ESPN article on the Wolves

[khans2k5 [enjin:6608728]]

At the end of the day, DC and AK are much better overall defenders than Love and Brewer and their effort and intensity on the defensive end will be missed (I know we still have DC, but he won't be playing nearly as much this year). Martin is actually no better at defending 2's than Luke so I don't get why people assume just because he is taller, he will do a better job. I just don't buy into people saying we won't be bad defensively when 2 of our 5 starters are bad defenders in Love and Martin and Pek isn't any kind of rim protector to help them. Pek is a very good defender, but he can't do the one thing we need most and that is protect the rim. Ricky and Brewer aren't enough to keep opposing teams in check. Luckily we have an offense that will be able to carry us most games, but to think we will better than a first round exit this year is just kidding yourself considering how good the top teams are at defending. They will be able to get the stops we won't and that is why most people are slotting us in the 8th spot this year with a first round exit.

[longstrangetrip [enjin:6600564]]

I don't disagree with the article that defense could potentially hold the Wolves back this year, but I also see a lot of reasons for optimism on the defensive side of the ball. Here are my thoughts:
1) There is clearly much more emphasis on defense this year. I have never heard Adelman talk so much about defense, and it is clear that defense is being stressed in practices. Also I believe that players 6-15 know that defense is their key to earning more court time.
2) Flip/Rick are stressing defense more as they finalize the roster. A guy like CJ provides a lot of highlight reel moments with his athleticism, but his thin frame doesn't allow him to keep most centers away from the basket. A terrible shooter like Jeffers seems likely to earn a roster spot based on his size and defensive aggressiveness.
3) We will be able to put a strong defensive lead-protecting team on the court in the 4th quarter with Rubio, Shved (or Jeffers), Brewer, DC and Dieng.
4) While I was disappointed with our defense against CSKA (and especially our starters), our defensive effort and results were much better in holding opponents to 89 points in the next two games.
5) While I am aware of Martin's defensive shortcomings, I tend to side more with Camden than Khans in the Luke vs. Martin defensive discussion. I guess I am prejudiced after the nightmare of watching Luke try to guard Kobe at Staples last winter. It was a complete joke. I have played a lot of basketball in my life, and I have been guarded by plodding guys 5 inches taller than me and by athletic guys 5 inches shorter than me. I'll take the shorter guy matchup every time...having a clear view of the basket greatly improves my offensive confidence. Even though he is considered a poor defender, Martin's length alone compared to Luke makes us a better defensive team.

Admittedly an optimistic analysis of our defense, but not beyond the realm of possibility. Tonight I'm hoping to see a stronger defensive effort from the starters, because I'm confident the reserves are going to continue to bring some defensive intensity.

[Q12543 [enjin:6621299]]

Well, we shot 7 more field goal attempts and 16 more free throws tonight, yet lost the game. eFG% differential my friends. They out-shot us by a mile on 2's and 3's.

[markkbu [enjin:6588958]]

LOL....huh, who would have ever thought that not hitting a shot would cause a team to lose a game.