Minnesota Sports Forum

Gee, khans. I really thought you were playing along on the "knee-jerk" reaction theme, and wasn't really serious. I guess I was wrong...

There is a good chance that he will be spotting up more with guys like Bazz and Wiggins in the lineup. The question is if he will extend out to 3.

Bobby Portis sucks he was 1 for 10 today. Disregard my praise for him yesterday.

Phenom's_Revenge wrote:There is a good chance that he will be spotting up more with guys like Bazz and Wiggins in the lineup. The question is if he will extend out to 3.

I think there are two ways to approach things with rookies. Flip is an incrementalist, which means he gives guys a fairly narrow set of goals and responsibilities to start with, and then expands them from there depending on how they perform. In terms of a rookie's overall role on the team, I agree with this approach. But not with outside shooting.

When it comes to shooting, there is an alternative. Flip likes to use the word "comfortable" when he talks about outside shooting "We like to get people shots they are comfortable taking." Did he ever think someone would be more comfortable if he said, "If you have an open 3, go for it! I want you to learn how to make that shot! I have no problems with you taking an open 3, no matter how much you miss at first." Boy, I know I would be a lot more confident (and comfortable!) knowing my coach is actually prodding me to take that shot and extend my range. It practically becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.

This is the approach he should have taken with Young, Bennett, and Payne last year. All three were given the green light to shoot open 20-footers, so why not encourage them - no, urge them! - to step out a couple more feet for the 50% premium. Argh!

Anywho, I think Flip will take his classic incrementalist approach with Towns and his shooting. We'll unfortunately see the pick and drift 20-footer from him this year, but I doubt Flip lets him take many open 3's. It's really too bad.

TeamRicky wrote:Bobby Portis sucks he was 1 for 10 today. Disregard my praise for him yesterday.

:-)

Every year the NBA draft get overanalyzed more than any sport because it is such a small window, 2 rounds, rosters of 15. (Harrison Barnes and Bazz were the latest examples) Teams over think it. If Okafor is better than Towns at 19, isn't it reasonable to think he will be better at 26 if they apply similar work ethic to the holes in their games? I am excited about about Towns potential but Okafor is way beyond him as an NBA quality big from what I have seen so far on both sides of the floor.Towns has energy, you can see it out there. I get the feeling that he just hasn't totally realized what he is capable of and he needs to match his footwoork with his good dribbling. His defense has been nothing so far, I need a bit more against back ups and other rookies at this point.

"Okafor is way beyond him as an NBA quality big from what I have seen so far on both sides of the floor." Are you watching the same games I am?

I have a completely different opinion of the two and have watched both of Towns games and seen plenty of Okafor. Okafor has not impressed me. He looks slow and am really happy we did not draft Okafor. Towns is showing he has athleticism and good skills and while his overall stats aren't all that impressive yet, he is showing glimpses of being a special player. His passing is much better than I expected. He hustles. I expect his shooting and defensive positioning will improve as he adjusts to the NBA and plays with veterans. Karl's got a nice frame and as he adds muscle to it over the next year or so, I think he'll be a very good rebounder. Anyway, I am glad we got Towns.

out of first 5 picks i would say so far
1 - KAT, the guy has so much potential, second game he played with a lot of energy, which was nice to see. I am definitely glad we went with him.
2- Russel, the highest bust potential out of five. He is not athletic enough. I cant imagine him going against most of guards in the league. Definitely rough year ahead of him.
3- Okafor, he is looking pretty much as advertised. Slow center not playing above the rim, we all know what that means for the team (hello PEK). He has better footwork than i expected though, i will give him that. He should be good NBA player in future.
4- Porzingis, this guy is real deal, his potential is right there just a tad behind KAT. I actually think Knicks lucked out with him, because without all those euro busts in past years he would go second or third. Btw. if we talk about players in need to develop some skills, the strength is doable for everybody. That is just about work ethic.
5- Hezonja, he is the most ready one out of five, great shooting form combined with supreme athleticism, i am really looking forward to see him in the NBA. Just hope he is not a headcase.

LST - Towns: You can see the obvious talent there, but he is really getting pushed around

Well, I guess its time:

TOWNS IS A HUGE DISSAPOINTMENT

papalrep wrote:LST - Towns: You can see the obvious talent there, but he is really getting pushed around

Well, I guess its time:

TOWNS IS A HUGE DISSAPOINTMENT

What would a knee-jerk reaction thread be without that one? Thank you Papalrep.