Minnesota Sports Forum

I'm a Towns guy, but there are a lot of signals that Flip favors Okafor right now. I also think Flip already knows a lot about both of them...it's not like either is an unknown... and I'd be surprised if workouts changed his mind. I think it's going to be Okafor.

I keep seen references to Towns being a PF. Really? I always define a position by who you can guard and it seems to me Towns is someone that probably isn't as comfortable guarding out on the perimeter. Also, if you look at our roster situation, we literally have no true Centers (I'm assuming Pekovic never plays again or barely plays again).

Let's be real. If we end up with Towns, he's playing Center for us.

I think Okafor is a true talent. If this was 1965. 1985. Even 2005... I'd be all over that cat.

But I've sold myself on Towns for today's NBA. I think he fits in better with the NBA of today and tomorrow. Sadly, Flip Saunders still runs his teams like it's 1995.

Damn you people. I was sold on Okafor for most of the season. But then I read your stuff here. And I looked closer at certain stats. As I noted before, I've changed my mind.

Q12543 wrote:I keep seen references to Towns being a PF. Really? I always define a position by who you can guard and it seems to me Towns is someone that probably isn't as comfortable guarding out on the perimeter. Also, if you look at our roster situation, we literally have no true Centers (I'm assuming Pekovic never plays again or barely plays again).

Let's be real. If we end up with Towns, he's playing Center for us.

I'm one of those who is not ruling out Towns being a PF. While I understand that being a perimeter defender negates his shot-blocking skills to some extent, he clearly has the length and mobility to defend most NBA PF's...and there's no question he has the shooting range to play there. The reason I like Towns over Okafor is because I believe he can be slotted either at PF or C, depending more on where we need him than where he can be most effective. If neither Payne nor Bennett show that they can handle 20+ minutes effectively at PF and Pek's bone spur removal allows him to stay on the court more, I would like to see KAT take all the minutes KG doesn't take at PF. But if Pek continues to have injuries and Dieng dosnt progress, KAT wold have to play a major role at C. The experts (and a non-expert like me) may be wrong, but KAT should be able to play either position in the NBA.

To be honest, i'd like to see us trade the Pick to the 76ers, let the Lakers take their guy, and then take the big who is left. That would be maximizing this draft.

The PA show started off with Flip this morning. When tossing out characteristics for the #1 pick, Flip did mention "two-way" player. He said KG has indicated he wants to come back. In talking about the roster, Flip mentioned K-mart, whether starting or coming off the bench. And he talked up Bjelica a bit, too!

I will be surprised (and disappointed) if Flip opts for Okafor over Towns.

Yeah, I think Towns is versatile enough to play both big man positions on both ends of the floor. It's one of the reasons I like him so much.

CoolBreeze44 wrote:To be honest, i'd like to see us trade the Pick to the 76ers, let the Lakers take their guy, and then take the big who is left. That would be maximizing this draft.

I wouldn't mind that either, provided Philly was willing to give us something of value. I don't think they would be inclined to give up much to move up though. They likely believe the two teams ahead of them are targeting the two bigs, and will be perfectly content to draft Russell or Mudiay at 3. I think the Lakers are more likely to give us something if they really covet one of the two bigs and are concerned we are going to take him.

CoolBreeze44 wrote:To be honest, i'd like to see us trade the Pick to the 76ers, let the Lakers take their guy, and then take the big who is left. That would be maximizing this draft.

Totally agree with this idea. The 76ers traded MCW because he couldn't shoot. Mudiay isn't a great shooter either and the 76ers don't need a big man. Russell has to be their guy. I would hold him hostage and see if I can get the Heat pick back from them.

TRKO wrote:

CoolBreeze44 wrote:To be honest, i'd like to see us trade the Pick to the 76ers, let the Lakers take their guy, and then take the big who is left. That would be maximizing this draft.

Totally agree with this idea. The 76ers traded MCW because he couldn't shoot. Mudiay isn't a great shooter either and the 76ers don't need a big man. Russell has to be their guy. I would hold him hostage and see if I can get the Heat pick back from them.

I would take Russell and be happy with him.