Stomped Utah, now prove it wasn’t a fluke - Wolves at Kings GDT

[kekgeek]

Dilly has flaws but he is really good at passing to Rudy in the right spots

[Coolbreeze44]

Jaden should be in the MIP conversations if he keeps this up

There were those critical of the contract he signed. Seems like a team friendly deal now.

[Coolbreeze44]

Jaden should be in the MIP conversations if he keeps this up

There were those critical of the contract he signed. Seems like a team friendly deal now.

His next one won't be

[kekgeek]

Jaden should be in the MIP conversations if he keeps this up

There were those critical of the contract he signed. Seems like a team friendly deal now.

His next one won't be

Good thing we have 3 more years after this

[Coolbreeze44]

We have the talent again where I'm starting to think about deadline additions to make a run. What point guard to you want to target?

[FNG]

We have the talent again where I'm starting to think about deadline additions to make a run. What point guard to you want to target?

Assuming no injuries, the only thing I would be looking for at the deadline would be a defensive big. We're a top 5 offense despite missing Ant for half the games, and PG seems to be in good shape with Ant and Mike. Our biggest issue remains defense when Rudy sits.

[Coolbreeze44]

We have the talent again where I'm starting to think about deadline additions to make a run. What point guard to you want to target?

Assuming no injuries, the only thing I would be looking for at the deadline would be a defensive big. We're a top 5 offense despite missing Ant for half the games, and PG seems to be in good shape with Ant and Mike. Our biggest issue remains defense when Rudy sits.

Remember, we have to get through OKC. I don't think it's possible without another ball handler.

[Lipoli390]

We have the talent again where I'm starting to think about deadline additions to make a run. What point guard to you want to target?

Assuming no injuries, the only thing I would be looking for at the deadline would be a defensive big. We're a top 5 offense despite missing Ant for half the games, and PG seems to be in good shape with Ant and Mike. Our biggest issue remains defense when Rudy sits.

I agree, FNG. A defensive big is by far our biggest need. I think we have enough ball-handlers: Ant, Conley, Jaden and Dilly. I haven’t considered Jaden a ball handler until this season. He’s really tightened his handle - lower dribble. And we can see our offense is coming around. I continue to worry about what happens to our defense when Rudy’s on the bench.

[Coolbreeze44]

We have the talent again where I'm starting to think about deadline additions to make a run. What point guard to you want to target?

Assuming no injuries, the only thing I would be looking for at the deadline would be a defensive big. We're a top 5 offense despite missing Ant for half the games, and PG seems to be in good shape with Ant and Mike. Our biggest issue remains defense when Rudy sits.

I agree, FNG. A defensive big is by far our biggest need. I think we have enough ball-handlers: Ant, Conley, Jaden and Dilly. I haven’t considered Jaden a ball handler until this season. He’s really tightened his handle - lower dribble. And we can see our offense is coming around. I continue to worry about what happens to our defense when Rudy’s on the bench.

Gentleman, while I agree a defensive big is a big need, do we not remember what happened against OKC in the playoffs? There is no way we have enough ball handling to get past the Thunder. We don't have a true point guard that can be counted on to play major minutes. I thought it was an accepted fact we need help at taking care of the ball.

[AussieWolf3]

Cool, while I don't disagree with your overall point about needing a PG that can be relied upon- what is the practical application of this solution?
While I'm sure you're not suggesting a major deal that would upturn the starting 5, let's start there. I'm not sure it makes sense to make a seismic change to that group as they are actually playing really well, and I think they're going to continue trending in the right direction. Would dropping DDV, moving Ant back to SG and paying whatever the high cost would be to bring in a high level ball handler at PG really move the needle if it cost you Randle, DDV and Rob? Do all of that and you still need a solution in the non Rudy minutes. I'm just not sure this the correct path unless the starting group really starts to fall apart or Ant can't make any progression as a playmaker (a valid concern)

So RE the backup PG spot- are we really that upset with Conley's performance as a backup point guard? I'm just not sure I see something available that actually moves the needle, particularly in regards to playing the Thunder.
I think the best path right now is to continue leaning into internal development while keep an ear to the ground in the trade market for an actual backup center. Ant has some ground to make up if he's going to the primary initiator but I've seen enough from him over the years to believe he can get there over the course of the season. Randle is playing so well right now I don't want to discount him coming to that matchup with a different mindset and Jaden's improvement is a true revelation that shouldn't be discounted. His handle is so much better right now and he is seeing the floor at a pretty high level right now, he even creating his own shot and creating plays for others two or three times a game.