CoolBreeze44 wrote:You have to resist the temptation to judge this team early. I know as fans it's hard, but it's really unfair to bury this team early with all the change taking place. Yes, they are going to suck, maybe really suck, the first third of the season. I'm looking forward to what they are doing after the new year. I'd be really surprised if they don't show dramatic improvement, and shocked if they quit.
Cool - I agree that improvement should be the touchstone for evaluating the Wolves upcoming season. That includes both individual improvement by our young players and overall team improvement. I expect a really rough start for the Wolves as you do. I'd be OK with a strong finish to give the guys confidence and give us hope, but an end-result of around 27 wins and a top 4 pick in next June's draft.
Not that this will change anyone's expectations, but I haven't seen anyone mention Graham in this thread. He started in our two wins and has been very competent in the preseason. I suspect he would have started the last game if not for a minor injury. And I will not be surprised if he starts against Brooklyn.
60WinTim wrote:Not that this will change anyone's expectations, but I haven't seen anyone mention Graham in this thread. He started in our two wins and has been very competent in the preseason. I suspect he would have started the last game if not for a minor injury. And I will not be surprised if he starts against Brooklyn.
I've been relatively positive about Graham in other threads based on what he's shown this pre-season. He looks like a typical [productive] glue guy and this team sorely lacks those. In my mind, he's a much better starting option right now than Layman, Vonleh, or Bell.
60WinTim wrote:Not that this will change anyone's expectations, but I haven't seen anyone mention Graham in this thread. He started in our two wins and has been very competent in the preseason. I suspect he would have started the last game if not for a minor injury. And I will not be surprised if he starts against Brooklyn.
I've been relatively positive about Graham in other threads based on what he's shown this pre-season. He looks like a typical [productive] glue guy and this team sorely lacks those. In my mind, he's a much better starting option right now than Layman, Vonleh, or Bell.
I've also mentioned him positively, singling him out as one of our bright lights watching live last Sunday night. So based on this preseason, I see Graham as a guy who can help this season and a better starting option than Layman, Vonleh or Bell. However, that's just based on this preseason. His three seasons in the NBA have been underwhelming to say the least. And that's after 4 years of college. He's about to turn 26 years old. But I like the way he plays with great effort and intelligence. He's definitely outplayed most of the other new players on this team.
60WinTim wrote:Not that this will change anyone's expectations, but I haven't seen anyone mention Graham in this thread. He started in our two wins and has been very competent in the preseason. I suspect he would have started the last game if not for a minor injury. And I will not be surprised if he starts against Brooklyn.
I've been relatively positive about Graham in other threads based on what he's shown this pre-season. He looks like a typical [productive] glue guy and this team sorely lacks those. In my mind, he's a much better starting option right now than Layman, Vonleh, or Bell.
I've also mentioned him positively, singling him out as one of our bright lights watching live last Sunday night. So based on this preseason, I see Graham as a guy who can help this season and a better starting option than Layman, Vonleh or Bell. However, that's just based on this preseason. His three seasons in the NBA have been underwhelming to say the least. And that's after 4 years of college. He's about to turn 26 years old. But I like the way he plays with great effort and intelligence. He's definitely outplayed most of the other new players on this team.
Something to consider. Graham came out of basically nowhere to stick in the league. Last year he played legit minutes and started games for a team that went to the playoffs. He is going into his 4th NBA season. Is it really so certain he is a finished product? What if he is now a solid complementary player that can give you depth at 3 positions in a increasingly versatile league? IMHO IF Graham is that guy is is going to be trade bait if this team isn't competing for a playoff spot. He and Napier could both be on the move for at least some 2nd round picks which could be lottery tickets to get talent or assets to move around in the draft or add a player in a trade. Not every player has to become a star or all-star for you to build a roster. Smart little moves like getting Graham and Napier can make a difference. In addition if they play well for us that might make some Lower level FAs you know like actually want to come here instead of the opposite we have seen for a few years.
60WinTim wrote:Not that this will change anyone's expectations, but I haven't seen anyone mention Graham in this thread. He started in our two wins and has been very competent in the preseason. I suspect he would have started the last game if not for a minor injury. And I will not be surprised if he starts against Brooklyn.
I've been relatively positive about Graham in other threads based on what he's shown this pre-season. He looks like a typical [productive] glue guy and this team sorely lacks those. In my mind, he's a much better starting option right now than Layman, Vonleh, or Bell.
I've also mentioned him positively, singling him out as one of our bright lights watching live last Sunday night. So based on this preseason, I see Graham as a guy who can help this season and a better starting option than Layman, Vonleh or Bell. However, that's just based on this preseason. His three seasons in the NBA have been underwhelming to say the least. And that's after 4 years of college. He's about to turn 26 years old. But I like the way he plays with great effort and intelligence. He's definitely outplayed most of the other new players on this team.
Something to consider. Graham came out of basically nowhere to stick in the league. Last year he played legit minutes and started games for a team that went to the playoffs. He is going into his 4th NBA season. Is it really so certain he is a finished product? What if he is now a solid complementary player that can give you depth at 3 positions in a increasingly versatile league? IMHO IF Graham is that guy is is going to be trade bait if this team isn't competing for a playoff spot. He and Napier could both be on the move for at least some 2nd round picks which could be lottery tickets to get talent or assets to move around in the draft or add a player in a trade. Not every player has to become a star or all-star for you to build a roster. Smart little moves like getting Graham and Napier can make a difference. In addition if they play well for us that might make some Lower level FAs you know like actually want to come here instead of the opposite we have seen for a few years.
If Graham proves to be anything worthwhile -- a solid complementary player that can give you depth at three positions, as you said -- then it would be counterproductive to trade him for a measly second-round pick. Essentially, you hope a second-round pick turns into what Graham would be at that point.
Also, I think it's more likely that Teague is traded at the deadline and Napier or perhaps even Culver takes over the starting job at point guard with McLaughlin earning spot minutes.
60WinTim wrote:Not that this will change anyone's expectations, but I haven't seen anyone mention Graham in this thread. He started in our two wins and has been very competent in the preseason. I suspect he would have started the last game if not for a minor injury. And I will not be surprised if he starts against Brooklyn.
I've been relatively positive about Graham in other threads based on what he's shown this pre-season. He looks like a typical [productive] glue guy and this team sorely lacks those. In my mind, he's a much better starting option right now than Layman, Vonleh, or Bell.
I've also mentioned him positively, singling him out as one of our bright lights watching live last Sunday night. So based on this preseason, I see Graham as a guy who can help this season and a better starting option than Layman, Vonleh or Bell. However, that's just based on this preseason. His three seasons in the NBA have been underwhelming to say the least. And that's after 4 years of college. He's about to turn 26 years old. But I like the way he plays with great effort and intelligence. He's definitely outplayed most of the other new players on this team.
Something to consider. Graham came out of basically nowhere to stick in the league. Last year he played legit minutes and started games for a team that went to the playoffs. He is going into his 4th NBA season. Is it really so certain he is a finished product? What if he is now a solid complementary player that can give you depth at 3 positions in a increasingly versatile league? IMHO IF Graham is that guy is is going to be trade bait if this team isn't competing for a playoff spot. He and Napier could both be on the move for at least some 2nd round picks which could be lottery tickets to get talent or assets to move around in the draft or add a player in a trade. Not every player has to become a star or all-star for you to build a roster. Smart little moves like getting Graham and Napier can make a difference. In addition if they play well for us that might make some Lower level FAs you know like actually want to come here instead of the opposite we have seen for a few years.
If Graham proves to be anything worthwhile -- a solid complementary player that can give you depth at three positions, as you said -- then it would be counterproductive to trade him for a measly second-round pick. Essentially, you hope a second-round pick turns into what Graham would be at that point.
Also, I think it's more likely that Teague is traded at the deadline and Napier or perhaps even Culver takes over the starting job at point guard with McLaughlin earning spot minutes.
The thing is Graham is an UFA. How much are they willing to pay to keep him? He may walk for nothing. If Graham is as good as we are chatting about And is basically a vet Minuit was to trade salary the 2nd round pick I'm thinking is one a team has from a bad team which would be more like in the 30's which is valueable. We have seen teams give up more than that for rentals and they would have early bird rightS to theoretically resign him.
I think Teague is going to be available but I think his salary will make it hard to trade him because team have to match salaries. Napier is more likely to get traded because of his low salary.
Cleveland traded a bunch of 2nd round picks to get up and take Kevin Porter Jr. in the first round this year. The Vikings gave up 3 second rounders to move up to get Tyus Jones. Those late round picks aren't exciting but the Nets got a guy like that in Lavert we both liked. Just saying. I won't be sad if we keep Graham long term relatively speaking if he turns it it he worthwhile player we are hoping.
60WinTim wrote:Not that this will change anyone's expectations, but I haven't seen anyone mention Graham in this thread. He started in our two wins and has been very competent in the preseason. I suspect he would have started the last game if not for a minor injury. And I will not be surprised if he starts against Brooklyn.
I've been relatively positive about Graham in other threads based on what he's shown this pre-season. He looks like a typical [productive] glue guy and this team sorely lacks those. In my mind, he's a much better starting option right now than Layman, Vonleh, or Bell.
I've also mentioned him positively, singling him out as one of our bright lights watching live last Sunday night. So based on this preseason, I see Graham as a guy who can help this season and a better starting option than Layman, Vonleh or Bell. However, that's just based on this preseason. His three seasons in the NBA have been underwhelming to say the least. And that's after 4 years of college. He's about to turn 26 years old. But I like the way he plays with great effort and intelligence. He's definitely outplayed most of the other new players on this team.
Something to consider. Graham came out of basically nowhere to stick in the league. Last year he played legit minutes and started games for a team that went to the playoffs. He is going into his 4th NBA season. Is it really so certain he is a finished product? What if he is now a solid complementary player that can give you depth at 3 positions in a increasingly versatile league? IMHO IF Graham is that guy is is going to be trade bait if this team isn't competing for a playoff spot. He and Napier could both be on the move for at least some 2nd round picks which could be lottery tickets to get talent or assets to move around in the draft or add a player in a trade. Not every player has to become a star or all-star for you to build a roster. Smart little moves like getting Graham and Napier can make a difference. In addition if they play well for us that might make some Lower level FAs you know like actually want to come here instead of the opposite we have seen for a few years.
If Graham proves to be anything worthwhile -- a solid complementary player that can give you depth at three positions, as you said -- then it would be counterproductive to trade him for a measly second-round pick. Essentially, you hope a second-round pick turns into what Graham would be at that point.
Also, I think it's more likely that Teague is traded at the deadline and Napier or perhaps even Culver takes over the starting job at point guard with McLaughlin earning spot minutes.
Was it on here someone mentioned the Wolves potentially being interested in Kris Dunn? I'm not sure where I heard that, but it would make sense if we are eventually looking to unload Teague.
60WinTim wrote:Not that this will change anyone's expectations, but I haven't seen anyone mention Graham in this thread. He started in our two wins and has been very competent in the preseason. I suspect he would have started the last game if not for a minor injury. And I will not be surprised if he starts against Brooklyn.
I've been relatively positive about Graham in other threads based on what he's shown this pre-season. He looks like a typical [productive] glue guy and this team sorely lacks those. In my mind, he's a much better starting option right now than Layman, Vonleh, or Bell.
I've also mentioned him positively, singling him out as one of our bright lights watching live last Sunday night. So based on this preseason, I see Graham as a guy who can help this season and a better starting option than Layman, Vonleh or Bell. However, that's just based on this preseason. His three seasons in the NBA have been underwhelming to say the least. And that's after 4 years of college. He's about to turn 26 years old. But I like the way he plays with great effort and intelligence. He's definitely outplayed most of the other new players on this team.
Something to consider. Graham came out of basically nowhere to stick in the league. Last year he played legit minutes and started games for a team that went to the playoffs. He is going into his 4th NBA season. Is it really so certain he is a finished product? What if he is now a solid complementary player that can give you depth at 3 positions in a increasingly versatile league? IMHO IF Graham is that guy is is going to be trade bait if this team isn't competing for a playoff spot. He and Napier could both be on the move for at least some 2nd round picks which could be lottery tickets to get talent or assets to move around in the draft or add a player in a trade. Not every player has to become a star or all-star for you to build a roster. Smart little moves like getting Graham and Napier can make a difference. In addition if they play well for us that might make some Lower level FAs you know like actually want to come here instead of the opposite we have seen for a few years.
If Graham proves to be anything worthwhile -- a solid complementary player that can give you depth at three positions, as you said -- then it would be counterproductive to trade him for a measly second-round pick. Essentially, you hope a second-round pick turns into what Graham would be at that point.
Also, I think it's more likely that Teague is traded at the deadline and Napier or perhaps even Culver takes over the starting job at point guard with McLaughlin earning spot minutes.
Was it on here someone mentioned the Wolves potentially being interested in Kris Dunn? I'm not sure where I heard that, but it would make sense if we are eventually looking to unload Teague.
It wouldn't make sense because Dunn is trash and he can't even secure the starting spot on a bad Bulls team. We need good players. Not projects or young guys hoping to improve.
60WinTim wrote:Not that this will change anyone's expectations, but I haven't seen anyone mention Graham in this thread. He started in our two wins and has been very competent in the preseason. I suspect he would have started the last game if not for a minor injury. And I will not be surprised if he starts against Brooklyn.
I've been relatively positive about Graham in other threads based on what he's shown this pre-season. He looks like a typical [productive] glue guy and this team sorely lacks those. In my mind, he's a much better starting option right now than Layman, Vonleh, or Bell.
I've also mentioned him positively, singling him out as one of our bright lights watching live last Sunday night. So based on this preseason, I see Graham as a guy who can help this season and a better starting option than Layman, Vonleh or Bell. However, that's just based on this preseason. His three seasons in the NBA have been underwhelming to say the least. And that's after 4 years of college. He's about to turn 26 years old. But I like the way he plays with great effort and intelligence. He's definitely outplayed most of the other new players on this team.
Something to consider. Graham came out of basically nowhere to stick in the league. Last year he played legit minutes and started games for a team that went to the playoffs. He is going into his 4th NBA season. Is it really so certain he is a finished product? What if he is now a solid complementary player that can give you depth at 3 positions in a increasingly versatile league? IMHO IF Graham is that guy is is going to be trade bait if this team isn't competing for a playoff spot. He and Napier could both be on the move for at least some 2nd round picks which could be lottery tickets to get talent or assets to move around in the draft or add a player in a trade. Not every player has to become a star or all-star for you to build a roster. Smart little moves like getting Graham and Napier can make a difference. In addition if they play well for us that might make some Lower level FAs you know like actually want to come here instead of the opposite we have seen for a few years.
If Graham proves to be anything worthwhile -- a solid complementary player that can give you depth at three positions, as you said -- then it would be counterproductive to trade him for a measly second-round pick. Essentially, you hope a second-round pick turns into what Graham would be at that point.
Also, I think it's more likely that Teague is traded at the deadline and Napier or perhaps even Culver takes over the starting job at point guard with McLaughlin earning spot minutes.
Was it on here someone mentioned the Wolves potentially being interested in Kris Dunn? I'm not sure where I heard that, but it would make sense if we are eventually looking to unload Teague.
It wouldn't make sense because Dunn is trash and he can't even secure the starting spot on a bad Bulls team. We need good players. Not projects or young guys hoping to improve.
Well, i don't know where I saw it, but it makes sense if the goal is to make way for Napier and Culver to essentially be our main PG options and we need a 3rd PG that is also somewhat positionless defensively. His contract expires after this season too.
