The importance of Rudy

[FNG]

Passing to Rudy would be my last resort as it is with Ant and Julius. If he even had Edward Scissorhands he would be a better option.

76% > 50%

76% if he catches it.

That's true of course, rap. But I think because Rudy is such a clumsy offensive player, we tend to exaggerate his turnovers. He averages fewer than 2 per game, and some of those are on passes (like last night). But his 76% shooting rate isn't the only benefit of passing to Rudy:

-he's gotten better this year in making the quick decision to get the ball to the open man in the corner. He's averaging 1.6 assists per game.
-because our opponents would much rather see him at the line than dunking the ball, often an interior pass to Rudy results in a take foul. And getting our opponent's center in foul trouble really helps our guys who thrive in the paint(Ant, Ju and Jaden for starters).
-because our primary ball handlers aren't passing to Rudy very often, more and more we see opponents leaving him open and doubling up on his teammates...Q mentioned one egregious incident last night, but it happens too often. Forcing opponents to guard Rudy makes it easier on our more prolific scorers.
-and finally, and I don't have any data on this: Rudy just seems more engaged on defense when he's invited to be more than just a screener on offense. And an engaged Rudy on defense is always a good thing.

When you add these 4 factors to 76% shooting, it's not too surprising that we fare much better when Rudy is more involved on offense. He'll have a tough challenge Friday with Mark Williams, but if he gets his 7+ shots, I like our chances.

[Wolvesfan21]

Passing to Rudy would be my last resort as it is with Ant and Julius. If he even had Edward Scissorhands he would be a better option.

76% > 50%

76% if he catches it.

Right but even with the turnover chances it's still the winning play if he's open. You'll get an occasional turnover but most of the time you're getting the easy bucket. His touch around the rim this year has looked exceptional as well, little floaters, off glass, etc. His game on offense is super sweet. Even a little dribble drive and post move mixed in. He's truly a great weapon on offense.

[Coolbreeze44]

Passing to Rudy would be my last resort as it is with Ant and Julius. If he even had Edward Scissorhands he would be a better option.

76% > 50%

76% if he catches it.

If he catches it, doesn't get it poked away, and can gather and jump without losing it, and committing an offensive or flagrant foul. That eviscerates that percentage.

[Wolvesfan21]

76% > 50%

76% if he catches it.

If he catches it, doesn't get it poked away, and can gather and jump without losing it, and committing an offensive or flagrant foul. That eviscerates that percentage.

You exaggerate everything it's funny. You'd rather watch SAB jack a long two at 40%.

[AussieWolf3]

-and finally, and I don't have any data on this: Rudy just seems more engaged on defense when he's invited to be more than just a screener on offense. And an engaged Rudy on defense is always a good thing.

I'm sorry but this is such bs on Rudy's part. Do your effing job and stop pouting, or don't wait until your 33 effing years old to learn post moves.

Fact is Ant has been passing to Rudy significantly more this year both on lobs and short rolls from the top of the key, but Rudy can't do anything that far from the basket. If that screener was Jaden they would be lethal cause teams wouldn't be able to trap Ant there without getting burned by Jaden... But it's Rudy so teams can trap Ant and the "correct" basketball play is to pass to Rudy and he's completely ineffective

[Lipoli390]

I think this remains to be seen. The reality is that the starting 5 have been very very good for the majority of the season, and the bench's depth is likely hampered by Shannon's injury/underperform.

However, this team hasn't just beat bad ones, they have eviscerated them, which is typically a single of a elite team. Their losses to good teams have been:

2 to Denver, both on back to backs
1 to the Knicks in Ant's first game back- they were great in the first half and awful in the 2nd
2 to LA. One was without Ant but both of these were inexcusably bad losses imo

Eventually the excuses will run out and they need to prove they're more than paper tigers. I think they will but we will see. My prediction is they'll finish top 4

Fair enough. We have the experience and cohesion going for us. Like others have said, we need another quality center if we want to raise our regular season wins, but we need a PG if we want to raise our chances in the playoffs. If TC can only make one move, it’ll be interesting which if those moves he prioritizes

Must have both of those moves to be a true contender

I think we need Edwards to play like a true superstar consistently every game like SGA and others in that elite strata. That’s strikes me as by far our biggest need to be a championship contender. If we don’t get that from Edwards there is no center or PG we can reasonable expect to get who would move the needle sufficiently.

[AussieWolf3]

Fair enough. We have the experience and cohesion going for us. Like others have said, we need another quality center if we want to raise our regular season wins, but we need a PG if we want to raise our chances in the playoffs. If TC can only make one move, it’ll be interesting which if those moves he prioritizes

Must have both of those moves to be a true contender

I think we need Edwards to play like a true superstar consistently every game like SGA and others in that elite strata. That’s strikes me as by far our biggest need to be a championship contender. If we don’t get that from Edwards there is no center or PG we can reasonable expect to get who would move the needle sufficiently.

I truly think this is the case as well. Top to bottom the Wolves probably have the 3rd or 4th best roster in the league. Which means they're good enough to earn a chip, a chair and a chance but will be underdogs in any series against the Thunder, Nuggets and probably the Rockets. Ant has to transcend in order to close the gap.
To be honest I'm not sure there is any move they need to make. Could make, sure, but I think the roster is probably ok. Ant is either an MVP caliber player or he isn't

[Lipoli390]

Cool - Any ideas a Rudy Gobert trade that you believe would make the Wolves better? I’ve actually been happy with Rudy’s play for the most part this season. The team’s defensive stats speak for themselves in highlighting Rudy’s value to the Wolves. But Rudy’s weaknesses become glaring when he’s not at the top of his game defensively or when he’s matched against a top center.

[AussieWolf3]

Cool - Any ideas a Rudy Gobert trade that you believe would make the Wolves better? I’ve actually been happy with Rudy’s play for the most part this season. The team’s defensive stats speak for themselves in highlighting Rudy’s value to the Wolves. But Rudy’s weaknesses become glaring when he’s not at the top of his game defensively or when he’s matched against a top center.

I'm sure they could finagle Bam Adedayo from Miami

[Lipoli390]

Cool - Any ideas a Rudy Gobert trade that you believe would make the Wolves better? I’ve actually been happy with Rudy’s play for the most part this season. The team’s defensive stats speak for themselves in highlighting Rudy’s value to the Wolves. But Rudy’s weaknesses become glaring when he’s not at the top of his game defensively or when he’s matched against a top center.

I'm sure they could finagle Bam Adedayo from Miami

TC needs to arrange a meeting with Pat Riley at a bar and slip him a mickey. Then it’s Rudy and Miller straight up for Bam.