Wolves Annual Stakeholder Meeting

[Lipoli390]

Yesterday I attended the Wolves first annual stakeholder meeting between Wolves executives and season ticket holders. The Wolves had their new CEO, Matt Caldwell, Tim Connelly and Chris Finch. Allen Horton moderated, asking a series of questions and then turning it over to season ticket holders to ask questions. We were asked not to record any of the meeting. Tim and Chris were refreshingly candid. Here are some high level take-aways:

1. Anyone with thoughts of trading Rudy or Randle should cast those thoughts aside. The chances of either being traded by the deadline the same as the chances of Edwards being traded — zero. Tim and Chris were effusive in their praise of both, referring to each as critical to the team’s success.

2. Chris Finch noted that the team has flaws — the biggest of which he identified as inconsistent effort. It was amazing to hear him say that he believe there was something akin to a mentality of boredom among some on the team. It was troubling to hear that but it confirms my view that this team has an intensity problem. He believes that mentality issue has disappeared and that the players have shifted gears and adopted a sense of urgency.

3. Chris referred to the early loss to the Suns in Phoenix as the worst loss of his entire basketball career. I thought that was interesting - especially when you consider the more recent losses to Atlanta and the Nets just this season.

4. Tim identified the main area of improvement for this team needs to achieve the organization’s championship aspirations is better non-Rudy defense.

5. Regarding possible roster additions/trades, Tim said the team would possibly benefit from bringing in “connective-tissue” players who make teammates better. Sounds like a Tyus Jones type to me. Tim said the team will be very active in exploring possibilities - via trades or FA signings. But it’s clear Tim and Chris like the current team and aren’t going to do anything out of desperation. Tim made it clear that the organization’s top priority is to have a sustainable winning franchise that puts itself in position to contend every season. So they’re not going to bet the farm on a “win now at all cost” move.

6. Regarding Dillingham, Finch said Rob’s shooting issues are from a lack of confidence. He said that part of the challenge for Rob is that he’s being asked to play a role that might be somewhat outside Rob’s familiar comfort zone. He and Tim both said you have to understand how young he is. Tim noted that Ant and Jaden are still improving at ages 24 and 25 after tons of NBA minutes. Chris said that although Rob fallen out of the rotation, it’s likely that he’ll be back in the rotation later this season.

7. Regarding Edwards, Chris said that Ant is finally starting to get good in his new role as the team’s lead guard - making his teammates better. He said Ant has taken that role very seriously.

8. Matt said a new arena is likely 5-7 years away and that locating it downtown Minneapolis is top priority. The mayor is very supportive. N

[60WinTim]

Thanks, Lip! Love hearing about some of the inner workings and thinking of the higher ups!

Of course, I'm sure there are things they keep close to the vest...


[Edit: Kyle Anderson would also offer connective tissue! ]

[Lipoli390]

Thanks, Lip! Love hearing about some of the inner workings and thinking of the higher ups!

Of course, I'm sure there are things they keep close to the vest...

They were candid, but you’re right about them keeping certain things close to the vest. My general feeling is that they are going to make a trade of some kind before the deadline but it will be a relatively minor one that will not involve Ant, Jaden, Naz, Rudy, Randle or Donte. I don’t see them parting with Beringer or Rocco either. Guys they might move include Clark, Dillingham, Shannon, Conley and/or Bones. I could see one or more of those guys being moved for someone like Tyus Jones. That’s just speculation on my part, not based on anything specific from Tim or Chris last night. I think the chances of a trade decline over the next month to the extent Ant continues to improve in his role as lead guard. I didn’t get the sense Tim and Chris are in a hurry to do anything.

I agree with you on Slo Mo. He’s clearly a connective tissue guy. Interestingly, there was no talk about the need for a PG and Chris seemed quite pleased with how Ant is stepping up to that role.

[FNG]

Terrific info, Lip. Finchy has been openly candid about points 2 and 7, but most of the rest is more insider. I'm glad to hear they have no intention of moving Rudy or Randle...they're way too valuable to let go. Obviously this could change if they were offered something they absolutely couldn't refuse, but that's not going to happen, and I can't see them doing something they told season ticket holders they would not do. But it's interesting they didn't mention Naz as a guy they would not move, because he's someone a lot of teams would be interested in. Makes me wonder if there have been some discussions involving Naz.

[thedoper]

Thanks for this Lip. Very cool insight. I think that Phoenix loss was so bad because they got in our heads physically and without Booker. We totally sank to their level and were not mentally tough at all. I could see how Finch looked at it this way.

[rapsuperstar31]

I'm fine with the no big trades thing, but I do hope they can bring in a definitive 7th man quality playoff player. Doesn't need to be someone that plays a lot of minutes, but someone that can be relied upon in the playoffs.

[Coolbreeze44]

Point #7 is bullshit

[rapsuperstar31]

Point #7 is bullshit

He's no Luka, but you're blind if you haven't seen some improvements.

[Coolbreeze44]

Point #7 is bullshit

He's no Luka, but you're blind if you haven't seen some improvements.

He does nothing but look for his own offense, and the ball stagnates when he is playing lead guard. I'm sorry fanboys, it's the truth.

[AbeVigodaLive]

Point #7 is bullshit

He's no Luka, but you're blind if you haven't seen some improvements.

He does nothing but look for his own offense, and the ball stagnates when he is playing lead guard. I'm sorry fanboys, it's the truth.

Not everything is black/white or absolute.

We all know your dislike for Edwards is growing... and growing. It's pretty obvious. Lol. But these things can all be true... Edwards is improving (or even pretty good) as lead guard, he's taken it more seriously, and the ball sure seems to stick or stagnate when he has it more than it does with others.

The rub is do we really want Edwards to play the lead guard spot like a Mike Conley? The ball SHOULD stick with Edwards more than with other players. That's just the game of basketball.

The guy is averaging 29 ppg on 50/40/80 splits and the team is 7th in offensive rating. I get that it's not everyone's style to watch Edwards "get his" at times. But one thing I've learned after playing, coaching and watching A LOT of basketball over the past few decades... sometimes you just need bucket getters. There are times they're easy to love... and other times, frustrating as hell or even easy to hate. But it's good to have one, especially if they're efficient like Edwards has proven to be.




[Note: As for PGs/lead guards who get everyone involved. That's my favorite type of player. Ever. If you want to call me a fanboy... I'm all in if you're accusing me of being a Steve Nash, John Stockton, or even Isiah Thomas fanboy. You'd be 100% accurate.

Mike Conley had a great quote today that sorta shows his value to the team. He talked about knowing when to get certain guys involved. I consider it a skill... or even an art. An intrinsic ability to just feel the game. The rub with that is that it's 2026. Those guys are being phased out of today's game. They're being replaced by lead guards who can manipulate the entire floor.

Trust me... nobody will miss the Mike Conley type more than this 6'0" pass-first PG who hopes to play that way into his 70s or 80s... but that doesn't mean I'm going to scream at clouds about it either. The NBA game has changed.]