Reflections on the Wolves After 3 Games

[Monster]

Vonleh has been the most pleasant surprise for me thus far. For some reason I was expecting some selfish play on his part, but that has not been the case. His contributions have been very solid on both ends of the court.

I was expecting a bit more from Graham than we have seen thus far, but maybe that will be a source of more minutes for Okogie, who has also been a pleasant surprise in the growth of his game (well, except for 3-point shooting).

Of course, it's a very small sample size against less-than-elite competition...

The idea Vonleh was going to be selfish made some sense. however I always thought it was a little weird to think a guy that played for the Knicks last year and even per 36 would have only taken like 9 shots a game would be selfish was a bit over the top. For example Dane Moore and Brit Robson both thought he was gonna be a bit selfish and I respect their opinions because they are fairly well informed and often insightful. Hopefully Vonleh can keep up his solid play because we lost 2 solid bigs in Taj and Saric.

[Monster]

Bogdan Bogdanovic should be on Minnesota's radar. Have to imagine Sacramento is taking calls for him since he wants a starting role and they likely won't have the money to re-sign him after the season. They just paid Buddy Hield and Harrison Barnes, and they also have De'Aaron Fox and Marvin Bagley needing new deals soon.

Bogs is very good shooter and interchangeable at the wing positions. He'd also fit what Rosas and Saunders are attempting to do on the court.

Wolves would need to be prepared to offer him a pretty hefty contract extension this off-season, though. I'd imagine he wants Gary Harris money, but 4/60 would be awesome for both sides.

I love the idea of adding Bogdanovic! I could be wrong, but I don't think we'll have the cap room to sign him even after clearing Teague's contract from the books. I think the Wolves would have to dump Gorgui's contract to have the necessary cap room.

That's why Cam said we would be looking to trade for him. I really like him although I saw he just turned 27. I guess that makes sense but I was thinking he was a bit younger. I'd be all over giving him 4/60.

One of my friends from college that is a Kings fan messaged me yesterday asking some fantasy football advice. I was going to ask him how the Kings were doing but wisely decided to look at the standing first. 0-3 with a couple blowout losses including that first game against the Suns. Lol He is losing his fantasy matchup this week VERY badly and it wasn't because of my advice. Lol

[Lipoli390]

Alexander-Walker had 15 points on 8-11 shooting with 4 rebounds, 9 assists and a steal in 24 minutes tonight. He's the guy I would have taken at #11 if the Wolves had stayed there. I still think Cam was right Herro would have been the best choice at 11, but I like what Alexander-Walker has show so far this preseason and season. I wonder when we'll see Culver have a game comparable to the one Alexander-Walker had tonight. I'd love to see it.

[Monster]

A tale of 2 players.

Okogie is a guy that plays FASTER than the league at times to a fault. There is speed and athletic ability although he is a bit undersized. He is also pretty strong.

Culver plays slower but I don't think it's just because he is too slow it's also because he does it on purpose. The game against Miami he dribbles right into the paint and draws 2 and makes an easy pass to Towns. He didn't really blow past anyone just did exactly what you are supposed to do. Dane Moore posted a clip a couple of days ago of Ben Simmions running a play to set up a wide open player at the 3 point line and suggested Culver could do something similar as a big PG. yes that's probably too much BUT lets run with comparing those 2 guys a bit. Simmons is a more creative passer With more athletic ability as well and obviously bigger. So he is a Rubio while Culver is more of a Tyus. He isn't going to wow you so much as do the right stuff all the time. I don't know if you saw that the other night Doc Rivers commented that Rubio was a "Clever little fucker" Lol

I'm not REALLY saying that I KNOW Culver is going to actually be able to be a big PG BUT I think there is a chance he could do it would make him pretty valueable. I don't think the speed of the game is his problem either as a few have suggested but that is my view. I think his jumper will come around enough BUT that is a problem that is certainly concerning. Justice Winslow took a while to put it together (especially shooting the ball) and is now a pretty nice player that is still only 23.

[Lipoli390]

Bogdan Bogdanovic should be on Minnesota's radar. Have to imagine Sacramento is taking calls for him since he wants a starting role and they likely won't have the money to re-sign him after the season. They just paid Buddy Hield and Harrison Barnes, and they also have De'Aaron Fox and Marvin Bagley needing new deals soon.

Bogs is very good shooter and interchangeable at the wing positions. He'd also fit what Rosas and Saunders are attempting to do on the court.

Wolves would need to be prepared to offer him a pretty hefty contract extension this off-season, though. I'd imagine he wants Gary Harris money, but 4/60 would be awesome for both sides.

I love the idea of adding Bogdanovic! I could be wrong, but I don't think we'll have the cap room to sign him even after clearing Teague's contract from the books. I think the Wolves would have to dump Gorgui's contract to have the necessary cap room.

That's why Cam said we would be looking to trade for him. I really like him although I saw he just turned 27. I guess that makes sense but I was thinking he was a bit younger. I'd be all over giving him 4/60.

One of my friends from college that is a Kings fan messaged me yesterday asking some fantasy football advice. I was going to ask him how the Kings were doing but wisely decided to look at the standing first. 0-3 with a couple blowout losses including that first game against the Suns. Lol He is losing his fantasy matchup this week VERY badly and it wasn't because of my advice. Lol

I don't see a realistic trade scenario that I'd be comfortable with. We could trade Covington or Culver straight up and match salaries. But I wouldn't want the Wolves to do either deal. I don't see any realistic combo packages that work. I would like to see if we can clear enough space next summer to sign him as a free agent.

[Camden [enjin:6601484]]

Bogdan Bogdanovic should be on Minnesota's radar. Have to imagine Sacramento is taking calls for him since he wants a starting role and they likely won't have the money to re-sign him after the season. They just paid Buddy Hield and Harrison Barnes, and they also have De'Aaron Fox and Marvin Bagley needing new deals soon.

Bogs is very good shooter and interchangeable at the wing positions. He'd also fit what Rosas and Saunders are attempting to do on the court.

Wolves would need to be prepared to offer him a pretty hefty contract extension this off-season, though. I'd imagine he wants Gary Harris money, but 4/60 would be awesome for both sides.

I love the idea of adding Bogdanovic! I could be wrong, but I don't think we'll have the cap room to sign him even after clearing Teague's contract from the books. I think the Wolves would have to dump Gorgui's contract to have the necessary cap room.

There are ways to get it done, Lip. Without thinking too deeply into it, these come to mind.

1. Dieng + Layman for Bogdanovic + Ariza

2. Dieng + Graham + Bates-Diop for Bogdanovic + Ariza

3. Wiggins (and a first-round pick) for Bogdanovic + Ariza + Holmes

4. Teague (expiring) for Bogdanovic + Ariza

I'm not acting like these ideas are foolproof or blowing Sacramento away, but that's what the negotiation process is for. Find out what the Kings would be willing to take for him. Use Ariza's deadweight salary against them while trying to offload Dieng or even Wiggins, which would be more difficult considering their financial position. Maybe Teague's $19M expiring could be useful.

My point is that Bogs would be extremely useful in Minnesota and that avenue should absolutely be explored. We have to surround Towns with multi-faceted scorers that can also shoot (and make) the three. As it turns out, they are also very difficult to come across.

[Lipoli390]

Bogdan Bogdanovic should be on Minnesota's radar. Have to imagine Sacramento is taking calls for him since he wants a starting role and they likely won't have the money to re-sign him after the season. They just paid Buddy Hield and Harrison Barnes, and they also have De'Aaron Fox and Marvin Bagley needing new deals soon.

Bogs is very good shooter and interchangeable at the wing positions. He'd also fit what Rosas and Saunders are attempting to do on the court.

Wolves would need to be prepared to offer him a pretty hefty contract extension this off-season, though. I'd imagine he wants Gary Harris money, but 4/60 would be awesome for both sides.

I love the idea of adding Bogdanovic! I could be wrong, but I don't think we'll have the cap room to sign him even after clearing Teague's contract from the books. I think the Wolves would have to dump Gorgui's contract to have the necessary cap room.

There are ways to get it done, Lip. Without thinking too deeply into it, these come to mind.

1. Dieng + Layman for Bogdanovic + Ariza

2. Dieng + Graham + Bates-Diop for Bogdanovic + Ariza

3. Wiggins (and a first-round pick) for Bogdanovic + Ariza + Holmes

4. Teague (expiring) for Bogdanovic + Ariza

I'm not acting like these ideas are foolproof or blowing Sacramento away, but that's what the negotiation process is for. Find out what the Kings would be willing to take for him. Use Ariza's deadweight salary against them while trying to offload Dieng or even Wiggins, which would be more difficult considering their financial position. Maybe Teague's $19M expiring could be useful.

My point is that Bogs would be extremely useful in Minnesota and that avenue should absolutely be explored. We have to surround Towns with multi-faceted scorers that can also shoot (and make) the three. As it turns out, they are also very difficult to come across.

Thanks, Cam. I didn't think of including Ariza to match salaries. Some of the deals you suggested would have to wait until after Dec. 13 I think. But I agree that Rosas should explore scenarios like the ones you suggested in an effort to bring Bogdanovic here. My favorite among your scenarios would be the Dieng + Bates-Diop + Graham. I'd be fine with any of the other scenarios except I the Wiggins deal because I just can't get comfortable trading a future first round pick unless it's part of an package for a star. That's my rule of thumb.

[Monster]

Bogdan Bogdanovic should be on Minnesota's radar. Have to imagine Sacramento is taking calls for him since he wants a starting role and they likely won't have the money to re-sign him after the season. They just paid Buddy Hield and Harrison Barnes, and they also have De'Aaron Fox and Marvin Bagley needing new deals soon.

Bogs is very good shooter and interchangeable at the wing positions. He'd also fit what Rosas and Saunders are attempting to do on the court.

Wolves would need to be prepared to offer him a pretty hefty contract extension this off-season, though. I'd imagine he wants Gary Harris money, but 4/60 would be awesome for both sides.

I love the idea of adding Bogdanovic! I could be wrong, but I don't think we'll have the cap room to sign him even after clearing Teague's contract from the books. I think the Wolves would have to dump Gorgui's contract to have the necessary cap room.

There are ways to get it done, Lip. Without thinking too deeply into it, these come to mind.

1. Dieng + Layman for Bogdanovic + Ariza

2. Dieng + Graham + Bates-Diop for Bogdanovic + Ariza

3. Wiggins (and a first-round pick) for Bogdanovic + Ariza + Holmes

4. Teague (expiring) for Bogdanovic + Ariza

I'm not acting like these ideas are foolproof or blowing Sacramento away, but that's what the negotiation process is for. Find out what the Kings would be willing to take for him. Use Ariza's deadweight salary against them while trying to offload Dieng or even Wiggins, which would be more difficult considering their financial position. Maybe Teague's $19M expiring could be useful.

My point is that Bogs would be extremely useful in Minnesota and that avenue should absolutely be explored. We have to surround Towns with multi-faceted scorers that can also shoot (and make) the three. As it turns out, they are also very difficult to come across.

My friend that is a Sacramento fan LOVES Wiggins. Let me see what he can do. Lol

Also worth noting Ariza's deal has a small guarantee beyond this season so they could probably even do a buyout if they really wanted to move on from him. Of course they may end up trading him for something useful like Phoenix did last year after he had a poor start last year too. lol Kelly Oubre has had a nice start to the season...

[Lipoli390]

A tale of 2 players.

Okogie is a guy that plays FASTER than the league at times to a fault. There is speed and athletic ability although he is a bit undersized. He is also pretty strong.

Culver plays slower but I don't think it's just because he is too slow it's also because he does it on purpose. The game against Miami he dribbles right into the paint and draws 2 and makes an easy pass to Towns. He didn't really blow past anyone just did exactly what you are supposed to do. Dane Moore posted a clip a couple of days ago of Ben Simmions running a play to set up a wide open player at the 3 point line and suggested Culver could do something similar as a big PG. yes that's probably too much BUT lets run with comparing those 2 guys a bit. Simmons is a more creative passer With more athletic ability as well and obviously bigger. So he is a Rubio while Culver is more of a Tyus. He isn't going to wow you so much as do the right stuff all the time. I don't know if you saw that the other night Doc Rivers commented that Rubio was a "Clever little fucker" Lol

I'm not REALLY saying that I KNOW Culver is going to actually be able to be a big PG BUT I think there is a chance he could do it would make him pretty valueable. I don't think the speed of the game is his problem either as a few have suggested but that is my view. I think his jumper will come around enough BUT that is a problem that is certainly concerning. Justice Winslow took a while to put it together (especially shooting the ball) and is now a pretty nice player that is still only 23.

Interesting comparison and analysis, Monster. The only thing I'd quibble with is your characterization of Okogie as a bit undersized. He has a freakishly long 7'0" wingspan. That's way long for a SG. It's even long for a SF and comparable to a number of NBA PFs. He has an 8'6 overhead reach and weighed in at 211 pounds coming out of college. Compare those number to Jarrett Culver's - 6'9.5 wingspan, 8'4.5 overhead reach and 194 weight. Culver has significantly less length than Okogie and weighed nearly 20 pounds less coming out of college. It's actually Culver who's a bit undersized.

I have a hard time seeing all-star level upside in Culver. Unlike Okogie, Culver doesn't have exceptional length or quickness. He's very thin. He's not an elite ball-handler. And he has a broken shot. He was a poor 3-point and free throw shooter as a sophomore. He does seem to have a high basketball IQ and I agree there could be purpose behind his slowness. I also think he has a slightly better handle than Okogie. If Culver can fix his shot, then I see him becoming a solid NBA player. But I don't see the quickness and ball-handling for him to be a PG and I don't see anything elite in his game that suggests a high, all-star level upside. Okogie has both freakish athleticism/quickness and freakishly long length on a very sturdy 211 pound frame. He was a solid 38% 3-point shooter as a college sophomore and was also an excellent free-throw shooter both as a sophomore and an NBA rookie. And he's already established himself as a terrific defender.

So the tale of these two players in my view is a story of the contrast between an excellent defender with the potential to be elite two-way player (Okogie) and a high IQ player with the potential to be a solid rotation guy (Culver).

[crazy-canuck [enjin:18955461]]

Culver plays slower on purpose. I think one of the problems with him on the bench is that he isnt a guy that will go get you bucket.

I think he needs to be a guy surrounded by guys that can score, so he can make the right play or get his offense on spot ups.

Okogie just plays hard and doesnt really overthink the game.