Jazz vs Wolves GDT 1/3/15

[mjs34]

How do you implement effective changes without your full complement of players?

Is he going to show up at shoot around on Monday, and throw out the different lineup?

Most coaches would have been breaking down film Saturday night, and implementing changes Sunday morning. This is one of the issues of having a lazy coach.

[longstrangetrip [enjin:6600564]]

I see Flip is really cracking down on the team after another lackluster performance last night by giving them an optional Sunday practice day. I would expect a coach to use every possible opportunity available to him, but I'm guessing Flip must have more pressing matters.

Actually, this could be a smart move. It forces everybody to show their hand. Are they serious about playing well or not? I'd be VERY interested to know who showed up (and for how long) and who didn't. If I were the coach, I can tell you that would definitely help me revise the minutes I'm giving guys.

Great point, drew...I wouldn't be surprised if Flip doesn't adjust his starting lineup tonight based on who showed up and worked hard yesterday...I think that would be a good move. He mentioned Shabazz, Zach and Thad as starters he was unhappy with last game, and I would bet Bazz was one guy who showed up. I guess we'll find out tonight.

[BizarroJerry [enjin:6592520]]

Of course this "optional" practice is a trick to see who shows up. Agreed, lazy coaching and soft tanking here by Flip and staff. The injuries excuse is always convenient, our record is somewhat excusable, but our lack of defense intensity is definitely lazy coaching.

[longstrangetrip [enjin:6600564]]

Love the concept of "soft tanking", Lloyd! I would argue that continuing to start Zach at PG and giving him the majority of minutes is another example of soft tanking...although I'm not opposed to it.

[SameOldNudityDrew]

Feels like we've been soft tanking since 2006.

[60WinTim]

I wondered if Hummel might get the start at PF, but it sounds like both he and Bud will be out tonight with some sort of bug.

We might get beat up in the paint a t(h)ad tonight... :-(

[Q12543 [enjin:6621299]]

Tim, I'd start Adrien at PF for the first 5-6 minutes, then bring Young in. That does three things: 1) it finally gives us a legitimate power forward to help manage the boards to start a game; 2) it sends a message to Thad about his play, but he is brought in early, hopefully with renewed energy; and 3) it allows Adrien to rest up before coming in for Dieng late the 1st/early in the 2nd quarter. Basically what it means is we go with a four man "big" rotation of Dieng/Adrien/Thad/Bennett. But start the halves with Adrien and Dieng together. That's what I'm hoping to see.

[60WinTim]

I like it, Q. But do you seriously think Flip would do something like that?!?

[Q12543 [enjin:6621299]]

I like it, Q. But do you seriously think Flip would do something like that?!?

I don't see why this is such a difficult concept for him! Adrien actually started at PF last year for Miwaukee for their last 12 games. He played over 30 minutes in most of those games. He's currently averaging around 15 minutes per game exclusively as Gorgui's backup. What's the big deal if he plays an additional 7-8 minutes per half as our starting PF? Then work in Thad off the bench, with a sprinkling of Bennett too.

We've lost a ridiculous amount of games, largely because of weak defense and rebounding. It's illogical NOT to try something like this in my opinion.

EDIT: And if Flip is interested in the lockerroom politics of "saving face" for Young, he can simply position this as a way to give his second unit a much needed boost now that Shabazz has taken Brewer's place. Young could be our first guy off the bench, subbing for Adrien, who in turn would need the rest anyway before going in for Gorgui.

[mjs34]

I am starting to see just how much of a loser mentality, this team and fans have developed.

If Flip even gives one minute to how his roster moves are analyzed outside of the locker room, he doesn't deserve to be coaching an NBA team (which has been my stance for some time). The only players we should want to come to this team as FA's are those that want to bust their asses to win games. Someone who might see Ricky and his passing ability, or the hope of AW reaching his potential, and thinks that he may be the missing piece to the puzzle.

Why is anybody worried about Flip benching a lazy, soft overrated player like Thad Young. Faried was averaging just over 8 rebs a game, and put up 25 on us. Flip can't figure out why Burke looks like CP3 when he plays us. Teams are shooting 5-10 pts over their normal percentages when they take on the wolves. There should absolutely be zero concern for how things appear to those outside of Minny, as if anyone is watching anyhow.