling when Tolliver kinda outplays/seems to have more impact than Saric. That shouldn't be too big of a knock on Saric because the reality is Tolliver is actually a pretty good player as Ryan said the other night having guys "staring in their role" but you would like to see Dario do more. He had a tough night in this game especially early. We need some depth guys like Tolliver who have some actual game play relatively smart and just go out and give a lot of effort. Cam Reynolds looks like a guy that fits that mold.

Back to Saric. Remember last year when Dieng was still putting up decent stats but. Clearly really struggling and generally seemed like a negabtive way too much? He looked back most of this year even earlier in the season and has been playing even better now. It possible Dario finds himself after an off-season to reset get comfortable and knows his role etc. I still think Dario can be a piece for this team moving forward. He does have something to prove though he just hasn't been consistent since arriving with the Wolves.

[WildWolf2813]

Wonder what Covington's trade value will be this summer. Should be able to get a mid-first. Worth thinking about.

In this draft? Hell no. This draft sucks. Besides, trading Covington is a clear message to Towns that we're not interested in trying to compete next year

I think moving Covington is something to consider. I'm not saying do it but its worth considering. I think you have to get more than a mid-round pick but if you can get a pick and a player that might be something to consider. IF you dealt him and got basically cap space that might be a similar type move. Ultimately I think we need to keep Covington to start next season and see what we have in some of these other young wings which could be added to via the draft. As long as Covington is reasonably healthy there will be a pretty good market for him and its even possible there will be an even bigger market in season if that is something the Wolves would consider.

Wonder what Covington's trade value will be this summer. Should be able to get a mid-first. Worth thinking about.

In this draft? Hell no. This draft sucks. Besides, trading Covington is a clear message to Towns that we're not interested in trying to compete next year

I think moving Covington is something to consider. I'm not saying do it but its worth considering. I think you have to get more than a mid-round pick but if you can get a pick and a player that might be something to consider. IF you dealt him and got basically cap space that might be a similar type move. Ultimately I think we need to keep Covington to start next season and see what we have in some of these other young wings which could be added to via the draft. As long as Covington is reasonably healthy there will be a pretty good market for him and its even possible there will be an even bigger market in season if that is something the Wolves would consider.

If you trade Covington for a middling pick and filler, the hashtag for this team should go from #AllEyesNorth to #AllEyesElsewhere. The second best player on this team next year would be who? Teague? Dario? WIGGINS? A 2nd year Okogie? If you're willing to consider trading Covington with nothing in mind to replace him and somehow try to be competitive, do Towns a favor and trade him too.

Would you consider Covington for Jonathan Simmons and Nassir Little? Covington for Reggie Bullock and Coby White? The point is that this isn't the draft to stockpile picks thinking you're building a core for the future.

[WildWolf2813]

One of KAT's worst games. As I mentioned in another post, KAT is completely out of gas mentally and physically. You can tell he has tired legs based on his perimeter shot, which is now often hitting the front of the rim. He's been doing much better lately controlling his emotions, but his familiar immaturity returned in the 4th when he picked up that technical. I understand his frustration. He was getting double and triple-teamed all night and was repteatedly getting physically assaulted possession after possession all night. He has so little talent around him and no teammates who make the game easier for him. But still no excuse for acting out and picking up that technical.

To be fair, this loss wasn't the result of that technical or KAT's game overall. It was the result of the fact that the Sixers are a better team than the Wolves - duh - even without Embiid. They are more talented (Simmons, Butler, Harris, Redick) and better coached. I was at the game with a friend from Philly. He said Bolden has been impressive since he started playing this season. Good organizations get players like Bolden in the second round. Bolden made a difference last night, but my friend said that wasn't the first time.

Saunders rode Bayless in the 4th quarter and overtime against the Warriors and it paid off, although I'd argue that we would have won in regulation if not for some of his ballhogging late in the 4th when the ball should have gone to KAT. But last night, riding Bayless again in the late 3rd quarter and entire 4th quarter was pretty dumb. Bayless was 2-11. And he provides nothing else if he's not shooting well. I don't know that we would have won the game with Tyus rather than Bayless playing in the 4th. But it couldn't have been worse and at least we would have been going with 23 year old who might be around beyond this season instead of a 33 year old who definitely won't and shouldn't. I'm a tanking supporter as you all know, but not if it means having to watch Jared Bayless dribble around and jack up bad shots.

Gorgui had another nice game as did Tolliver. Wiggins had another good game by his standards. But in typical Wiggins fashion he piled up a lot of points during a particular period of the game and then disappeared. I liked the 20 minutes we saw from KBD against last night. Okogie wasn't hitting his shots, but he got to the line 4 times and made in his 20 minutes. Again, he should have played 30 minutes. Maybe his shot would have started to fall. At least he was agressive and getting to the line. Reynolds looked pretty good. He was hitting his threes and had a nice runner going to the basket. He actually looked pretty good defensively as well.

Anyway, I'm glad the tank is back on track. :)

Thanks as always for the report. Thing that scares me is that there is a chance that we are starting 4 of our 5 starters next year in these games and I don't know how we get legit better talent to pair with KAT, outside of the #1 or #2 pick.

Im worried that Kat has finally went over the hump on getting a quick T whistle. He picked up a T quick but Im just worried that the refs are sick of his shit and if they are we are in some big trouble.

Wiggins played really good, I think we are so sick of Wiggins (including myself) that when he does play good we say stuff like good for Wiggins standards, I mean he had 24/6/5/2 on 50% shooting he was probably the biggest reason why we were in the game.

Gorgui played great again and has played damn good since he has returned to the rotation. I know you mentioned Thibs ruined Gorgui and to some extent that could be true but we have to remember he also had his best year under Thibs. I think Gorgui really misses Lavine. They had great on court chemistry. Gorgui will never live up to that contract but he can be a solid back up Big.

I think Reynolds and KDB have a shot to be good cheap role players next year what is huge based on how our cap situation looks.

Just a complete random question think on how we can get better would you guys do. Wiggins/Teague/Okogie/KDB/Saric/1st round pick (assuming not 1 or 2) for Wall and Beal. Gives the Wizards young players and gets them off Wall terrible contract. We get Beal an All NBA player and we take on the terrible Wall contract but when he plays he can be an top 10 PG in the league.

One of KAT's worst games. As I mentioned in another post, KAT is completely out of gas mentally and physically. You can tell he has tired legs based on his perimeter shot, which is now often hitting the front of the rim. He's been doing much better lately controlling his emotions, but his familiar immaturity returned in the 4th when he picked up that technical. I understand his frustration. He was getting double and triple-teamed all night and was repteatedly getting physically assaulted possession after possession all night. He has so little talent around him and no teammates who make the game easier for him. But still no excuse for acting out and picking up that technical.

To be fair, this loss wasn't the result of that technical or KAT's game overall. It was the result of the fact that the Sixers are a better team than the Wolves - duh - even without Embiid. They are more talented (Simmons, Butler, Harris, Redick) and better coached. I was at the game with a friend from Philly. He said Bolden has been impressive since he started playing this season. Good organizations get players like Bolden in the second round. Bolden made a difference last night, but my friend said that wasn't the first time.

Saunders rode Bayless in the 4th quarter and overtime against the Warriors and it paid off, although I'd argue that we would have won in regulation if not for some of his ballhogging late in the 4th when the ball should have gone to KAT. But last night, riding Bayless again in the late 3rd quarter and entire 4th quarter was pretty dumb. Bayless was 2-11. And he provides nothing else if he's not shooting well. I don't know that we would have won the game with Tyus rather than Bayless playing in the 4th. But it couldn't have been worse and at least we would have been going with 23 year old who might be around beyond this season instead of a 33 year old who definitely won't and shouldn't. I'm a tanking supporter as you all know, but not if it means having to watch Jared Bayless dribble around and jack up bad shots.

Gorgui had another nice game as did Tolliver. Wiggins had another good game by his standards. But in typical Wiggins fashion he piled up a lot of points during a particular period of the game and then disappeared. I liked the 20 minutes we saw from KBD against last night. Okogie wasn't hitting his shots, but he got to the line 4 times and made in his 20 minutes. Again, he should have played 30 minutes. Maybe his shot would have started to fall. At least he was agressive and getting to the line. Reynolds looked pretty good. He was hitting his threes and had a nice runner going to the basket. He actually looked pretty good defensively as well.

Anyway, I'm glad the tank is back on track. :)

Thanks as always for the report. Thing that scares me is that there is a chance that we are starting 4 of our 5 starters next year in these games and I don't know how we get legit better talent to pair with KAT, outside of the #1 or #2 pick.

Im worried that Kat has finally went over the hump on getting a quick T whistle. He picked up a T quick but Im just worried that the refs are sick of his shit and if they are we are in some big trouble.

Wiggins played really good, I think we are so sick of Wiggins (including myself) that when he does play good we say stuff like good for Wiggins standards, I mean he had 24/6/5/2 on 50% shooting he was probably the biggest reason why we were in the game.

Gorgui played great again and has played damn good since he has returned to the rotation. I know you mentioned Thibs ruined Gorgui and to some extent that could be true but we have to remember he also had his best year under Thibs. I think Gorgui really misses Lavine. They had great on court chemistry. Gorgui will never live up to that contract but he can be a solid back up Big.

I think Reynolds and KDB have a shot to be good cheap role players next year what is huge based on how our cap situation looks.

Just a complete random question think on how we can get better would you guys do. Wiggins/Teague/Okogie/KDB/Saric/1st round pick (assuming not 1 or 2) for Wall and Beal. Gives the Wizards young players and gets them off Wall terrible contract. We get Beal an All NBA player and we take on the terrible Wall contract but when he plays he can be an top 10 PG in the league.

They wouldn't give us Beal for Jimmy Butler. They're not doing it for Wiggins.

I don't think there's a team left that believes in Wiggins the way Glen does.

[Coolbreeze44]

Wonder what Covington's trade value will be this summer. Should be able to get a mid-first. Worth thinking about.

In this draft? Hell no. This draft sucks. Besides, trading Covington is a clear message to Towns that we're not interested in trying to compete next year

"Trying" to compete is the key word. We aren't competing any time soon.

[WildWolf2813]

Wonder what Covington's trade value will be this summer. Should be able to get a mid-first. Worth thinking about.

In this draft? Hell no. This draft sucks. Besides, trading Covington is a clear message to Towns that we're not interested in trying to compete next year

"Trying" to compete is the key word. We aren't competing any time soon.

Then this team shouldn't hold onto Towns either. His patience will be gone by the time this team is ready.

[thedoper]

I think trading Covington would make a lot more sense at a trade deadline where a contender needing extra depth would be willing to part with future assets. Otherwise he's too good of a player to ditch for a mid first. The only way I trade Covington is if there were other deals to completely empty the cupboards, sign Walker, and rebuild around him and KAT.

[Monster]

Wonder what Covington's trade value will be this summer. Should be able to get a mid-first. Worth thinking about.

In this draft? Hell no. This draft sucks. Besides, trading Covington is a clear message to Towns that we're not interested in trying to compete next year

I think moving Covington is something to consider. I'm not saying do it but its worth considering. I think you have to get more than a mid-round pick but if you can get a pick and a player that might be something to consider. IF you dealt him and got basically cap space that might be a similar type move. Ultimately I think we need to keep Covington to start next season and see what we have in some of these other young wings which could be added to via the draft. As long as Covington is reasonably healthy there will be a pretty good market for him and its even possible there will be an even bigger market in season if that is something the Wolves would consider.

Wonder what Covington's trade value will be this summer. Should be able to get a mid-first. Worth thinking about.

In this draft? Hell no. This draft sucks. Besides, trading Covington is a clear message to Towns that we're not interested in trying to compete next year

I think moving Covington is something to consider. I'm not saying do it but its worth considering. I think you have to get more than a mid-round pick but if you can get a pick and a player that might be something to consider. IF you dealt him and got basically cap space that might be a similar type move. Ultimately I think we need to keep Covington to start next season and see what we have in some of these other young wings which could be added to via the draft. As long as Covington is reasonably healthy there will be a pretty good market for him and its even possible there will be an even bigger market in season if that is something the Wolves would consider.

If you trade Covington for a middling pick and filler, the hashtag for this team should go from #AllEyesNorth to #AllEyesElsewhere. The second best player on this team next year would be who? Teague? Dario? WIGGINS? A 2nd year Okogie? If you're willing to consider trading Covington with nothing in mind to replace him and somehow try to be competitive, do Towns a favor and trade him too.

Would you consider Covington for Jonathan Simmons and Nassir Little? Covington for Reggie Bullock and Coby White? The point is that this isn't the draft to stockpile picks thinking you're building a core for the future.

I'm actually not disagreeing with you. To me you do it IF you realistically think you get at least 2 chances at a player not just 1. Getting back a fringe starter like you mentioned a draft pick plus maybe a bit more wiggle room to sign players...could be something to consider.

Ultimately if I was hired as a GM I would be looking at all options. I would be telling GMs around the league the same thing. I would tell them we are completely comfortable to basically run back the squad we have now and add to it via The draft and FA but we are gonna consider all options.

I say that and I'm not one of those people that is a wheeler and dealer when it comes to the trade market. I tend to hold onto my guys to some extent. When I play fantasy sports I'm more looking for waiver wire pickups. In one fantasy football league that was a 2 player keeper league I let everyone go and drafted Andrew Luck and RG3 with my first 2 picks. Half of that worked for a couple years... The last year I played I won the championship with salwarts Tyrod Taylor and Blake Bortles as my starting QBs in the playoffs. Lol

Edit: one of the reasons I tend to have some willingness to actually deal Covington is his history of missing games. That should be somewhat of a concern going forward. If he was a guy that hardly missed games I think he would be pretty much untouchable and I think I still would have to be kinda blown away to deal him.