Let Ant be Ant, or tough love?

[FNG]

This is not a knee-jerk question...I was planning to start this thread before Ant prematurely exited last night's game.

My gal and I are watching more Wolves games together this season than usual...funny what winning does. And the guy we spend the most time swearing at during games is Ant... we are both constantly frustrated by Ant's inconsistent play. We acknowledge his brilliance, and recognize how many games he has won for us in the 4th quarter. But the holes he often puts us in with his disinterested first half play is a big problem. So my question is this? Are Finchie and his assistants doing everything they can to maximize Ant's value? Would a coach like Pop be coaching Ant in the same way?

I suspect that Finchie is coaching Ant well in practices and film sessions...it seems clear to me that Ant is a target in the video room when the coaches are trying to make a point about moving the ball or playing smart defense, and I think that's good. But I think Finchie's lack of action during games is enabling Ant's bad habits. Ant is an extraordinary offensive force, but when Ant dribbles around for 20 seconds and then gets the ball poked away, I would like to see Finchie immediately bench him for a few minutes. He's also a terrific on-ball defender...better than Jaden and NAW when he wants to be. Conley has called him the best on-ball defender he has ever seen, and that's saying a lot. But there are times...and last night was an example...when his disinterest on the defensive side of the court reminds me more of DLo and Beasley than it does NAW. Again, I would like to see Finchie have zero tolerance for defensive disinterest. We have a great bench. Yank him when he's not playing up to his potential.

Ant is an endearing character most of the time...it's tough not to smile when you watch the joy he brings to the court. But he's young and hasn't had a lot of male guidance in his life. Conley seems to try to fill that role, but I don't think it's enough. Further, and I know this isn't a common belief on this board, I have this nagging feeling that Ant has the potential to flip in his personality, and become the kind of entitled NBA player that many of us despise. I love his joyful personality now, but I can't shake this negative thought that he could end up more like a Ja than a Minnesota Mike. I think it's up to Finchie to make sure he keeps Ant between the lines. Praise him to be sure when he plays the way we all want him to play...I think Ant needs that recognition. But get tougher when Ant has his destructive first half moments...pull the trigger and bring in NAW right away.

So much potential, but also so much need for coaching I think.

What do others think? Leave good enough alone and let Ant be Ant? Or show a little Pop-like tough love, and try harder to mold him into the kind of player who can truly be a top 5 player in the league.

[thedoper]

Im really pleased with Ant's progress so far. He seems super receptive to Finch's coaching. Like anyone I'd like to see more consistency but I think where he is at is pretty amazing for his age.

[Coolbreeze44]

What Ant lacks I don't think you can teach. Unfortunately he has a little bit of knucklehead in him and it remains to be seen what long-lasting effects that will have on his career.

[Porckchop]

So this team has two players who are heavily relied upon offensively for their success but we all acknowledge they can both be knuckleheads that struggle with decision making. I can’t think of a single championship team that won with its two best players both being low IQ play makers in end of game clutch situations.

[Wolvesfan21]

I'm fairly satisfied with his progress. I still think he is behind many other greats in his passing ability. Him driving into 4 guys in the lane and not dishing it to a wide open corner 3 is concerning still. If you are 1 on 4 guess what? Other guys are open. lol

I am amazed how he can score 1 on 4 at times though.

The open corner 3 has to be the best shot in basketball (sure wide open dunk is better, hehe). Probably around 50% plus EFG will bump it to 75%. You got to make that play. I always remember watching the Spurs get Bruce Bowen that shot back in the day (and others).

[Q-is-here]

It's too late to do something like bench Ant during a game. Finch can call plays that take him off the ball and put him on the weakside for a couple of possessions (which I've seen Finch do after some bad decisions on Ant's part). That's basically the equivalent of a benching for a star player these days.

Ant is now an entity unto himself, with a brand and various commercial and financial interests. The people closest to him are likely not Wolves players, coaches, or front office staff. I think players and coaches like Rubio, PBev, Finch, and Conley all have had a positive influence on Ant over the years, but at this point I don't think further "hard" coaching or mentoring will do much to shape his behaviors. He is his own coach from now on. Let's hope he has a strong internal fire to compete and get better.

[Q-is-here]

So this team has two players who are heavily relied upon offensively for their success but we all acknowledge they can both be knuckleheads that struggle with decision making. I can’t think of a single championship team that won with its two best players both being low IQ play makers in end of game clutch situations.

Agree. We have years of data showing us that KAT simply will never be the #1 guy on a contender and that has as much to do with his decision making in big moments as it does with his skill as a player. And while Ant certainly has much thicker skin than KAT, he doesn't seem to be there yet either. Most superstars start hitting their peak years in Year 5 or 6, so unlike KAT, he still has some time (not a lot) to keep improving his decision making.