Thad Young is a Class Act

[Lipoli390]

I don't think Thad was intentionally dissing Love. He said he wasn't going to try to be Kevin Love, acknowledging that he can't match Love's individual stats. So Thad simply highlighted the attributions that he offers -- defense and teamwork. And he rightly noted that those two things win championships.

I agree that Thad is a smart guy. As a smart guy, he undoubtedly knows that Love plays team ball. Heck he averaged around 5 assists per game at the PF position. And while everyone points to defense as a weakness in Love's game, I think Thad was simply emphasizing his own strength as a defensive player. If Thad's mention of his own strength as a defender is viewed as an intentional slam on Love, then Thad would never be able to tout his own horn on one of his main attributes without being viewed as attacking Love. That's not fair.

Thad is saying all the right things and I have no doubt he's sincere. I don't think he's the sort to put down others. He seems like he's positive, hard-working and fully committed to the role expected of him here as a player and leader. I'm glad he's here. And I'm certain he wasn't taking shots at Love.

[TheGrey08]

Thad will become a fan favorite instantly (don't tell LST and the others who weren't in favor of trading for him).

You're misreading me, cam. I'm a fan of guys with excellent character, and that's why I was such an advocate for unloading Love and agreeable to bringing in Young. I just didn't want to give up too much for him, and I was convinced (as was Flip, it turns out) that Bennett was too much to give up. But I agree that Young is exactly the kind of guy I want on my team. I hope we can extend him after this year (although I think his price tag will be lower than it is currently), because I see him as a key hustle guy off the bench for a playoff team as early as 2015-16.

Cam, you've probably read the RealGM fan appreciation thread for Thad, and I recommend it for everyone. This guy was universally revered by the Philly fans, and the entire thread is essentially a love letter to Thad. I agree that he will quickly become a fan favorite here. He's a guy who supports his teammates on and off the court, wants to give back to the fans, and never gives less than 100% on the court. I think we are going to see a Wolves team with better team chemistry than we have seen in a long time, and that will be helpful in moving past the loss of a 26-13 player.

Same. I really wasn't a fan of giving up a 1st for him, but there have been some great points made like the fact we'll have A LOT of young talent already so another 1st next year probably wouldn't be ideal. A future Cavs pick would have been nice though. I'm pretty happy with the trade and can't wait for the season. Tidbits like this make it look better & better.

[TheGrey08]

I don't think Thad was intentionally dissing Love. He said he wasn't going to try to be Kevin Love, acknowledging that he can't match Love's individual stats. So Thad simply highlighted the attributions that he offers -- defense and teamwork. And he rightly noted that those two things win championships.

I agree that Thad is a smart guy. As a smart guy, he undoubtedly knows that Love plays team ball. Heck he averaged around 5 assists per game at the PF position. And while everyone points to defense as a weakness in Love's game, I think Thad was simply emphasizing his own strength as a defensive player. If Thad's mention of his own strength as a defender is viewed as an intentional slam on Love, then Thad would never be able to tout his own horn on one of his main attributes without being viewed as attacking Love. That's not fair.

Thad is saying all the right things and I have no doubt he's sincere. I don't think he's the sort to put down others. He seems like he's positive, hard-working and fully committed to the role expected of him here as a player and leader. I'm glad he's here. And I'm certain he wasn't taking shots at Love.

Agreed. Sometimes people tend to over think/read into things a bit too much.

[longstrangetrip [enjin:6600564]]

Love's press conference was interesting. Here are the three takeaways for me:

1) LeBron called him the day he announced he was not returning to Miami.

2) Love never contacted anyone in the Wolves' organization to tell them he was going to opt out of his contract, not even Flip. His agent had all the conversation with the Wolves.

3) His best friend in the Wolves' organization was the equipment manager. In contrast, Thad Young mentioned that he is good friends with Chase Budinger.

[Camden [enjin:6601484]]

Anyone have a link of the Wolves presser, if there is one? Had classes today. Completely missed it.

[The Rage Monster [enjin:8010341]]

I can't say how excited I am that we got Young. He's the guy I thought we should go after this off season in an effort to improve enough to keep Love but I'd say this is almost better. We'll get to see the hardworking lead by example type of player he is without the burden of Love's attitude/personality. Now that we have a few of these guys with Rubio, Young, and Brewer hopefully they'll be able to quickly elevate the level of play from our guys.

[TAFKASP]

3) His best friend in the Wolves' organization was the equipment manager. In contrast, Thad Young mentioned that he is good friends with Chase Budinger.

Ouch! Love himself is giving us the biggest selling point to deal him. When the equipment manager is your closest friend I have to believe the locker room is going to be a much happier place now that he's no longer in it.

[Phenom]

Anyone have a link of the Wolves presser, if there is one? Had classes today. Completely missed it.

I'm on FSN North (website) right now and there is all kinds of video.

[Phenom]

Thad is already one of my favorite all-time Wolves. :thumb: I'm glad he is here.

[Lipoli390]

3) His best friend in the Wolves' organization was the equipment manager. In contrast, Thad Young mentioned that he is good friends with Chase Budinger.

Ouch! Love himself is giving us the biggest selling point to deal him. When the equipment manager is your closest friend I have to believe the locker room is going to be a much happier place now that he's no longer in it.

No kidding!!