2016-2017 around the league thread

[longstrangetrip [enjin:6600564]]

I liked Murray too but I was definitely a Dunn guy. We owe Dunn some patience.
Didn't Murray start the season missing his first 18 shots or something?

Yep, but he's really picked it up since then...at least on the offensive side. But he appears to be a classic 1-way player. The couple times I have watched him, I have been surprised at his lack of athleticism, quickness and lateral movement. These are things that can't be taught, so I sense he will never be an adequate defender. That said, he is a terrific shooter and should have a nice career as an offensive specialist. What a nice offensive game he had last night.

In terms of evaluating whether Thibs should have taken him or Dunn, I think it depends on how you view basketball. Right now, they are mirror images of each other as 1-way players...those who prefer defense will favor Dunn, those who prefer offense will favor Murray. But I think Dunn has far more potential to become a 2-way player than Murray, and I'm guessing that's why Thibs picked him.

[Camden [enjin:6601484]]

For those that missed last nights game that I'm referring to, this will give you an idea of how Murray performed: https://youtu.be/CuIgAKfJmq8

I've stated my pre-draft case for Murray time and time again, and nobody wants nor needs to hear it again, but I will just say that I believe the Wolves made a mistake in June.

I'll also say that I believe Murray has a much better chance of becoming an average defender than Dunn does at becoming a legitimate perimeter shooting threat. Take that for what you will.

I don't think style preferences affect player evaluations. The goal, at least in my opinion, is to look at the total package -- everything that player does well and everything that player struggles with. Some people just see the games differently, which in turn creates different opinions, different evaluations.

And yes, Murray opened the season on a brutal 0-16 shooting from the field through his first four games. Just a miserable stretch for any player -- let alone a rookie making his NBA debuts. Since then, he's been an impact player over the course of 10 games (2 games started).

12.4 PPG (47.9 FG%, 47.8 3P% on 4.6 3PA, 80.0 FT%), 2.1 APG, 2.2 RPG in 21.8 MPG.

Is it a hot stretch? Sure, but we're talking about the second best freshman shooter in college basketball history -- only behind some guy named Steph Curry. He's not going to fall off a cliff in the future.

[Coolbreeze44]

You're not going to believe the 1st quarter Kevin Love is having tonight. 32 points and counting. Move over Wilt?

[Coolbreeze44]

Love finishes the quarter with 34

[Monster]

Mike Conley has a fractured vertebrae in his back he will be out at least 6 weeks. I won't be shocked if Memphis keeps winning but that certainly opens up the door for them to be less than what they would have been with him healthy that's for sure.

[Q12543 [enjin:6621299]]

Mike Conley has a fractured vertebrae in his back he will be out at least 6 weeks. I won't be shocked if Memphis keeps winning but that certainly opens up the door for them to be less than what they would have been with him healthy that's for sure.

Yikes, I'm not sure Memphis can overcome his loss. That is going to be tough. While I don't wish injury on anyone, it's one of those things that gives an opening to teams fighting with Memphis for a playoff spot - a position I thought we'd be in.

[thedoper]

Mike Conley has a fractured vertebrae in his back he will be out at least 6 weeks. I won't be shocked if Memphis keeps winning but that certainly opens up the door for them to be less than what they would have been with him healthy that's for sure.

He's everything to them. They fell off the map last year once he finally went down. So sad and painful I'm sure.

[Lipoli390]

The Greek Freak had 34 points, 12 rebounds, 5 assists, 5 steals and 2 blocks tonight. I had the pleasure of watching him in person at Bradley Center last Friday. He's a force of nature. Incredible combination of skill and length, but it's his intensity that impressed me the most. Watch the Greek Freak and then think of Wiggins. One of looks like a star in the making and it's definitely not Wiggins.

We drafted Bazz when we could have drafted the Greek Freak. But I won't ask whether you would trade Bazz straight up for him because you'd be certifiably insane if you answered no. I'll ask instead whether you'd trade Wiggins straight up for the Freak. The answer for Wolves fans should be an equally obvious yes. Unfortunately, it goes without saying that the Bucks would never do the deal. What if we threw in Ricky? They still wouldn't do the deal.

[AbeVigodaLive]

The Greek Freak had 34 points, 12 rebounds, 5 assists, 5 steals and 2 blocks tonight. I had the pleasure of watching him in person at Bradley Center last Friday. He's a force of nature. Incredible combination of skill and length, but it's his intensity that impressed me the most. Watch the Greek Freak and then think of Wiggins. One of looks like a star in the making and it's definitely not Wiggins.

We drafted Bazz when we could have drafted the Greek Freak. But I won't ask whether you would trade Bazz straight up for him because you'd be certifiably insane if you answered no. I'll ask instead whether you'd trade Wiggins straight up for the Freak. The answer for Wolves fans should be an equally obvious yes. Unfortunately, it goes without saying that the Bucks would never do the deal. What if we threw in Ricky? They still wouldn't do the deal.

22.8 ppg / 8.6 reb / 5.9 ast / 53% fg / 2.1 stl / 2.1 blk

Check out those steals and blocks!!!

Yes, Giannis is a top 10 talent. And there's another sneaky development happening in Milwaukee... Jabari Parker is finding his place in the league. He was efficient in his rookie season until getting injured. He struggled at things last year, mostly in figuring out what kind of player he was.

Is he a 3? Or a 4? Either way, he needed to develop a three point shot. He made only 13 in his first 100+ games. Oh oh. He's taking 3 a game right now and hitting at an above average rate (37% fg).

Remember when we used to discuss brighter future... Milwaukee or Minnesota? Are we sure it's a dead debate? The team with the best superstar has the inherent advantage. Are we certain that it's not Giannis?

Milwaukee is 8 - 8 without its arguable 2nd best player (Middleton).

[BizarroJerry [enjin:6592520]]

Agreed on the bucks comments. I'm not ready to call the wolves the team with the most upside quite yet.