Minnesota Sports Forum

I don't get the "#1 option gets to be more efficient" angle vs. the secondary player picking-and-choosing his options.

At all.

Yes, first option typically gets the opponents best wing defender when 2nd or 3rd option can play against worse defenders. But we have seen that Wiggins have been as effective or even more effective as first option than he is now, so I don't think he would be much worse as first option. Both players have near identical usage, so I don't think, their roles are that much different. Even their shot selection is pretty close. Main difference is that Richardson shoots 5 percentage units more three pointers and same amount less long twos. Both players seem to be currently allergic to get to the hoop as less than 20% of their shot attempts are lay-ups or dunks.

But main point was that same people whom are praising Josh Richardson as upcoming potential star are really frustrated with Wiggins. I get that Richardson has shown nice progress as player and it is more probable that he continues to do so than Wiggins whom hasn't done the same. Some parts of his game have even regressed (getting to the basket and drawing faults). But still it is very well possible that Richardson's development stalls and then he will be offensively essentially pretty comparable player to current version of Wiggins. Of course much smaller salary makes him better asset but if Wolves need to take Waiters back, it could be like they would have two Andrew Wiggins level players with max contracts.

Mikkeman wrote:Yes, first option typically gets the opponents best wing defender when 2nd or 3rd option can play against worse defenders. But we have seen that Wiggins have been as effective or even more effective as first option than he is now, so I don't think he would be much worse as first option. Both players have near identical usage, so I don't think, their roles are that much different. Even their shot selection is pretty close. Main difference is that Richardson shoots 5 percentage units more three pointers and same amount less long twos. Both players seem to be currently allergic to get to the hoop as less than 20% of their shot attempts are lay-ups or dunks.

But main point was that same people whom are praising Josh Richardson as upcoming potential star are really frustrated with Wiggins. I get that Richardson has shown nice progress as player and it is more probable that he continues to do so than Wiggins whom hasn't done the same. Some parts of his game have even regressed (getting to the basket and drawing faults). But still it is very well possible that Richardson's development stalls and then he will be offensively essentially pretty comparable player to current version of Wiggins. Of course much smaller salary makes him better asset but if Wolves need to take Waiters back, it could be like they would have two Andrew Wiggins level players with max contracts.

Yeah... you pretty much nail everything here.

- Richardson has shown definitive growth every year, including this year. With Wiggins, we have to point to assumptions or eye tests or hunt for specific stats.
- The contracts. Richardson at $26 - $30M (without any signs of growth) doesn't invite nearly as much veiled optimism.

AbeVigodaLive wrote:

Mikkeman wrote:Yes, first option typically gets the opponents best wing defender when 2nd or 3rd option can play against worse defenders. But we have seen that Wiggins have been as effective or even more effective as first option than he is now, so I don't think he would be much worse as first option. Both players have near identical usage, so I don't think, their roles are that much different. Even their shot selection is pretty close. Main difference is that Richardson shoots 5 percentage units more three pointers and same amount less long twos. Both players seem to be currently allergic to get to the hoop as less than 20% of their shot attempts are lay-ups or dunks.

But main point was that same people whom are praising Josh Richardson as upcoming potential star are really frustrated with Wiggins. I get that Richardson has shown nice progress as player and it is more probable that he continues to do so than Wiggins whom hasn't done the same. Some parts of his game have even regressed (getting to the basket and drawing faults). But still it is very well possible that Richardson's development stalls and then he will be offensively essentially pretty comparable player to current version of Wiggins. Of course much smaller salary makes him better asset but if Wolves need to take Waiters back, it could be like they would have two Andrew Wiggins level players with max contracts.

Yeah... you pretty much nail everything here.

- Richardson has shown definitive growth every year, including this year. With Wiggins, we have to point to assumptions or eye tests or hunt for specific stats.
- The contracts. Richardson at $26 - $30M (without any signs of growth) doesn't invite nearly as much veiled optimism.

What separates these guys is the rep Richardson has earned on defense. Wiggins LOOKS to me that he has improved this year but Richardson has a clear leg up there but a significant margin.

Rockets lose to OKC without Westbrook. My guy Chriss even played!!! Lol it's still early but man the Rockets are struggling. They ONLY scored 80 points!!!! Lol

monsterpile wrote:Rockets lose to OKC without Westbrook. My guy Chriss even played!!! Lol it's still early but man the Rockets are struggling. They ONLY scored 80 points!!!! Lol

Yep, it's strange. I noticed Eric Gordon didn't play tonight? He wouldn't be injured, would he?

lipoli390 wrote:

monsterpile wrote:Rockets lose to OKC without Westbrook. My guy Chriss even played!!! Lol it's still early but man the Rockets are struggling. They ONLY scored 80 points!!!! Lol

Yep, it's strange. I noticed Eric Gordon didn't play tonight? He wouldn't be injured, would he?

Yep it's an Adductor injury. He is supposed to be back anytime I guess. It's pretty clear how important he is to the Rockets when playing and playing well right? :)

monsterpile wrote:Rockets lose to OKC without Westbrook. My guy Chriss even played!!! Lol it's still early but man the Rockets are struggling. They ONLY scored 80 points!!!! Lol

Melo isn't good for anyone unless we get 4 unprotected picks from houston.

monsterpile wrote:

lipoli390 wrote:

monsterpile wrote:Rockets lose to OKC without Westbrook. My guy Chriss even played!!! Lol it's still early but man the Rockets are struggling. They ONLY scored 80 points!!!! Lol

Yep, it's strange. I noticed Eric Gordon didn't play tonight? He wouldn't be injured, would he?

Yep it's an Adductor injury. He is supposed to be back anytime I guess. It's pretty clear how important he is to the Rockets when playing and playing well right? :)

Out with an adductor injury. What a shock! :) In any event, I'd say the Rockets troubles go much, much deeper than missing Eric Gordon. They sure could use Jimmy Butler. :) By the way, I think Chriss was a +4 tonight. He's clearly the key to any Butler trade with Houston. :)

lipoli390 wrote:

monsterpile wrote:

lipoli390 wrote:

monsterpile wrote:Rockets lose to OKC without Westbrook. My guy Chriss even played!!! Lol it's still early but man the Rockets are struggling. They ONLY scored 80 points!!!! Lol

Yep, it's strange. I noticed Eric Gordon didn't play tonight? He wouldn't be injured, would he?

Yep it's an Adductor injury. He is supposed to be back anytime I guess. It's pretty clear how important he is to the Rockets when playing and playing well right? :)

Out with an adductor injury. What a shock! :) In any event, I'd say the Rockets troubles go much, much deeper than missing Eric Gordon. They sure could use Jimmy Butler. :) By the way, I think Chriss was a +4 tonight. He's clearly the key to any Butler trade with Houston. :)

What a genius move to get an asset like Chriss in that trade with Phoenix! Jk i'd be more interested in a deal with the Rockets if they had Melton. Anderson looks to be struggling with the Suns (probably doesn't helpnto not have anything near a true PG on the roster) so maybe the Rockets made a smart move there saving plenty of money especially with Them declining Chriss's option for next year.