Wolves Offseason Forward Options

[SameOldNudityDrew]

Hezonja to the Cavs

Yeah, I did not like that option...

The Wolves need a PF who can also play C, not a PF that is a quasi-wing.

The Wolves were remarkably healthy last season with 3 bigs staying healthy and who were deserving of starter minutes. The coming season once again has 3 bigs, but only one which is deserving of starter minutes. That's a pretty big void (pun intended). TC will add at least one more big who may not be a part of the regular rotation, but can step in as needed.

Olynyk is still my guy, although Love would be acceptable as well.

I suppose an alternative is a trade that cannot be consummated until Green can be aggregated. It might also explain why the Wolves say they won't trade Donte, when there really is not a great argument for keeping him. But why spill the beans until the time comes...

I'll bite.

I'm on record as saying I think we need to add someone who can take up PF minutes this year, but I still think keeping Donte would be a smart move.

He's likely to sign for a good deal as an extension since he's coming off an injury. We need guys who can outperform their contracts, and given that he'll likely be signing a deal that underrates his value coming off this injury, this will likely be one of those "good deal" contracts. That would be helpful for us on the team, but it could also be a nice trade asset to go out and pick up another first round pick potentially.

He's a top-10 catch and shoot 3 point shooter in the league by volume and efficiency. He moves well without the ball and spaces the floor really well by pulling the trigger from well outside the 3 point line. He's a hustle guy whose effort shows up in both on/off numbers and by inspiring his teammates to work harder (which this team desperately needs). He's widely respected in the lockerroom and he's one of the more mature voices on the team (which, again, this team desperately needs).

Basically every team in the league could use a guy like Donte. I agree that the PF void is a real problem, and if it's obviously an Achilles heel for us to start the season, I can see why trading Donte might be unavoidable. But unless we can't fill that hole another way and it becomes a dumpter fire (in which case we'd be trading him at a very low point in his value), I really think hanging on to Donte makes sense. Sign him to an extension and get the benefit of his on-the-court play after next season or at least the value of having him as a desireable player on a likely good contract that could bring back assets. That seems like the smart play to me.

[Monster]

Hezonja to the Cavs

If only he were half as good as he thinks he was...cocky guy and kind of a jerk, so I'm glad he's not coming here. I always thought it was strange he was considered a SG coming into the draft, but then I saw that his alligator arms gave him a standing reach of only 8'6"...tough to guard PFs when their average standing reach is 8'11.5".

I saw an article where Nurkic talked about Mario was a super talented guy but wasn't someone that fit into a structure. He said he would light it up in practice but couldn't just play a role. There are plenty of those guys that ended up going to Europe for that same reason. I'd guess Hezonja playing in Europe for years now where he wasn't exactly playing massive minutes he knows now how to play a role etc. He was always a bit of a boom or bust guy but I also don't think it was expected he would shoot that poorly especially from 3.

You bring up his measurements and they are not much different than the other wings we have right now that people don't want to play at PF. He did put up some pretty good per 36 rebound numbers especially his last couple NBA stops before going to Europe so him doing well there makes some sense. He was always very athletic and looking at highlights it looks like he still has plenty of that still.

[Monster]

Hezonja to the Cavs

Yeah, I did not like that option...

The Wolves need a PF who can also play C, not a PF that is a quasi-wing.

The Wolves were remarkably healthy last season with 3 bigs staying healthy and who were deserving of starter minutes. The coming season once again has 3 bigs, but only one which is deserving of starter minutes. That's a pretty big void (pun intended). TC will add at least one more big who may not be a part of the regular rotation, but can step in as needed.

Olynyk is still my guy, although Love would be acceptable as well.

I suppose an alternative is a trade that cannot be consummated until Green can be aggregated. It might also explain why the Wolves say they won't trade Donte, when there really is not a great argument for keeping him. But why spill the beans until the time comes...

I'll bite.

I'm on record as saying I think we need to add someone who can take up PF minutes this year, but I still think keeping Donte would be a smart move.

He's likely to sign for a good deal as an extension since he's coming off an injury. We need guys who can outperform their contracts, and given that he'll likely be signing a deal that underrates his value coming off this injury, this will likely be one of those "good deal" contracts. That would be helpful for us on the team, but it could also be a nice trade asset to go out and pick up another first round pick potentially.

He's a top-10 catch and shoot 3 point shooter in the league by volume and efficiency. He moves well without the ball and spaces the floor really well by pulling the trigger from well outside the 3 point line. He's a hustle guy whose effort shows up in both on/off numbers and by inspiring his teammates to work harder (which this team desperately needs). He's widely respected in the lockerroom and he's one of the more mature voices on the team (which, again, this team desperately needs).

Basically every team in the league could use a guy like Donte. I agree that the PF void is a real problem, and if it's obviously an Achilles heel for us to start the season, I can see why trading Donte might be unavoidable. But unless we can't fill that hole another way and it becomes a dumpter fire (in which case we'd be trading him at a very low point in his value), I really think hanging on to Donte makes sense. Sign him to an extension and get the benefit of his on-the-court play after next season or at least the value of having him as a desireable player on a likely good contract that could bring back assets. That seems like the smart play to me.

I'll add that trading Green AND Donte leaves a bit of a hole on the roster for guys that play their butts off don't need the ball and can hit a 3. Clark in theory is one of those guys but he hasn't proven to be a good 3 point shooter yet and isn't a volume guy although Green isn't either.

I think I'd like to roll into the season (over masking a deal just to plug in some guy that's a little better than Lyles) by giving some younger guys a little more chance via playing time to play and see what we have in them. Is TSJ good? What can and can't Clark do? Does Ayo take another step forward or what does he look like on the roster? What do we have in Beringer? Could Bones show he is more than a regular season guy? TSJ, Clark and Beringer are guys that could show the Wolves can move another player to fill a need...or show the Wolves they need a player to fill a need/role because those guys aren't ready for it.

[WildWolf2813]

Yeah, I did not like that option...

The Wolves need a PF who can also play C, not a PF that is a quasi-wing.

The Wolves were remarkably healthy last season with 3 bigs staying healthy and who were deserving of starter minutes. The coming season once again has 3 bigs, but only one which is deserving of starter minutes. That's a pretty big void (pun intended). TC will add at least one more big who may not be a part of the regular rotation, but can step in as needed.

Olynyk is still my guy, although Love would be acceptable as well.

I suppose an alternative is a trade that cannot be consummated until Green can be aggregated. It might also explain why the Wolves say they won't trade Donte, when there really is not a great argument for keeping him. But why spill the beans until the time comes...

I'll bite.

I'm on record as saying I think we need to add someone who can take up PF minutes this year, but I still think keeping Donte would be a smart move.

He's likely to sign for a good deal as an extension since he's coming off an injury. We need guys who can outperform their contracts, and given that he'll likely be signing a deal that underrates his value coming off this injury, this will likely be one of those "good deal" contracts. That would be helpful for us on the team, but it could also be a nice trade asset to go out and pick up another first round pick potentially.

He's a top-10 catch and shoot 3 point shooter in the league by volume and efficiency. He moves well without the ball and spaces the floor really well by pulling the trigger from well outside the 3 point line. He's a hustle guy whose effort shows up in both on/off numbers and by inspiring his teammates to work harder (which this team desperately needs). He's widely respected in the lockerroom and he's one of the more mature voices on the team (which, again, this team desperately needs).

Basically every team in the league could use a guy like Donte. I agree that the PF void is a real problem, and if it's obviously an Achilles heel for us to start the season, I can see why trading Donte might be unavoidable. But unless we can't fill that hole another way and it becomes a dumpter fire (in which case we'd be trading him at a very low point in his value), I really think hanging on to Donte makes sense. Sign him to an extension and get the benefit of his on-the-court play after next season or at least the value of having him as a desireable player on a likely good contract that could bring back assets. That seems like the smart play to me.

I'll add that trading Green AND Donte leaves a bit of a hole on the roster for guys that play their butts off don't need the ball and can hit a 3. Clark in theory is one of those guys but he hasn't proven to be a good 3 point shooter yet and isn't a volume guy although Green isn't either.

I think I'd like to roll into the season (over masking a deal just to plug in some guy that's a little better than Lyles) by giving some younger guys a little more chance via playing time to play and see what we have in them. Is TSJ good? What can and can't Clark do? Does Ayo take another step forward or what does he look like on the roster? What do we have in Beringer? Could Bones show he is more than a regular season guy? TSJ, Clark and Beringer are guys that could show the Wolves can move another player to fill a need...or show the Wolves they need a player to fill a need/role because those guys aren't ready for it.

Trading 2 or 3 for 1 even if it temporarily fills a need (key word: temporarily, because doesn't have an in house or external possibility for a long term PF) doesn't work when the pool of available talent is so shallow. This management and scouting department can't be trusted to add THREE new vet minimum bodies to go along with Trey Lyles.

7-8 roster spots can't be a bunch of nobodies who we never wanna see and who have no chance if and when their number is inevitably called.

Lyles
vet min
vet min
vet min
Evans
Bones
TKR

less than half of the roster can't symbolize the white flag or a victory cigar.

[Lipoli390]

Yeah, I did not like that option...

The Wolves need a PF who can also play C, not a PF that is a quasi-wing.

The Wolves were remarkably healthy last season with 3 bigs staying healthy and who were deserving of starter minutes. The coming season once again has 3 bigs, but only one which is deserving of starter minutes. That's a pretty big void (pun intended). TC will add at least one more big who may not be a part of the regular rotation, but can step in as needed.

Olynyk is still my guy, although Love would be acceptable as well.

I suppose an alternative is a trade that cannot be consummated until Green can be aggregated. It might also explain why the Wolves say they won't trade Donte, when there really is not a great argument for keeping him. But why spill the beans until the time comes...

I'll bite.

I'm on record as saying I think we need to add someone who can take up PF minutes this year, but I still think keeping Donte would be a smart move.

He's likely to sign for a good deal as an extension since he's coming off an injury. We need guys who can outperform their contracts, and given that he'll likely be signing a deal that underrates his value coming off this injury, this will likely be one of those "good deal" contracts. That would be helpful for us on the team, but it could also be a nice trade asset to go out and pick up another first round pick potentially.

He's a top-10 catch and shoot 3 point shooter in the league by volume and efficiency. He moves well without the ball and spaces the floor really well by pulling the trigger from well outside the 3 point line. He's a hustle guy whose effort shows up in both on/off numbers and by inspiring his teammates to work harder (which this team desperately needs). He's widely respected in the lockerroom and he's one of the more mature voices on the team (which, again, this team desperately needs).

Basically every team in the league could use a guy like Donte. I agree that the PF void is a real problem, and if it's obviously an Achilles heel for us to start the season, I can see why trading Donte might be unavoidable. But unless we can't fill that hole another way and it becomes a dumpter fire (in which case we'd be trading him at a very low point in his value), I really think hanging on to Donte makes sense. Sign him to an extension and get the benefit of his on-the-court play after next season or at least the value of having him as a desireable player on a likely good contract that could bring back assets. That seems like the smart play to me.

I'll add that trading Green AND Donte leaves a bit of a hole on the roster for guys that play their butts off don't need the ball and can hit a 3. Clark in theory is one of those guys but he hasn't proven to be a good 3 point shooter yet and isn't a volume guy although Green isn't either.

I think I'd like to roll into the season (over masking a deal just to plug in some guy that's a little better than Lyles) by giving some younger guys a little more chance via playing time to play and see what we have in them. Is TSJ good? What can and can't Clark do? Does Ayo take another step forward or what does he look like on the roster? What do we have in Beringer? Could Bones show he is more than a regular season guy? TSJ, Clark and Beringer are guys that could show the Wolves can move another player to fill a need...or show the Wolves they need a player to fill a need/role because those guys aren't ready for it.

I agree, Monster.

[60WinTim]

On the recent Flagrant Howls podcast discussing LeBron to the 76ers, they dive into what's next for the Wolves. Phil references a TC interview on KFAN a week ago where "Plan B" is brought up. TC suggests that the Wolves have some internal options to address PF that might seem out of "left field". Phil goes on to discuss his top 6 guesses as to what that internal option might be.

Anyway, here is the link to the TC interview with Barreiro on July 15th (I think). Nothing earth shattering, but TC does comment that if your 1-2-3 are LaMelo, ANT and Jaden, you have a puncher's chance. The TC interview starts at the 27 minute mark. The ads at the beginning of the podcast are a pain in the rear...

https://www.iheart.com/podcast/462-dan- ... ow-playing

[BeenLurkin]

It seems like some folks on this board are confused about what a PF does because for the last many years we have had a PF or two on the roster that are point Forward types that are relied upon to create and facilitate. That didn’t work with Ant to the level needed. Now we have a PG who will do that (like Conley did before he aged out). So we don’t need a PF to be more than the position requires of them. We need rebounding and the ability to relocate and hit jump shots at a league average level. Maybe have some post moves but with Rudy in the game the post will be clogged so it shouldn’t be the main weapon. Jaden/Trey/Trey … just realized we could have a double Trey lineup!…Lamelo, Ant all these guys are very capable of rebounding from their position or in Jaden’s case assuming he is able to rebound as a PF instead of point of attack. We don’t even know yet if we will need more rebounding since we will be playing 4 out more and three point rebounds generally go longer than interior shots so in theory there will be less rebounds for a traditional PF position to have opportunity for and the athletic wings will be tracking them down at a higher rate. They should absolutely not trade multiple wing do shit guys for a PF when we are shifting towards a completely different offensive ethos. It makes no sense. You don’t totally reshape a roster and then make panic moves to revert to the old style of the roster. I get that you’re scared of what the new thing will look like. But you have to wait to see it to evaluate it. If you are guessing you’re gonna be wrong a lot more often then you’re right.

[Phenom]

When LeBron changed teams to Miami, it led to a chain reaction bringing Michael Beasley to the Wolves.

When LeBron James went back to Cleveland, it led to a chain reaction bringing Andrew Wiggins to the Wolves.

With LeBron James going to Philly, the chain reaction is going to be signing KCP and the waiving of PF Johni Broome, a stout, physical rebounder. He is a decent 3 point shooter and good defender. 6'10", 250lbs, 7' wingspan and 9' standing reach. I remember him in college as a physically dominant presence. He could very well fill a need for this team.

[60WinTim]

When LeBron changed teams to Miami, it led to a chain reaction bringing Michael Beasley to the Wolves.

When LeBron James went back to Cleveland, it led to a chain reaction bringing Andrew Wiggins to the Wolves.

With LeBron James going to Philly, the chain reaction is going to be signing KCP and the waiving of PF Johni Broome, a stout, physical rebounder. He is a decent 3 point shooter and good defender. 6'10", 250lbs, 7' wingspan and 9' standing reach. I remember him in college as a physically dominant presence. He could very well fill a need for this team.

Yup. There is talk of Philly waiving and stretching Broome.

I remember liking both Freeman and Broome in that draft as potential 2nd round picks for the Wolves.

I would still prefer Olynyk or Love...

[Monster]

When LeBron changed teams to Miami, it led to a chain reaction bringing Michael Beasley to the Wolves.

When LeBron James went back to Cleveland, it led to a chain reaction bringing Andrew Wiggins to the Wolves.

With LeBron James going to Philly, the chain reaction is going to be signing KCP and the waiving of PF Johni Broome, a stout, physical rebounder. He is a decent 3 point shooter and good defender. 6'10", 250lbs, 7' wingspan and 9' standing reach. I remember him in college as a physically dominant presence. He could very well fill a need for this team.

Yup. There is talk of Philly waiving and stretching Broome.

I remember liking both Freeman and Broome in that draft as potential 2nd round picks for the Wolves.

I would still prefer Olynyk or Love...

I've always liked Broome as well. There is talk about Philly waiving Broome and signing him to a 2 way. I'd say watching him in Summer league he is much more of true center than a guy you want playing much at PF. Looking at all his stats he is willing to take 3's but he is well below average at making them. I'd also prefer Olynyk. Philly has a bunch of young bigs and they are gonna have to make a decision on at least one of the at some point before the season starts. It seems like there was some other vet player rumored to be considering signing with the Sixers.