Minnesota Sports Forum

Q-is-here wrote: ↑Mon Oct 20, 2025 8:16 pm

Wolvesfan21 wrote: ↑Mon Oct 20, 2025 2:50 pm

Q-is-here wrote: ↑Sun Oct 19, 2025 9:15 pm

Yeah, I think Finch may ultimately give Dillingham the steadier minutes over Clark since an offensive-oriented player like him needs reps and decent-length stints to get into a rythym and "feel" the game. Whereas Clark's effectiveness isn't really impacted by how long his stints are or whether he plays both halves or every other game, etc.

The other thing I will say about Dillingham is that he has made tangible year-over-year progress, albeit still very shaky at times out there. His assist and scoring/shooting numbers jump off the page a bit....so do his turnovers.

And you're right on Joan. I'd rank Lenny Miller above him in terms of pure readiness to contribute to a generic NBA team. But we already have plenty of what Lenny has to offer. Beringer is a true Center that clearly understands his role as a defensive anchor, screener, and lob threat. He almost never makes the wrong play, as evidenced by his low turnover rate.

I do think we could see Joan for pretty decent minutes. I imagine at some point Rudy will miss multiple games, maybe a 10-15 game stint (knock on wood he stays healthy) and thus the need for a defensive big who can hustle and rebound willl be valuable.

When I see Joan I sort of think about Vando, plays a similar type of ball but even potentially much more effective and versatile. Be aggressive, contest shots, defend and hit the boards, lob dunks, etc...

Obviously a much higher ceiling for Joan and true 5 versus more of a 4 like Vando, we'll see how he turns out. I'm stoked we picked him up. I think the fans will really like him. Nice hands too!

The one area I was pretty disappointed in Joan during the pre-season is his rebounding. A true Center with his level of athleticism, hands, and size should be able to coral more rebounds than he did.

FNG wrote: ↑Tue Oct 21, 2025 10:16 am I’ll add some color to Q’s comment about Joan’s rebounding. So far he has proven to be a poor defensive rebounder. However, he has actually been impressive as an offensive rebounder. One analyst I listened to said offensive rebounding is mostly about effort and athleticism, and he has both. In contrast, defensive rebounding involves technique. Joan just hasn’t played much basketball and is very raw…if you’re looking for someone to control the defensive glass like Rudy, Joan is not the guy. I’m optimistic that over time the coaches can develop him into a good rebounder.

60WinTim wrote: ↑Wed Oct 22, 2025 4:30 pm Yup! I feel really good having Mike to fall back on if and as needed. And if he is getting regular minutes to help lead the bench players -- I see that as a bonus.

The transition (or is it evolution?) to ANT 2.0 continues!

Q-is-here wrote: ↑Sun Oct 19, 2025 6:30 pm We know that Naz, DDV, and Shannon are part of Finch's "starting 8". Here is how I'd rank the next nine slots based on pre-season play, last season's body of work, and positional needs/floor balance.

Underneath each player is their Per 36 Minutes points/assists/rebounds/steals/blocks/TOs/FG%/3PT%/FT% during the pre-season.

#9 - Jaylen Clark
9.0 pts/1.7 assts/3.9 rebs/1.1 stls/.6 blks/1.1 TOs/31%/25%/100%

#10 - Rob Dillingham
17.8 pts/9.8 assts/2.5 rebs/1.3 stls/0.0 blks/3.8 TOs/45%/47%/63%

#11 - Joan Beringer
13.7 pts/.9 assts/9.0 rebs/.6 stls/2.6 blks/.9 TOs/64%/n.a./50%

#12 - Johnny Juzang (Two-Way)
28.2 pts/.8 assts/8.6 rebs/1.2 stls/.8 blks/2.4 TOs/50%/48%/83%

#13 - Bones Hyland
17.4 pts/5.6 assts/5.9 rebs/2.6 stls/.7 blks/2.6 TOs/41%/44%/88%

#14 - Joe Ingles
(only played in one pre-season game)

#15 - Leonard Miller
20.6 pts/3.2 assts/10.0 rebs/1.6 stls/.5 blks/3.7 TOs/70%/67%/100%

#16 - Rocco Zikarsky (Two-Way)
16.9 pts/2.4 assts/8.9 rebs/1.4 stls/1.4 blks/1.9TOs/59%/33%/75%

#17 - Enrique Freeman (Two-way)
11.9 pts/.6 assts/8.5 rebs/0.0 stls/0.0 blks/1.2 TOs/58%/60%/75%