Minnesota Sports Forum

Abe -- The more I think about it, the more I come around to your thinking on Thibs and Bazz. Two reasons. First, Bazz looks like he just doesn't have the mobility or instincts to defend and that will drive Thibs nuts. Second, Bazz doesn't seem to have a particularly high basketball IQ.

That leads me to Zach. I think Zach's basketball IQ is unfairly maligned. It's not high, but it's definitely triple digits. I'll add that Derrick Rose's basketball IQ isn't exactly in Mensa territory and that's a gross understatement. Yet, Thibs was fine with him.

lipoli390 wrote:Abe -- The more I think about it, the more I come around to your thinking on Thibs and Bazz. Two reasons. First, Bazz looks like he just doesn't have the mobility or instincts to defend and that will drive Thibs nuts. Second, Bazz doesn't seem to have a particularly high basketball IQ.

That leads me to Zach. I think Zach's basketball IQ is unfairly maligned. It's not high, but it's definitely triple digits. I'll add that Derrick Rose's basketball IQ isn't exactly in Mensa territory and that's a gross understatement. Yet, Thibs was fine with him.

Maybe I dwell on LaVine passing up open three pointers to step into contested 22 footers... over and over again.

It was probably my biggest pet peeve the past two seasons. Drives me nuts. I'm actually pretty confident that we'll see less of that... at least I hope/pray that we do.

AbeVigodaLive wrote:

lipoli390 wrote:Flip really liked McCollum. He passed on him for two reasons. First, the Wolves doctors warned about Mac's foot problem, which turned out to be only a one year problem but according to the Wolves medical staff it's the sort of problem that can reoccur and end a career. Second, Flip wanted to make sure he was able to get Gorgui and he didn't think he'd last to #27. This info came straight from Flip. But Flip really liked Shabazz too. And honestly, I do also. I wouldn't be surprised to see Bazz really blossom under Thibs.
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I'm gonna put this here... just because...

I don't think the Thibodeau/Shabazz thing lasts long. But I'm more worried about the LaVine/Thibodeau relationship.

We all know LaVine has ridiculous promise. And... makes ridiculous plays. I don't think he's a smart player. And I think that's going to drive Thibodeau insane... quickly.

I believe they worked with LaVine last year on this problem and we saw less and less of it as the season wore on. I agree though, LaVine had the habit of having to put the ball on the floor once or twice before pulling up for a contested long-2. He's one of these jump shooters that needs to do this to get himself in rhythm for the shot. It's almost like the waggle before taking a golf swing. But I did notice he started to take more pure catch-and-shoot jumpers from beyond the arc later in the season.

lipoli390 wrote:Flip really liked McCollum. He passed on him for two reasons. First, the Wolves doctors warned about Mac's foot problem, which turned out to be only a one year problem but according to the Wolves medical staff it's the sort of problem that can reoccur and end a career. Second, Flip wanted to make sure he was able to get Gorgui and he didn't think he'd last to #27. This info came straight from Flip. But Flip really liked Shabazz too. And honestly, I do also. I wouldn't be surprised to see Bazz really blossom under Thibs.

Regarding Klay, here's what Flip told me. In my lunch with Flip the before we drafted Zach I asked Flip if he thought it was likely we'd end up trading Love. He said he honestly wasn't sure. I asked him who he might look to get for Love and without hesitation he said, Klay Thompson. He also indicated that the had already talked to the Cavs who told him they wouldn't trade their pick for Love. I then said, would you try to get Klay and Barnes. He said, no. He then said, Klay and Green. In some emails with Flip he confirmed that he was negotiating with the Warriors for a package including Klay. But he didn't give me any more details.

Nice info Lip, thanks!

Q12543 wrote:

AbeVigodaLive wrote:

lipoli390 wrote:Flip really liked McCollum. He passed on him for two reasons. First, the Wolves doctors warned about Mac's foot problem, which turned out to be only a one year problem but according to the Wolves medical staff it's the sort of problem that can reoccur and end a career. Second, Flip wanted to make sure he was able to get Gorgui and he didn't think he'd last to #27. This info came straight from Flip. But Flip really liked Shabazz too. And honestly, I do also. I wouldn't be surprised to see Bazz really blossom under Thibs.
.

I'm gonna put this here... just because...

I don't think the Thibodeau/Shabazz thing lasts long. But I'm more worried about the LaVine/Thibodeau relationship.

We all know LaVine has ridiculous promise. And... makes ridiculous plays. I don't think he's a smart player. And I think that's going to drive Thibodeau insane... quickly.

I believe they worked with LaVine last year on this problem and we saw less and less of it as the season wore on. I agree though, LaVine had the habit of having to put the ball on the floor once or twice before pulling up for a contested long-2. He's one of these jump shooters that needs to do this to get himself in rhythm for the shot. It's almost like the waggle before taking a golf swing. But I did notice he started to take more pure catch-and-shoot jumpers from beyond the arc later in the season.

Remmeber Sam explained why this was a problem. He said Zach had the bad habit of when he received the ball always dribbling it. Sam said he needed to get in the habit of catching the ball in a triple threat position so he could shoot pass or make the dicision to dribble. Simple fundamentals. It seemed that got across to Zach as time went on and it also led to better decision making because he wasn't already dribbling. Zach's decisions clearly got better as the season went on. He attacked more and did it at the correct time. Jon K says Zach can be coached hard and I think Thibs will do that and still both process and fundamentals like Sam did only Thibs will be even more effective.

Is Bazz dumb? Maybe. All I know is especially the last 2 years all we here is the guy works his butt off and I've never really heard any issues about him being a poor teammate. He seems like a guy that desperately needs a coach to:

1. Give him a role and put him in positions that benefit him and the team.

2. Develop his weaknesses to some sort of respectable levels. If he can fit decently into Thib's defensive scheme he would be pretty useful.

The bottom line is we don't know what will happen but a tough high energy guy that's willing to take high efficiency shots can't hurt for a guy like Thibs. I think there will be a mutual respect there.