Dangling #1

[Wolvesfan21]

I think LaVine is the better player at this point, but I like Beasleys intensity on defense more. Beasley has nice upside still, LaVine is basically what he is.

LaVine can distribute and drive better then Beasley, yeah offensively it would be really amazing to see DLO, KAT and LaVine. Then draft Ball top play the 3? Then you have all offense and no defense. Might be fun to watch.

The question is are DLO and KAT going to be liabilities on defense to the point that even adding a stud or two, does that make enough difference? Lets say we trade for Simmons. Teams can simply attack the weak points still on defense, pick and roll KAT and DLO, just ignore Simmons. But then I suppose you put Simmons on their best player and you can switch in some situations.

I guess I wonder what the best way to go is, have some balance or go all in on offense? Rosas seems to want to trend towards the latter. Though Culver is a defensive guy at this point. The other moves and style he is trending to go to is much more offensively orientated.

[Lipoli390]

I think LaVine is the better player at this point, but I like Beasleys intensity on defense more. Beasley has nice upside still, LaVine is basically what he is.

LaVine can distribute and drive better then Beasley, yeah offensively it would be really amazing to see DLO, KAT and LaVine. Then draft Ball top play the 3? Then you have all offense and no defense. Might be fun to watch.

The question is are DLO and KAT going to be liabilities on defense to the point that even adding a stud or two, does that make enough difference? Lets say we trade for Simmons. Teams can simply attack the weak points still on defense, pick and roll KAT and DLO, just ignore Simmons. But then I suppose you put Simmons on their best player and you can switch in some situations.

I guess I wonder what the best way to go is, have some balance or go all in on offense? Rosas seems to want to trend towards the latter. Though Culver is a defensive guy at this point. The other moves and style he is trending to go to is much more offensively orientated.

WolvesFan21 - I agree with all your points. Regarding your question, I think we can become a contender in spite of DLO's and KAT's defensive deficiencies, but it will require putting much better defenders around them. If we end up with Beasley or LaVine at the other guard spot, then our starting SF and other starting Big will have to be very good defenders. And we'll need defensive players coming off the bench as part of the rotation as well.

In any event, it sure looks like Rosas and his cohorts are focused primarily on being an up-tempo offensive-oriented team. What I like about trading for Simmons is that he would contribute to the dynamic offense that Rosas apparently wants, but also help improve our otherwise horrible defense. Simmons is the only player among the trade targets we've discussed (other than Oladiop, Capella and Turner) who would significantly improve the Wolves' defense. In my view, if we're going to trade our #1 pick, the player we get in return has to be both a star AND a good defender. That's why I'd be reluctant to trade for Booker or Beal, even though I listed them as possible trade targets.

Honestly, the only stars I'm really interested in getting in exchange for our #1 pick are Simmons and Oladipo, and I'm wary of Oladipo because of his injury issues. Otherwise, I'd be looking to swap our pick for a lower lottery selection and one of the following:

1. Capella from Atlanta;
2. Kevin Huerter from Atlanta;
3. Kennard from Detroit;
4. Garland from Cleveland; or
5. First round picks from the Knicks

[Wolvesfan21]

Nice post Lip, I agree, we need defenders at every other position.

[Monster]

I think LaVine is the better player at this point, but I like Beasleys intensity on defense more. Beasley has nice upside still, LaVine is basically what he is.

LaVine can distribute and drive better then Beasley, yeah offensively it would be really amazing to see DLO, KAT and LaVine. Then draft Ball top play the 3? Then you have all offense and no defense. Might be fun to watch.

The question is are DLO and KAT going to be liabilities on defense to the point that even adding a stud or two, does that make enough difference? Lets say we trade for Simmons. Teams can simply attack the weak points still on defense, pick and roll KAT and DLO, just ignore Simmons. But then I suppose you put Simmons on their best player and you can switch in some situations.

I guess I wonder what the best way to go is, have some balance or go all in on offense? Rosas seems to want to trend towards the latter. Though Culver is a defensive guy at this point. The other moves and style he is trending to go to is much more offensively orientated.

WolvesFan21 - I agree with all your points. Regarding your question, I think we can become a contender in spite of DLO's and KAT's defensive deficiencies, but it will require putting much better defenders around them. If we end up with Beasley or LaVine at the other guard spot, then our starting SF and other starting Big will have to be very good defenders. And we'll need defensive players coming off the bench as part of the rotation as well.

In any event, it sure looks like Rosas and his cohorts are focused primarily on being an up-tempo offensive-oriented team. What I like about trading for Simmons is that he would contribute to the dynamic offense that Rosas apparently wants, but also help improve our otherwise horrible defense. Simmons is the only player among the trade targets we've discussed (other than Oladiop, Capella and Turner) who would significantly improve the Wolves' defense. In my view, if we're going to trade our #1 pick, the player we get in return has to be both a star AND a good defender. That's why I'd be reluctant to trade for Booker or Beal, even though I listed them as possible trade targets.

Honestly, the only stars I'm really interested in getting in exchange for our #1 pick are Simmons and Oladipo, and I'm wary of Oladipo because of his injury issues. Otherwise, I'd be looking to swap our pick for a lower lottery selection and one of the following:

1. Capella from Atlanta;
2. Kevin Huerter from Atlanta;
3. Kennard from Detroit;
4. Garland from Cleveland; or
5. First round picks from the Knicks

I still have some hope that Beasley can be a worthwhile defender. He has enough physical ability and he plus hard. Lavine's issues on defense were being clueless...and very early on he gave up on plays. I haven't watched Beasley Enough to see How good or bad he is but it feels like there is a little bit of a chance he figures it out. We don't have a Ben Wallace and T. Prince to pair with guys but Billups and Rip Hamilton we're far from good defenders before they went to the Pistons. Is there ANY chance we could develop guys on that end? So far no but this group didn't even get a season of total failure or chance to succeed. They did have SOME success early on in the season.

[Lipoli390]

I think LaVine is the better player at this point, but I like Beasleys intensity on defense more. Beasley has nice upside still, LaVine is basically what he is.

LaVine can distribute and drive better then Beasley, yeah offensively it would be really amazing to see DLO, KAT and LaVine. Then draft Ball top play the 3? Then you have all offense and no defense. Might be fun to watch.

The question is are DLO and KAT going to be liabilities on defense to the point that even adding a stud or two, does that make enough difference? Lets say we trade for Simmons. Teams can simply attack the weak points still on defense, pick and roll KAT and DLO, just ignore Simmons. But then I suppose you put Simmons on their best player and you can switch in some situations.

I guess I wonder what the best way to go is, have some balance or go all in on offense? Rosas seems to want to trend towards the latter. Though Culver is a defensive guy at this point. The other moves and style he is trending to go to is much more offensively orientated.

WolvesFan21 - I agree with all your points. Regarding your question, I think we can become a contender in spite of DLO's and KAT's defensive deficiencies, but it will require putting much better defenders around them. If we end up with Beasley or LaVine at the other guard spot, then our starting SF and other starting Big will have to be very good defenders. And we'll need defensive players coming off the bench as part of the rotation as well.

In any event, it sure looks like Rosas and his cohorts are focused primarily on being an up-tempo offensive-oriented team. What I like about trading for Simmons is that he would contribute to the dynamic offense that Rosas apparently wants, but also help improve our otherwise horrible defense. Simmons is the only player defensively. among the trade targets we've discussed (other than Oladiop, Capella and Turner) who would significantly improve the Wolves' defense. In my view, if we're going to trade our #1 pick, the player we get in return has to be both a star AND a good defender. That's why I'd be reluctant to trade for Booker or Beal, even though I listed them as possible trade targets.

Honestly, the only stars I'm really interested in getting in exchange for our #1 pick are Simmons and Oladipo, and I'm wary of Oladipo because of his injury issues. Otherwise, I'd be looking to swap our pick for a lower lottery selection and one of the following:

1. Capella from Atlanta;
2. Kevin Huerter from Atlanta;
3. Kennard from Detroit;
4. Garland from Cleveland; or
5. First round picks from the Knicks

I still have some hope that Beasley can be a worthwhile defender. He has enough physical ability and he plus hard. Lavine's issues on defense were being clueless...and very early on he gave up on plays. I haven't watched Beasley Enough to see How good or bad he is but it feels like there is a little bit of a chance he figures it out. We don't have a Ben Wallace and T. Prince to pair with guys but Billups and Rip Hamilton we're far from good defenders before they went to the Pistons. Is there ANY chance we could develop guys on that end? So far no but this group didn't even get a season of total failure or chance to succeed. They did have SOME success early on in the season.

Monster - I agree with you take on Beasley's defensive potential compared to LaVine. Like you, I think Beasley has a better chance than LaVine of becoming a decent defender. Hard to know how much, if at all, KAT and DLO can be expected to improve. KAT appears to have poor defensive instincts, but I think he generally gives good effort. Otherwise, I think KAT has all the physical tools to be a good defender against Cs and PFs. DLO's issues seem to be lack of effort, but more so his lack of lateral quickness. It seems harder to overcome that fundamental physical flaw in his defensive ability. But I really don't know. Beasley is an all-out effort guy and intense competitor. He seems quick and athletic as well. He might have the most defensive upside among core guys. As I recalled, the team was pretty good defensively when Covington and Towns were healthy and together on the court. So there's hope.

[Camden [enjin:6601484]]

Let's not forget that Karl-Anthony Towns was also showing great improvement defensively to start the season through the first 10 or so games and then the wheels fell off. That version of Towns can be the guy that makes this team a contender with some additional talent involved.

[Q12543 [enjin:6621299]]

I think LaVine is the better player at this point, but I like Beasleys intensity on defense more. Beasley has nice upside still, LaVine is basically what he is.

LaVine can distribute and drive better then Beasley, yeah offensively it would be really amazing to see DLO, KAT and LaVine. Then draft Ball top play the 3? Then you have all offense and no defense. Might be fun to watch.

The question is are DLO and KAT going to be liabilities on defense to the point that even adding a stud or two, does that make enough difference? Lets say we trade for Simmons. Teams can simply attack the weak points still on defense, pick and roll KAT and DLO, just ignore Simmons. But then I suppose you put Simmons on their best player and you can switch in some situations.

I guess I wonder what the best way to go is, have some balance or go all in on offense? Rosas seems to want to trend towards the latter. Though Culver is a defensive guy at this point. The other moves and style he is trending to go to is much more offensively orientated.

WolvesFan21 - I agree with all your points. Regarding your question, I think we can become a contender in spite of DLO's and KAT's defensive deficiencies, but it will require putting much better defenders around them. If we end up with Beasley or LaVine at the other guard spot, then our starting SF and other starting Big will have to be very good defenders. And we'll need defensive players coming off the bench as part of the rotation as well.

In any event, it sure looks like Rosas and his cohorts are focused primarily on being an up-tempo offensive-oriented team. What I like about trading for Simmons is that he would contribute to the dynamic offense that Rosas apparently wants, but also help improve our otherwise horrible defense. Simmons is the only player defensively. among the trade targets we've discussed (other than Oladiop, Capella and Turner) who would significantly improve the Wolves' defense. In my view, if we're going to trade our #1 pick, the player we get in return has to be both a star AND a good defender. That's why I'd be reluctant to trade for Booker or Beal, even though I listed them as possible trade targets.

Honestly, the only stars I'm really interested in getting in exchange for our #1 pick are Simmons and Oladipo, and I'm wary of Oladipo because of his injury issues. Otherwise, I'd be looking to swap our pick for a lower lottery selection and one of the following:

1. Capella from Atlanta;
2. Kevin Huerter from Atlanta;
3. Kennard from Detroit;
4. Garland from Cleveland; or
5. First round picks from the Knicks

I still have some hope that Beasley can be a worthwhile defender. He has enough physical ability and he plus hard. Lavine's issues on defense were being clueless...and very early on he gave up on plays. I haven't watched Beasley Enough to see How good or bad he is but it feels like there is a little bit of a chance he figures it out. We don't have a Ben Wallace and T. Prince to pair with guys but Billups and Rip Hamilton we're far from good defenders before they went to the Pistons. Is there ANY chance we could develop guys on that end? So far no but this group didn't even get a season of total failure or chance to succeed. They did have SOME success early on in the season.

Monster - I agree with you take on Beasley's defensive potential compared to LaVine. Like you, I think Beasley has a better chance than LaVine of becoming a decent defender. Hard to know how much, if at all, KAT and DLO can be expected to improve. KAT appears to have poor defensive instincts, but I think he generally gives good effort. Otherwise, I think KAT has all the physical tools to be a good defender against Cs and PFs. DLO's issues seem to be lack of effort, but more so his lack of lateral quickness. It seems harder to overcome that fundamental physical flaw in his defensive ability. But I really don't know. Beasley is an all-out effort guy and intense competitor. He seems quick and athletic as well. He might have the most defensive upside among core guys. As I recalled, the team was pretty good defensively when Covington and Towns were healthy and together on the court. So there's hope.

Their defensive rating as a pair was 117. League average defensive team rating is about 110, so no, they weren't good together last year on that end of the floor.

[Q12543 [enjin:6621299]]

Let's not forget that Karl-Anthony Towns was also showing great improvement defensively to start the season through the first 10 or so games and then the wheels fell off. That version of Towns can be the guy that makes this team a contender with some additional talent involved.

Yes, he's had other good stretches in the past, but it never holds. The franchise needs to accept the fact that this will simply never be a strong suit of his and figure out a way to work around it. Rosas largely solved the shooting problems in his total makeover, but has done almost nothing to address the defensive shortcomings of this team. Perhaps the theory is its easier to find defensive gap-fillers at reasonable prices than offensive firepower.

[TAFKASP]

Let's not forget that Karl-Anthony Towns was also showing great improvement defensively to start the season through the first 10 or so games and then the wheels fell off. That version of Towns can be the guy that makes this team a contender with some additional talent involved.

I wish I could be optimistic, but we've said the same about Wiggins time and again. I'd be happy to see him turn that corner permanently, but I guess I'm getting old because I can't be bothered to hope for it anymore.

[Camden [enjin:6601484]]

Let's not forget that Karl-Anthony Towns was also showing great improvement defensively to start the season through the first 10 or so games and then the wheels fell off. That version of Towns can be the guy that makes this team a contender with some additional talent involved.

I wish I could be optimistic, but we've said the same about Wiggins time and again. I'd be happy to see him turn that corner permanently, but I guess I'm getting old because I can't be bothered to hope for it anymore.

Maybe the pressure on Karl-Anthony Towns to be the defensive anchor needs to be replaced by the pressure of just doing his part defensively. It's rare that anyone in the NBA is both their team's best offensive and defensive player. In fact, there's only two such players in basketball right now in Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kawhi Leonard with a possible argument for Joel Embiid or Ben Simmons. Perhaps we've been asking too much of Towns.

That just turns us back to James Wiseman or any another option that takes pressure off of Towns. Simplify his responsibilities and I'm confident the best version of his game will shine through.