Realistic changes - what would you do if you were Ryan?

[D-Mac [enjin:19736340]]

1. Start edwards. Play him with your starters and get him as much time with Towns and dlo. Il swap beasley with him. Beas is a gamer but his best role will always be a 6th man /energy guy. Play him at his ideal role.

2. Play jmac. That guy can play and deserves to play. He is the best slasher of our 3 pgs and can shoot decently and play pesky and
hard nosed defense.

3. Enough with the stupid 4 guard lineup. Culver is not a pf. Layman is tall and can jump but he cant defend pf and il bet on wiggins over him when it comes to getting a contested rebound. Juancho is doing method
acting where he is acting the part of a basketball player like he was in that film he was shooting in the sumemer. He has no business seeing the court. Q's guy vanderbilt might be our only hope for a pf that can defend other pf and grab a rebound. Might as well start him ober layman and dont play juancho. Resign Hollis-Jefferson as soon as possible. He is twice more playable at pf than the rest of the options.

I dont think we can do much with the roster rosas assembled. It is sonpoorly constructed
where we have a giant hole at the 4 spot that we will always be at a disadvantage from the get go.

Saunders is fucked. He doesn't have the tools to do well, is not actually ready for the job, and his employer expects him to do great to not make himself look terrible for relinquishing a top asset (that draft pick). He is stuck, and this will carry with him to the point that he will only ever get a assistant job forever at best.

Yep, I'd get radical if I'm Ryan at this point. Rosas will be outed as joke in a year or two, so I'd call an audible and either look great or make him fire me. My "radical" rotation would not include either dlo or jauncho, but it would definitely include Jmac and mcdaniels (and obviously Vanderbilt)

[KiwiMatt]

Dlo
Beasley
Culver
Edwards
Reid

Start Edwards at PF. He has more bulk to hold his own compared to the other wings we've started at the 4. Offensively he can stretch the floor and attack the hoop. Play a poor man Zions game. Worth a try?

Start Culver at SF and have him as my secondary ball handler next to Dlo. Tell him to focus on playmaking and rebounding.

Have Vanderbilt play atleast 20mpg to give us much needed rebounding and defense off the bench. McDaniels plays the remaining minutes at PF. Give Nowell some burn as well at the expense of Layman. Juancho needs to get in shape and earn minutes. From what i've seen he's slower and less engaged then he was last season.

Kiwi, you're one of the few advocates here for D-Lo playing PG rather than SG. Give us your reasons why you prefer him at the point?

DLo is a combo guard with the ability to play both postions at a high level. Starting him at point guard would put the responsibility on his shoulders for running the team, especially in KATs abesense. Sink or swim. I also believe that we need two decent ball handlers on the court at the same time and figure that with Rubio coming off the bench it would put a bit more emphasis on Culver to be that 2nd ball handler, a role I believe he will be good at.

I would still play Dlo and Rubio minutes together, with Rubio checking in halfway through the 1st quarter.

[Q12543 [enjin:6621299]]

This team has very little chemistry right now, as evidenced by the lack of ball movement and weak effort on defense from most guys. Winning is the best cure for chemistry problems, but in the meantime, Saunders needs to find some kind of way to get the guys to trust each other and like playing with each other. It's not totally unexpected that we're 2-3, especially without KAT. So the sky's not necessarily falling. But yeah, this looks more like a collection of players than a team right now.

Practically speaking, I'm not on board with Edwards starting yet. If he can string together some good defensive games, especially against some bigger opponents, let's talk. If he can get his efficiency up a bit, make decisions a bit faster, and work a bit harder to drive and kick at times, then yes, I'm totally on board. In the meantime, let's keep featuring him off the bench. In an ideal world someday, Beasley should be a 6th man scoring punch off the bench and Edwards a starter, but we're not there right now. If Edwards were a 4, then absolutely, since that's such a huge hole for us. But let's keep the pressure of guys like Beasley, Culver, and Edwards by holding them all accountable in terms of playing time. Beasley has played ok so far, and although he's a bit of a defensive liability because of his size, I've liked his effort on that end so far this year. If Edwards is going to take his spot, make him earn it. In the meantime, let Beasley be motivated by the thought of a #1 draft pick coming off the bench who could at some point take his spot.

I think Rubio and DLO together makes some sense. It's not ideal, but this is the roster we've got, so I've been glad to see Ryan use that even though it would be great to see Rubio play more with Edwards too.

And sure, Vanderbilt is worth at least a bit more of a look at the 4. Sadly, he's just not big enough to play the 5, which is why we're having to rely on skinny Ed Davis minutes right now.

All in all, I'm not sure there are many good options here, sadly. Just gotta play better.

Also, as I've said repeatedly since the big trade last year, I think KAT and especially DLO are fundamental problems as cornerstone players. Both are weak defenders (especially DLO), they're both finesse guys with no physicality at all, and there's no real leadership character in either of them. Ryan can't trade them, but sadly, that's what probably needs to happen.

I think the frustration is not as much around being 2-3, but the fact that we've been blown out of the building by the 2nd or 3rd quarter in three games straight. Zero competitiveness from our starting unit.

That being said, I agree with you and Abe. Start Vanderbilt to reward the effort; run things through Rubio and Naz with DLO being off ball mostly; and keep Edwards coming off the bench until he earns a starting job. He's not playing better than Beasley right now.

[Lipoli390]

This team has very little chemistry right now, as evidenced by the lack of ball movement and weak effort on defense from most guys. Winning is the best cure for chemistry problems, but in the meantime, Saunders needs to find some kind of way to get the guys to trust each other and like playing with each other. It's not totally unexpected that we're 2-3, especially without KAT. So the sky's not necessarily falling. But yeah, this looks more like a collection of players than a team right now.

Practically speaking, I'm not on board with Edwards starting yet. If he can string together some good defensive games, especially against some bigger opponents, let's talk. If he can get his efficiency up a bit, make decisions a bit faster, and work a bit harder to drive and kick at times, then yes, I'm totally on board. In the meantime, let's keep featuring him off the bench. In an ideal world someday, Beasley should be a 6th man scoring punch off the bench and Edwards a starter, but we're not there right now. If Edwards were a 4, then absolutely, since that's such a huge hole for us. But let's keep the pressure of guys like Beasley, Culver, and Edwards by holding them all accountable in terms of playing time. Beasley has played ok so far, and although he's a bit of a defensive liability because of his size, I've liked his effort on that end so far this year. If Edwards is going to take his spot, make him earn it. In the meantime, let Beasley be motivated by the thought of a #1 draft pick coming off the bench who could at some point take his spot.

I think Rubio and DLO together makes some sense. It's not ideal, but this is the roster we've got, so I've been glad to see Ryan use that even though it would be great to see Rubio play more with Edwards too.

And sure, Vanderbilt is worth at least a bit more of a look at the 4. Sadly, he's just not big enough to play the 5, which is why we're having to rely on skinny Ed Davis minutes right now.

All in all, I'm not sure there are many good options here, sadly. Just gotta play better.

Also, as I've said repeatedly since the big trade last year, I think KAT and especially DLO are fundamental problems as cornerstone players. Both are weak defenders (especially DLO), they're both finesse guys with no physicality at all, and there's no real leadership character in either of them. Ryan can't trade them, but sadly, that's what probably needs to happen.

I think the frustration is not as much around being 2-3, but the fact that we've been blown out of the building by the 2nd or 3rd quarter in three games straight. Zero competitiveness from our starting unit.

That being said, I agree with you and Abe. Start Vanderbilt to reward the effort; run things through Rubio and Naz with DLO being off ball mostly; and keep Edwards coming off the bench until he earns a starting job. He's not playing better than Beasley right now.

I agree. This would be something Ryan could realistically do and it would make sense. Get DLO in the corners where he's a very good catch-and-shoot three point maker. We'd still be small with Ricky, DLO and Beasley at the 1, 2 and 3, but we'd at least have some size and rebounding at the 4 spot with Vanderbilt. And we'd also have Vanderbilt's energy and effort on the floor with the starters, something we're really missing with Okogie out. Ricky, Beasley's and Vanderbilt are all high-effort guys. And so far, I like the effort we've seen from Naz.

[khans2k5 [enjin:6608728]]

Russell
Edwards
Culver
Layman
Naz

Ricky
Beasley
Vanderbuilt
McDaniels
Davis

Let the starters sink or swim around Russell/Edwards and then have Ricky/Beasley come off the bench and try to catch us back up. Let Vandy and McDaniels get out and run offensively and swarm second units with length defensively.

Also as for a new system I'm just saying no shots go up until 3 people touch the ball in the half court unless you shoot a layup or dunk the ball. I don't care if Russell or Edwards are wide open. Move the ball or get to the basket. Any early 3pt shots off the dribble and the pair gets pulled immediately for Ricky/Beasley.

[TheFuture]

Russell
Edwards
Culver
Layman
Naz

Ricky
Beasley
Vanderbuilt
McDaniels
Davis

Let the starters sink or swim around Russell/Edwards and then have Ricky/Beasley come off the bench and try to catch us back up. Let Vandy and McDaniels get out and run offensively and swarm second units with length defensively.

Also as for a new system I'm just saying no shots go up until 3 people touch the ball in the half court unless you shoot a layup or dunk the ball. I don't care if Russell or Edwards are wide open. Move the ball or get to the basket. Any early 3pt shots off the dribble and the pair gets pulled immediately for Ricky/Beasley.

I really want to see McDaniels play, but I am very worried his potential is ruined playing with this team as of now.

[AbeVigodaLive]

Russell
Edwards
Culver
Layman
Naz

Ricky
Beasley
Vanderbuilt
McDaniels
Davis

Let the starters sink or swim around Russell/Edwards and then have Ricky/Beasley come off the bench and try to catch us back up. Let Vandy and McDaniels get out and run offensively and swarm second units with length defensively.

Also as for a new system I'm just saying no shots go up until 3 people touch the ball in the half court unless you shoot a layup or dunk the ball. I don't care if Russell or Edwards are wide open. Move the ball or get to the basket. Any early 3pt shots off the dribble and the pair gets pulled immediately for Ricky/Beasley.

I really want to see McDaniels play, but I am very worried his potential is ruined playing with this team as of now.

McDaniels is a long way from being NBA ready.

But you're right that learning bad habits on a bad team won't help with the significant development he needs.

[khans2k5 [enjin:6608728]]

Russell
Edwards
Culver
Layman
Naz

Ricky
Beasley
Vanderbuilt
McDaniels
Davis

Let the starters sink or swim around Russell/Edwards and then have Ricky/Beasley come off the bench and try to catch us back up. Let Vandy and McDaniels get out and run offensively and swarm second units with length defensively.

Also as for a new system I'm just saying no shots go up until 3 people touch the ball in the half court unless you shoot a layup or dunk the ball. I don't care if Russell or Edwards are wide open. Move the ball or get to the basket. Any early 3pt shots off the dribble and the pair gets pulled immediately for Ricky/Beasley.

I really want to see McDaniels play, but I am very worried his potential is ruined playing with this team as of now.

McDaniels is a long way from being NBA ready.

But you're right that learning bad habits on a bad team won't help with the significant development he needs.

That's why I am putting him out there with a PG who is going to put him in the right spots on offense and his job is just to provide energy on the boards and on defense. I want that unit to push the pace and run the floor.

[FNG]

This team has very little chemistry right now, as evidenced by the lack of ball movement and weak effort on defense from most guys. Winning is the best cure for chemistry problems, but in the meantime, Saunders needs to find some kind of way to get the guys to trust each other and like playing with each other. It's not totally unexpected that we're 2-3, especially without KAT. So the sky's not necessarily falling. But yeah, this looks more like a collection of players than a team right now.

Practically speaking, I'm not on board with Edwards starting yet. If he can string together some good defensive games, especially against some bigger opponents, let's talk. If he can get his efficiency up a bit, make decisions a bit faster, and work a bit harder to drive and kick at times, then yes, I'm totally on board. In the meantime, let's keep featuring him off the bench. In an ideal world someday, Beasley should be a 6th man scoring punch off the bench and Edwards a starter, but we're not there right now. If Edwards were a 4, then absolutely, since that's such a huge hole for us. But let's keep the pressure of guys like Beasley, Culver, and Edwards by holding them all accountable in terms of playing time. Beasley has played ok so far, and although he's a bit of a defensive liability because of his size, I've liked his effort on that end so far this year. If Edwards is going to take his spot, make him earn it. In the meantime, let Beasley be motivated by the thought of a #1 draft pick coming off the bench who could at some point take his spot.

I think Rubio and DLO together makes some sense. It's not ideal, but this is the roster we've got, so I've been glad to see Ryan use that even though it would be great to see Rubio play more with Edwards too.

And sure, Vanderbilt is worth at least a bit more of a look at the 4. Sadly, he's just not big enough to play the 5, which is why we're having to rely on skinny Ed Davis minutes right now.

All in all, I'm not sure there are many good options here, sadly. Just gotta play better.

Also, as I've said repeatedly since the big trade last year, I think KAT and especially DLO are fundamental problems as cornerstone players. Both are weak defenders (especially DLO), they're both finesse guys with no physicality at all, and there's no real leadership character in either of them. Ryan can't trade them, but sadly, that's what probably needs to happen.

I think the frustration is not as much around being 2-3, but the fact that we've been blown out of the building by the 2nd or 3rd quarter in three games straight. Zero competitiveness from our starting unit.

That being said, I agree with you and Abe. Start Vanderbilt to reward the effort; run things through Rubio and Naz with DLO being off ball mostly; and keep Edwards coming off the bench until he earns a starting job. He's not playing better than Beasley right now.

I agree. This would be something Ryan could realistically do and it would make sense. Get DLO in the corners where he's a very good catch-and-shoot three point maker. We'd still be small with Ricky, DLO and Beasley at the 1, 2 and 3, but we'd at least have some size and rebounding at the 4 spot with Vanderbilt. And we'd also have Vanderbilt's energy and effort on the floor with the starters, something we're really missing with Okogie out. Ricky, Beasley's and Vanderbilt are all high-effort guys. And so far, I like the effort we've seen from Naz.

While I still prefer Malik off the bench as a guy who can spark an offense off the bench, I have no problems with this lineup at all. I think we have little chance of winning the net two games against Denver without KAT anyway, so why not see what an energy guy like Vando can provide. We know he is going to rebound- the open question for me is whether he can be adequate on defense. Lipoli is correct that this lineup is small, but it's important to note that Rubio, Russell and Beasley are all good rebounders for their positions. I think our rebounding would be adequate with these three net to Vando and Naz.

It's difficult to get excited about tonight's game after the last three blowouts, but I am curious to see how Ryan shakes things up. His comment after last game that there were certainly players who deserved more playing time along with some who deserved less. I saw this as an indication that he is going to reward effort tonight- good news for the Vando Club here.

[Q12543 [enjin:6621299]]

I agree that Malik would be best off the bench, but that would require someone earning the starting role from him and no one has done that. I was really hoping Culver would be that guy and truly fixed his shot, but alas, all of our hopes and dreams for Culver being the X-factor for this team just might be crashing down to earth.

How does a guy spend a summer supposedly making over his shot only for it to look largely the same!? This effing team is the worst in the history of basketball at developing outside shooters. It's an incredible feat of ineptitude. Bottom line....the Wolves should never, ever, ever, ever, ever draft a guy that doesn't already have solid shot mechanics and some track record of success. And even then we often fail (e.g. Okogie).