Kekgeek grades G52 vs rockets

[Lipoli390]

So here is a question: when Randle returns, is NAZ relegated to the bench again?

If the Wolves can earn some tough wins over the next few weeks, there would be every reason to keep NAZ in the starting lineup, especially considering the importance of retaining this offseason. But I don't know if Finch has the cohunes to make such a move. Heck, I'm not sure he'll go back to DDV in the starting lineup when he returns!

Great question. Like you, I doubt Finch has it in him to keep Naz in a starting role after Randle’s return. I was hoping Tim Connelly would make a trade that would take that choice away from Finch. Alas, we’re stuck. Finch loves Randle. They go way back to their time together in New Orleans. I think Finch’s affection for Randle from their past together is clouding his judgment at bit. The risk of putting DDV back in the starting lineup is also real and reflects Finch’s reluctance to play young guys. I’m not sure it’s necessarily a bad thing in the short run to put DDV back in the starting lineup. But in my view, integrating DDV back into the rotation (starter of bench role) at the expense of minutes for Dilly or TSJ would be a mistake in long run. I’d like to see DDV get NAW’s minutes. Nevertheless, Finch likes NAW. I like NAW too but again the Wolves organization has to have a longer term perspective in my view. I can see DDV, with his skill set, style of play and contract, being here over the long term but I can’t see a realistic version of this team with NAW.

[60WinTim]

The Clippers blow their game hosting the Pacers. Wolves are out of the play-in and take over the #6 seed!

[FNG]

So here is a question: when Randle returns, is NAZ relegated to the bench again?

If the Wolves can earn some tough wins over the next few weeks, there would be every reason to keep NAZ in the starting lineup, especially considering the importance of retaining this offseason. But I don't know if Finch has the cohunes to make such a move. Heck, I'm not sure he'll go back to DDV in the starting lineup when he returns!

Great question. Like you, I doubt Finch has it in him to keep Naz in a starting role after Randle’s return. I was hoping Tim Connelly would make a trade that would take that choice away from Finch. Alas, we’re stuck. Finch loves Randle. They go way back to their time together in New Orleans. I think Finch’s affection for Randle from their past together is clouding his judgment at bit. The risk of putting DDV back in the starting lineup is also real and reflects Finch’s reluctance to play young guys. I’m not sure it’s necessarily a bad thing in the short run to put DDV back in the starting lineup. But in my view, integrating DDV back into the rotation (starter of bench role) at the expense of minutes for Dilly or TSJ would be a mistake in long run. I’d like to see DDV get NAW’s minutes. Nevertheless, Finch likes NAW. I like NAW too but again the Wolves organization has to have a longer term perspective in my view. I can see DDV, with his skill set, style of play and contract, being here over the long term but I can’t see a realistic version of this team with NAW.

It's a great question. To me, the priority has to be playing Ju and Donte together as much as possible, either in the starting lineup or off the bench...they work together so well. With the emergence of Rob as a viable option at PG, Donte can go back to his more comfortable position of SG. So, I would start Naz and Mike, and team Ju and Donte together off the bench (along with NAW and Rob, with some Clark sprinkled in when needed).

[WildWolf2813]

So here is a question: when Randle returns, is NAZ relegated to the bench again?

If the Wolves can earn some tough wins over the next few weeks, there would be every reason to keep NAZ in the starting lineup, especially considering the importance of retaining this offseason. But I don't know if Finch has the cohunes to make such a move. Heck, I'm not sure he'll go back to DDV in the starting lineup when he returns!

If they lose to bad teams, no, but I hope Randle can read the room and see that leading the 2nd unit will get him closer to the multi year deal he wants.

[Q-is-here]

So here is a question: when Randle returns, is NAZ relegated to the bench again?

If the Wolves can earn some tough wins over the next few weeks, there would be every reason to keep NAZ in the starting lineup, especially considering the importance of retaining this offseason. But I don't know if Finch has the cohunes to make such a move. Heck, I'm not sure he'll go back to DDV in the starting lineup when he returns!

Great question. Like you, I doubt Finch has it in him to keep Naz in a starting role after Randle’s return. I was hoping Tim Connelly would make a trade that would take that choice away from Finch. Alas, we’re stuck. Finch loves Randle. They go way back to their time together in New Orleans. I think Finch’s affection for Randle from their past together is clouding his judgment at bit. The risk of putting DDV back in the starting lineup is also real and reflects Finch’s reluctance to play young guys. I’m not sure it’s necessarily a bad thing in the short run to put DDV back in the starting lineup. But in my view, integrating DDV back into the rotation (starter of bench role) at the expense of minutes for Dilly or TSJ would be a mistake in long run. I’d like to see DDV get NAW’s minutes. Nevertheless, Finch likes NAW. I like NAW too but again the Wolves organization has to have a longer term perspective in my view. I can see DDV, with his skill set, style of play and contract, being here over the long term but I can’t see a realistic version of this team with NAW.

It's a great question. To me, the priority has to be playing Ju and Donte together as much as possible, either in the starting lineup or off the bench...they work together so well. With the emergence of Rob as a viable option at PG, Donte can go back to his more comfortable position of SG. So, I would start Naz and Mike, and team Ju and Donte together off the bench (along with NAW and Rob, with some Clark sprinkled in when needed).

The thing we have to remember is that the offensive turnaround and becoming more Ant-centric and less Julius-centric began a few weeks ago while Randle was still healthy. As his minutes and shot attempts went down his net rating went up!

I guess as long as Finch shows the same lineup flexibility to close games as he has lately, I'm probably neutral as to whether Randle starts or not. I like FNG's idea of ensuring a lot of overlap between Randle and DDV, regardless of who starts and who doesn't.