Wolves fan commiserate here!
https://forum.midwestvolleyball.com/phpBB3/
https://forum.midwestvolleyball.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?t=32247
I see that path as never contending though. Hoping that Naz and Jaden take big leaps is foolish imo. They are well seasoned vets at this point and any progress from here will be small. Same with Ant. They've taken their big strides up to this point.AussieWolf3 wrote: ↑Thu May 14, 2026 4:22 pmYou're really missing the point. Making a reckless gamble like trading limited assets for Irving or whoever isn't going to help you beat with of those team or whoever else rises up.Wolvesfan21 wrote: ↑Thu May 14, 2026 4:17 pmWemby is younger then Ant, like it or not you have to beat the Spurs and it's not like OKC is old either.AussieWolf3 wrote: ↑Thu May 14, 2026 1:13 pm
How can it be now when OKC is in their window and the Spurs are entering theirs?
I'm not saying they give up bites at the apple but if the plan is to desperately cobble stuff together cause you're afraid he'll leave is a flawed process.
Build something sustainable that entices him to stay. Makes moves now while those peaks are peaking that set you up for their inevitable downturn --- Shai gets older, promising prospects now don't develop as expected, players salaries climb.
I don't think anything needs to done out of desperation because this year likely ends in a step backwards. Because we still learned a lot about the career trajectory of a lot of players.
And for what it's worth I don't think anything should be sped up out of the anxiety of Rudy aging. His helpful window as mostly closed imo
You either have to step up or really, trade Ant and just give up for the next 7-8 years.
You have to make smart and judicious moves, recoup draft picks, and repurpose the roles of players like Jaden and Naz
Jesus preserve me!Wolvesfan21 wrote: ↑Thu May 14, 2026 4:42 pmI see that path as never contending though. Hoping that Naz and Jaden take big leaps is foolish imo. They are well seasoned vets at this point and any progress from here will be small. Same with Ant. They've taken their big strides up to this point.AussieWolf3 wrote: ↑Thu May 14, 2026 4:22 pmYou're really missing the point. Making a reckless gamble like trading limited assets for Irving or whoever isn't going to help you beat with of those team or whoever else rises up.Wolvesfan21 wrote: ↑Thu May 14, 2026 4:17 pm
Wemby is younger then Ant, like it or not you have to beat the Spurs and it's not like OKC is old either.
You either have to step up or really, trade Ant and just give up for the next 7-8 years.
You have to make smart and judicious moves, recoup draft picks, and repurpose the roles of players like Jaden and Naz
We're not a minor move from getting on the same level as OKC and SA, never mind facing reality both squads are young and also getting better themselves! Your Naz and Jaden leaps would have to come just to stay in that second tier behind them.
The other option other then a Kyrie or Giannis deal which may be the smartest is fire Finch. You do that, make some small tweaks and maybe you can catch the top two.
Probably still unlikely, but to me, status quo is simply giving up. Status quo is not an option going into next season. Honestly I might trade Ant before running this crap back.
I agree with the other poster that said Jaden is not a #2 on a championship team. Given more ops means he faces more attention / tougher defensive matchups and then probably hurts his defense a touch too.AussieWolf3 wrote: ↑Thu May 14, 2026 7:02 pmJesus preserve me!Wolvesfan21 wrote: ↑Thu May 14, 2026 4:42 pmI see that path as never contending though. Hoping that Naz and Jaden take big leaps is foolish imo. They are well seasoned vets at this point and any progress from here will be small. Same with Ant. They've taken their big strides up to this point.AussieWolf3 wrote: ↑Thu May 14, 2026 4:22 pm
You're really missing the point. Making a reckless gamble like trading limited assets for Irving or whoever isn't going to help you beat with of those team or whoever else rises up.
You have to make smart and judicious moves, recoup draft picks, and repurpose the roles of players like Jaden and Naz
We're not a minor move from getting on the same level as OKC and SA, never mind facing reality both squads are young and also getting better themselves! Your Naz and Jaden leaps would have to come just to stay in that second tier behind them.
The other option other then a Kyrie or Giannis deal which may be the smartest is fire Finch. You do that, make some small tweaks and maybe you can catch the top two.
Probably still unlikely, but to me, status quo is simply giving up. Status quo is not an option going into next season. Honestly I might trade Ant before running this crap back.
I'm not saying to run it back or keep the status quo!
I'm saying that making big swings on the current options with the current resources isn't going to bring you any closer to the goal of a championship
.
It is my believe that Julius Randle and having to constantly play on the perimeter has gotten in three way of Jaden taking the proverbial jump. So I think it is prudent to give him the opportunity, can he be a legit number 2? Idk but I think he's earned the chance and constantly scrambling for big swings is hindering what could be a chance at 25 million dollar all NBA star.
Regardless I'm saying be patient. Give Naz and Jaden the chance to spread their wings a little more and make the necessary moves when the opportunity present themselves, and do so with more prudent information
Too inconsistent - 51.5% - 41.2% - 83.5% and all NBA defense every night. I wish everyone had that inconsistency WF.Wolvesfan21 wrote: ↑Thu May 14, 2026 7:17 pmI agree with the other poster that said Jaden is not a #2 on a championship team. Given more ops means he faces more attention / tougher defensive matchups and then probably hurts his defense a touch too.AussieWolf3 wrote: ↑Thu May 14, 2026 7:02 pmJesus preserve me!Wolvesfan21 wrote: ↑Thu May 14, 2026 4:42 pm
I see that path as never contending though. Hoping that Naz and Jaden take big leaps is foolish imo. They are well seasoned vets at this point and any progress from here will be small. Same with Ant. They've taken their big strides up to this point.
We're not a minor move from getting on the same level as OKC and SA, never mind facing reality both squads are young and also getting better themselves! Your Naz and Jaden leaps would have to come just to stay in that second tier behind them.
The other option other then a Kyrie or Giannis deal which may be the smartest is fire Finch. You do that, make some small tweaks and maybe you can catch the top two.
Probably still unlikely, but to me, status quo is simply giving up. Status quo is not an option going into next season. Honestly I might trade Ant before running this crap back.
I'm not saying to run it back or keep the status quo!
I'm saying that making big swings on the current options with the current resources isn't going to bring you any closer to the goal of a championship
.
It is my believe that Julius Randle and having to constantly play on the perimeter has gotten in three way of Jaden taking the proverbial jump. So I think it is prudent to give him the opportunity, can he be a legit number 2? Idk but I think he's earned the chance and constantly scrambling for big swings is hindering what could be a chance at 25 million dollar all NBA star.%
Regardless I'm saying be patient. Give Naz and Jaden the chance to spread their wings a little more and make the necessary moves when the opportunity present themselves, and do so with more prudent information
I think we can expand his role a bit, but he's not ready to be Pippen. Just too inconsistent imo.
I think the only chance is making a bigger move. A move around the margins isn't going to close the gap between us and OKC/SA.
Maybe, but he can be a number 3 for sure and they need to see how to fill that gap.Wolvesfan21 wrote: ↑Thu May 14, 2026 7:17 pmI agree with the other poster that said Jaden is not a #2 on a championship team. Given more ops means he faces more attention / tougher defensive matchups and then probably hurts his defense a touch too.AussieWolf3 wrote: ↑Thu May 14, 2026 7:02 pmJesus preserve me!Wolvesfan21 wrote: ↑Thu May 14, 2026 4:42 pm
I see that path as never contending though. Hoping that Naz and Jaden take big leaps is foolish imo. They are well seasoned vets at this point and any progress from here will be small. Same with Ant. They've taken their big strides up to this point.
We're not a minor move from getting on the same level as OKC and SA, never mind facing reality both squads are young and also getting better themselves! Your Naz and Jaden leaps would have to come just to stay in that second tier behind them.
The other option other then a Kyrie or Giannis deal which may be the smartest is fire Finch. You do that, make some small tweaks and maybe you can catch the top two.
Probably still unlikely, but to me, status quo is simply giving up. Status quo is not an option going into next season. Honestly I might trade Ant before running this crap back.
I'm not saying to run it back or keep the status quo!
I'm saying that making big swings on the current options with the current resources isn't going to bring you any closer to the goal of a championship
.
It is my believe that Julius Randle and having to constantly play on the perimeter has gotten in three way of Jaden taking the proverbial jump. So I think it is prudent to give him the opportunity, can he be a legit number 2? Idk but I think he's earned the chance and constantly scrambling for big swings is hindering what could be a chance at 25 million dollar all NBA star.
Regardless I'm saying be patient. Give Naz and Jaden the chance to spread their wings a little more and make the necessary moves when the opportunity present themselves, and do so with more prudent information
I think we can expand his role a bit, but he's not ready to be Pippen. Just too inconsistent imo.
I think the only chance is making a bigger move. A move around the margins isn't going to close the gap between us and OKC/SA.
That is his role as a guy who is wide open for much of the game. Like I said, his play will drop if he is focused on and given more responsibility. As is he is getting no coverage and no attention because Ant and even Ju take a lot of doubles or collapse the defense.Coolbreeze44 wrote: ↑Thu May 14, 2026 7:24 pmToo inconsistent - 51.5% - 41.2% - 83.5% and all NBA defense every night. I wish everyone had that inconsistency WF.Wolvesfan21 wrote: ↑Thu May 14, 2026 7:17 pmI agree with the other poster that said Jaden is not a #2 on a championship team. Given more ops means he faces more attention / tougher defensive matchups and then probably hurts his defense a touch too.AussieWolf3 wrote: ↑Thu May 14, 2026 7:02 pm
Jesus preserve me!
I'm not saying to run it back or keep the status quo!
I'm saying that making big swings on the current options with the current resources isn't going to bring you any closer to the goal of a championship
.
It is my believe that Julius Randle and having to constantly play on the perimeter has gotten in three way of Jaden taking the proverbial jump. So I think it is prudent to give him the opportunity, can he be a legit number 2? Idk but I think he's earned the chance and constantly scrambling for big swings is hindering what could be a chance at 25 million dollar all NBA star.%
Regardless I'm saying be patient. Give Naz and Jaden the chance to spread their wings a little more and make the necessary moves when the opportunity present themselves, and do so with more prudent information
I think we can expand his role a bit, but he's not ready to be Pippen. Just too inconsistent imo.
I think the only chance is making a bigger move. A move around the margins isn't going to close the gap between us and OKC/SA.
We'll have to disagree. Kyrie if healthy and engaged can be a top 10-15 player in the NBA still. He's that fricken good. Yeah he's not played BB in a year and 34 YO, but thats the risk we should take if possible. I'd rather have Kyrie then GIannis, because as we're seeing with Wemby. I kind of think Giannis wouldn't be very effective against that freakazoid. I need better 3P shooting and speed/passing. Sure Gainnis has the D, but to beat the Spurs you need 3P shooting I really think.AussieWolf3 wrote: ↑Thu May 14, 2026 7:32 pmMaybe, but he can be a number 3 for sure and they need to see how to fill that gap.Wolvesfan21 wrote: ↑Thu May 14, 2026 7:17 pmI agree with the other poster that said Jaden is not a #2 on a championship team. Given more ops means he faces more attention / tougher defensive matchups and then probably hurts his defense a touch too.AussieWolf3 wrote: ↑Thu May 14, 2026 7:02 pm
Jesus preserve me!
I'm not saying to run it back or keep the status quo!
I'm saying that making big swings on the current options with the current resources isn't going to bring you any closer to the goal of a championship
.
It is my believe that Julius Randle and having to constantly play on the perimeter has gotten in three way of Jaden taking the proverbial jump. So I think it is prudent to give him the opportunity, can he be a legit number 2? Idk but I think he's earned the chance and constantly scrambling for big swings is hindering what could be a chance at 25 million dollar all NBA star.
Regardless I'm saying be patient. Give Naz and Jaden the chance to spread their wings a little more and make the necessary moves when the opportunity present themselves, and do so with more prudent information
I think we can expand his role a bit, but he's not ready to be Pippen. Just too inconsistent imo.
I think the only chance is making a bigger move. A move around the margins isn't going to close the gap between us and OKC/SA.
I agree they need to make a real move, which is again why I'm not saying to just make marginal moves this summer. I'm saying be patient, gain assets and information, make a move as things change and become available.
Kyrie isn't it, at least not at the likely price . Gannis will gut the team. Ja ain't it.
But, more stars will become discontented, NAWs will emerge, opportunities will be there
C'mon man, Kawhi guards Jaden. The guy who should be benefitting is his pick 'n roll partner.Wolvesfan21 wrote: ↑Thu May 14, 2026 10:24 pmThat is his role as a guy who is wide open for much of the game. Like I said, his play will drop if he is focused on and given more responsibility. As is he is getting no coverage and no attention because Ant and even Ju take a lot of doubles or collapse the defense.Coolbreeze44 wrote: ↑Thu May 14, 2026 7:24 pmToo inconsistent - 51.5% - 41.2% - 83.5% and all NBA defense every night. I wish everyone had that inconsistency WF.Wolvesfan21 wrote: ↑Thu May 14, 2026 7:17 pm
I agree with the other poster that said Jaden is not a #2 on a championship team. Given more ops means he faces more attention / tougher defensive matchups and then probably hurts his defense a touch too.
I think we can expand his role a bit, but he's not ready to be Pippen. Just too inconsistent imo.
I think the only chance is making a bigger move. A move around the margins isn't going to close the gap between us and OKC/SA.
Honestly anyone playing with Ant better be tearing it up on offense, if not you're not going to be good anywhere.