Draft Night Thread - First Round

[rapsuperstar31]

https://www.nba.com/timberwolves/videos ... y-06-23-26

Connelly said there were “a couple of players” they tried to move up and get but they couldn’t get it done. He referred to them as players to dropped well below where they had them rated. Perhaps Philon was one of them. Listening to him he seemed pretty disappointed even though when asked if he was disappointed he said, “I wouldn’t use that word.” You can tell from his tone and face that he’s pretty disappointed.

He said some interesting things about last year’s second round. I’ve never understood how we ended up going from the top of the 2nd round to where we ended up. As Tim sort of explained in this presser, other teams reached financial agreements with the players the Wolves targeted at 31 and the Wolves were not in a position financially to match those offers. Tim noted that things are different this year and, in his words, “maybe we can return the favor.” Again, another benefit of the financial flexibility provided by the Randle deal. I’ve been assuming the Wolves will trade out of or down in the second round for future seconds and that still might happen. But listening to Tim in this presser conference suggests that he might keep and use the 33rd pick.

He referred again to the team’s interest in adding more IQ and connective tissue players. But for the most part he emphasized the growth they expect from Ant, Jaden and Naz.

He also that Ant is very involved in advising on moves and that his opinion is highly valued.

No sense from this presser about what Tim’s next move might be.

Tim C "We have high hopes for him, we think he could go down as one of the best players of all time" Uhhh, they probably shouldn't be feeding him that high of praise, tone it down a peg.

[rapsuperstar31]

https://www.nba.com/timberwolves/videos ... y-06-23-26

Connelly said there were “a couple of players” they tried to move up and get but they couldn’t get it done. He referred to them as players to dropped well below where they had them rated. Perhaps Philon was one of them. Listening to him he seemed pretty disappointed even though when asked if he was disappointed he said, “I wouldn’t use that word.” You can tell from his tone and face that he’s pretty disappointed.

He said some interesting things about last year’s second round. I’ve never understood how we ended up going from the top of the 2nd round to where we ended up. As Tim sort of explained in this presser, other teams reached financial agreements with the players the Wolves targeted at 31 and the Wolves were not in a position financially to match those offers. Tim noted that things are different this year and, in his words, “maybe we can return the favor.” Again, another benefit of the financial flexibility provided by the Randle deal. I’ve been assuming the Wolves will trade out of or down in the second round for future seconds and that still might happen. But listening to Tim in this presser conference suggests that he might keep and use the 33rd pick.

He referred again to the team’s interest in adding more IQ and connective tissue players. But for the most part he emphasized the growth they expect from Ant, Jaden and Naz.

He also that Ant is very involved in advising on moves and that his opinion is highly valued.

No sense from this presser about what Tim’s next move might be.

I'd say it definitely sounds like there are players he wants in the 2nd round.

I'd guess there was like at least half the league that tried to move up to take a player at some point in the first round but they couldn't get it done. Idk if I would get too wrapped up in the fact that they liked some guys that fell and couldn't get them. I mean how aggressive were they really trying to move up? We likely will never know.

Interesting news that they really did want to move up into the 1st round.

A couple other takeaways from the Connelly interview:

- To Lip's point, Tim C. and others spent a few hours with Ant a couple weeks ago going through their offseason plans. I'm pretty sure he didn't pushback much on the Randle trade, LOL.

- They are VERY excited about Joan. There is no question in my mind he will be Rudy's full-time backup Center this season. He also mentioned that we may be surprised by his blossoming offensive game when we see him play in Summer League.

- Mentioned that TJ was a revelation late last season and how he can operate from the top of the floor. Sorry, but that should not be a revelation! They should have known that he needed the ball in his hands starting when they drafted him two years ago and watched him in Summer League. And they were reminded again in his pre-season stints this past season.

- He was pretty cagey on the need for a ball handler. He acknowledged the need, but also hedged a bit by saying the PG position is evolving in the NBA and there aren't many true PGs in the West. On the one hand, I think he is leaving the door open for a starting-caliber ball handler (e.g. Irving, Giddey, etc.). On the other hand (my third hand!), he's expecting more play making from the likes of Ant, Naz, Jaden, and Ayo. To be continued......

Pretty clear they could have traded Jaden for someone, and Ant said no.

[rapsuperstar31]

The new lottery rules changed the draft. Once the draft started, not one player or future first round pick got traded to move up in the draft. Only 2nd round picks and money was used to move up a few spots.

And both Sergio and Koa peat moved immediatly to different teams to acquire future 2nds…

Are these 2nds ever gonna be useful to trade back up? Like you said the draft has changed. It is now even more crucial to have 1sts if no one is going to give them up in the future…or maybe protections on futures become even more conditional and annoying to figure out. The 2nd round pick seems to be the key to make transactions work though so yeah we probably move down and try to accumulate some in next years draft? There’s some guys still available with big upside, a couple that are maybe more ready to produce a specific skill.

I think the wolves should get a developmental type with 33 though. We have the rotation basically set with the idea that we still have the mle to add a legit functional piece that’s a better and known quantity to round out the top 8 alongside TJ and Joan. I’d assume it be a ball handler. And then a backup big to balance it out if Joan is t ready for 20mpg just yet. So 33 should be BPA that isn’t a center imo. Meleek or Isiah or Baba. If not then for sure trade down and get a shooter mid to late and try to get future 2nds.

Before the Philon talk I had Meleek number one my board. Dude can shoot the ball, and was a pretty good defender making up for Acuff's horrific defense. He played next to Acuff, so he didn't' get to show too much of his offensive bag. I like Isaiah, he has good size as that Donte replacement for next year. I wonder if they take Richie Saunders, he tore his ACL, so they could probably get away with giving him a 2 way contract like they did with Jaylen Clark. It wouldn't shock me if New York does that at pick 31, since they have already said they wont' pay the 2nd tax apron ever. I've seen Jack Kayil linked to us for a few weeks, I haven't researched him much but it might be him.

[BeenLurkin]

This is something everyone so far brushed aside as a benefit of the Julius trade. We get to kick the Donte can down the road! They all wore his jersey in game 4 (or whichever it was after his injury). He is THE glue guy. The connector. And the volume 3 guy that’s good enough to play starter minutes. He is incredibly important to the teams strategy and chemistry. He will be sorely missed and if he can get back for playoffs or worst case be totally good to go in a year we will be extremely glad to plug him back in with an extension we can actually logistically get to work. Painfully obvious combing the mle or bae or trade exception guys how tough it is to find a guy like Donte that we can replace him with. Drafted guys won’t develop soon enough to do it this year.

[rapsuperstar31]

I'd say it definitely sounds like there are players he wants in the 2nd round.

I'd guess there was like at least half the league that tried to move up to take a player at some point in the first round but they couldn't get it done. Idk if I would get too wrapped up in the fact that they liked some guys that fell and couldn't get them. I mean how aggressive were they really trying to move up? We likely will never know.

Interesting news that they really did want to move up into the 1st round.

A couple other takeaways from the Connelly interview:

- To Lip's point, Tim C. and others spent a few hours with Ant a couple weeks ago going through their offseason plans. I'm pretty sure he didn't pushback much on the Randle trade, LOL.

- They are VERY excited about Joan. There is no question in my mind he will be Rudy's full-time backup Center this season. He also mentioned that we may be surprised by his blossoming offensive game when we see him play in Summer League.

- Mentioned that TJ was a revelation late last season and how he can operate from the top of the floor. Sorry, but that should not be a revelation! They should have known that he needed the ball in his hands starting when they drafted him two years ago and watched him in Summer League. And they were reminded again in his pre-season stints this past season.

- He was pretty cagey on the need for a ball handler. He acknowledged the need, but also hedged a bit by saying the PG position is evolving in the NBA and there aren't many true PGs in the West. On the one hand, I think he is leaving the door open for a starting-caliber ball handler (e.g. Irving, Giddey, etc.). On the other hand (my third hand!), he's expecting more play making from the likes of Ant, Naz, Jaden, and Ayo. To be continued......

TC is not everyone's bag of tea (obviously!), but I really like the guy. A couple of other thoughts:

- On the TJ revelation, I don't think it is so much a "revelation" as "we finally got to see it in action against real competition". He was really BAD when he finally got back from his injury trying to work his way back into a good rhythm. It was the Donte injury that opened the door for him and he took advantage.

- On the ball handler stuff - I don't think they are looking to bring in a "starting caliber" ball handler. Who are they bumping out of the lineup if they do that? It will be a cheaper, rotational guy.

- They do need find a rotational BIG behind NAZ. But again, that will not be an expensive proposition.

- This leads me to believe that the Wolves will be successful in staying under the luxury tax, while still fielding a contending team, and avoid the repeater tax penalty. This is quite the accomplishment by TC, even if we don't see the benefit in our pocket books.

- In commenting about managing the salaries, TC mentioned "taking into account guys that need to re-up next year". There's really only one guy that fits that category: Donte. And since they can avoid the luxury tax while still keeping him, why not keep Donte, with the idea of extending at some point?

In re-upping guys for next year, I think they can extend Shannon next year, they can give Ant a 4 year super max if he makes All NBA. They can extend Jaden for 2 years this summer, or 4 next summer.

[BeenLurkin]

I'd say it definitely sounds like there are players he wants in the 2nd round.

I'd guess there was like at least half the league that tried to move up to take a player at some point in the first round but they couldn't get it done. Idk if I would get too wrapped up in the fact that they liked some guys that fell and couldn't get them. I mean how aggressive were they really trying to move up? We likely will never know.

Interesting news that they really did want to move up into the 1st round.

A couple other takeaways from the Connelly interview:

- To Lip's point, Tim C. and others spent a few hours with Ant a couple weeks ago going through their offseason plans. I'm pretty sure he didn't pushback much on the Randle trade, LOL.

- They are VERY excited about Joan. There is no question in my mind he will be Rudy's full-time backup Center this season. He also mentioned that we may be surprised by his blossoming offensive game when we see him play in Summer League.

- Mentioned that TJ was a revelation late last season and how he can operate from the top of the floor. Sorry, but that should not be a revelation! They should have known that he needed the ball in his hands starting when they drafted him two years ago and watched him in Summer League. And they were reminded again in his pre-season stints this past season.

- He was pretty cagey on the need for a ball handler. He acknowledged the need, but also hedged a bit by saying the PG position is evolving in the NBA and there aren't many true PGs in the West. On the one hand, I think he is leaving the door open for a starting-caliber ball handler (e.g. Irving, Giddey, etc.). On the other hand (my third hand!), he's expecting more play making from the likes of Ant, Naz, Jaden, and Ayo. To be continued......

Pretty clear they could have traded Jaden for someone, and Ant said no.

Which is the correct decision. Glad they listen to Ant.

[60WinTim]

In re-upping guys for next year, I think they can extend Shannon next year, they can give Ant a 4 year super max if he makes All NBA. They can extend Jaden for 2 years this summer, or 4 next summer.

While this is true, the only extension that will affect NEXT year's salaries is a Donte extension.

[BeenLurkin]

In re-upping guys for next year, I think they can extend Shannon next year, they can give Ant a 4 year super max if he makes All NBA. They can extend Jaden for 2 years this summer, or 4 next summer.

While this is true, the only extension that will affect NEXT year's salaries is a Donte extension.

The Knicks had “reportedly@ been after Kat for a while. Maybe offering Randle more than once in those attempts and the wolves resist. Knicks add DDV and wolves smash accept so fast they barely had time to tell Karl in person.

I think they value Donte pretty highly.

[TheGrey08]

I'd say it definitely sounds like there are players he wants in the 2nd round.

I'd guess there was like at least half the league that tried to move up to take a player at some point in the first round but they couldn't get it done. Idk if I would get too wrapped up in the fact that they liked some guys that fell and couldn't get them. I mean how aggressive were they really trying to move up? We likely will never know.

Interesting news that they really did want to move up into the 1st round.

A couple other takeaways from the Connelly interview:

- To Lip's point, Tim C. and others spent a few hours with Ant a couple weeks ago going through their offseason plans. I'm pretty sure he didn't pushback much on the Randle trade, LOL.

- They are VERY excited about Joan. There is no question in my mind he will be Rudy's full-time backup Center this season. He also mentioned that we may be surprised by his blossoming offensive game when we see him play in Summer League.

- Mentioned that TJ was a revelation late last season and how he can operate from the top of the floor. Sorry, but that should not be a revelation! They should have known that he needed the ball in his hands starting when they drafted him two years ago and watched him in Summer League. And they were reminded again in his pre-season stints this past season.

- He was pretty cagey on the need for a ball handler. He acknowledged the need, but also hedged a bit by saying the PG position is evolving in the NBA and there aren't many true PGs in the West. On the one hand, I think he is leaving the door open for a starting-caliber ball handler (e.g. Irving, Giddey, etc.). On the other hand (my third hand!), he's expecting more play making from the likes of Ant, Naz, Jaden, and Ayo. To be continued......

TC is not everyone's bag of tea (obviously!), but I really like the guy. A couple of other thoughts:

- On the TJ revelation, I don't think it is so much a "revelation" as "we finally got to see it in action against real competition". He was really BAD when he finally got back from his injury trying to work his way back into a good rhythm. It was the Donte injury that opened the door for him and he took advantage.

- On the ball handler stuff - I don't think they are looking to bring in a "starting caliber" ball handler. Who are they bumping out of the lineup if they do that? It will be a cheaper, rotational guy.

- They do need find a rotational BIG behind NAZ. But again, that will not be an expensive proposition.

- This leads me to believe that the Wolves will be successful in staying under the luxury tax, while still fielding a contending team, and avoid the repeater tax penalty. This is quite the accomplishment by TC, even if we don't see the benefit in our pocket books.

- In commenting about managing the salaries, TC mentioned "taking into account guys that need to re-up next year". There's really only one guy that fits that category: Donte. And since they can avoid the luxury tax while still keeping him, why not keep Donte, with the idea of extending at some point?

Great stuff Lip, Monster, Q & Tim. Responding in bulk with a couple comments.

It was interesting hearing more about how the Wolves were kinda strong armed last year and forced to trade out b/c they wanted to do right by the prospects they liked who had better deals from other teams. Hoping they land on the other side of it tonight. Also sounds like #31 & #32 are getting a lot of trade discussion today.

One slight clarification, TC said he spoke to leaders including Ant so it wasn't just him they talked to about future roster plans. It's not like Ant was given veto power like I've seen people claim online, but they clearly value the opinions of Ant and other team leaders, which is good to hear. Also curious who all they talked to about it, but could explain Jaden's Randle trade reaction of not really looking surprised lol

All in all I quite liked what TC had to say in general and I think they are being smart about this off-season.

[TheGrey08]

This is something everyone so far brushed aside as a benefit of the Julius trade. We get to kick the Donte can down the road! They all wore his jersey in game 4 (or whichever it was after his injury). He is THE glue guy. The connector. And the volume 3 guy that’s good enough to play starter minutes. He is incredibly important to the teams strategy and chemistry. He will be sorely missed and if he can get back for playoffs or worst case be totally good to go in a year we will be extremely glad to plug him back in with an extension we can actually logistically get to work. Painfully obvious combing the mle or bae or trade exception guys how tough it is to find a guy like Donte that we can replace him with. Drafted guys won’t develop soon enough to do it this year.

Yep, now they have a lot more room to work with and I wouldn't be surprised if they extend him by a year in July after they figure out what they're doing in free agency.