Minnesota Sports Forum

Wow, that is the most passive aggressive post I've ever read in this board. I just vomited in my mouth. Gross!

Dear, God. Never mind, TeamRicky. You're never in the wrong and I apologize for being the big bad wolf always instigating you. Fan of the Wolves or not, please stop commenting towards me. That's it.

For the rest of the forum -- especially the OP -- I sincerely apologize for the course this thread took. It wasn't supposed to, but it did. No more. Back to discussing D'Angelo Russell.

Camden wrote:Dear, God. Never mind, TeamRicky. You're never in the wrong and I apologize for being the big bad wolf always instigating you. Fan of the Wolves or not, please stop commenting towards me. That's it.

For the rest of the forum -- especially the OP -- I sincerely apologize for the course this thread took. It wasn't supposed to, but it did. No more. Back to discussing D'Angelo Russell.

Cam--Well, I wish you were sincere, but my only regret is that I have stooped down to your level. I thought you didn't want to talk to me, but you just did. OK, lets talk Wolves.

https://66.media.tumblr.com/cde20fc2b5009bf8b18cfdcb8ae5188e/tumblr_noys8mkgT11s0my1wo1_250.gif

So the more I think about it the more I still think that Russell is the best guard prospect compared to the guys in this year's draft. I spent a little time watching some highlight videos and remember these are from him playing in NBA games against NBA players not college. Below is one highlight video I viewed. Obviously about anyone can look good in highlight videos but let's admit Russell is more proven than anyone we could draft. A couple take away a from watching the videos.

I was surprised at how many highlights there were of him making nice cuts all over the floor and especially to the tim for easy baskets. He also seemed to know where to spot up for 3's. That bodes well for a guy that would play off the ball if he was here (or probably a lot of other teams including maybe the Lakers).

He certainly has some legit ball handling skills he shows off at times.

He looks plenty big.

He looks perfectly comfortable posting up smaller players and either trying to score or passing out of that to another player.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=QsjEGi97Mzg

I'm not suggesting this is a no brainier trade but to me overall I think I would take him over Murray Dunn and Hield. He has a rare combination of shooting passing and scoring in a physical package of a Decent sized SG. That's why he went #2 in a loaded draft.

How loaded was that draft and where did Russell end up being valued? The top 5 vote getters for both ROY and Rookie teams all had terrific rookie seasons Towns Porzingis Jokic Okafor and Booker. There is no shame being behind any of those guys the next group of guys were promising but didn't blow the doors off people which included Winslow Mudiay Russell Turner WCS. Those guys all had plenty of positive moments if I was a fan of the team that had selected them I would be pleased so had them.

You can make a case for players in this draft being better than Russell but that's not where I am. I do feel that all things considered there is some actual possibility that the Lakers may consider moving him for #5 if they really like a guy this year and feel like Russell and the team may be better off starting off fresh. I still doubt it happens teams generally don't like moving on so quickly from a top pick like that but I could also see it possibly happening.

I would also have some reservations about the deal because of what happened with Russell because even if what happened with the Lakers was supposed to be a harmless joke it seems like poor judgement to me. I tend to lean towards the Wolves taking advantage of another team and I wasn't a huge Russell fan going into last year's draft but that was more about how much I liked the other bigs including Porzingis and how I liked the Wolves perimeter players in Rubio Wiggins Lavine. It's at least intriguing to think about that's for sure.

I wouldn't mind him, he has potential. Plus he would be nice for when(if) Ricky leaves. I want a point guard that can score, would be a nice weapon. Especially if he gets to be backup a year or two, to learn defense, and then be given the starting role.

Russell for #5 is an interesting prospect. It makes sense for the Lakers because it takes the awkwardness out of their lockerroom and still gives them a somewhat comparable prospect that may even make more sense for their positional needs. For the Wolves, it could make sense because Russell makes for a solid combo-guard option, giving us a very good up-and-coming 3 guard rotation, and protects against injuries well.

Personally, I don't care about the extra year if it's a better fit. I would probably do this trade..

Russell vs Dunn: I prefer Russell here because he can play the 2, and is probably even a better option at the 2. He's very versatile offensively with a better scorer's mentality than Dunn. Dunn is the better defender in this matchup, but is a pure 1. (position plays a large factor in this one for me)

Russell vs Hield: I like Hield, a lot (almost as much as Dunn). Despite criticisms on defense, I think Hield can hold up on that end of the floor. He's a guy that finishes at the rim and has Klay Thompson-like range/shooting. He's also realizes that with his shooting ability, there's not much point in taking the long-two. This team needs shooting. With that said, I still take Russell because he's more versatile offensively and younger.

Russell vs Murray: Russell has the more complete offensive game in my opinion, while Murray is probably the better shooter. I watched a lot of Russell at OSU and absolutely loved his game. Murray has a good fit on this team too, however in a 3 guard rotation I think Murray doesn't fit as well if he's not in the starting role because Russell is the better creator. I take Russell for this reason primarily.

Truth be told, I'd be happy with any of these options, but if I go back one year in my head and compare these 4 prospects coming out of college, the one I am most excited about is Russell.

Good discussion, guys. I think Cam and Cool made me feel better about Murray if he becomes our choice at 5, but I still favor Russell because of the versatility he brings. I recall how easy Russell made the game look at OSU, and some of his no-look passes in the video Monster linked would be fun to watch...very Rubio like. Not to mention his 41% college 3-point success and 39% post all-star game 3-point rate.

I like this topic (#5 for Russell) a lot too, because it's a rumor that makes a lot more success than some of the others out there. The Lakers have to be eager to move Russell to avoid an uncomfortable locker room, and 5 is about the value a player like Russell would bring back.

longstrangetrip wrote:Good discussion, guys. I think Cam and Cool made me feel better about Murray if he becomes our choice at 5, but I still favor Russell because of the versatility he brings. I recall how easy Russell made the game look at OSU, and some of his no-look passes in the video Monster linked would be fun to watch...very Rubio like. Not to mention his 41% college 3-point success and 39% post all-star game 3-point rate.

I like this topic (#5 for Russell) a lot too, because it's a rumor that makes a lot more success than some of the others out there. The Lakers have to be eager to move Russell to avoid an uncomfortable locker room, and 5 is about the value a player like Russell would bring back.

There's maybe 4 players on the Lakers worth worrying about in LA besides Russell (Nance, Anthony Brown, Randle, Clarkson). I wouldn't value anyone else's opinion there since they won't be there long term.