Camden wrote:Zach LaVine's ability to drill three-pointers efficiently and with volume from anywhere on the court is just as, if not more important, to this team's success than who's defending Andrew Wiggins for the opposition. This board tends to bring up last year's successes down the stretch, but the number one reason why this team took off in the second half of the season offensively was because LaVine was inserted into the starting lineup. There's no way around that. His floor spacing and ability to create for himself and others at times is pivotal to this bunch becoming a juggernaut.
It's also worth noting that Wiggins wasn't struggling to score before the game against the Lakers, and he played plenty SF in that game as well considering Muhammad was out and the Wolves turned to two-PG units during stretches. Andrew can either pick on smaller defenders using his length or overwhelm similarly/bigger built players with his explosiveness/agility. Either way, he's shown that he can put the ball in the hoop or get to the line regardless of who's in front of him. As for defensively, Wiggins defending in isolation hasn't been the problem dating back to his rookie season. However, he's still learning how to factor in as a team defender -- everyone on the team is, actually.
I think fans are [rightfully] desperate to see this roster win and seeing the team do so has sparked some super hot takes. You simply can't bench Zach LaVine in favor of Nemenja Bjelica, though. LaVine has earned his spot more so than Bjelica and he's the second or third most important piece of this core. I don't think that conflict would do any good for the present or future of the Minnesota Timberwolves. Might as well just trade him at that point, and if you do that, I feel confident saying that it'll rub Wiggins and Karl-Anthony Towns -- as well as the fan base -- the wrong way.
Cam, Great to have you back here! I'm already eagerly waiting your first comments for next years draft thread. I'm especially interested how you like fellow Finn, freshman power forward Lauri Markkanen from Arizona University. I read that he had a great game last night.
Last summer U20 men's basketball European championship games were organized in Finland and I went to watch some games there. Unfortunately Finnish team didn't have much other talent in addition to Markkanen and they didn't have that much success but Lauri was absolutely stud also in those games. He for example scored 33 points against Spain in game that was only loss for team Spain. Markkanen also posted third highest PER of all time in history of U20 European championship games, behind only Tony Parker and Mirotic.
Draftexpress ranks Markkanen currently to 8th in next summer draft, so it looks like there won't be much hope that Wolves could get him tough.
