Minnesota Sports Forum

FNG wrote: ↑Sat Mar 28, 2026 8:26 am

60WinTim wrote: ↑Fri Mar 27, 2026 7:25 pm I don't know, FNG, "fixed" is a strong word...

But I agree we have "fortified" several of our weaknesses.

Playmaking - the emergence of Bones, and the addition of Ayo and SloMo has really boosted our playmaking across the board. The biggest risk to our improved playmaking is ANT deciding he needs to always initiate the offense. We'll all be watching this closely when ANT returns.

Defense and Defensive Rebounding - Ayo adds a plus defender in the backcourt, and SloMo adds a plus defender in the frontcourt. This boosts a defense that was already a top-10 defense, and helps address the non-Rudy minutes.

Depth - Ayo and SloMo gives Finch a solid 9-man rotation which still has Mike on the bench, which paid off in their last game. This helps smooth over any missed games, whether it be in the backcourt or the frontcourt. It'll be interesting to see how Finch handles the Jaden absence!

So, I do think the Wolves have addressed their biggest issues. I think they are ready for a pretty decent playoff run!

I share your optimism, but agree that fortified is more realistic than fixed. I can't believe I left Hyland out of my PG section...he has been a pleasant surprise. 3.2 assists per game with only 1.2 turnovers his last 10 games is quite good.

The Jaden situation is a little concerning. He said he was fine after the Houston game, so it's a little alarming he doesn't feel as good a couple days later. But maybe this is just the Wolves applying an abundance of caution with Jaden, as well as with Ayo and Ant. We'll have to see, I guess.

DNatagal wrote: ↑Sat Mar 28, 2026 9:28 am There is a lot of conversation about "speeding up" the team. I believe there are 2 ways to speed things up.
1. Fast breaks, get the ball down the court for easy transition baskets before the defense is set.
2. Getting the ball into the front court quickly and into the offense as soon as possible to allow more time for ball movement. Longer offensive time allows players to rest for defense.
3. Making quicker decisions with the ball. Shoot, pass, drive in under 1.5 seconds. Ant/Randle usually are over 3 sec(or so it seems).

I think Ayo and Bones unleashed helps all 3 of my points above.

FNG wrote: ↑Sat Mar 28, 2026 10:25 am

FNG wrote: ↑Sat Mar 28, 2026 8:26 am

60WinTim wrote: ↑Fri Mar 27, 2026 7:25 pm I don't know, FNG, "fixed" is a strong word...

But I agree we have "fortified" several of our weaknesses.

Playmaking - the emergence of Bones, and the addition of Ayo and SloMo has really boosted our playmaking across the board. The biggest risk to our improved playmaking is ANT deciding he needs to always initiate the offense. We'll all be watching this closely when ANT returns.

Defense and Defensive Rebounding - Ayo adds a plus defender in the backcourt, and SloMo adds a plus defender in the frontcourt. This boosts a defense that was already a top-10 defense, and helps address the non-Rudy minutes.

Depth - Ayo and SloMo gives Finch a solid 9-man rotation which still has Mike on the bench, which paid off in their last game. This helps smooth over any missed games, whether it be in the backcourt or the frontcourt. It'll be interesting to see how Finch handles the Jaden absence!

So, I do think the Wolves have addressed their biggest issues. I think they are ready for a pretty decent playoff run!

I share your optimism, but agree that fortified is more realistic than fixed. I can't believe I left Hyland out of my PG section...he has been a pleasant surprise. 3.2 assists per game with only 1.2 turnovers his last 10 games is quite good.

The Jaden situation is a little concerning. He said he was fine after the Houston game, so it's a little alarming he doesn't feel as good a couple days later. But maybe this is just the Wolves applying an abundance of caution with Jaden, as well as with Ayo and Ant. We'll have to see, I guess.

And as expected, Ayo is out now too...abundance of caution, maybe. Line has flipped and now Detroit is favored by 1 1/2.

I'm going to guess Rudy, Ju, TJ, Donte and Mike, leaving Naz, Bones, and Kyle off the bench. I'm not ruling out a win with the Pistons missing guys too.