Minnesota Sports Forum

Hicks123 wrote:Any commentary on MKG? I read something the other day that he is now considered the best wing defender in the NBA, and he is getting the rep as the guy no one wants to play against. He doesn't even pretend to be an offensive player, but what he does provide on offense is efficient. Anyone notice anything tonight?

And yeah, in regards to Wiggins, he had a solid month or so, but otherwise has been putrid. Like someone called out, how a guy with his athleticism can only get 1 rebound? He just provides so little to a game when he isn't scoring at this point. He needs to get way stronger this offseason.

MKG was terrific. While he isn't great offensively, he has gradually improved throughout his first three years. He's pretty much abandoned long-range shots, but he's a load in the open court and can knock down the mid-range jumper. He is an outstanding rebounder and lockdown defender. The problem with Charlotte is that him and Gerald Henderson are too redundant on the wings. Both are excellent defenders, but can't shoot or create offense worth a lick. That's why the Lance Stephenson acquisition looked so good at the time.....

I'm hoping Wiggins is just tired, but his inability to make things happen off the ball - rebounds, steals, blocks, taking charges, etc. - is troubling. And he's made a total of three 3-pointers in the last 20 games (!). That just won't cut it for someone billed as a future superstar.

I continue to question what the hell is going on with half our injured players. The lack of transparency has been horrible. Martin got back after his broken wrist, why hasn't Robbie? AB is still listed as inactive with a sprained ankle and his timetable for return is well over the initial diagnosis. Are these guys just not being pushed in rehab to get back on the court as soon as possible because it gets more fishy by the game that some of these guys are out and aren't getting better? Holding Ricky and KG out is one thing, but some of these guys need to earn roster spots for next season and they aren't playing.

Wiggins is tired he will be alright. Averaging the exact same rebounds, steals, fg % as Kevin Durant his rookie year, and Durant turned out fine. As long as Wiggins puts in the work every summer and continues to grow his game, he will be great.

I'm not worried about wiggins. There was something written about the wolves not running as much for him and man it really does seem like that's the case. I sort of get it but it's also a little bizzare. I also agree he looks tired sometimes. In all seriousness even with the high expectations for him he is about the least of my worries on this team.

Neal man he has played well for the wolves when I have watched him and now unless he recovers quickly I would think is pretty much out for quite a while since he has 2 bad ankles. Maybe that will keep his price down if we decide to bring him back and I would be interested in doing that for no more than a 2 year 5 million total contract. He has nice skills to pair with either Lavine or Rubio.

I agree with what Q said about Brown. He reminds me of a Sessions type although maybe not quite as explosive but also has a better 3 point shot. I think he could be pretty solid as a 3rd PG and he has enough size to play SG for those times when we have a boatload of injuries... I wouldn't mind keeping him around but I am not too invested in him.

It was nice to see Paybe knock down shots but man he has some brutal moments on D being at the wrong place. I would think he can improve from where he is at right now but it's not hard to go up from what he has shown at times. Yikes.

Dieng that dude keeps hitting those jumpers. It's mind boggling how much better he is on offense than he is on defense.

Bud deserves credit for playing well these last couple games at PF. It's like he is Robbie Humel out there. He hasn't had to play anyone that's gonna really scare you the last 2 games I have watched but he has done his job and scored some points also. I remember Flip mentioning him as a stretch 4 in preseason if they went small but I don't think this was the vision Flip had. Lol

Props to Bud this is the guy we all had in mind when we signed him, also he has been healthy all year. Also props to Kmart he has been up and down but at least he comes to work and plays through pain.

kekgeek1 wrote:Props to Bud this is the guy we all had in mind when we signed him, also he has been healthy all year. Also props to Kmart he has been up and down but at least he comes to work and plays through pain.

Good post, kekgeek...I agree on both thoughts. Bud is averaging 13.4 and 5 his past five games on 55% shooting, despite being forced to play out of position. If healthy, he is an attractive end of the bench option for us next year. I also agree with your shout out to Kmart. I have never used the word "tough" to describe Martin, but playing 37 minutes last night with a bad hammy was definitely tough. Yes, his perimeter defense was poor as pointed out in the GDT, but it looked like it was because of his injury...not because of lack of effort. And when he gets hot, he is a joy to watch. I hope Flip keeps him as he turns this thing around.

longstrangetrip wrote:

kekgeek1 wrote:Props to Bud this is the guy we all had in mind when we signed him, also he has been healthy all year. Also props to Kmart he has been up and down but at least he comes to work and plays through pain.

Good post, kekgeek...I agree on both thoughts. Bud is averaging 13.4 and 5 his past five games on 55% shooting, despite being forced to play out of position. If healthy, he is an attractive end of the bench option for us next year. I also agree with your shout out to Kmart. I have never used the word "tough" to describe Martin, but playing 37 minutes last night with a bad hammy was definitely tough. Yes, his perimeter defense was poor as pointed out in the GDT, but it looked like it was because of his injury...not because of lack of effort. And when he gets hot, he is a joy to watch. I hope Flip keeps him as he turns this thing around.

Kmart playing last night should put to rest the idea that we are mysteriously tanking holding guys out because that would help. If that was really the case no way Martin plays last night and maybe not Neal either.

longstrangetrip wrote:

kekgeek1 wrote:Props to Bud this is the guy we all had in mind when we signed him, also he has been healthy all year. Also props to Kmart he has been up and down but at least he comes to work and plays through pain.

Good post, kekgeek...I agree on both thoughts. Bud is averaging 13.4 and 5 his past five games on 55% shooting, despite being forced to play out of position. If healthy, he is an attractive end of the bench option for us next year. I also agree with your shout out to Kmart. I have never used the word "tough" to describe Martin, but playing 37 minutes last night with a bad hammy was definitely tough. Yes, his perimeter defense was poor as pointed out in the GDT, but it looked like it was because of his injury...not because of lack of effort. And when he gets hot, he is a joy to watch. I hope Flip keeps him as he turns this thing around.

Isn't it just our luck that Budinger starts coming around when we least need him to? Man, we could have used this production last season or throughout this year leading up to the trade deadline.

Assuming he picks up his option, perhaps this late season surge will make him an attractive target for some playoff team looking to improve their wing depth next season. Since it's the last year on his contract, no long-term commitment is required.

As for Martin, while he exhibited a gutsy performance, 15 points on 19 shots is pretty awful. Charlotte has two elite wing defenders in Henderson and MKG. I don't mind if he hangs around for the remainder of his contract, but at some point we need someone good enough to take over the starting 2 position and have Martin come off the bench. Wiggins is the closest to taking on that role, but then who starts at the 3? Who spaces the floor? Wiggins has given up the 3-point shot, which is a discouraging development.

The most frustrating things for me is how Martin takes ridiculously tough shots or trying to exaggerate contact throwing himself on the floor. He'll take a ridiculous off balance 16 footer instead of passing to the guy on the 3 point line who is WIDE open.

Q is spot on. We absolutely need a guy to take the starting role from him so that he can come off the bench.

Q12543 wrote:

longstrangetrip wrote:

kekgeek1 wrote:Props to Bud this is the guy we all had in mind when we signed him, also he has been healthy all year. Also props to Kmart he has been up and down but at least he comes to work and plays through pain.

Good post, kekgeek...I agree on both thoughts. Bud is averaging 13.4 and 5 his past five games on 55% shooting, despite being forced to play out of position. If healthy, he is an attractive end of the bench option for us next year. I also agree with your shout out to Kmart. I have never used the word "tough" to describe Martin, but playing 37 minutes last night with a bad hammy was definitely tough. Yes, his perimeter defense was poor as pointed out in the GDT, but it looked like it was because of his injury...not because of lack of effort. And when he gets hot, he is a joy to watch. I hope Flip keeps him as he turns this thing around.

Isn't it just our luck that Budinger starts coming around when we least need him to? Man, we could have used this production last season or throughout this year leading up to the trade deadline.

Assuming he picks up his option, perhaps this late season surge will make him an attractive target for some playoff team looking to improve their wing depth next season. Since it's the last year on his contract, no long-term commitment is required.
.

I think Buds issue was not having enough consecutive run. When you're rusty, and only play for a few minutes at a time it is hard to shake off the rust and find some rhythm. Usually playing a rusty player a few minutes at a time just kills confidence. Glad to see him finally getting that rhythm now. He is proving he can have some value on our bench or showing other teams that he can play. Win-win for us.