Reading the recent reports about Randle staying put, and seeing what TC did with Naz’s starting salary, I’m now certain the Wolves will be signing Randle to a multi-year deal. Now that Naz is locked up, we don’t have to worry about losing him, which was the main reason I didn’t’ want to sign Randle long term. If Randle signs a multi-year deal, it’s inevitable that NAW will leave. So we’ll likely have the same team as last season but with either TSJ or Clark filling NAW’s role off the bench. Depending on Randle’s new starting salary next season, we’ll fill our final roster slot with either a vet minimum guy or a taxpayer MLE guy. It’s looking like our roster for next season will probably be as follows:
1. Conley
2. Ant
3. Jaden
4. Randle
5. Rudy
6. Naz
7. Donte
8. TSJ
9. Clark
10. Dilly
11. Minott
12. Miller
13. Garza
14. Beringer
15. Left open or FA at vet minimum or taxpayer MLE
16. Rocco (2-way)
I could see the Wolves releasing or trading Garza and maybe Minott to make room for a vet if they find the right one. We’ll see. Maybe TC will surprise us again with a major trade shortly before training camp.
60WinTim wrote: ↑Sat Jun 28, 2025 2:33 pm
While I don’t like the NAZ/Randle tandem, it really hurt last year when there was no other option other than Rudy to pair with either of those two. While Joan will not see regular minutes, especially early on, I feel better that at least Finch has another option besides Rudy.
it's interesting, Tim...a lot of us don't like the Naz/Randle tandem, and Kek does us a service when he points out how sieve-like our defense is when Rudy is out. But I was surprised and pleased to see they actually had a positive net rating of 2.4 last season when they were out there together...I would not have expected that. Not surprisingly, their defensive rating is a not very good 112.9...worst on the team of tandems that played significant minutes. But their offensive rating of 115.3 ranks 5th best of tandems that played significant minutes. So while we struggle on defense when Rudy is out, their ability to score still leaves them a net positive. I think this is very much due to Randle's ability to draw defenders and find Naz open for threes. This makes me feel a lot better knowing they're both likely to be back next year.
Lipoli390 wrote: ↑Sat Jun 28, 2025 5:29 pm
Reading the recent reports about Randle staying put, and seeing what TC did with Naz’s starting salary, I’m now certain the Wolves will be signing Randle to a multi-year deal. Now that Naz is locked up, we don’t have to worry about losing him, which was the main reason I didn’t’ want to sign Randle long term. If Randle signs a multi-year deal, it’s inevitable that NAW will leave. So we’ll likely have the same team as last season but with either TSJ or Clark filling NAW’s role off the bench. Depending on Randle’s new starting salary next season, we’ll fill our final roster slot with either a vet minimum guy or a taxpayer MLE guy. It’s looking like our roster for next season will probably be as follows:
1. Conley
2. Ant
3. Jaden
4. Randle
5. Rudy
6. Naz
7. Donte
8. TSJ
9. Clark
10. Dilly
11. Minott
12. Miller
13. Garza
14. Beringer
15. Left open or FA at vet minimum or taxpayer MLE
16. Rocco (2-way)
I could see the Wolves releasing or trading Garza and maybe Minott to make room for a vet if they find the right one. We’ll see. Maybe TC will surprise us again with a major trade shortly before training camp.
Kind of what I have been expecting for a while, Lip. I kept hoping they could find a way to keep NAW (and Dane Moore provided a couple scenarios that could have worked), but the Ju and Naz deals killed any chance of that. So it looks like the 16 you've laid out, and I'm pretty happy about it. But then again, when has TC ever done anything that we were all expecting!
60WinTim wrote: ↑Sat Jun 28, 2025 2:33 pm
While I don’t like the NAZ/Randle tandem, it really hurt last year when there was no other option other than Rudy to pair with either of those two. While Joan will not see regular minutes, especially early on, I feel better that at least Finch has another option besides Rudy.
it's interesting, Tim...a lot of us don't like the Naz/Randle tandem, and Kek does us a service when he points out how sieve-like our defense is when Rudy is out. But I was surprised and pleased to see they actually had a positive net rating of 2.4 last season when they were out there together...I would not have expected that. Not surprisingly, their defensive rating is a not very good 112.9...worst on the team of tandems that played significant minutes. But their offensive rating of 115.3 ranks 5th best of tandems that played significant minutes. So while we struggle on defense when Rudy is out, their ability to score still leaves them a net positive. I think this is very much due to Randle's ability to draw defenders and find Naz open for threes. This makes me feel a lot better knowing they're both likely to be back next year.
Great stat, FNG. We talk about defense and offense, but in the end it’s about scoring more points than your opponent and winning games. The more I think about running it back with the Rudy/Randle/Naz trio the more positive I become. I like that Rudy’s not playing Euro ball this summer so his legs should be stronger throughout the season. Naz is at an age when he should improve individually. And Randle will benefit from having a whole season with this team under his belt. It took him a while to adjust but he’ll be comfortable with his teammates and his role from day one next season. Donte had a down year and will likely bounce back. I’m excited about the improved versions of TSJ, Clark and Dilly we’ll see. TSL and Clark were already impressive in their minutes last season.
Lipoli390 wrote: ↑Sat Jun 28, 2025 5:29 pm
Reading the recent reports about Randle staying put, and seeing what TC did with Naz’s starting salary, I’m now certain the Wolves will be signing Randle to a multi-year deal. Now that Naz is locked up, we don’t have to worry about losing him, which was the main reason I didn’t’ want to sign Randle long term. If Randle signs a multi-year deal, it’s inevitable that NAW will leave. So we’ll likely have the same team as last season but with either TSJ or Clark filling NAW’s role off the bench. Depending on Randle’s new starting salary next season, we’ll fill our final roster slot with either a vet minimum guy or a taxpayer MLE guy. It’s looking like our roster for next season will probably be as follows:
1. Conley
2. Ant
3. Jaden
4. Randle
5. Rudy
6. Naz
7. Donte
8. TSJ
9. Clark
10. Dilly
11. Minott
12. Miller
13. Garza
14. Beringer
15. Left open or FA at vet minimum or taxpayer MLE
16. Rocco (2-way)
I could see the Wolves releasing or trading Garza and maybe Minott to make room for a vet if they find the right one. We’ll see. Maybe TC will surprise us again with a major trade shortly before training camp.
Kind of what I have been expecting for a while, Lip. I kept hoping they could find a way to keep NAW (and Dane Moore provided a couple scenarios that could have worked), but the Ju and Naz deals killed any chance of that. So it looks like the 16 you've laid out, and I'm pretty happy about it. But then again, when has TC ever done anything that we were all expecting!
lol. Expect the unexpected with TC. . I’m still thinking in the back of my mind that we’ll end up with Fox or White before next season begins.
60WinTim wrote: ↑Sat Jun 28, 2025 2:33 pm
While I don’t like the NAZ/Randle tandem, it really hurt last year when there was no other option other than Rudy to pair with either of those two. While Joan will not see regular minutes, especially early on, I feel better that at least Finch has another option besides Rudy.
it's interesting, Tim...a lot of us don't like the Naz/Randle tandem, and Kek does us a service when he points out how sieve-like our defense is when Rudy is out. But I was surprised and pleased to see they actually had a positive net rating of 2.4 last season when they were out there together...I would not have expected that. Not surprisingly, their defensive rating is a not very good 112.9...worst on the team of tandems that played significant minutes. But their offensive rating of 115.3 ranks 5th best of tandems that played significant minutes. So while we struggle on defense when Rudy is out, their ability to score still leaves them a net positive. I think this is very much due to Randle's ability to draw defenders and find Naz open for threes. This makes me feel a lot better knowing they're both likely to be back next year.
Great stat, FNG. We talk about defense and offense, but in the end it’s about scoring more points than your opponent and winning games. The more I think about running it back with the Rudy/Randle/Naz trio the more positive I become. I like that Rudy’s not playing Euro ball this summer so his legs should be stronger throughout the season. Naz is at an age when he should improve individually. And Randle will benefit from having a whole season with this team under his belt. It took him a while to adjust but he’ll be comfortable with his teammates and his role from day one next season. Donte had a down year and will likely bounce back. I’m excited about the improved versions of TSJ, Clark and Dilly we’ll see. TSL and Clark were already impressive in their minutes last season.
Uh, that net rating isn't so good relative to a team striving to be a contender that hopes to break through the WCF.
For both players, it's their worst 2-man net rating versus any other pairing among the top 8 rotation players.
Reid's best player pairing is with Rudy unsurprisingly.
it's interesting, Tim...a lot of us don't like the Naz/Randle tandem, and Kek does us a service when he points out how sieve-like our defense is when Rudy is out. But I was surprised and pleased to see they actually had a positive net rating of 2.4 last season when they were out there together...I would not have expected that. Not surprisingly, their defensive rating is a not very good 112.9...worst on the team of tandems that played significant minutes. But their offensive rating of 115.3 ranks 5th best of tandems that played significant minutes. So while we struggle on defense when Rudy is out, their ability to score still leaves them a net positive. I think this is very much due to Randle's ability to draw defenders and find Naz open for threes. This makes me feel a lot better knowing they're both likely to be back next year.
Great stat, FNG. We talk about defense and offense, but in the end it’s about scoring more points than your opponent and winning games. The more I think about running it back with the Rudy/Randle/Naz trio the more positive I become. I like that Rudy’s not playing Euro ball this summer so his legs should be stronger throughout the season. Naz is at an age when he should improve individually. And Randle will benefit from having a whole season with this team under his belt. It took him a while to adjust but he’ll be comfortable with his teammates and his role from day one next season. Donte had a down year and will likely bounce back. I’m excited about the improved versions of TSJ, Clark and Dilly we’ll see. TSL and Clark were already impressive in their minutes last season.
Uh, that net rating isn't so good relative to a team striving to be a contender that hopes to break through the WCF.
For both players, it's their worst 2-man net rating versus any other pairing among the top 8 rotation players.
Reid's best player pairing is with Rudy unsurprisingly.
Yeah, if you look at every tandem in our top 8, only Jaden/Donte had a lower net rating. The only point I was making is that Ju/Naz is not the disaster most of us here thought they were.
Great stat, FNG. We talk about defense and offense, but in the end it’s about scoring more points than your opponent and winning games. The more I think about running it back with the Rudy/Randle/Naz trio the more positive I become. I like that Rudy’s not playing Euro ball this summer so his legs should be stronger throughout the season. Naz is at an age when he should improve individually. And Randle will benefit from having a whole season with this team under his belt. It took him a while to adjust but he’ll be comfortable with his teammates and his role from day one next season. Donte had a down year and will likely bounce back. I’m excited about the improved versions of TSJ, Clark and Dilly we’ll see. TSL and Clark were already impressive in their minutes last season.
Uh, that net rating isn't so good relative to a team striving to be a contender that hopes to break through the WCF.
For both players, it's their worst 2-man net rating versus any other pairing among the top 8 rotation players.
Reid's best player pairing is with Rudy unsurprisingly.
Yeah, if you look at every tandem in our top 8, only Jaden/Donte had a lower net rating. The only point I was making is that Ju/Naz is not the disaster most of us here thought they were.
But we need better than non-disaster given their salaries and team expectations.
Happy OPTION Day! It’s finally here. We learn the fates of a bunch of players.
The BIG one is Randle. I raised one eyebrow that the day NAZ became extension eligible they announced his new deal (not that those two events are connected), two days before he had to decide on his player option. Randle has been extension eligible for awhile, but a decision/new deal is going down to the wire. If he gets an extension, I hope there is no player option.
An odd quirk on Randle’s contract is he has an unlikely bonus in excess of 1.5 mil. But those bonuses count as salary towards the aprons. So just signing him to a new deal starting at the same salary without the unlikely bonus saves over 1.5 mil towards the 2nd apron.
We also learn the fates of Josh Minott, Luka Garza, Jesse Edwards, Triston Newton, and perhaps Bones Hyland.
