Wolves Scrimmage

[Lipoli390]

Just got back from the Wolves scrimmage.

It was my first time at Target Center since the renovations. The renovations exceeded my expectation. They did a terrific job upgrading the arena without the ability to expand the arena's footprint. Big improvement.

The scrimmage consisted of 4 separate games between a blue and a grey squad, each game the length of a quarter with a half-time in between the first two and second two games. The players allocated between blue and grey differently each game, so you got to see all sorts of different combinations. It was a lot of fun. Everyone on the roster got significant minutes, including Anthony Brown, Trimble, Jefferson and MGH. Aldrich got the fewest minutes by far.

The last game got really competitive with Butler and Teague on one squad, KAT and Tyus Jones featured on the other squad. Tyus hit a 3-pointer with seconds left to tie it and send it to a 2-minute overtime. Then, Tyus hit another three with about 5 seconds left in overtime to tie the game again. Butler then took the ball from his own baseline on the inbound play, dribbled to half court and uncorked a three-pointer that swished through at the buzzer to win the game. The players celebrated like they just one a playoff game. It was fun to see.

The guys who stood out tonight for me were Teague, Tyus, Belly and Bazz. Taj was also very solid. He's a true pro. A few more observations to pass along:

1. Butler guarded KAT most of that final game and really gave KAT a tough time. Yes, Butler really can guard 5 positions. It was great because Butler's relentless defense really got KAT's competitive juices flowing and he hit some big shots in that game. Butler ended the night with 9 or 10 assists to go with about 18 points and a bunch of rebounds. These two certainly looked like our best players, although I've seen both look better.

2. Wiggins was hitting his threes and scoring. But unfortunately, as usual, he didn't do anything else. One play was telling when he and Teague, on opposing squads, both went up for a rebound with no one else around and both in good position. Guess who came up with the ball? Nuff said.

3. Teague was terrific tonight. He's really quick and has great command of the ball with the ability to finish well in traffic. He's also very crafty. He may have me admitting I was wrong about the Ricky/Teague swap. We'll see.

4. Tyus looks quicker and more athletic than before. It's very noticeable. Even my wife noticed it before I said a word. And he's so smart and crafty with the ball. Then there's his big-time mentality. He's one of those guys who wills things to happen. That's what makes him a big-shot maker - something on display tonight.

5. Belly's 3-point shooting was excellent tonight as was his overall play.

6. Bazz was a beast crashing the boards and scoring. But I wish Q had been there because Bazz was dishing the ball in the paint on several occasions tonight. It was a sight to behold. And his passes were generally good.

7. The guys really played hard. There were also some hard fouls. Belly knocked Butler to the floor twice in a row, both times called for a foul. Butler really got physical with KAT. Guys were grabbing and clawing. On the first play of the first game, Gorgui blocked a KAT shot in the paint. Gorgui looked like he was out to send a message. He didn't play the last game, so I'm concerned he may have hurt himself. Anyway, you can see the Thibs effect starting to take hold among these guys.

8. Trimble and MGH both looked good, but I don't see either one sticking with the team. Anthony Brown has a very sweet shot. And he looks like a high IQ player. Keep your eye on him as the season progresses. I see him playing some games with the big club.

That's all for now. I'll be submitting my first real game report a week from today.

[Lipoli390]

I forgot that the Wolves only have 13 guaranteed contracts on the current roster. With that in mind, I can definitely see MGH sticking with the team. He looked like a Thibs sort of player tonight -- tough, defensive minded, aggressive but smart.

[Monster]

Thanks for the reports Lip lots of good stuff as usual.

I'm not sure what exactly my expectation were for the Target center renovations but the pics have exceeded them also.

I only saw the first GS vs Wolves preseason game but I remember watching Tyus and Livingston matched up a couple possessions and thinking "Tyus...doesn't look THAT small guarding Livingston. That's kinda weird" maybe it's just Aaron Brooks on the roster that makes Tyus look bigger or something. Lol

Your breakdown of Anthony Brown is basically spot on what I have read about him from college through now. It seems like he has enough other things going for him (espcially his length) that if his shooting actually translates at the NBA level he could be a worthwhile player. I'm pretty happy to have him on a 2-way deal.

I read a few weeks ago Trimble worked to drop weight. Did he look quicker or maybe more athletic? I'm guessing he tried to be bigger/stronger last year in college because he knew he would be playing a lot off the ball.

[Q12543 [enjin:6621299]]

Great report Lip, thanks. I need to check in with my parents to get their first impressions of the arena as well. As many of you know, they have been long-time season ticket holders. As they get up there in years, I'd love nothing more than to see this team finally win some games for them!

[Q12543 [enjin:6621299]]

Tyus Jones is certainly a player to watch this year. He was a very strong backup in a fairly limited role in the first half of last season. Once his minutes went up in the back end of the season, he seemed to struggle more. He's still a very young player and has the type of intuition and savvy that can't be taught. Right now he is the clear #2 PG and I wouldn't be surprised if he cuts into Teague's minutes a bit.

[Lipoli390]

Thanks for the reports Lip lots of good stuff as usual.

I'm not sure what exactly my expectation were for the Target center renovations but the pics have exceeded them also.

I only saw the first GS vs Wolves preseason game but I remember watching Tyus and Livingston matched up a couple possessions and thinking "Tyus...doesn't look THAT small guarding Livingston. That's kinda weird" maybe it's just Aaron Brooks on the roster that makes Tyus look bigger or something. Lol

Your breakdown of Anthony Brown is basically spot on what I have read about him from college through now. It seems like he has enough other things going for him (espcially his length) that if his shooting actually translates at the NBA level he could be a worthwhile player. I'm pretty happy to have him on a 2-way deal.

I read a few weeks ago Trimble worked to drop weight. Did he look quicker or maybe more athletic? I'm guessing he tried to be bigger/stronger last year in college because he knew he would be playing a lot off the ball.

Interesting that you thought Tyus looks bigger. So did I watching him last night. He's really young, so maybe he did grown and inch or even a little more. It could be the Brooks effect. :). But in any event, he's looked really good this preseason.

Trimble looked pretty good, but maybe a half-step slow on the defensive end. He's an excellent ballhandler and has a good feel for the game on the offensive end. Brooks looked good last night. He made some nice crafty veteran moves. He was a bit too shot-happy last night, but he's a nice piece to have on the team. We're clearly loaded at PG with Teague, Tyus and Brooks. Of course, Crawford can also play PG. So I don't see Trimble sticking with the team and I think we should use our other two-way contract on someone else. I liked what I saw from Jefferson last night. He reminded me a bit of Corey Brewer. He really competes and is pretty long and athletic.

[Monster]

Thanks for the reports Lip lots of good stuff as usual.

I'm not sure what exactly my expectation were for the Target center renovations but the pics have exceeded them also.

I only saw the first GS vs Wolves preseason game but I remember watching Tyus and Livingston matched up a couple possessions and thinking "Tyus...doesn't look THAT small guarding Livingston. That's kinda weird" maybe it's just Aaron Brooks on the roster that makes Tyus look bigger or something. Lol

Your breakdown of Anthony Brown is basically spot on what I have read about him from college through now. It seems like he has enough other things going for him (espcially his length) that if his shooting actually translates at the NBA level he could be a worthwhile player. I'm pretty happy to have him on a 2-way deal.

I read a few weeks ago Trimble worked to drop weight. Did he look quicker or maybe more athletic? I'm guessing he tried to be bigger/stronger last year in college because he knew he would be playing a lot off the ball.

Interesting that you thought Tyus looks bigger. So did I watching him last night. He's really young, so maybe he did grown and inch or even a little more. It could be the Brooks effect. :). But in any event, he's looked really good this preseason.

Trimble looked pretty good, but maybe a half-step slow on the defensive end. He's an excellent ballhandler and has a good feel for the game on the offensive end. Brooks looked good last night. He made some nice crafty veteran moves. He was a bit too shot-happy last night, but he's a nice piece to have on the team. We're clearly loaded at PG with Teague, Tyus and Brooks. Of course, Crawford can also play PG. So I don't see Trimble sticking with the team and I think we should use our other two-way contract on someone else. I liked what I saw from Jefferson last night. He reminded me a bit of Corey Brewer. He really competes and is pretty long and athletic.

PG is such a talented position. However I think it's important if you think you have something in a young guy its worth keeping him around. Keep in mind Brooks is on a 1 year deal and Crawford COULD opt out. I'm not saying Trimble should be kept around with say a 2-way contract but if he is a guy they like I think it would make sense to invest in him regardless of the current depth at the position.

As for Jefferson I think Brewer is an interesting comp. the guy is a team first guy that sacrificed every year at Duke. He may have a bit more than he showed there. I wonder if in a year we look at him more like Costello who kinda came out of nowhere (Jefferson was probably more well known at this point of his career) and looked plenty intringing in summer league this year.

[Lipoli390]

Monster -- If it were up to me, I'd give Jefferson our remaining two-way contract.

[Monster]

Monster -- If it were up to me, I'd give Jefferson our remaining two-way contract.

That would be an interesting thread seeing who people would like to target for that 2nd 2-way deal. Personally I would go for someone with more pro experience for that 2nd 2-way deal. The way rosters are getting tight there may be some more players willing to take that deal now than a couple weeks ago.

[Monster]

Lip after your comments on Jefferson I went back and watched this game Duke UNC game. If you don't want to watch the whole game (great game though with lots of fun players to watch) it's worth watching the first 10 mins (video time) of each half to see some of the skills Jefferson has particularly on the offensive end.

https://youtu.be/0yf2f-55G_8