Minnesota Sports Forum

AussieWolf3 wrote: ↑Wed Aug 26, 2026 7:06 pm

rapsuperstar31 wrote: ↑Wed Aug 26, 2026 5:59 pm

AussieWolf3 wrote: ↑Wed Aug 26, 2026 5:53 pm Another year watching Jaden languish....

Ball should get the ball to Jaden plenty.

I'm sure he'll be fine on offense, although playing as a 4 would have played up more of his strengths offensively. What I was excited for was to see his potential unlocked defensively.

Perhaps, delusionally, I was hopeful that between Ayo, Green, Clark, and who knows even Ant Jaden wouldn't have to defend at the POA so much. I believe this is how you get to mythical version of Jaden that is gassed up so much by the organization.

Since Green is likely moving out, and Kuminga/Lyles getting most of the PF minutes- Jaden is gonna spend another season getting worn out chasing ball handlers I just don't like it

On paper the roster has better balance, but I just don't like what Kuminga offers

I agree, Aussie with one caveat. Kuminga’s track record tells us he doesn’t offer defense or rebounding. But his talent tells a different tale. He’s a tremendous athlete - explosive off the floor and fast. Unlike Randle, Kuminga has the quickness and athleticism to be a very good defender. The question is whether he’ll commit to that end of the floor. If he’s smart (which I question), he’ll see that becoming a lock-down defender and active rebounder who hustles on a team contending for a title is his path to rebuilding his brand and eventually getting the payday he seems to have thought he was entitled to.

Lipoli390 wrote: ↑Wed Aug 26, 2026 7:12 pm

AussieWolf3 wrote: ↑Wed Aug 26, 2026 7:06 pm

rapsuperstar31 wrote: ↑Wed Aug 26, 2026 5:59 pm

Ball should get the ball to Jaden plenty.

I'm sure he'll be fine on offense, although playing as a 4 would have played up more of his strengths offensively. What I was excited for was to see his potential unlocked defensively.

Perhaps, delusionally, I was hopeful that between Ayo, Green, Clark, and who knows even Ant Jaden wouldn't have to defend at the POA so much. I believe this is how you get to mythical version of Jaden that is gassed up so much by the organization.

Since Green is likely moving out, and Kuminga/Lyles getting most of the PF minutes- Jaden is gonna spend another season getting worn out chasing ball handlers I just don't like it

On paper the roster has better balance, but I just don't like what Kuminga offers

I agree, Aussie with one caveat. Kuminga’s track record tells us he doesn’t offer defense or rebounding. But his talent tells a different tale. He’s a tremendous athlete - explosive off the floor and fast. Unlike Randle, Kuminga has the quickness and athleticism to be a very good defender. The question is whether he’ll commit to that end of the floor. If he’s smart (which I question), he’ll see that becoming a lock-down defender and active rebounder who hustles on a team contending for a title is his path to rebuilding his brand and eventually getting the payday he seems to have thought he was entitled to.

That caveat is exactly why I don't like him for this team.
You're right, if he grows up, the potential is there. Maybe it's worth the gamble but I'm just not feeling it right now. It's just hard to believe that a guy who has fought two coaching teams on the idea that he is the shit, is suddenly going up realize that his best path in the NBA is to become an elite role player.

Then again, Finch does have a track record with vets in similar situations, albeit NAW and Bones were still in pretty different situations

The hope is that Kuminga has realized why he is signing this contract. He will need to change something to get paid.

Either way it could very well be just a one year stint here.

I have doubts how well Kuminga fits on this team, but it doesn’t mean it won’t work. I’m sure all sides have considered how his role on the team will work. Given that all sides must be on the same page, I am looking forward to how this might play out.

For the few posters who don’t really grasp the CBA, the Wolves are already hard capped at the 2nd apron, which means they cannot submit a transaction that puts them over the 2nd apron. Period. To sign Kuminga to the TMLE, they MUST make a move that creates enough space under the 2nd apron (this, of course, does not stop them from reaching an agreement).

The waive and stretch is one method, but making another trade that creates the needed room works as well, and does not have the deadline that comes with the waive and stretch.

Lipoli390 wrote: ↑Wed Aug 26, 2026 7:12 pm

AussieWolf3 wrote: ↑Wed Aug 26, 2026 7:06 pm

rapsuperstar31 wrote: ↑Wed Aug 26, 2026 5:59 pm

Ball should get the ball to Jaden plenty.

I'm sure he'll be fine on offense, although playing as a 4 would have played up more of his strengths offensively. What I was excited for was to see his potential unlocked defensively.

Perhaps, delusionally, I was hopeful that between Ayo, Green, Clark, and who knows even Ant Jaden wouldn't have to defend at the POA so much. I believe this is how you get to mythical version of Jaden that is gassed up so much by the organization.

Since Green is likely moving out, and Kuminga/Lyles getting most of the PF minutes- Jaden is gonna spend another season getting worn out chasing ball handlers I just don't like it

On paper the roster has better balance, but I just don't like what Kuminga offers

I agree, Aussie with one caveat. Kuminga’s track record tells us he doesn’t offer defense or rebounding. But his talent tells a different tale. He’s a tremendous athlete - explosive off the floor and fast. Unlike Randle, Kuminga has the quickness and athleticism to be a very good defender. The question is whether he’ll commit to that end of the floor. If he’s smart (which I question), he’ll see that becoming a lock-down defender and active rebounder who hustles on a team contending for a title is his path to rebuilding his brand and eventually getting the payday he seems to have thought he was entitled to.

Lip, I'm not going to jump on the soap box and extoll the positives Kuminga brings or even suggest he will be a changed player. But he has the ability to be a high level point of attack defender. I'm not saying he will, but he has it in him if he commits to it. Let's just be happy the roster now has really good balance and we should all be excited about the season. I just wish Jaden wouldn't have to burn himself out on defense. Maybe Kuminga can help with that.

I think this signing shows that Ant intends to go full KG and we needed someone he can knock out in practice during training camp.

Also it’s good we finally have a legit SF so Jaden can be PF. They can switch on defense but offensively this could work.


quote=AussieWolf3 post_id=675028 time=1787789945 user_id=2223]

Lipoli390 wrote: ↑Wed Aug 26, 2026 7:12 pm

AussieWolf3 wrote: ↑Wed Aug 26, 2026 7:06 pm

I'm sure he'll be fine on offense, although playing as a 4 would have played up more of his strengths offensively. What I was excited for was to see his potential unlocked defensively.

Perhaps, delusionally, I was hopeful that between Ayo, Green, Clark, and who knows even Ant Jaden wouldn't have to defend at the POA so much. I believe this is how you get to mythical version of Jaden that is gassed up so much by the organization.

Since Green is likely moving out, and Kuminga/Lyles getting most of the PF minutes- Jaden is gonna spend another season getting worn out chasing ball handlers I just don't like it

On paper the roster has better balance, but I just don't like what Kuminga offers

I agree, Aussie with one caveat. Kuminga’s track record tells us he doesn’t offer defense or rebounding. But his talent tells a different tale. He’s a tremendous athlete - explosive off the floor and fast. Unlike Randle, Kuminga has the quickness and athleticism to be a very good defender. The question is whether he’ll commit to that end of the floor. If he’s smart (which I question), he’ll see that becoming a lock-down defender and active rebounder who hustles on a team contending for a title is his path to rebuilding his brand and eventually getting the payday he seems to have thought he was entitled to.

That caveat is exactly why I don't like him for this team.
You're right, if he grows up, the potential is there. Maybe it's worth the gamble but I'm just not feeling it right now. It's just hard to believe that a guy who has fought two coaching teams on the idea that he is the shit, is suddenly going up realize that his best path in the NBA is to become an elite role player.

Then again, Finch does have a track record with vets in similar situations, albeit NAW and Bones were still in pretty different situations
[/quote]

BeenLurkin wrote: ↑Wed Aug 26, 2026 7:30 pm I think this signing shows that Ant intends to go full KG and we needed someone he can knock out in practice during training camp.

Also it’s good we finally have a legit SF so Jaden can be PF. They can switch on defense but offensively this could work.


quote=AussieWolf3 post_id=675028 time=1787789945 user_id=2223]

Lipoli390 wrote: ↑Wed Aug 26, 2026 7:12 pm

AussieWolf3 wrote: ↑Wed Aug 26, 2026 7:06 pm

I'm sure he'll be fine on offense, although playing as a 4 would have played up more of his strengths offensively. What I was excited for was to see his potential unlocked defensively.

Perhaps, delusionally, I was hopeful that between Ayo, Green, Clark, and who knows even Ant Jaden wouldn't have to defend at the POA so much. I believe this is how you get to mythical version of Jaden that is gassed up so much by the organization.

Since Green is likely moving out, and Kuminga/Lyles getting most of the PF minutes- Jaden is gonna spend another season getting worn out chasing ball handlers I just don't like it

On paper the roster has better balance, but I just don't like what Kuminga offers

I agree, Aussie with one caveat. Kuminga’s track record tells us he doesn’t offer defense or rebounding. But his talent tells a different tale. He’s a tremendous athlete - explosive off the floor and fast. Unlike Randle, Kuminga has the quickness and athleticism to be a very good defender. The question is whether he’ll commit to that end of the floor. If he’s smart (which I question), he’ll see that becoming a lock-down defender and active rebounder who hustles on a team contending for a title is his path to rebuilding his brand and eventually getting the payday he seems to have thought he was entitled to.

That caveat is exactly why I don't like him for this team.
You're right, if he grows up, the potential is there. Maybe it's worth the gamble but I'm just not feeling it right now. It's just hard to believe that a guy who has fought two coaching teams on the idea that he is the shit, is suddenly going up realize that his best path in the NBA is to become an elite role player.

Then again, Finch does have a track record with vets in similar situations, albeit NAW and Bones were still in pretty different situations

[/quote]

You don't think Jaden has been a legit SF?

AussieWolf3 wrote: ↑Wed Aug 26, 2026 7:19 pm

Lipoli390 wrote: ↑Wed Aug 26, 2026 7:12 pm

AussieWolf3 wrote: ↑Wed Aug 26, 2026 7:06 pm

I'm sure he'll be fine on offense, although playing as a 4 would have played up more of his strengths offensively. What I was excited for was to see his potential unlocked defensively.

Perhaps, delusionally, I was hopeful that between Ayo, Green, Clark, and who knows even Ant Jaden wouldn't have to defend at the POA so much. I believe this is how you get to mythical version of Jaden that is gassed up so much by the organization.

Since Green is likely moving out, and Kuminga/Lyles getting most of the PF minutes- Jaden is gonna spend another season getting worn out chasing ball handlers I just don't like it

On paper the roster has better balance, but I just don't like what Kuminga offers

I agree, Aussie with one caveat. Kuminga’s track record tells us he doesn’t offer defense or rebounding. But his talent tells a different tale. He’s a tremendous athlete - explosive off the floor and fast. Unlike Randle, Kuminga has the quickness and athleticism to be a very good defender. The question is whether he’ll commit to that end of the floor. If he’s smart (which I question), he’ll see that becoming a lock-down defender and active rebounder who hustles on a team contending for a title is his path to rebuilding his brand and eventually getting the payday he seems to have thought he was entitled to.

That caveat is exactly why I don't like him for this team.
You're right, if he grows up, the potential is there. Maybe it's worth the gamble but I'm just not feeling it right now. It's just hard to believe that a guy who has fought two coaching teams on the idea that he is the shit, is suddenly going up realize that his best path in the NBA is to become an elite role player.

Then again, Finch does have a track record with vets in similar situations, albeit NAW and Bones were still in pretty different situations

Our thinking on this is pretty aligned, Aussie. But the optimist in me says that Kuminga can’t possibly be so dumb or arrogant that he doesn’t realize he needs to change to have the success he obviously wants. Moreover, he has to know he’s not going to be a featured offensive player on a Wolves team with Ball, Ant, Jaden and Ayo. He can’t possible be too dumb to know what that means for his role on the team. So the fact that he signed with us rather than the Lakers (or anyone else for that matter) suggests that he’s had an epiphany of sorts.

Assuming we do the waive and stretch, we should have enough space for Kuminga and two more vet minimum players, with at least one more being required. Plenty of room for my 4/5 guy, such as Love or Olynyk!

60WinTim wrote: ↑Wed Aug 26, 2026 7:33 pm Assuming we do the waive and stretch, we should have enough space for Kuminga and two more vet minimum players, with at least one more being required. Plenty of room for my 4/5 guy, such as Love or Olynyk!

Yes! .