Training Camp WLT (week long thread)

[Coolbreeze44]

I'm as excited as anyone about this season. The excitement level continues to build and I'm ready for some Wolves action to say the least. I don't want to be unnecessarily negative, but one thing is gnawing at me. I've written before about how training camp and the preseason is too long. I just don't think it should take more than 2 weeks to play real games. The season is incredibly long, so long that you have some NBA coaches like Popovich looking to give his vet players some rest. And hopefully after all that you can look forward to a playoff run. So then I'm reading this week that the guys have been busting their asses for 3 weeks, just to be able to survive training camp.

I can't help but worry about the effect this is going to have on our durability. We know Thibs has the reputation of being a grinder. If guys start breaking down this year It's going to be really frustrating. Again, I don't want to be too negative, but this is going to be interesting.

[BizarroJerry [enjin:6592520]]

I have no doubt that Lucas and Butler will stick with the team. I'm convinced the Wolves will waive Pek. The front office is probably getting their ducks in a row for League approval of an injury exemption. I could also see Payne being waived. We just need to waive one of those two to make room for both Lucas and Butler. I think those two guys will add a lot to this team. I thought Lucas was really impressive in his interview. I agree with someone else who suggested he sounds like a future coach. He'll be a great influence and teacher on this team.

The more I listen to Thibs the more I understand why he's such a great coach. He's such a clear thinker and communicator. And listening to the player interviews tells me they're learning a lot from him already. I'm trying not to get too excited about the upcoming season, but it's hard not to get pumped.

Boy, I listen to him and he says the same things over and over again, and there is very little humor, depth, or....much of anything.

"We first need to lay the foundation and then build from there". Oooooohhhh

"We need to be top 10 in defensive and offensive efficiency". Aaaaaahhhhhh

"We need to close the gap in 3-pointers." Whoa!

"We need to be consistent with our defensive effort". Brilliant!

"I like our young guys and their attitude". Whoo!

By no means does that mean he's not a good coach, but I glean very little from his interviews. Perhaps it's because he is such a contrast to Flip's much more open and loquacious style.

Well done.

[Monster]

I'm as excited as anyone about this season. The excitement level continues to build and I'm ready for some Wolves action to say the least. I don't want to be unnecessarily negative, but one thing is gnawing at me. I've written before about how training camp and the preseason is too long. I just don't think it should take more than 2 weeks to play real games. The season is incredibly long, so long that you have some NBA coaches like Popovich looking to give his vet players some rest. And hopefully after all that you can look forward to a playoff run. So then I'm reading this week that the guys have been busting their asses for 3 weeks, just to be able to survive training camp.

I can't help but worry about the effect this is going to have on our durability. We know Thibs has the reputation of being a grinder. If guys start breaking down this year It's going to be really frustrating. Again, I don't want to be too negative, but this is going to be interesting.

Cool I think your concerns are valid. Here are a couple counterpoints to consider.

1. What would these guys be doing those 3 weeks before training camp if they weren't working out here? The answer is working out somewhere. How much harder are they working here compared to their other workouts? Idk some of those guys seem to be working pretty hard no matter where they are at. There just isn't much of an offseason for most pro athletes anymore.

2. A number of players said they had fun during their practices the first 2 days. How much can we read into that? Idk but my guess is they wouldn't say that to have things sound good if Thibs was completely pounding them into the ground so that's something at least.

3. I'm a damn homer but it really seems like Thibs is always looking for that next edge and it seems like he would figure out to some extent to not completely grind guys. Layden came from the Spurs and Pop has found a unique balance of being tough and yet resting guys. I just can't believe that Thibs who seems like such a basketball junky taking in everything wouldn't consider that perspective going forward.

4. Also the first day of practice was more like a Flip type of a deal. Every coach that happened to be in the area was hanging out at practice. Coach K with some of his staff, Wittman, Pitino etc were all there. That seems like a bit of a relaxed deal to me.

Ok that's all I got. :)

[Monster]

I have no doubt that Lucas and Butler will stick with the team. I'm convinced the Wolves will waive Pek. The front office is probably getting their ducks in a row for League approval of an injury exemption. I could also see Payne being waived. We just need to waive one of those two to make room for both Lucas and Butler. I think those two guys will add a lot to this team. I thought Lucas was really impressive in his interview. I agree with someone else who suggested he sounds like a future coach. He'll be a great influence and teacher on this team.

The more I listen to Thibs the more I understand why he's such a great coach. He's such a clear thinker and communicator. And listening to the player interviews tells me they're learning a lot from him already. I'm trying not to get too excited about the upcoming season, but it's hard not to get pumped.

Boy, I listen to him and he says the same things over and over again, and there is very little humor, depth, or....much of anything.

"We first need to lay the foundation and then build from there". Oooooohhhh

"We need to be top 10 in defensive and offensive efficiency". Aaaaaahhhhhh

"We need to close the gap in 3-pointers." Whoa!

"We need to be consistent with our defensive effort". Brilliant!

"I like our young guys and their attitude". Whoo!

By no means does that mean he's not a good coach, but I glean very little from his interviews. Perhaps it's because he is such a contrast to Flip's much more open and loquacious style.

Well done.

Well Q wouldn't you say having a consistent and clear message a good way to communicate? :)

I firmly believe that some of the top coaches what does set them apart is their special ability to communicate to their players what to do and their genius. I had a HS teacher that taught Math, Science, Computer, and started a vocational auto body program. The guy was just amazing at how he could communicate information in an understandable manner and he was also quite funny. I remember playing co-Ed intramural basketball and a couple of the girls on our team basically had never played before. This teacher stood in the huddle and explained what everyone should do and instead of people having a glass-eyes expression everyone simply went and did it. That teacher eventually ended up working at HP where he is now. I'm sure he is doing great things but I'll always appreciate his time as a teacher. Some people have a gift for that and some of it is natural but obviously it was nurtured at some point.

I have a couple questions about Payne. First of all it seems like the first 2 days he was wearing a bright blue shirt and nobody else was. Is he marked as the crappy player? 2nd while I don't really care if he is gone or not it seems like holding onto him makes sense when it comes to the roster. If one true big got hurt we would've down to just 4. That may still seem like plenty but...idk. I guess I need to look up what the rules are for injury exception. They are already under the cap so they don't need any salary relief to sign a player which makes it less complicated I would think.

Edit:

So after doing abut of reading the Wolves could easily ask for a roster exception for Pek and it's likely they would get it. Below is a pretty well laid out article about Bosh and Miami's situation which is worth reading on its own (sucks for Bosh his career is likely over) but some of the contract stuff coul apply to Pek. For reference his last game was Jan 6.

http://heathoops.com/2016/09/pat-riley-says-chris-boshs-career-is-probably-over/

[thedoper]

I think Windhorst is going to stay the whole camp. He has really jumped on the bandwagon full force.

Who?

National media. Cavs reporter for a while now for ESPN.

[Q12543 [enjin:6621299]]

I have no doubt that Lucas and Butler will stick with the team. I'm convinced the Wolves will waive Pek. The front office is probably getting their ducks in a row for League approval of an injury exemption. I could also see Payne being waived. We just need to waive one of those two to make room for both Lucas and Butler. I think those two guys will add a lot to this team. I thought Lucas was really impressive in his interview. I agree with someone else who suggested he sounds like a future coach. He'll be a great influence and teacher on this team.

The more I listen to Thibs the more I understand why he's such a great coach. He's such a clear thinker and communicator. And listening to the player interviews tells me they're learning a lot from him already. I'm trying not to get too excited about the upcoming season, but it's hard not to get pumped.

Boy, I listen to him and he says the same things over and over again, and there is very little humor, depth, or....much of anything.

"We first need to lay the foundation and then build from there". Oooooohhhh

"We need to be top 10 in defensive and offensive efficiency". Aaaaaahhhhhh

"We need to close the gap in 3-pointers." Whoa!

"We need to be consistent with our defensive effort". Brilliant!

"I like our young guys and their attitude". Whoo!

By no means does that mean he's not a good coach, but I glean very little from his interviews. Perhaps it's because he is such a contrast to Flip's much more open and loquacious style.

Well done.

Well Q wouldn't you say having a consistent and clear message a good way to communicate? :)

Fair point Monster. I can pretty much recite the things he is looking to accomplish and his key values for success (defense, rebounding, keeping TOs down, closing the gap on 3s, and sharing the ball).

I have no doubt he goes into the finer details on HOW to do these things when he is coaching practices. That's the type of insight we never get. He never delves deep into a certain area, nor does he share any anecdotes that may provide additional perspectives, humorous or otherwise.

I just think he's a very boring interview. And I'm OK with that if ultimately the team is improving.

[Carlos Danger]

I have no doubt that Lucas and Butler will stick with the team. I'm convinced the Wolves will waive Pek. The front office is probably getting their ducks in a row for League approval of an injury exemption. I could also see Payne being waived. We just need to waive one of those two to make room for both Lucas and Butler. I think those two guys will add a lot to this team. I thought Lucas was really impressive in his interview. I agree with someone else who suggested he sounds like a future coach. He'll be a great influence and teacher on this team.

The more I listen to Thibs the more I understand why he's such a great coach. He's such a clear thinker and communicator. And listening to the player interviews tells me they're learning a lot from him already. I'm trying not to get too excited about the upcoming season, but it's hard not to get pumped.

Boy, I listen to him and he says the same things over and over again, and there is very little humor, depth, or....much of anything.

"We first need to lay the foundation and then build from there". Oooooohhhh

"We need to be top 10 in defensive and offensive efficiency". Aaaaaahhhhhh

"We need to close the gap in 3-pointers." Whoa!

"We need to be consistent with our defensive effort". Brilliant!

"I like our young guys and their attitude". Whoo!

By no means does that mean he's not a good coach, but I glean very little from his interviews. Perhaps it's because he is such a contrast to Flip's much more open and loquacious style.

Well done.

Well Q wouldn't you say having a consistent and clear message a good way to communicate? :)

Fair point Monster. I can pretty much recite the things he is looking to accomplish and his key values for success (defense, rebounding, keeping TOs down, closing the gap on 3s, and sharing the ball).

I have no doubt he goes into the finer details on HOW to do these things when he is coaching practices. That's the type of insight we never get. He never delves deep into a certain area, nor does he share any anecdotes that may provide additional perspectives, humorous or otherwise.

I just think he's a very boring interview. And I'm OK with that if ultimately the team is improving.

LOL - well played. Yeah, I'm in the same boat as you. Lot's of Bull Durham quotes "we got to play it one game at a time". I'm fine with it though. At the end of the day, if he wins everyone will love him and he doesn't everyone will hate him. It's just that simple.

[BizarroJerry [enjin:6592520]]

I think this team has a Hoosiers feel Carlos. Coach Norman Thibs will preach defense but ultimately the shooters will start bombing. Abe will get on board too.

[Monster]

I have no doubt that Lucas and Butler will stick with the team. I'm convinced the Wolves will waive Pek. The front office is probably getting their ducks in a row for League approval of an injury exemption. I could also see Payne being waived. We just need to waive one of those two to make room for both Lucas and Butler. I think those two guys will add a lot to this team. I thought Lucas was really impressive in his interview. I agree with someone else who suggested he sounds like a future coach. He'll be a great influence and teacher on this team.

The more I listen to Thibs the more I understand why he's such a great coach. He's such a clear thinker and communicator. And listening to the player interviews tells me they're learning a lot from him already. I'm trying not to get too excited about the upcoming season, but it's hard not to get pumped.

Boy, I listen to him and he says the same things over and over again, and there is very little humor, depth, or....much of anything.

"We first need to lay the foundation and then build from there". Oooooohhhh

"We need to be top 10 in defensive and offensive efficiency". Aaaaaahhhhhh

"We need to close the gap in 3-pointers." Whoa!

"We need to be consistent with our defensive effort". Brilliant!

"I like our young guys and their attitude". Whoo!

By no means does that mean he's not a good coach, but I glean very little from his interviews. Perhaps it's because he is such a contrast to Flip's much more open and loquacious style.

Well done.

Well Q wouldn't you say having a consistent and clear message a good way to communicate? :)

Fair point Monster. I can pretty much recite the things he is looking to accomplish and his key values for success (defense, rebounding, keeping TOs down, closing the gap on 3s, and sharing the ball).

I have no doubt he goes into the finer details on HOW to do these things when he is coaching practices. That's the type of insight we never get. He never delves deep into a certain area, nor does he share any anecdotes that may provide additional perspectives, humorous or otherwise.

I just think he's a very boring interview. And I'm OK with that if ultimately the team is improving.

LOL - well played. Yeah, I'm in the same boat as you. Lot's of Bull Durham quotes "we got to play it one game at a time". I'm fine with it though. At the end of the day, if he wins everyone will love him and he doesn't everyone will hate him. It's just that simple.

One thing that bugged the hell out of me at a previous job was it was rare to be on the same page. I'll take the boss that has clear goals/expectations over the one telling fun stories to everyone while nothing worthwhile happens. Ok so that manager was a fun person and still a friend of mine but yeah. Also I think Thibs seems to be amusing at times especially if you ask him about something other than basketball. Jon K and Souhan said that the other day on their podcast. If Zimmer can end up being a fun interview (which at this point he is) I won't be surprised if Thibs gets a little more fun and interesting as time goes on.

[Lipoli390]

Thibs is not entertaining. I get that. I wanted the Wolves to hire JVG. He would have been a lot of fun in interview. But I'm not sure what Q expects Thibs to say. I'll take clarity and consistency any day in a coach or any other kind of manager. It's refreshing to hear Thibs emphasize 3-point shooting. That's something we haven't heard from either of our previous two head coaches. And it's refreshing not to hear our head coach complain about personnel inadequacies or say weird things that make no sense. I don't expect any head coach to diagram plays in training camp interview or publicly discuss his detailed strategy. However, I'll note that Thibs did actually get specific when talking about the things Belly can do.

Thibs' track record speaks for itself. He's incredibly well respected among other top coaches like Pop and coach K who was raving about him after the Olympics. That's a context I can't ignore when hearing him talk. Yes, I wish Thibs were more entertaining, but he's not a surly prick like our last coach in interviews. And I hear a clear consistent message, which I didn't hear from Sam or even from Flip. Yes, Thibs may not get into complexities in training camp interviews, but he projects competence and doesn't spew nonsense. That's more than enough for me at this juncture.