GDT: Minnesota at Miami (Preseason)

[KiwiMatt]

Really lacking size out their against Bam tonight. But guess who's on the bench watching tonights game? The new Twin Towers.

[Q-is-here]

Meaningless pre-season game, but worth the watch just to see some of the guys.

- It was an interesting starting lineup with KAT, Gobert, and DLO out. Finch basically went without a PG and had Anderson bring the ball up with Ant and Nowell as the starting backcourt.

- In watching the makeshift starting lineup there was one guy that looked out of place.....Naz Reid.

- Jaden Part I - I swear McDaniels DID grow another inch! He has got to be 6'10" by now.

- Jade Part IIA - Unfortunately I thought McDaniels had a tough time guarding Herro. I think the fact he keeps getting taller makes it harder for him to change direction, as Tyler was able to throw McDaniels off his trail pretty easily a couple times and got space to get a good shot off.

- Jaden Part IIB - I think he may be ideally suited for guarding the bigger wings/hybrid forwards out there. Tatum, Durant, Doncic, Ingram, etc. Ant will probably need to take the quicker guards as I think McDaniels may have literally outgrown his ability to stay with some of those guys.

- Ant Part I - Looks a little too heavy for my taste. Was the 10 lbs. really all muscle??? Not sure. The good news is while he looked a little heavy, he didn't seems to play that way.

- Ant Part II - I swear, if he was on a team that didn't already have guys like KAT and DLO, he could effortlessly average 30 PPG. Now it may not always be super efficient, but the guy is just a born scorer. I think being drafted by the Wolves will ultimately make him a more well rounded player because he could easily carry a 35%+ usage rate.

- Ant Part III - He is starting to take that pull up mid-range shot a bit more. It's a shot he has to master because he is going to get that shot in the playoffs. He also made a beautiful duck in banker that I thought showed some real touch.

- Forbes, McLaughlin, Prince, and Knight looked good out there. Rivers....not so much.

[Lipoli390]

Fun game to watch. Here's what I found impressive about the Wolves, followed by what I found underwhelming:

IMPRESSIVE

1. The aggressive, fly-around defense from last season was back tonight and it was really effective.

2. Ant looked as if he's improved as a mid-range shooter, decision-maker and passer.

3. Nowell looked really good on the offensive end - picking up where he left off last season but better

4. Taurean Prince looked really quick and confident. He looked healthier and more spry then he's looked in a long time. If he's healthy, then he'll be huge for the Wolves this season. He's still in his prime.

5. Forbes looked solid. He showed a nice mid-range game and some ballhandling in addition to his three-point shooting.

6. Nathan Knight was really impressive on the offensive end and the boards tonight. Great energy and impressive athleticism to go with a nice skill set - although I don't think he should be shooting threes this season.

7. JMac looked solid. He's a pesky, opportunistic defender, terrific playmaker and tough shot maker. A nice backup PG. `

UNDERWHELMING

1. Naz Reid looked like a guy the Wolves should shop around. Maybe they can land a future protected 1st for him.

2. Rivers was not impressive at all

3. Paschall was terrible. I'd let him go and give his two-way deal to Garza. I actually though Garza looked pretty good in his limited garbage time minutes tonight.

OTHER THOUGHTS

I agree with Q that McDaniels definitely looks significantly taller. And Q might be right that his additional length is limiting his lateral quickness on the defensive end. Time will tell. Hope his knee is OK. He wasn't particularly impressive tonight, but I wouldn't say he was underwhelming either. I did like that hit hit 2 of 2 three-point shots. That's a good sign.

[Camden [enjin:6601484]]

Observations:

- "They are who we thought they were!" Or at least Anthony Edwards is who we thought he was. He's a naturally-gifted scorer who can fill it up in bunches. He scored at all three levels tonight. The weight gain was noticeable and hopefully it helps him dish out punishment in the paint. He can get his jumper off wherever he wants, but I maintain that his bread and butter should be attacking the rim. That's where he can reach his superstar ceiling. I didn't see the improved court vision and passing tonight, but that's the next step in his development offensively.

- Jaylen Nowell is a hooper. He looked really comfortable with the basketball tonight -- scoring and passing. I thought it was interesting that Nowell got the start at point with D'Angelo Russell inactive. I wonder if that's how Chris Finch would manage the situation in the regular season, and my guess is that it would be. I hope Minnesota is able to extend him before it's too late or he becomes too expensive to retain. Obviously, we don't know what terms have been discussed, but he should already have a four-year, $40-million offer on the table. He looks primed for a big year in the sixth man role.

- Jaden McDaniels looked longer, smarter, and more confident. I thought he played like he belonged with the first team. The game looked slower to him offensively, especially in his transition opportunities. I'm glad Minnesota didn't trade him this summer.

- The trade that landed Taurean Prince might be Gersson Rosas' most underrated among them all, and I say that having liked the deal when it was reported. Prince was terrific for Minnesota last year [after November] and he looks ready for a repeat performance. He was moving around really well and I liked that he was hunting for his shot quite a bit. It's Nowell and Prince as supplemental scorers off the bench. They need to get their shots up.

- Bryn Forbes looked the most game-ready tonight. I thought he was crisp in all facets. Very pure shooter, as expected. Knows how to make himself a target for ball-handlers. He should be the next-man-up should a current member of the rotation fall out for whatever reason. He's a plug-and-play option next to almost anybody. I think I was most-pleased with his performance.

- Nathan Knight is the third-best big on the roster. He plays a gritty, physical, energetic brand of basketball that reminds me of Jarred Vanderbilt in a way, which isn't surprising considering they rebounded the ball at comparable rates last year, albeit in different sample sizes. Knight attacks the glass on both ends and isn't afraid to put his chest on guys. I hope to not see him play much this year because those minutes should go elsewhere, but Knight is the next big up in my mind after Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert. There's no shot he loses his roster spot to one of the camp signings.

- Naz Reid, on the other hand, had a rough night. He looked light and easily-moved off his spots. He's not an imposing physical presence and he's never made much of an impact on the glass. His best skill to date might be a shaky perimeter shot. I don't think that's good enough to warrant meaningful playing time. It's a shame because I genuinely like him, but I think this will be his last year with the Timberwolves.

- Jordan McLaughlin and Kyle Anderson just get it done. Both are very smart, heady players that just make the right play 99-percent of the time. They get it. Their stat lines won't always pop or be pretty, but they make an impact as role players.

- Austin Rivers struggled to score the ball tonight, but I'm willing to wait and see what he does in the following games before expressing any real concerns. He's proven to be a competent professional on a number of playoff teams. I don't expect much from him this season, and I think Forbes should be higher on the depth chart, but I think he's a fine player deep on the bench.

- Eric Paschall looked heavy. He was slow, lumbering, and clunky. And most importantly, it didn't appear that he wanted to be out there tonight. I now understand why there was nonexistent interest in him this summer. I remember reading something about Paschall considering giving up basketball recently. I think his days in the league are numbered. I wish P.J. Dozier was eligible for a two-way deal because I'd gladly roll the dice on him instead.

[Q-is-here]

Cam, Not sure if Nowell started because Kyle Anderson was also starting, therefore allowing the Wolves to start a dual-SG lineup with Anderson manning the point on offense. So what if only DLO was out and it was a regular season game? Would little J-Mac get the nod or Nowell?

I'd prefer J-Mac because I feel like we already have enough scoring with KAT and Ant in the starting lineup and J-Mac is an outstanding pocket passer that can deliver the ball to rolling bigs (he delivered another beauty last night to Nate Knight for a thunderous dunk).

Let Nowell help carry the offense when Ant has to sit. One of the things I didn't like last night was when both Ant and Nowell were on the bench. Yes, Prince picked up the slack, but that isn't going to happen on a nightly basis. He can't be expected to be a shot creator. We saw how in last year's playoffs Prince tried to take on a bigger load than usual and he ended up not being very efficient at it.

[Camden [enjin:6601484]]

Cam, Not sure if Nowell started because Kyle Anderson was also starting, therefore allowing the Wolves to start a dual-SG lineup with Anderson manning the point on offense. So what if only DLO was out and it was a regular season game? Would little J-Mac get the nod or Nowell?

I'd prefer J-Mac because I feel like we already have enough scoring with KAT and Ant in the starting lineup and J-Mac is an outstanding pocket passer that can deliver the ball to rolling bigs (he delivered another beauty last night to Nate Knight for a thunderous dunk).

Let Nowell help carry the offense when Ant has to sit. One of the things I didn't like last night was when both Ant and Nowell were on the bench. Yes, Prince picked up the slack, but that isn't going to happen on a nightly basis. He can't be expected to be a shot creator. We saw how in last year's playoffs Prince tried to take on a bigger load than usual and he ended up not being very efficient at it.

That's basically the question I'm asking myself and the board. And I don't necessarily disagree with you, but I think Jaylen Nowell would be Chris Finch's preferred option to replace either starter in the backcourt. Part of that is because Nowell's versatile enough to play on and off the ball, but a bigger part might be because he wants to keep Jordan McLaughlin with that second unit, especially considering the lack of a viable third point guard on the roster that can step up. Not to mention, Minnesota has Bryn Forbes on the bench who could reliably slide into the backup shooting guard spot in a pinch so there's probably less shuffling overall going the Nowell route.

I also thought Kyle Anderson did most of his ball-handling in transition whereas it felt like Nowell and Anthony Edwards initiated quite a bit in the halfcourt during their initial stint. I think there's trust that Nowell can handle lead guard duties a little bit. It's not always smooth or pretty, but he appears to get the job done.

[FNG]

Cam, Not sure if Nowell started because Kyle Anderson was also starting, therefore allowing the Wolves to start a dual-SG lineup with Anderson manning the point on offense. So what if only DLO was out and it was a regular season game? Would little J-Mac get the nod or Nowell?

I'd prefer J-Mac because I feel like we already have enough scoring with KAT and Ant in the starting lineup and J-Mac is an outstanding pocket passer that can deliver the ball to rolling bigs (he delivered another beauty last night to Nate Knight for a thunderous dunk).

Let Nowell help carry the offense when Ant has to sit. One of the things I didn't like last night was when both Ant and Nowell were on the bench. Yes, Prince picked up the slack, but that isn't going to happen on a nightly basis. He can't be expected to be a shot creator. We saw how in last year's playoffs Prince tried to take on a bigger load than usual and he ended up not being very efficient at it.

I definitely prefer JMac in this role as things stand right now, and am fairly confident Finchie does too. Not only for the reasons you cite, but also because he emerged last season as a very disruptive defender (I have to admit I didn't see that coming). How about 4 steals in 6 minutes last night!

I will say this though. In Finchie I trust. So if Nowell becomes the starting PG in games that Russell misses, that will be a very good thing for this team (assuming JMac is available), because it will mean he has taken a quantum leap forward as a defender and earned Finchie's trust.

[Q-is-here]

Cam, Not sure if Nowell started because Kyle Anderson was also starting, therefore allowing the Wolves to start a dual-SG lineup with Anderson manning the point on offense. So what if only DLO was out and it was a regular season game? Would little J-Mac get the nod or Nowell?

I'd prefer J-Mac because I feel like we already have enough scoring with KAT and Ant in the starting lineup and J-Mac is an outstanding pocket passer that can deliver the ball to rolling bigs (he delivered another beauty last night to Nate Knight for a thunderous dunk).

Let Nowell help carry the offense when Ant has to sit. One of the things I didn't like last night was when both Ant and Nowell were on the bench. Yes, Prince picked up the slack, but that isn't going to happen on a nightly basis. He can't be expected to be a shot creator. We saw how in last year's playoffs Prince tried to take on a bigger load than usual and he ended up not being very efficient at it.

That's basically the question I'm asking myself and the board. And I don't necessarily disagree with you, but I think Jaylen Nowell would be Chris Finch's preferred option to replace either starter in the backcourt. Part of that is because Nowell's versatile enough to play on and off the ball, but a bigger part might be because he wants to keep Jordan McLaughlin with that second unit, especially considering the lack of a viable third point guard on the roster that can step up. Not to mention, Minnesota has Bryn Forbes on the bench who could reliably slide into the backup shooting guard spot in a pinch so there's probably less shuffling overall going the Nowell route.

I also thought Kyle Anderson did most of his ball-handling in transition whereas it felt like Nowell and Anthony Edwards initiated quite a bit in the halfcourt during their initial stint. I think there's trust that Nowell can handle lead guard duties a little bit. It's not always smooth or pretty, but he appears to get the job done.

Right, but it's for that very reason that Nowell and Kyle Anderson can effectively play the role of PG off the bench while J-Mac rests. It just seems like the combinations work better that way. Nowell/Anderson off the bench as your primary ball handlers and J-Mac with the starters.

Oh well, glad we are speculating on such a minor thing versus who should be fired or traded!

[Leado01]

I also like Nowell as DLO's starting replacement over JMac.

JMac is the engine of the chaos defense we see from our second team that seems to befuddle opponents. JMac is not a good one on one defender, but man there were periods last night where it felt like Miami was turning the ball over against our second team every other trip! (They also got some easy buckets but Mr. Gobert can assist with that!)

[Camden [enjin:6601484]]

Cam, Not sure if Nowell started because Kyle Anderson was also starting, therefore allowing the Wolves to start a dual-SG lineup with Anderson manning the point on offense. So what if only DLO was out and it was a regular season game? Would little J-Mac get the nod or Nowell?

I'd prefer J-Mac because I feel like we already have enough scoring with KAT and Ant in the starting lineup and J-Mac is an outstanding pocket passer that can deliver the ball to rolling bigs (he delivered another beauty last night to Nate Knight for a thunderous dunk).

Let Nowell help carry the offense when Ant has to sit. One of the things I didn't like last night was when both Ant and Nowell were on the bench. Yes, Prince picked up the slack, but that isn't going to happen on a nightly basis. He can't be expected to be a shot creator. We saw how in last year's playoffs Prince tried to take on a bigger load than usual and he ended up not being very efficient at it.

That's basically the question I'm asking myself and the board. And I don't necessarily disagree with you, but I think Jaylen Nowell would be Chris Finch's preferred option to replace either starter in the backcourt. Part of that is because Nowell's versatile enough to play on and off the ball, but a bigger part might be because he wants to keep Jordan McLaughlin with that second unit, especially considering the lack of a viable third point guard on the roster that can step up. Not to mention, Minnesota has Bryn Forbes on the bench who could reliably slide into the backup shooting guard spot in a pinch so there's probably less shuffling overall going the Nowell route.

I also thought Kyle Anderson did most of his ball-handling in transition whereas it felt like Nowell and Anthony Edwards initiated quite a bit in the halfcourt during their initial stint. I think there's trust that Nowell can handle lead guard duties a little bit. It's not always smooth or pretty, but he appears to get the job done.

Right, but it's for that very reason that Nowell and Kyle Anderson can effectively play the role of PG off the bench while J-Mac rests. It just seems like the combinations work better that way. Nowell/Anderson off the bench as your primary ball handlers and J-Mac with the starters.

Oh well, glad we are speculating on such a minor thing versus who should be fired or traded!

Yep, I'd much rather discuss something minor like this on a potential contender than who Minnesota is going to draft with a top-five pick for the fifth year in a row, or which different coach is going to lead the team for the fourth year in a row.

I think where we disagree is on Kyle Anderson's ability to be a primary ball-handler. For me, that's asking too much of him. He's a complimentary piece that when stretched too far could become less effective. I think he's best-served as a four that can handle the rock a bit versus being your main ball-handler in any particular lineup, which is what it sounds like you'd be relying on him for in that situation.

With Nowell-Edwards-McDaniels-Towns-Gobert, there's likely enough offense in that lineup that they can make due while Russell is hypothetically injured. I think the second unit probably needs much more organization [than the first unit] and legitimate point guard play to thrive -- to get guys good looks in their spots -- and that's where McLaughlin fits best.