Minnesota Sports Forum

I've only seen 2 games but one of the impressive things about Aldrich has been his passing. He clearly knows what he want to do and is supposed to do with the ball. I've seen him a number of times being fed inside and with zero hesitation kicks it to a perimeter player who was either wide open or was able to dribble and make their own play or more the ball to another player for an open shot. I know so am a bit of a homer for him but I am not sure anyone has impressed me more. He was a bit too aggressive defensively for a stretch in the first half but the 2nd half was just terrific.

Another thing that happened during the game was a few fans behind the basket on the end of Denver Bench were chanting "Miller sucks". It looked like at least a couple of them were Cavs fans and it was kinda funny but I didn't really get what the point of it was. Kinda weird for that to happen when his hometown is like 200 miles away. Maybe there is something I don't know or something. I mean as much as I like Miller I am not exactly sure why teams keep paying him. Maybe it's the magical mentoring potion.

I agree with all of your observations, Q. Several times last night I shook my head at things Bazz did, and then the shot went in! There will be nights those forced shots aren't falling though, and we have to hope Thibs keeps him on a short leash those nights. He was awfully good last night though...very efficient, and as monster pointed out, perhaps even improved on defense.

I share Monster's and Q's admiration for Cole, but there is one flaw in his game...he forces up some crazy shots sometimes when a pass would be the better move. I excuse Bazz more than Cole because he just isn't as adept a passer, but there were a few times in the first 3 games Cole put up a wild hook shot rather than passing the ball...coaches need to work with him on that, because he adds so much else. Really a good signing.

longstrangetrip wrote:I agree with all of your observations, Q. Several times last night I shook my head at things Bazz did, and then the shot went in! There will be nights those forced shots aren't falling though, and we have to hope Thibs keeps him on a short leash those nights. He was awfully good last night though...very efficient, and as monster pointed out, perhaps even improved on defense.

I share Monster's and Q's admiration for Cole, but there is one flaw in his game...he forces up some crazy shots sometimes when a pass would be the better move. I excuse Bazz more than Cole because he just isn't as adept a passer, but there were a few times in the first 3 games Cole put up a wild hook shot rather than passing the ball...coaches need to work with him on that, because he adds so much else. Really a good signing.

The one thing about cole crazy shots I am fine with it because it probably keeps him engaged in the game. I mean basketball is not fun when all you do is set screens and play d. So if 3 bad shots a game equals a fully focused defensive cole I am fine with that

Q on tough shots:

I'm glad you brought that up and mentioned Wiggins too. It feels like sometimes his taking those tough turnaround shots isn't complained about much but Bazz gets ripped for taking his tough shots a bit of a double standard especially considering Bazz is just as or more efficient at putting the ball in the basket as Wiggins looking at raw stats. Some of those tough shots I am ok with both guys taking but they both could learn to make a different play at times. Their aggressiveness leads to getting fouls and that's valuable also.

Dunn eh the guy is a rookie and yeah he needs to pick his spots better but I like that he looks smart enough to play the role of a facilitator most of the time and isn't just out there gunning for shots. In theory he should be able to bet some guys off the dribble and I think he knows that in the back of his mind and wants to attack but isn't sure when he wants to do it. I just wish he would tighten up that handle its just so loose at times.

kekgeek1 wrote:

longstrangetrip wrote:I agree with all of your observations, Q. Several times last night I shook my head at things Bazz did, and then the shot went in! There will be nights those forced shots aren't falling though, and we have to hope Thibs keeps him on a short leash those nights. He was awfully good last night though...very efficient, and as monster pointed out, perhaps even improved on defense.

I share Monster's and Q's admiration for Cole, but there is one flaw in his game...he forces up some crazy shots sometimes when a pass would be the better move. I excuse Bazz more than Cole because he just isn't as adept a passer, but there were a few times in the first 3 games Cole put up a wild hook shot rather than passing the ball...coaches need to work with him on that, because he adds so much else. Really a good signing.

The one thing about cole crazy shots I am fine with it because it probably keeps him engaged in the game. I mean basketball is not fun when all you do is set screens and play d. So if 3 bad shots a game equals a fully focused defensive cole I am fine with that

That "crazy hook shot" looks weird but I don't think it's a bad shot for Cole. I mean look at his FT shot it's like a way behind the head thing but the guy hit over 80% of his FTs last year. Trust me Cole isn't going to be shooting the Wolves out of any games this year or next year or the year after that etc.

Also I've read about Thib's booming voice should carry to the rafters. I was sitting in the 3rd level Behind the benches. I never heard him once and trust me it was quiet enough I should have been able to hear him. Lol