Starting Lineup rankings

[Monster]

I think one reason to wonder about pace is Thibs says 3 things that need to improve defense, rebounding and taking care of the ball. How exactly do you work on improving rebounding? We know Sam knew how the Wolves struggled and kept guys back and that's a big reason why they didn't run. Does Thibs do that some? Does Thibs rein in Rubio from uncorking some of those transition passes? I bet he does but that's not all bad some of those passes weren't the best although I was ok with it because I think it encouraged guys to push up the floor.

Rubio is a real key to the Wolves pace not being slow. Will Thibs let Rubio be Rubio within reason? Idk but think about this Thibs was all in on Rose who had plenty of flaws himself. Rubio seems like a guy Thibs is gonna fall in love with and I think he will let Rubio play his game and that's going to be a big factor in the drive to go. If Sam Mitchell understood this team needed to get out and go than my guess is Thibs gets it too.

[Q12543 [enjin:6621299]]

Yup, I share the concerns of Monster and Cool as it relates to pace of play.

I've listened to all of the interviews of Thibs thus far (or at least the ones linked to here) and NO ONE has asked him about this yet.

Here would be my question for him:

Thibs, you talk a lot about looking at a roster and playing to its strengths as much as possible while also trying to hide or mitigate its weaknesses. The core of this team had its most success when playing with a lot of pace. That meant sometimes leaking out and making some risky passes. That might mean occasionally giving up a long offensive rebound or turning the ball over, two areas you have emphasized as needing improvement. How do you reconcile this with what appears to be a roster built for speed?

[Monster]

Yup, I share the concerns of Monster and Cool as it relates to pace of play.

I've listened to all of the interviews of Thibs thus far (or at least the ones linked to here) and NO ONE has asked him about this yet.

Here would be my question for him:

Thibs, you talk a lot about looking at a roster and playing to its strengths as much as possible while also trying to hide or mitigate its weaknesses. The core of this team had its most success when playing with a lot of pace. That meant sometimes leaking out and making some risky passes. That might mean occasionally giving up a long offensive rebound or turning the ball over, two areas you have emphasized as needing improvement. How do you reconcile this with what appears to be a roster built for speed?

I feel like I am picking out and jumping on something you said...however the Wolves can and should run without throwing risky passes. If the Wolves want to actually be good they can't just uncork stupid passes like they were doing down the stretch. It was fine this year considering everything but that can't continue. Cool was annoyed early on because the Wolves seemed clueless how to even run when they had the opportunity. They clearly got better but I think it's likely they can improve in how they actually run and therefore cut down on turnovers.

[Coolbreeze44]

Yup, I share the concerns of Monster and Cool as it relates to pace of play.

I've listened to all of the interviews of Thibs thus far (or at least the ones linked to here) and NO ONE has asked him about this yet.

Here would be my question for him:

Thibs, you talk a lot about looking at a roster and playing to its strengths as much as possible while also trying to hide or mitigate its weaknesses. The core of this team had its most success when playing with a lot of pace. That meant sometimes leaking out and making some risky passes. That might mean occasionally giving up a long offensive rebound or turning the ball over, two areas you have emphasized as needing improvement. How do you reconcile this with what appears to be a roster built for speed?

Q, I've been mystified how no one has brought this up yet. In just about every new coach press conference I've ever seen, someone has asked about what style or what type of team you're going to have. It's like everybody is so happy we have this guy, that we really don't care what he does, Couldn't somebody have asked if we were going to remain an up-tempo team?

[Carlos Danger]

It's fair question (and good points) brought up about pace of play. But at this point, but you sort of have to trust in Thibbs and assuming he'll figure out how to get the most out of what we have until he can configure the team to his liking. Even though I really like our starting five that finished last year, I'm assuming there will be changes. If he thinks we have to change the style of play to reduce turnovers/improve defense and win more games - then so be it. That's why they hired him. Maybe that means he'll replace some pieces that we assume are fixtures - who knows? I'm anticipating some free agent signing of "Thibbs guys" this off season. And it wouldn't shock me if there were a trade or two completed at next year's deadline. This guy is results driven and I don't think he's going to sit back and hope guys eventually get it. I think he's going to move guys who don't fit in or who won't buy into what he's coaching. There's a new sheriff in town.

[Coolbreeze44]

It's fair question (and good points) brought up about pace of play. But at this point, but you sort of have to trust in Thibbs and assuming he'll figure out how to get the most out of what we have until he can configure the team to his liking. Even though I really like our starting five that finished last year, I'm assuming there will be changes. If he thinks we have to change the style of play to reduce turnovers/improve defense and win more games - then so be it. That's why they hired him. Maybe that means he'll replace some pieces that we assume are fixtures - who knows? I'm anticipating some free agent signing of "Thibbs guys" this off season. And it wouldn't shock me if there were a trade or two completed at next year's deadline. This guy is results driven and I don't think he's going to sit back and hope guys eventually get it. I think he's going to move guys who don't fit in or who won't buy into what he's coaching. There's a new sheriff in town.

Good points Carlos, but that's the reason the question needs to be asked. At this point we do have to trust him to do what's best, but nothing wrong with asking what that is. Some coaches can adapt to the cards they're dealt, and others make the pieces fit their system. I'd just like to know what his philosophy is on that, specifically as it pertains to pace of play.

[Q12543 [enjin:6621299]]

It's fair question (and good points) brought up about pace of play. But at this point, but you sort of have to trust in Thibbs and assuming he'll figure out how to get the most out of what we have until he can configure the team to his liking. Even though I really like our starting five that finished last year, I'm assuming there will be changes. If he thinks we have to change the style of play to reduce turnovers/improve defense and win more games - then so be it. That's why they hired him. Maybe that means he'll replace some pieces that we assume are fixtures - who knows? I'm anticipating some free agent signing of "Thibbs guys" this off season. And it wouldn't shock me if there were a trade or two completed at next year's deadline. This guy is results driven and I don't think he's going to sit back and hope guys eventually get it. I think he's going to move guys who don't fit in or who won't buy into what he's coaching. There's a new sheriff in town.

Right, but the question is will it win us more games? In other words, do we give up more in offensive efficiency than what is gained in defensive efficiency by slowing the pace and focusing more on a conservative style of play?

He is very fixed on his 5 principles of success: Defense, Rebounding, keeping turnovers down, playing inside-out, and sharing the ball.

I would say defense and sharing the ball are probably common themes that run throughout the history of NBA champions. But not all champions have been great rebounding teams or elite at keeping turnovers down.

So on the one hand he talks about playing to the roster's strengths, while at the same time having a fixed formula for success. How does he reconcile the two?

[Carlos Danger]

It's fair question (and good points) brought up about pace of play. But at this point, but you sort of have to trust in Thibbs and assuming he'll figure out how to get the most out of what we have until he can configure the team to his liking. Even though I really like our starting five that finished last year, I'm assuming there will be changes. If he thinks we have to change the style of play to reduce turnovers/improve defense and win more games - then so be it. That's why they hired him. Maybe that means he'll replace some pieces that we assume are fixtures - who knows? I'm anticipating some free agent signing of "Thibbs guys" this off season. And it wouldn't shock me if there were a trade or two completed at next year's deadline. This guy is results driven and I don't think he's going to sit back and hope guys eventually get it. I think he's going to move guys who don't fit in or who won't buy into what he's coaching. There's a new sheriff in town.

Right, but the question is will it win us more games? In other words, do we give up more in offensive efficiency than what is gained in defensive efficiency by slowing the pace and focusing more on a conservative style of play?

He is very fixed on his 5 principles of success: Defense, Rebounding, keeping turnovers down, playing inside-out, and sharing the ball.

I would say defense and sharing the ball are probably common themes that run throughout the history of NBA champions. But not all champions have been great rebounding teams or elite at keeping turnovers down.

So on the one hand he talks about playing to the roster's strengths, while at the same time having a fixed formula for success. How does he reconcile the two?

You guys are bringing up great questions and at some point - you should email them into KFAN or whatever news outlet has the next Thibbs interview. I would like to hear what he says too.

However.....at the same time, if he's skilled in coach/GM speak, I can't see him tipping his hand too much. I would assume he'll want to meet and interact with all the guys he's inheriting before making major decisions. Think about all the work that has to be done. He's got to give a token interview to the existing assistants, then hire his own. Then prepare for Free Agency. Then prepare for the draft. Then evaluate what his team is and where it needs to go. Dude will be busy! But I do agree with you and Cool the questions should be asked - regardless of whatever Bull Durham response it might generate.

[longstrangetrip [enjin:6600564]]

It's fair question (and good points) brought up about pace of play. But at this point, but you sort of have to trust in Thibbs and assuming he'll figure out how to get the most out of what we have until he can configure the team to his liking. Even though I really like our starting five that finished last year, I'm assuming there will be changes. If he thinks we have to change the style of play to reduce turnovers/improve defense and win more games - then so be it. That's why they hired him. Maybe that means he'll replace some pieces that we assume are fixtures - who knows? I'm anticipating some free agent signing of "Thibbs guys" this off season. And it wouldn't shock me if there were a trade or two completed at next year's deadline. This guy is results driven and I don't think he's going to sit back and hope guys eventually get it. I think he's going to move guys who don't fit in or who won't buy into what he's coaching. There's a new sheriff in town.

Right, but the question is will it win us more games? In other words, do we give up more in offensive efficiency than what is gained in defensive efficiency by slowing the pace and focusing more on a conservative style of play?

He is very fixed on his 5 principles of success: Defense, Rebounding, keeping turnovers down, playing inside-out, and sharing the ball.

I would say defense and sharing the ball are probably common themes that run throughout the history of NBA champions. But not all champions have been great rebounding teams or elite at keeping turnovers down.

So on the one hand he talks about playing to the roster's strengths, while at the same time having a fixed formula for success. How does he reconcile the two?

I hope someone please lets me know when an NBA coach makes a case for those 5 things not being important! Thibs has mastered the art of talking in platitudes and revealing nothing when he talks. Barreiro's ego requires that his guests actually say something in their segments on his show (Saunders, Zimmer, Tarkenton, etc.), so I wouldn't be surprised if he decides not to have a weekly segment with him. I wouldn't be disappointed. I'm guardedly optimistic about Thibs as our new coach...you can't argue with the defensive and overall success he has had. But my eyes glaze over when he begins talking, and I've have a hard time focusing on what he is saying. If he wins, I will have no problems with him continuing to give evasive interviews.

[AbeVigodaLive]

It's fair question (and good points) brought up about pace of play. But at this point, but you sort of have to trust in Thibbs and assuming he'll figure out how to get the most out of what we have until he can configure the team to his liking. Even though I really like our starting five that finished last year, I'm assuming there will be changes. If he thinks we have to change the style of play to reduce turnovers/improve defense and win more games - then so be it. That's why they hired him. Maybe that means he'll replace some pieces that we assume are fixtures - who knows? I'm anticipating some free agent signing of "Thibbs guys" this off season. And it wouldn't shock me if there were a trade or two completed at next year's deadline. This guy is results driven and I don't think he's going to sit back and hope guys eventually get it. I think he's going to move guys who don't fit in or who won't buy into what he's coaching. There's a new sheriff in town.

Right, but the question is will it win us more games? In other words, do we give up more in offensive efficiency than what is gained in defensive efficiency by slowing the pace and focusing more on a conservative style of play?

He is very fixed on his 5 principles of success: Defense, Rebounding, keeping turnovers down, playing inside-out, and sharing the ball.

I would say defense and sharing the ball are probably common themes that run throughout the history of NBA champions. But not all champions have been great rebounding teams or elite at keeping turnovers down.

So on the one hand he talks about playing to the roster's strengths, while at the same time having a fixed formula for success. How does he reconcile the two?

I hope someone please lets me know when an NBA coach makes a case for those 5 things not being important! Thibs has mastered the art of talking in platitudes and revealing nothing when he talks. Barreiro's ego requires that his guests actually say something in their segments on his show (Saunders, Zimmer, Tarkenton, etc.), so I wouldn't be surprised if he decides not to have a weekly segment with him. I wouldn't be disappointed. I'm guardedly optimistic about Thibs as our new coach...you can't argue with the defensive and overall success he has had. But my eyes glaze over when he begins talking, and I've have a hard time focusing on what he is saying. If he wins, I will have no problems with him continuing to give evasive interviews.

Isn't Thibodeau a fan of Belichek?