Second Round: Official Draft Day Thread

[Monster]

Um trade Randle for a defensive backup center? What?

Not going to speak for Lip, but I'm assuming he meant trade Ju for a backup center and another player. Like Ju for Capela and Niang.

That’s exactly what I meant, FNG. I think i mentioned a Ju for Capela deal in another post. I haven’t spent much time trying to put together specific trade ideas but if we’re not going to sign Randle long term then I think our best bet would be a sign-and-trade to fill a need. We seem to have two immediate needs - (1) starting PG as an alternative to Conley and bridge to Dilly; and (2) a backup defensive-oriented big. I agree with Q that the backup big is a far more critical need than another PG. That’s where a Randle sign-and-trade comes into the picture. It’s worth noting, however, that Randle has to agree to such a trade so we have to be realistic about what we can get in return. If Randle exercises his option, then we’re in a better position to trade him since we would not need his assent.

Paying what like 20 million for a backup center like Capela? That seems like a pretty bad use of resources. What are we worried about matching up with he Suns? Who is play as a backup PF? If you trade Randle for a backup center then you need a backup PF. I don't get why people are so desperate to ship off Randle. The Wolves wouldnt have even gotten out of the first round without him.

[Lipoli390]

Not going to speak for Lip, but I'm assuming he meant trade Ju for a backup center and another player. Like Ju for Capela and Niang.

That’s exactly what I meant, FNG. I think i mentioned a Ju for Capela deal in another post. I haven’t spent much time trying to put together specific trade ideas but if we’re not going to sign Randle long term then I think our best bet would be a sign-and-trade to fill a need. We seem to have two immediate needs - (1) starting PG as an alternative to Conley and bridge to Dilly; and (2) a backup defensive-oriented big. I agree with Q that the backup big is a far more critical need than another PG. That’s where a Randle sign-and-trade comes into the picture. It’s worth noting, however, that Randle has to agree to such a trade so we have to be realistic about what we can get in return. If Randle exercises his option, then we’re in a better position to trade him since we would not need his assent.

Paying what like 20 million for a backup center like Capela? That seems like a pretty bad use of resources. What are we worried about matching up with he Suns? Who is play as a backup PF? If you trade Randle for a backup center then you need a backup PF. I don't get why people are so desperate to ship off Randle. The Wolves wouldnt have even gotten out of the first round without him.

Calm down, Monster. No one is desperate to ship off Randle. I’m certainly not. But two things to note.

First, we really need to add a defensive big. If not, we’re left with Naz and Randle if Rudy goes down for an extended period. That would be very problematic for our defense. I’ll clarify that the player we add doesn’t have to be a center; he can be a PF. We simply need to add a defensive big. I’d lean more towards a center type because Jaden can fill the PF position and has showed he’s quite effective in that slot.

Second, as I clarified in another thread, we might face a situation where Randle could simply leave as a free agent with no compensation in return. So we might have to do a sign-and-trade, in which case we would have limited leverage to get full value in return for Randle. If Randle exercises his option, I’d be inclined to keep him unless we get a really good offer because I do see him having significant trade value and also recognize his value to the Wolves.

[Monster]

That’s exactly what I meant, FNG. I think i mentioned a Ju for Capela deal in another post. I haven’t spent much time trying to put together specific trade ideas but if we’re not going to sign Randle long term then I think our best bet would be a sign-and-trade to fill a need. We seem to have two immediate needs - (1) starting PG as an alternative to Conley and bridge to Dilly; and (2) a backup defensive-oriented big. I agree with Q that the backup big is a far more critical need than another PG. That’s where a Randle sign-and-trade comes into the picture. It’s worth noting, however, that Randle has to agree to such a trade so we have to be realistic about what we can get in return. If Randle exercises his option, then we’re in a better position to trade him since we would not need his assent.

Paying what like 20 million for a backup center like Capela? That seems like a pretty bad use of resources. What are we worried about matching up with he Suns? Who is play as a backup PF? If you trade Randle for a backup center then you need a backup PF. I don't get why people are so desperate to ship off Randle. The Wolves wouldnt have even gotten out of the first round without him.

Calm down, Monster. No one is desperate to ship off Randle. I’m certainly not. But two things to note.

First, we really need to add a defensive big. If not, we’re left with Naz and Randle if Rudy goes down for an extended period. That would be very problematic for our defense. I’ll clarify that the player we add doesn’t have to be a center; he can be a PF. We simply need to add a defensive big. I’d lean more towards a center type because Jaden can fill the PF position and has showed he’s quite effective in that slot.

Second, as I clarified in another thread, we might face a situation where Randle could simply leave as a free agent with no compensation in return. So we might have to do a sign-and-trade, in which case we would have limited leverage to get full value in return for Randle. If Randle exercises his option, I’d be inclined to keep him unless we get a really good offer because I do see him having significant trade value and also recognize his value to the Wolves.

OK I'm curious what defensive bigs are realistic that are gonna help save the Wolves defense if Gobert goes down for a significant length of time? I'd suggest the Wolves would have a few options other than trading for one and something happens to Gobert.

1. Might sign some guy off the street. There are always centers with plenty of experience available any day of the week for vet min deals. I get that might not be good enough but it might help you get by in the regular season for a while.

2. Play an entirely different defensive scheme. They have done this before and have a ton of defenders so this isn't a crazy option

3. They drafted a guy in Joan they gushed about his athletic ability etc etc. Why not play him some and see what happens?

The closest thing I can think of that they have gone after in terms of a rotation defensive big the past 3 years was adding Kyle Anderson as a FA.

[DNatagal]

Paying what like 20 million for a backup center like Capela? That seems like a pretty bad use of resources. What are we worried about matching up with he Suns? Who is play as a backup PF? If you trade Randle for a backup center then you need a backup PF. I don't get why people are so desperate to ship off Randle. The Wolves wouldnt have even gotten out of the first round without him.

Calm down, Monster. No one is desperate to ship off Randle. I’m certainly not. But two things to note.

First, we really need to add a defensive big. If not, we’re left with Naz and Randle if Rudy goes down for an extended period. That would be very problematic for our defense. I’ll clarify that the player we add doesn’t have to be a center; he can be a PF. We simply need to add a defensive big. I’d lean more towards a center type because Jaden can fill the PF position and has showed he’s quite effective in that slot.

Second, as I clarified in another thread, we might face a situation where Randle could simply leave as a free agent with no compensation in return. So we might have to do a sign-and-trade, in which case we would have limited leverage to get full value in return for Randle. If Randle exercises his option, I’d be inclined to keep him unless we get a really good offer because I do see him having significant trade value and also recognize his value to the Wolves.

OK I'm curious what defensive bigs are realistic that are gonna help save the Wolves defense if Gobert goes down for a significant length of time? I'd suggest the Wolves would have a few options other than trading for one and something happens to Gobert.

1. Might sign some guy off the street. There are always centers with plenty of experience available any day of the week for vet min deals. I get that might not be good enough but it might help you get by in the regular season for a while.

2. Play an entirely different defensive scheme. They have done this before and have a ton of defenders so this isn't a crazy option

3. They drafted a guy in Joan they gushed about his athletic ability etc etc. Why not play him some and see what happens?

The closest thing I can think of that they have gone after in terms of a rotation defensive big the past 3 years was adding Kyle Anderson as a FA.

3. They drafted a guy in Joan they gushed about his athletic ability etc etc. Why not play him some and see what happens?

This might be the plan. Play Beringer for those 10 to 18 minutes a game when the hustle squad is on the court and Rudy is on the bench. Indiana does it, OKC does it, we have the horses to do it. Would love to see the ball up the court after a miss, or make, in 3 passes and catch the defense out of position. Then it won't matter what offense the Wolves run, let them play downhill. TSJ, Dilly, Clark, Beringer and Naz. Would make some mistakes but it would inject some energy into the game.

[Monster]

Calm down, Monster. No one is desperate to ship off Randle. I’m certainly not. But two things to note.

First, we really need to add a defensive big. If not, we’re left with Naz and Randle if Rudy goes down for an extended period. That would be very problematic for our defense. I’ll clarify that the player we add doesn’t have to be a center; he can be a PF. We simply need to add a defensive big. I’d lean more towards a center type because Jaden can fill the PF position and has showed he’s quite effective in that slot.

Second, as I clarified in another thread, we might face a situation where Randle could simply leave as a free agent with no compensation in return. So we might have to do a sign-and-trade, in which case we would have limited leverage to get full value in return for Randle. If Randle exercises his option, I’d be inclined to keep him unless we get a really good offer because I do see him having significant trade value and also recognize his value to the Wolves.

OK I'm curious what defensive bigs are realistic that are gonna help save the Wolves defense if Gobert goes down for a significant length of time? I'd suggest the Wolves would have a few options other than trading for one and something happens to Gobert.

1. Might sign some guy off the street. There are always centers with plenty of experience available any day of the week for vet min deals. I get that might not be good enough but it might help you get by in the regular season for a while.

2. Play an entirely different defensive scheme. They have done this before and have a ton of defenders so this isn't a crazy option

3. They drafted a guy in Joan they gushed about his athletic ability etc etc. Why not play him some and see what happens?

The closest thing I can think of that they have gone after in terms of a rotation defensive big the past 3 years was adding Kyle Anderson as a FA.

3. They drafted a guy in Joan they gushed about his athletic ability etc etc. Why not play him some and see what happens?

This might be the plan. Play Beringer for those 10 to 18 minutes a game when the hustle squad is on the court and Rudy is on the bench. Indiana does it, OKC does it, we have the horses to do it. Would love to see the ball up the court after a miss, or make, in 3 passes and catch the defense out of position. Then it won't matter what offense the Wolves run, let them play downhill. TSJ, Dilly, Clark, Beringer and Naz. Would make some mistakes but it would inject some energy into the game.

Donte fits into that type of group too if you wanted to go that direction and he gives that group a vet and shooting.

[Lipoli390]

Paying what like 20 million for a backup center like Capela? That seems like a pretty bad use of resources. What are we worried about matching up with he Suns? Who is play as a backup PF? If you trade Randle for a backup center then you need a backup PF. I don't get why people are so desperate to ship off Randle. The Wolves wouldnt have even gotten out of the first round without him.

Calm down, Monster. No one is desperate to ship off Randle. I’m certainly not. But two things to note.

First, we really need to add a defensive big. If not, we’re left with Naz and Randle if Rudy goes down for an extended period. That would be very problematic for our defense. I’ll clarify that the player we add doesn’t have to be a center; he can be a PF. We simply need to add a defensive big. I’d lean more towards a center type because Jaden can fill the PF position and has showed he’s quite effective in that slot.

Second, as I clarified in another thread, we might face a situation where Randle could simply leave as a free agent with no compensation in return. So we might have to do a sign-and-trade, in which case we would have limited leverage to get full value in return for Randle. If Randle exercises his option, I’d be inclined to keep him unless we get a really good offer because I do see him having significant trade value and also recognize his value to the Wolves.

OK I'm curious what defensive bigs are realistic that are gonna help save the Wolves defense if Gobert goes down for a significant length of time? I'd suggest the Wolves would have a few options other than trading for one and something happens to Gobert.

1. Might sign some guy off the street. There are always centers with plenty of experience available any day of the week for vet min deals. I get that might not be good enough but it might help you get by in the regular season for a while.

2. Play an entirely different defensive scheme. They have done this before and have a ton of defenders so this isn't a crazy option

3. They drafted a guy in Joan they gushed about his athletic ability etc etc. Why not play him some and see what happens?

The closest thing I can think of that they have gone after in terms of a rotation defensive big the past 3 years was adding Kyle Anderson as a FA.

You’re asking the tough questions, Monster. And I think you’ve laid out the options. I just don’t have a good handle on who or what at this point. I just think a defensive big behind Rudy is a pretty critical need. But as you noted, there are different approaches. Not every good defensive team has a really long shot-blocking center. It will be interesting to see what TC does.

[Monster]

Calm down, Monster. No one is desperate to ship off Randle. I’m certainly not. But two things to note.

First, we really need to add a defensive big. If not, we’re left with Naz and Randle if Rudy goes down for an extended period. That would be very problematic for our defense. I’ll clarify that the player we add doesn’t have to be a center; he can be a PF. We simply need to add a defensive big. I’d lean more towards a center type because Jaden can fill the PF position and has showed he’s quite effective in that slot.

Second, as I clarified in another thread, we might face a situation where Randle could simply leave as a free agent with no compensation in return. So we might have to do a sign-and-trade, in which case we would have limited leverage to get full value in return for Randle. If Randle exercises his option, I’d be inclined to keep him unless we get a really good offer because I do see him having significant trade value and also recognize his value to the Wolves.

OK I'm curious what defensive bigs are realistic that are gonna help save the Wolves defense if Gobert goes down for a significant length of time? I'd suggest the Wolves would have a few options other than trading for one and something happens to Gobert.

1. Might sign some guy off the street. There are always centers with plenty of experience available any day of the week for vet min deals. I get that might not be good enough but it might help you get by in the regular season for a while.

2. Play an entirely different defensive scheme. They have done this before and have a ton of defenders so this isn't a crazy option

3. They drafted a guy in Joan they gushed about his athletic ability etc etc. Why not play him some and see what happens?

The closest thing I can think of that they have gone after in terms of a rotation defensive big the past 3 years was adding Kyle Anderson as a FA.

You’re asking the tough questions, Monster. And I think you’ve laid out the options. I just don’t have a good handle on who or what at this point. I just think a defensive big behind Rudy is a pretty critical need. But as you noted, there are different approaches. Not every good defensive team has a really long shot-blocking center. It will be interesting to see what TC does.

To be clear I think that the Wolves could really use that type of player especially a defensive C and yes it's something this team has needed...oh since before you know the Wolves traded for Gobert. So what you are asking to some extent is what we needed a couple years ago when it seemed clear that Towns at C probably wasn't the answer full time there. So...that might be asking a lot when Gobert is on the roster. Maybe the Wolves need to add a versatile defender in the mold of Vanderbilt or Anderson. Maybe that guy is on the roster in the form of McDaniels. I'm not hanging my hat on Minott being that guy but there is some tools there especially based on match ups.

This year kinda harkens back to last season where the Wolves signed Jesse Edwards to a 2-way deal. He certainly wasn't a guy that anyone was like oh yeah he is a reasonably legit option to plug in if Gobert missed games. It seems like he did develop though in Iowa. It seemed when he was signed more of a play to MAYBE find a cheap backup option a year or so away. Like I believe Q has said it also gave the Wolves a look at what Miller could be as a PF/not a center which maybe have been valuable.

What I'm getting at is it seems like this front office has been plenty willing to add guys to the roster that aren't gonna exactly expected to help right away. They also haven't prioritized that lengthy defensive big near the end of the roster after acquiring Gobert. So far it hasn't burned them yet but it could. Of course...this might not be a bad season to not do as well if Gobert was to get injured for a lengthy stretch unless you think the Jazz are gonna suddenly become like kinda good again for that pick swap. I know at some point the Jazz weren't trying to win but last year they were ranked 30th in defensive rating on BB reference.

To some extent the Wolves have a group of guys on the roster that have hardly played but in theory have either shown some good things or have some talent that woukd suggest they might be able to help in the front court. I know people are down on Garza but he can score and his physical ability on the court has improved. Miller is a talented guy that probbaly would have been playing some sort of rotation minutes on a Wolves team a few years ago. Ditto for Minott who had some positives in his first season playing some real NBA minutes. When is it time to be like hey if we have to play someone why not play one of those guys and see what happens? Also to be clear I'm OK with moving on from Garza for a different type of player.