Minnesota Sports Forum

I don't see how Napier's being undervalued. He's ideally a third-string point guard that hasn't really hit his groove in the NBA. He showed a little something with Portland and performed adequately last year as a defender, but there aren't many positives to his game based on what he's shown to this point. He's meh. McLaughlin seems to be the more talented and capable player, however, the veteran will get the nod at first.

Camden0916 wrote:I don't see how Napier's being undervalued. He's ideally a third-string point guard that hasn't really hit his groove in the NBA. He showed a little something with Portland and performed adequately last year as a defender, but there aren't many positives to his game based on what he's shown to this point. He's meh. McLaughlin seems to be the more talented and capable player, however, the veteran will get the nod at first.

Part of the undervaluing I'm referring to is how he is often stated as a massive step down from Tyus especially considering salary. I've assumed from your posts that is something we agree on.

I'll be pretty happy if McLaughlin becomes even the level of Napier who has actually been a legit rotation player for 2 different NBA playoff teams. I get and agree that Napier isn't exactly a high bar but I also see him as a serviceable NBA player which isn't easy to accomplish. If Napier does what I think will do as a backup this season there will likely be another NBA team that gives up a 2nd round pick this year to add him as a depth guy which will open up a spot for McLaughlin to get those backup minutes you mentioned if he is up to it.

But really Cam I do share some of your optimism. I compare McLaughlin to another younger PG Josh grey that recently signed a 2-way contract. I've seen him play a few times in the G-league and he is a nice player especially for a team looking to get up 3's. He is a good ball handler and scorer relatively speaking but not really a true PG. McLaughlin does a lot of the same things although maybe not as quick (maybe a little more crafty) but looks the part of a true PG which has a lot of value.

I worry a little about Naz Ried's defense especially in pick and roll but the contract is awesome for a kid with talent and makes him a nice asset. McLaughlin is a nice cheap option at PG to me he can score, create and for the price you can't go wrong. I like that Rosas singed both these players off our SL team, I think he adds Martin as well. Adding SL players will help attract better summer league talent down the road if the team has a history of rewarding strong SL players with contacts (smart move by Rosas).

Nowell and the wolves are at a stalemate.

Rosas offered him a 1+3 deal, but he declined. However, reid was more than happy to take it.

Some of the guys in his range got a minimum 2+2 deal while others got 2 way contracts.

Apparently, nowell wants something similar to what kbd got last year.

It woukd not surprise me if nowell gets that 2 way deal instead now.

crazy-canuck wrote:Nowell and the wolves are at a stalemate.

Rosas offered him a 1+3 deal, but he declined. However, reid was more than happy to take it.

Some of the guys in his range got a minimum 2+2 deal while others got 2 way contracts.

Apparently, nowell wants something similar to what kbd got last year.

It woukd not surprise me if nowell gets that 2 way deal instead now.

Nowell should get the KBD deal. He's a shooter/scorer, something this team really needs. It would be silly to use the two-way on Nowell. That two-way should go to Martin.

I understand why nowell would reject that contract. Most 2nd round picks get at least 2 years guaranteed. They are cheap contracts that should be easy to move, so why lowballing him like that? I understand the reid deal because he was undrafted and it was either that or a 2 way deal. Il give him the kbd deal or make it 4 years with 2-3 guaranteed.