Minnesota Sports Forum

WolvesFan21 wrote:What would the Wolves do without those 6 points a game from Rubio on terrible shooting? How can you replace that?

Honestly it would probably take 2-3 players. Might have Ed Davis contribute more 3's. (Who are we kidding...Okogie's offense is broken enough to replace anyone

Q12543 wrote:Regardless of what our feeling may be on DLO vs. Rubio, I don't think there is any question that DLO is higher on the Wolves coaching/front office pecking order and will get the nod over Rubio. And based on how Rubio has played and meshed with DLO, that makes sense on the merits too.

Having said that, I still don't think DLO is much of difference maker, i.e. he isn't going to move the needle much one way or the other. Whatever goodness he brings with his outside shooting is largely wiped away by poor defense and mediocre overall efficiency.

That's my sense too, Q. When DLO is back healthy, he'll be this team's starting and primary PG. Since he and Ricky clearly don't mesh well together, a smart head coach wouldn't play them at the same time. And that would mean minimal minutes for Ricky, which would likely frustrate him and stand out as a waste of $17M per year. At the same time, I agree that DLO doesn't move the needle for the reasons you stated. In addition, the offense doesn't seem to get a good rhythm with him at the point. So here are some questions for you or anyone else for that matter:

1. Will Ryan continue to play DLO and Ricky together for significant stretches when DLO returns? If not, how many minutes will Ricky likely play in what would be almost exclusively a backup PG role?

2. Will the Wolves seek to trade Ricky by the trade deadline and, if so, what's an example of a realistic return for him?

3. Will the Wolves seek to trade DLO by the deadline and, if so, what's an example or two of realistic returns for him? (By the way, I don't see the Wolves shopping DLO at all this season)

Lip,

On 1, I think Ryan will still play Ricky and DLO together for short stretches, but that's it. I think Ricky will get 18-25 MPG, depending on how well he's playing.

On 2, I could see Ricky being a trade asset to a contending team that is looking for a backup PG. Heck, Utah may even want him back for the stretch run as I don't think there is much play making on that team after you get past Conley and Mitchell. I have no clue what we could get in return. Not a lot unfortunately.

On 3, I agree, DLO isn't being shopped this season.

Speaking of Giannis making his team a contender, the Bucks are 16-12 and just lost at home to the same Raptors team the Wolves just beat. The drop defense is no longer working for that team.