D'Natagal wrote:30%...because I think Edwards might have a little dog in him. The "if's" are enticing with this guy. Losing his mom and Grandmother is tough and it can make a person hard. Hopefully the fire gets lit and he is the next Jimmy Butler type player. It just might take 4 years to see it.
Huge difference IMO. Butler had to work and grind his way through junior college, Marquette, and then as a low level role player his first year or two in the NBA. In fact, he didn't really start to emerge until he was 24 or 25 years old. Guys like that don't take defense and hustle for granted because that's what gets them on the floor to begin with. Kawhi is similar, although his development happened more quickly than Jimmy's.
Edwards had one year of school where he was totally indulged in his worst tendencies as a player. He hasn't had to earn a minute of playing time.
What can we learn from the Wiggins fiasco? Don't hand Edwards a damn thing. Make him beat out the competition for playing time or starters minutes. Would it look bad on Rosas if he's not starting? Too effing bad. No coddling these players. Make him earn it if he wants it. If he wants to ride the bench so be it.
I went with 10%. I was going to go with 1%, but I moved his probability up after watching his highlight videos this morning. There's no evidence that he's a Jimmy Butler type. Jimmy was hyper competitive in college and no one ever caught him disappearing from games or standing around and watching on the defensive end. I've seen players over the years develop their skills after getting to the NBA. I've seen them develop a better understanding of the game. But I've never seen a player develop competitive drive that didn't exist coming out of college. I've never seen a player known for disappearing in game during his college career become an NBA star. Maybe there's an example out there somewhere, but I'm not aware of one.
With the leadership in place, from the players to the experience from the coaching staff to the proven savvy of the front office to the steady cultural hand of the owner...
Not to mention we have plenty of guards who can play a bit. I would almost not even let him start till he is FAR outperforming Beasley/others in practice.
I think one of the reasons Butler became a dog was he wasn't starting. He had to work for it. You must make Edwards work for his playing time if he wants it! Damn the trade value or perception! In the long run I think it would be way more beneficial.
To be fair Wiggins also had little competition to deal with, but he was handed whatever he wanted without giving even close to max effort. Put Jordans brain in Wiggins head and what do you think happens? He's the best player in the league.
AbeVigodaLive wrote:With the leadership in place, from the players to the experience from the coaching staff to the proven savvy of the front office to the steady cultural hand of the owner...
How could Edwards not make it?
20%
Good point, Abe. At least the Wolves organization has the infrastructure and culture to get the most out of Edwards. I can't think of better mentors for Edwards than Towns and Russell. No doubt they will both hold Edwards accountable on the defensive end. Towns has already shown that when a player doesn't compete, Jimmy Butler for example, he'll make sure the organization gets rid of him. And even though Jimmy's no longer with us, his success with Miami this past season probably is clearly attributable to the influence of Towns.
AbeVigodaLive wrote:With the leadership in place, from the players to the experience from the coaching staff to the proven savvy of the front office to the steady cultural hand of the owner...
How could Edwards not make it?
20%
Good point, Abe. At least the Wolves organization has the infrastructure and culture to get the most out of Edwards. I can't think of better mentors for Edwards than Towns and Russell. No doubt they will both hold Edwards accountable on the defensive end. Towns has already shown that when a player doesn't compete, Jimmy Butler for example, he'll make sure the organization gets rid of him. And even though Jimmy's no longer with us, his success with Miami this past season probably is clearly attributable to the influence of Towns.
I'm sensing sarcasm? I do think KAT does put in the work though, compared to Jimmy? Well Jimmy is probably in that 1% of NBA players that does whatever it takes. I just don't think effort is the complete reason why KAT hasn't been successful on the defensive end. I see effort in the game I just don't see the right technique. So sure maybe he could be working more off the court on that end. Studying his deficiencies and improving on them.
I agree WolvesFan on making Edwards earn it. We are in a bit of a unique situation in that the one thing Edwards does well - scoring in volume - is also something DLO and KAT do well. As you pointed out, Wiggins walked in and immediately considered a #1/#2 type option. Edwards will be the #3 option at best, so even if he starts, he's not getting tons and tons of shots right away. Still, just because you tell someone they have to earn it doesn't mean they actually do.
AbeVigodaLive wrote:With the leadership in place, from the players to the experience from the coaching staff to the proven savvy of the front office to the steady cultural hand of the owner...
How could Edwards not make it?
20%
Good point, Abe. At least the Wolves organization has the infrastructure and culture to get the most out of Edwards. I can't think of better mentors for Edwards than Towns and Russell. No doubt they will both hold Edwards accountable on the defensive end. Towns has already shown that when a player doesn't compete, Jimmy Butler for example, he'll make sure the organization gets rid of him. And even though Jimmy's no longer with us, his success with Miami this past season probably is clearly attributable to the influence of Towns.
I'm sensing sarcasm? I do think KAT does put in the work though, compared to Jimmy? Well Jimmy is probably in that 1% of NBA players that does whatever it takes. I just don't think effort is the complete reason why KAT hasn't been successful on the defensive end. I see effort in the game I just don't see the right technique. So sure maybe he could be working more off the court on that end. Studying his deficiencies and improving on them.
You were right about the sarcasm. I actually agree with you that KAT's poor defense is primarily attributable to poor technique and a poor defensive instincts. But there's a softness and immaturity to KAT's game. I think he works hard, but I question whether he has much if any true dog in him. There has to be something to Butler's total disdain for Towns. I think there's a level of caring and devotion to winning that Towns doesn't have and that Butler expects. He's had nothing but praise for the many young players he's playing with in Miami.
