Minnesota Sports Forum

Camden wrote:

Q12543 wrote:

TheGrey08 wrote:Real Super Dave @SuperStatsDave
Bjelica (aka...Professor Big Shots) was a -10 in the 1st half but is +22 in the 2nd half and +12 overall

+22 lol damn

Yup. Who were the folks here that mocked me for suggesting that he might be on the floor a lot at the end of close games? Hopefully between pre-season play and Game 1, he's opened some previously skeptical eyes.

Don't you know we leave debates unfinished around here, Q? At the end of the season, the board won't even remember to give credit to those that argued in Bjelica's favor time and time again.

You're a beauty Cam.

worldK wrote:

Camden wrote:

Q12543 wrote:

TheGrey08 wrote:Real Super Dave @SuperStatsDave
Bjelica (aka...Professor Big Shots) was a -10 in the 1st half but is +22 in the 2nd half and +12 overall

+22 lol damn

Yup. Who were the folks here that mocked me for suggesting that he might be on the floor a lot at the end of close games? Hopefully between pre-season play and Game 1, he's opened some previously skeptical eyes.

Don't you know we leave debates unfinished around here, Q? At the end of the season, the board won't even remember to give credit to those that argued in Bjelica's favor time and time again.

Q and Cam, I readily admit I was one of them. I'm impressed by bjelica. He and Towns where the right choice to go with at the end of last nights game.

I remember us debating who will play with kg at the end of games with the two of you and others going with bjelica and me and others going with dieng or pek(if helthy). Another good thing out of this is that KAT has shown that he is more ready than we expected and that KG might not be needed to play at end of games becaus of this.

Yup, KAT is ahead of where even I thought he'd be at this point. He is going to be really, really good. How many Centers can knock down jump hooks, turnarounds, step-backs off the dribble, and make 85%+ of their free throws? His offensive versatility is off the charts good. I can easily see him being a 20+ PPG scorer within two years. And the 3-ball is in his arsenal. Give that a year or two to develop and he will be the most dangerous offensive Center in the NBA.

And Q. Are you willing to credit KG's mentoring as a factor in KAT's rapid development?

Q12543 wrote:

worldK wrote:

Camden wrote:

Q12543 wrote:

TheGrey08 wrote:Real Super Dave @SuperStatsDave
Bjelica (aka...Professor Big Shots) was a -10 in the 1st half but is +22 in the 2nd half and +12 overall

+22 lol damn

Yup. Who were the folks here that mocked me for suggesting that he might be on the floor a lot at the end of close games? Hopefully between pre-season play and Game 1, he's opened some previously skeptical eyes.

Don't you know we leave debates unfinished around here, Q? At the end of the season, the board won't even remember to give credit to those that argued in Bjelica's favor time and time again.

Q and Cam, I readily admit I was one of them. I'm impressed by bjelica. He and Towns where the right choice to go with at the end of last nights game.

I remember us debating who will play with kg at the end of games with the two of you and others going with bjelica and me and others going with dieng or pek(if helthy). Another good thing out of this is that KAT has shown that he is more ready than we expected and that KG might not be needed to play at end of games becaus of this.

Yup, KAT is ahead of where even I thought he'd be at this point. He is going to be really, really good. How many Centers can knock down jump hooks, turnarounds, step-backs off the dribble, and make 85%+ of their free throws? His offensive versatility is off the charts good. I can easily see him being a 20+ PPG scorer within two years. And the 3-ball is in his arsenal. Give that a year or two to develop and he will be the most dangerous offensive Center in the NBA.

He's better offensively than I expected (and not quite the defensive monster I was hoping for), but I'd be a little surprised if he ends up better than Cousins offensively--Cousins is a really impressive offensive player. But I think because of Towns' defense, unselfishness, and attitude (and rookie contract!), he'll be more valuable than Cousins if he develops as expected.

60WinTim wrote:And Q. Are you willing to credit KG's mentoring as a factor in KAT's rapid development?

KG may have helped KAT's development defensively, though he already had an exceptional foundation to build on, but the skill that he's shown on offense is all him. The moves Karl-Anthony has and the comfortable nature in which he uses them have nothing to do with Kevin Garnett.

Camden wrote:

60WinTim wrote:And Q. Are you willing to credit KG's mentoring as a factor in KAT's rapid development?

KG may have helped KAT's development defensively, though he already had an exceptional foundation to build on, but the skill that he's shown on offense is all him. The moves Karl-Anthony has and the comfortable nature in which he uses them have nothing to do with Kevin Garnett.

Yeah, this goes back to that discussion we had yesterday Tim. The stuff KAT is showing has absolutely NOTHING to do with KG. A few weeks of camp with KG does not enable a 7-footer to put the ball on the deck and hit a step-back J (which by the way is kind of a shitty shot to take - he should have just shot the ball on the initial catch in that particular play - but just the fact he can make it is really impressive).

I think ultimately where KG will help KAT Is with his defense, in terms of how to communicate and some of the nuances of guarding pick and roll, etc. But even there, I think KAT ultimately has the raw materials and smarts to eventually be a solid defender. I still have questions on his lower body strength and ability to hold ground, but now I'm nit-picking.....

I agree completely that KAT was already very skilled on both ends of the court. But you would be wrong about the "comfort" level with the moves. That was obvious in Summer League. And KAT has specifically commented on how KG has helped him apply his offensive moves in the NBA. Patience, patience, patience is one specific example Towns made reference to. I agree the foundation was already there, but KG has an influence on how rapidly KAT has become so effective.

Camden0916 wrote:

60WinTim wrote:And Q. Are you willing to credit KG's mentoring as a factor in KAT's rapid development?

KG may have helped KAT's development defensively, though he already had an exceptional foundation to build on, but the skill that he's shown on offense is all him. The moves Karl-Anthony has and the comfortable nature in which he uses them have nothing to do with Kevin Garnett.

I agree Cam all the offensive game is stuff Towns had. One way I would think KG may be helping Towns on his offense is that KG would be a good player for Towns to have to go against while he works on his moves. If you can do what you can do on KG you will probably feel pretty good about it in a real NBA game. That COULD be a minor reason why he looks so comfortable doing his thing. Mostly it's just Towns though.

To me, in addition to KG's ability to teach the young guys concepts, especially on defense, and command the respect of the franchise, is that KG, like Rubio and Bazz, plays all out and hustles and clearly shows passion for the game. Every team needs guys like that. I don't think Towns is low-energy, and he's clearly already highly skilled, but it can't hurt to have a highly respected vet (who is practically a player-coach at this point) on the roster who is passionate about the game particularly on the defensive end. Especially with Wiggins as our other top young prospect, we definitely need guys who are demonstratively passionate about the game (ahem, bring back Jeff Adrien please!). Besides, I actually still think KG is good for us defensively! I was skeptical of bringing KG back (I actually liked Young), but he's really won me over and with Towns on the roster, he makes even more sense.

Drew, you make a good point on Cousins. He is ridiculously talented and is more of a handful physically with his size and strength. I think where KAT really separates himself is when he develops a consistent 3-ball, which I think is only a matter of time - perhaps as soon as next season. That will open up a ton of space for his team mates because he will drag big Centers (like Cousins!) out of the paint and it will help the entire offense.