Q12543 wrote:Yeah, I think the good news is that KAT and Wiggins can be part of strong defensive units but they aren't going to be the ones that make it happen. If you get one or two really good defensive players in that starting 5, they will be fine. Unfortunately, the one we have now will eventually be leaving. Can Okogie some day have a similar impact?
I do think Okogie can have that kind of impact. I've been trying to think of who he reminds me of. It finally occurred to me - Oladipo. He reminds me a lot of Oladipo. Both came out of college known for their defense and hustle, but with question marks surrounding their shooting. And both seem to have that "it" factor. They make plays. I hope it doesn't take Okogie until his 5th season like Oladipo to break through, but I think it will take a year or two before his shooting comes around. I have no doubt he'll become a decent and possibly a very good shooter. I was high on him coming out of college as you may recall from my pre-draft posts. I like him even more now having seen him in limited action with the Wolves. I'm convinced he'll eventually become a star.
Q12543 wrote:Yeah, I think the good news is that KAT and Wiggins can be part of strong defensive units but they aren't going to be the ones that make it happen. If you get one or two really good defensive players in that starting 5, they will be fine. Unfortunately, the one we have now will eventually be leaving. Can Okogie some day have a similar impact?
I do think Okogie can have that kind of impact. I've been trying to think of who he reminds me of. It finally occurred to me - Oladipo. He reminds me a lot of Oladipo. Both came out of college known for their defense and hustle, but with question marks surrounding their shooting. And both seem to have that "it" factor. They make plays. I hope it doesn't take Okogie until his 5th season like Oladipo to break through, but I think it will take a year or two before his shooting comes around. I have no doubt he'll become a decent and possibly a very good shooter. I was high on him coming out of college as you may recall from my pre-draft posts. I like him even more now having seen him in limited action with the Wolves. I'm convinced he'll eventually become a star.
Well, I'm not so sure about becoming a star, but the potential is there. We've seen a lot of players come through this franchise that just never can put it all together. Regardless, he works his ass off and even if he just ends up being a 6th man energy/defensive wing, that is a solid return at pick #20. That put back dunk last night was a thing of beauty!
Q12543 wrote:Yeah, I think the good news is that KAT and Wiggins can be part of strong defensive units but they aren't going to be the ones that make it happen. If you get one or two really good defensive players in that starting 5, they will be fine. Unfortunately, the one we have now will eventually be leaving. Can Okogie some day have a similar impact?
I do think Okogie can have that kind of impact. I've been trying to think of who he reminds me of. It finally occurred to me - Oladipo. He reminds me a lot of Oladipo. Both came out of college known for their defense and hustle, but with question marks surrounding their shooting. And both seem to have that "it" factor. They make plays. I hope it doesn't take Okogie until his 5th season like Oladipo to break through, but I think it will take a year or two before his shooting comes around. I have no doubt he'll become a decent and possibly a very good shooter. I was high on him coming out of college as you may recall from my pre-draft posts. I like him even more now having seen him in limited action with the Wolves. I'm convinced he'll eventually become a star.
Well, I'm not so sure about becoming a star, but the potential is there. We've seen a lot of players come through this franchise that just never can put it all together. Regardless, he works his ass off and even if he just ends up being a 6th man energy/defensive wing, that is a solid return at pick #20. That put back dunk last night was a thing of beauty!
Yes, that put-back dunk was fun to watch. He also hit a couple nice threes, although he's still struggling mightily with his shot. I agree Okogie will turn out to be a nice pick at #20 even if he ends up as nothing more than our own Marcus Smart. We both see his potential to be more, but I'm going out on a limb in saying that he'll reach that potential. Two reasons for that. First he strikes me as someone with that inner drive that you see in those who harness their great talent into becoming great players. Second, he seems to have great instincts or, put another way, a great feel for the game. That put-back dunk was a example of those instincts. He generally gets rid of the ball quickly and typically makes the right pass.
Q12543 wrote:Yeah, I think the good news is that KAT and Wiggins can be part of strong defensive units but they aren't going to be the ones that make it happen. If you get one or two really good defensive players in that starting 5, they will be fine. Unfortunately, the one we have now will eventually be leaving. Can Okogie some day have a similar impact?
I do think Okogie can have that kind of impact. I've been trying to think of who he reminds me of. It finally occurred to me - Oladipo. He reminds me a lot of Oladipo. Both came out of college known for their defense and hustle, but with question marks surrounding their shooting. And both seem to have that "it" factor. They make plays. I hope it doesn't take Okogie until his 5th season like Oladipo to break through, but I think it will take a year or two before his shooting comes around. I have no doubt he'll become a decent and possibly a very good shooter. I was high on him coming out of college as you may recall from my pre-draft posts. I like him even more now having seen him in limited action with the Wolves. I'm convinced he'll eventually become a star.
Well, I'm not so sure about becoming a star, but the potential is there. We've seen a lot of players come through this franchise that just never can put it all together. Regardless, he works his ass off and even if he just ends up being a 6th man energy/defensive wing, that is a solid return at pick #20. That put back dunk last night was a thing of beauty!
Yes, that put-back dunk was fun to watch. He also hit a couple nice threes, although he's still struggling mightily with his shot. I agree Okogie will turn out to be a nice pick at #20 even if he ends up as nothing more than our own Marcus Smart. We both see his potential to be more, but I'm going out on a limb in saying that he'll reach that potential. Two reasons for that. First he strikes me as someone with that inner drive that you see in those who harness their great talent into becoming great players. Second, he seems to have great instincts or, put another way, a great feel for the game. That put-back dunk was a example of those instincts. He generally gets rid of the ball quickly and typically makes the right pass.
I'm with Lip Im high on okogie after seeing more. Olidipo is a decent comp. not sure he will have that level of ball handling. Maybe he won't be a star but a high level starter or maybe even all star consideration is not out of the question. One advantage Okogie MIGHT have early is his defense. Olidipo I don't actually acceled right away on that end but it's early for Okogie and maybe the numbers won't actually look good for him either but the potential is there.
The defensive rebounding and 2nd chance points are still a big problem.
Last night took a hit to the Wolves transition/fast break numbers but they still have improved there. If this team can figure out a way to do a better job of clearing the glass that would be big. I will also say that defense early in the season is...um...well a different sort of bar to judge right now.
Meanwhile i'll Just say in this thread that The Wolves are getting the ball up and getting more early baskets. They are the most efficient team in the league when they get those. I'd guess Derrick Rose has a decent amount to do with that but it looks like pretty much everyone is buying in to getting up the floor which...if it continues would be the first time we hav seen that in quite a few years and with a number of different coaches.
