Minnesota Sports Forum

monsterpile wrote:Out of the loop getting back from vacation but here are some thoughts on some names here.

I'm intrigued by Christian Wood also and surprised he hasn't got a shot yet either. He fits the modern game well long etc. the problem I found with him when I read about him last season was it seems he is still either trying to get away from his past poor attitude habits or they are still there. I'm not saying the guy isn't worth it but that's the problem. He might be getting past it and we could be the smart team that give him the chance.

I'll report that KJ McDaniels the problems with his attitude sound like they are still there. I saw him play in a couple G league games last year. He didn't stand out...except a coupe times when he did bone headed things. He is 25 now and I'm not against signing him but honestly I'd probably rather bring in Anthony Brown than him and I'm not enamored with Brown.

Nwaba I like him but he isn't good enough to go into lux tax for. I think he is getting overrated a bit and I was guilty of it as well before I started digging on some more advanced stats.

Ultimately there are some various young or youngish players that are worth considering for this team some of them are mentioned here. As for opportunity...some player getting a guaranteed deal on an NBA team is pretty good for them.

Monster - I agree that Nwaba isn't worth moving into luxury tax territory. And I'd avoid siging any player with even a hint of attitude or work ethic issues. We don't need that at this point.

Of the available free agents, who would you target at this point?

lipoli390 wrote:

monsterpile wrote:Out of the loop getting back from vacation but here are some thoughts on some names here.

I'm intrigued by Christian Wood also and surprised he hasn't got a shot yet either. He fits the modern game well long etc. the problem I found with him when I read about him last season was it seems he is still either trying to get away from his past poor attitude habits or they are still there. I'm not saying the guy isn't worth it but that's the problem. He might be getting past it and we could be the smart team that give him the chance.

I'll report that KJ McDaniels the problems with his attitude sound like they are still there. I saw him play in a couple G league games last year. He didn't stand out...except a coupe times when he did bone headed things. He is 25 now and I'm not against signing him but honestly I'd probably rather bring in Anthony Brown than him and I'm not enamored with Brown.

Nwaba I like him but he isn't good enough to go into lux tax for. I think he is getting overrated a bit and I was guilty of it as well before I started digging on some more advanced stats.

Ultimately there are some various young or youngish players that are worth considering for this team some of them are mentioned here. As for opportunity...some player getting a guaranteed deal on an NBA team is pretty good for them.

Monster - I agree that Nwaba isn't worth moving into luxury tax territory. And I'd avoid siging any player with even a hint of attitude or work ethic issues. We don't need that at this point.

Of the available free agents, who would you target at this point?

Lip I really don't know who I would target that hasn't been brought up. I think patience is worth considering here. Look at some of the player movement he past week. There is going to be some guys of varying types that will be available one way or another. There are teams with more than 15 player on their roster. Teams might cut loose a player that's intriguing and maybe even would sign a 2-way deal.

In addition guys like Wood (still kinda interested in him the reports I read were more positive) and McDaniels that are out there. Either former NBA players (in one sense or another) or top G-league talents. Add in guys that are over in Europe and there are probably a bunch of guys worth considering. Some guys didn't play in summer league because they felt they proved enough (right or wrong) that they deserve to be in the league. Their fall back signing deals in Europe or ending up with a few 10 Day contracts ain't a bad option either.

It depends on what the Wolves are prioritizing. Young/youngish players that project to be able to shoot, young guys with talent of some kind regardless of fit/need, at some point maybe signing aguy that you feel probably can play if they are called on?

From what I can gather it SEEMS like regardless of what they end up paying Thibs and Layden seem to canvas the league looking for guys that are wanting to buy in. Clearly they have prioritized some players over others which any team will do whether right or wrong. I'm guessing some guys they haven't gone as hard after because they didn't feel like it was ultimately a good fit. They may be even more picky this season after Bazz didn't work out and to some extent Crawford. We will see but to me there are and will be options even though things are dwindling now.

monsterpile wrote:

lipoli390 wrote:

monsterpile wrote:Out of the loop getting back from vacation but here are some thoughts on some names here.

I'm intrigued by Christian Wood also and surprised he hasn't got a shot yet either. He fits the modern game well long etc. the problem I found with him when I read about him last season was it seems he is still either trying to get away from his past poor attitude habits or they are still there. I'm not saying the guy isn't worth it but that's the problem. He might be getting past it and we could be the smart team that give him the chance.

I'll report that KJ McDaniels the problems with his attitude sound like they are still there. I saw him play in a couple G league games last year. He didn't stand out...except a coupe times when he did bone headed things. He is 25 now and I'm not against signing him but honestly I'd probably rather bring in Anthony Brown than him and I'm not enamored with Brown.

Nwaba I like him but he isn't good enough to go into lux tax for. I think he is getting overrated a bit and I was guilty of it as well before I started digging on some more advanced stats.

Ultimately there are some various young or youngish players that are worth considering for this team some of them are mentioned here. As for opportunity...some player getting a guaranteed deal on an NBA team is pretty good for them.

Monster - I agree that Nwaba isn't worth moving into luxury tax territory. And I'd avoid siging any player with even a hint of attitude or work ethic issues. We don't need that at this point.

Of the available free agents, who would you target at this point?

Lip I really don't know who I would target that hasn't been brought up. I think patience is worth considering here. Look at some of the player movement he past week. There is going to be some guys of varying types that will be available one way or another. There are teams with more than 15 player on their roster. Teams might cut loose a player that's intriguing and maybe even would sign a 2-way deal.

In addition guys like Wood (still kinda interested in him the reports I read were more positive) and McDaniels that are out there. Either former NBA players (in one sense or another) or top G-league talents. Add in guys that are over in Europe and there are probably a bunch of guys worth considering. Some guys didn't play in summer league because they felt they proved enough (right or wrong) that they deserve to be in the league. Their fall back signing deals in Europe or ending up with a few 10 Day contracts ain't a bad option either.

It depends on what the Wolves are prioritizing. Young/youngish players that project to be able to shoot, young guys with talent of some kind regardless of fit/need, at some point maybe signing aguy that you feel probably can play if they are called on?

From what I can gather it SEEMS like regardless of what they end up paying Thibs and Layden seem to canvas the league looking for guys that are wanting to buy in. Clearly they have prioritized some players over others which any team will do whether right or wrong. I'm guessing some guys they haven't gone as hard after because they didn't feel like it was ultimately a good fit. They may be even more picky this season after Bazz didn't work out and to some extent Crawford. We will see but to me there are and will be options even though things are dwindling now.

I agree with you, Monster, that patience is the key at this point. I don't see any currently available free agents likely to take the vet minimum who stand out as guys we should go after aggressively. You're right that other players will likely become available over the next 4-6 weeks as rosters continue to shuffle and certain players get released. I'm still wondering whether the Knicks will buy-out Noah. I joke about it, but I would actually like the Wolves to sign Noah to a vet minimum deal if he's interested. No doubt he's not what he once was. But there should be something left in his tank. I always loved his defense and high energy.

lipoli390 wrote:

monsterpile wrote:

lipoli390 wrote:

monsterpile wrote:Out of the loop getting back from vacation but here are some thoughts on some names here.

I'm intrigued by Christian Wood also and surprised he hasn't got a shot yet either. He fits the modern game well long etc. the problem I found with him when I read about him last season was it seems he is still either trying to get away from his past poor attitude habits or they are still there. I'm not saying the guy isn't worth it but that's the problem. He might be getting past it and we could be the smart team that give him the chance.

I'll report that KJ McDaniels the problems with his attitude sound like they are still there. I saw him play in a couple G league games last year. He didn't stand out...except a coupe times when he did bone headed things. He is 25 now and I'm not against signing him but honestly I'd probably rather bring in Anthony Brown than him and I'm not enamored with Brown.

Nwaba I like him but he isn't good enough to go into lux tax for. I think he is getting overrated a bit and I was guilty of it as well before I started digging on some more advanced stats.

Ultimately there are some various young or youngish players that are worth considering for this team some of them are mentioned here. As for opportunity...some player getting a guaranteed deal on an NBA team is pretty good for them.

Monster - I agree that Nwaba isn't worth moving into luxury tax territory. And I'd avoid siging any player with even a hint of attitude or work ethic issues. We don't need that at this point.

Of the available free agents, who would you target at this point?

Lip I really don't know who I would target that hasn't been brought up. I think patience is worth considering here. Look at some of the player movement he past week. There is going to be some guys of varying types that will be available one way or another. There are teams with more than 15 player on their roster. Teams might cut loose a player that's intriguing and maybe even would sign a 2-way deal.

In addition guys like Wood (still kinda interested in him the reports I read were more positive) and McDaniels that are out there. Either former NBA players (in one sense or another) or top G-league talents. Add in guys that are over in Europe and there are probably a bunch of guys worth considering. Some guys didn't play in summer league because they felt they proved enough (right or wrong) that they deserve to be in the league. Their fall back signing deals in Europe or ending up with a few 10 Day contracts ain't a bad option either.

It depends on what the Wolves are prioritizing. Young/youngish players that project to be able to shoot, young guys with talent of some kind regardless of fit/need, at some point maybe signing aguy that you feel probably can play if they are called on?

From what I can gather it SEEMS like regardless of what they end up paying Thibs and Layden seem to canvas the league looking for guys that are wanting to buy in. Clearly they have prioritized some players over others which any team will do whether right or wrong. I'm guessing some guys they haven't gone as hard after because they didn't feel like it was ultimately a good fit. They may be even more picky this season after Bazz didn't work out and to some extent Crawford. We will see but to me there are and will be options even though things are dwindling now.

I agree with you, Monster, that patience is the key at this point. I don't see any currently available free agents likely to take the vet minimum who stand out as guys we should go after aggressively. You're right that other players will likely become available over the next 4-6 weeks as rosters continue to shuffle and certain players get released. I'm still wondering whether the Knicks will buy-out Noah. I joke about it, but I would actually like the Wolves to sign Noah to a vet minimum deal if he's interested. No doubt he's not what he once was. But there should be something left in his tank. I always loved his defense and high energy.

I'm with you on Noah. I don't see him as a need however IF somehow he could stay somewhat healthy and be maybe 75% of what he was (I already feel too optimistic) he would be a pretty good bench player. If you look at his per 36 stats the rebounds blocks and steals all look pretty good and he hands out some assists. We don't know what we will actually get out of Dieng and 75% of what Noah was is better than Dieng on most days even when he was starting. Do you take a chance on a guy that hasn't done it or hope that you can recapture enough of a guy that's only played like 82 games but used to be a VERY good player? I think it's perfectly reasonable to do so for the vet min and hope he can play for 10-15 solid or even quality mins.

Some other thoughts.

The Bulls signed Rawls Alkins to a 2-way deal. Wolfson reports that the Wolves didn't pursue him. He could be their cheaper replacement of Nwaba. I would have been all about taking a chance on him with a 2-way deal.

If what we want is a Nwaba type that has all those Q score stats then we could just sign Gary Payton II to some type of contract. I'm not saying we should but that's an option.

I'd rather take a chance on Noah but Deng if bought out (not sure how badly each of these teams wants to move on) make some sense still. The Wolves still only have 2 true PFs in Taj and Tolliver and a rookie in KBD. Deng would give them a solid stretch 4 option and push KBD to playing more SF. If Belly would have been an option at SF than IMO there is no way KBD shouldn't be in that conversation.* If I was Thibs and either of these guys were available I'd at least want to see them work out for me. It's not ridiculous to be interested. Thibs has brought in some of his guys but he has also shown restraint in not overvaluing them ridiculously. Deng could be a Jared Dudley type guy for the vet min. Personally I'd probably rather sign someone like Tyler Cavenaugh for his shooting but again I can see the possible value of at least looking into Deng.

*I was thinking about other big SF that might be compared to KBD. I was thinking of Taurean Prince in Atlanta and...then I started thinking about how KBD might compare to Tayshan Prince. Obviously that's too high of a bar but I think there is some similarity. I do think Prince would have played a lot of PF in the league but in his prime he still would have played some PF. He would be a player that would be worth matching up against Durant with his length. I'm just making a VERY general conparison here. There have likely been dozens of players compared to Tayshan and few have done much in the league.

I was looking to see whatever came of Jamil Wilson who played for the Clippers and was going to sign with the Lakers before some news came of a lawsuit over sexual assault. I still haven't found what came of that but I happened upon this EXTENSIVE breakdown of pretty much every FA available this summer. They don't have every guy's status updated but its the biggest list I've seen. Its fairly easy to scroll through what you want to see and what you don't. Enjoy maybe you will find a new guy you want. =)

http://saltcityhoops.com/every-single-2018-nba-free-agent/

Monster - I read somewhere that Luol Deng is essentially semi-retired and has no interest in playing anymore. There's a reason he hasn't played at all even though he's been healthy. Noah's a guy who, I believe, would still be highly motivated to play. He's such a highly competitive guy and his lack of playing time has been related primarily to health issues and antagonism between him and the Knicks prior head coach. But I wouldn't count on Noah getting bought out and his physical status remains a question mark if he is bought out.

How feasible is this?

Chicago gives holiday and lopez. They have a glut of younger wings they need to develop and they just drafted their center of the future. Dieng gives them a solid center who can step in or back up wendel and he works well with zach in the pnr game.

Minny trades dieng + future pick (probably 1st). They get 18 mill in expirings. They get out from diengs contract and fill the needs of a 3&d wing off the bench and a big that can actually play like a big at the c spot.

lipoli390 wrote:Monster - I read somewhere that Luol Deng is essentially semi-retired and has no interest in playing anymore. There's a reason he hasn't played at all even though he's been healthy. Noah's a guy who, I believe, would still be highly motivated to play. He's such a highly competitive guy and his lack of playing time has been related primarily to health issues and antagonism between him and the Knicks prior head coach. But I wouldn't count on Noah getting bought out and his physical status remains a question mark if he is bought out.

Living in NY, I can tell you if Noah feels the way you think he feels, Fizdale will just use him.

However, there is ZERO chance the Knicks will buy out two years of his deal. They're not saving any money by doing it and if they're gonna do anything in regards to releasing him, they'll do it next summer when they can use the stretch provision on his deal to attain more cap space to make a run at Kyrie and Jimmy. There's not much left in the tank at all with Noah. The body can't do what his mind wants it to do anymore (if it did, he'd be the perfect guy alongside Porzingis)

crazy-canuck wrote:How feasible is this?

Chicago gives holiday and lopez. They have a glut of younger wings they need to develop and they just drafted their center of the future. Dieng gives them a solid center who can step in or back up wendel and he works well with zach in the pnr game.

Minny trades dieng + future pick (probably 1st). They get 18 mill in expirings. They get out from diengs contract and fill the needs of a 3&d wing off the bench and a big that can actually play like a big at the c spot.

Zero unless it's completely unprotected.

Trading for Dieng puts a major dent in their ability to be free agent players in the next 2 years. They'd be better off letting Carter learn from Lopez for a year.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BmjNVngBxvO/?utm_source=ig_embed

Andrew looks to have added strength and muscle this offseason. He has been working out since may. His priority was his body and shooting. He knows this is a big season for him as he needs to prove he is worth his contract. As polarizing as he has been, Wiggins remains the key to how successful the wolves will be. Whether it is with butler long term or not, Wiggins development is the key.