Minnesota Sports Forum

Q-is-here wrote: ↑Sat Jan 31, 2026 9:21 pm Ha, Finch sending a message to the end of his bench, who were a -10 or something in the OKC game. Next time take garbage time seriously!

Lipoli390 wrote: ↑Sat Jan 31, 2026 11:14 pm

AussieWolf3 wrote: ↑Sat Jan 31, 2026 8:56 pm We are all banned from complaining about Naz Reid. 29 teams would do unholy things to have him on their teams

I’ve thought for a long time that the Naz detractors and complainers should be banned from this message board. . Seriously, Nas is incredibly talented and has also been productive for a number of years. His mobility, handle and multi-faceted scoring capabilities are remarkable for any player, especially one his size. He’s also a good passer who typically makes quick decisions with the ball. You’ll rarely see Naz or Jaden stall the ball — which is why I’ve always seen both as perfect fits for Ant. His defense has improved as well. And Naz hasn’t even peaked as a player yet.

FNG wrote: ↑Sun Feb 01, 2026 10:16 am

Lipoli390 wrote: ↑Sat Jan 31, 2026 11:14 pm

AussieWolf3 wrote: ↑Sat Jan 31, 2026 8:56 pm We are all banned from complaining about Naz Reid. 29 teams would do unholy things to have him on their teams

I’ve thought for a long time that the Naz detractors and complainers should be banned from this message board. . Seriously, Nas is incredibly talented and has also been productive for a number of years. His mobility, handle and multi-faceted scoring capabilities are remarkable for any player, especially one his size. He’s also a good passer who typically makes quick decisions with the ball. You’ll rarely see Naz or Jaden stall the ball — which is why I’ve always seen both as perfect fits for Ant. His defense has improved as well. And Naz hasn’t even peaked as a player yet.

Hahaha! You make some really good points about Naz. We talk about his elite shooting a lot, but his game has evolved in so many ways. I've been so impressed recently with his handle...he looks so confident with the ball in his hands. And you're right, love his quick decisions. He seems to have developed some terrific chemistry with Jaden, and that is leading to some great open looks.

My opinion of Conley is much closer to Finchy's than it is to the consensus here. Many here will talk about Mike not scoring and only taking one shot last night, but on a team with so many scorers, that's not his role. Finchy gets it, and he was effusive about his praise for Mike post game. Mentioned his team best +18 in 18 minutes! The difference between how the team plays at both ends of the court with Mike compared to Bones was obvious last night. He directs traffic at both ends of the court, and his leadership really makes the team click. Naz is clearly our first guy off the bench, but it's also looks like most nights Mike will be #7...I agree with Finchy's decision there. Bones is going to help us with his shooting on some nights, but he has to be behind Mike in the pecking order.

AussieWolf3 wrote: ↑Sun Feb 01, 2026 10:33 am

FNG wrote: ↑Sun Feb 01, 2026 10:16 am

Lipoli390 wrote: ↑Sat Jan 31, 2026 11:14 pm

I’ve thought for a long time that the Naz detractors and complainers should be banned from this message board. . Seriously, Nas is incredibly talented and has also been productive for a number of years. His mobility, handle and multi-faceted scoring capabilities are remarkable for any player, especially one his size. He’s also a good passer who typically makes quick decisions with the ball. You’ll rarely see Naz or Jaden stall the ball — which is why I’ve always seen both as perfect fits for Ant. His defense has improved as well. And Naz hasn’t even peaked as a player yet.

Hahaha! You make some really good points about Naz. We talk about his elite shooting a lot, but his game has evolved in so many ways. I've been so impressed recently with his handle...he looks so confident with the ball in his hands. And you're right, love his quick decisions. He seems to have developed some terrific chemistry with Jaden, and that is leading to some great open looks.

My opinion of Conley is much closer to Finchy's than it is to the consensus here. Many here will talk about Mike not scoring and only taking one shot last night, but on a team with so many scorers, that's not his role. Finchy gets it, and he was effusive about his praise for Mike post game. Mentioned his team best +18 in 18 minutes! The difference between how the team plays at both ends of the court with Mike compared to Bones was obvious last night. He directs traffic at both ends of the court, and his leadership really makes the team click. Naz is clearly our first guy off the bench, but it's also looks like most nights Mike will be #7...I agree with Finchy's decision there. Bones is going to help us with his shooting on some nights, but he has to be behind Mike in the pecking order.

I think everyone here has a deep respect for Conely and what he does - which can all be valid and true while at the same time it is also true, this team cannot go into the playoffs with either Bones or Mike as their 7th. Both will be hunted on defense and don't provide enough offensively to offset it against elite competition

AussieWolf3 wrote: ↑Sun Feb 01, 2026 10:33 am

FNG wrote: ↑Sun Feb 01, 2026 10:16 am

Lipoli390 wrote: ↑Sat Jan 31, 2026 11:14 pm

I’ve thought for a long time that the Naz detractors and complainers should be banned from this message board. . Seriously, Nas is incredibly talented and has also been productive for a number of years. His mobility, handle and multi-faceted scoring capabilities are remarkable for any player, especially one his size. He’s also a good passer who typically makes quick decisions with the ball. You’ll rarely see Naz or Jaden stall the ball — which is why I’ve always seen both as perfect fits for Ant. His defense has improved as well. And Naz hasn’t even peaked as a player yet.

Hahaha! You make some really good points about Naz. We talk about his elite shooting a lot, but his game has evolved in so many ways. I've been so impressed recently with his handle...he looks so confident with the ball in his hands. And you're right, love his quick decisions. He seems to have developed some terrific chemistry with Jaden, and that is leading to some great open looks.

My opinion of Conley is much closer to Finchy's than it is to the consensus here. Many here will talk about Mike not scoring and only taking one shot last night, but on a team with so many scorers, that's not his role. Finchy gets it, and he was effusive about his praise for Mike post game. Mentioned his team best +18 in 18 minutes! The difference between how the team plays at both ends of the court with Mike compared to Bones was obvious last night. He directs traffic at both ends of the court, and his leadership really makes the team click. Naz is clearly our first guy off the bench, but it's also looks like most nights Mike will be #7...I agree with Finchy's decision there. Bones is going to help us with his shooting on some nights, but he has to be behind Mike in the pecking order.

I think everyone here has a deep respect for Conely and what he does - which can all be valid and true while at the same time it is also true, this team cannot go into the playoffs with either Bones or Mike as their 7th. Both will be hunted on defense and don't provide enough offensively to offset it against elite competition

FNG wrote: ↑Sun Feb 01, 2026 10:16 am

Lipoli390 wrote: ↑Sat Jan 31, 2026 11:14 pm

AussieWolf3 wrote: ↑Sat Jan 31, 2026 8:56 pm We are all banned from complaining about Naz Reid. 29 teams would do unholy things to have him on their teams

I’ve thought for a long time that the Naz detractors and complainers should be banned from this message board. . Seriously, Nas is incredibly talented and has also been productive for a number of years. His mobility, handle and multi-faceted scoring capabilities are remarkable for any player, especially one his size. He’s also a good passer who typically makes quick decisions with the ball. You’ll rarely see Naz or Jaden stall the ball — which is why I’ve always seen both as perfect fits for Ant. His defense has improved as well. And Naz hasn’t even peaked as a player yet.

Hahaha! You make some really good points about Naz. We talk about his elite shooting a lot, but his game has evolved in so many ways. I've been so impressed recently with his handle...he looks so confident with the ball in his hands. And you're right, love his quick decisions. He seems to have developed some terrific chemistry with Jaden, and that is leading to some great open looks.

My opinion of Conley is much closer to Finchy's than it is to the consensus here. Many here will talk about Mike not scoring and only taking one shot last night, but on a team with so many scorers, that's not his role. Finchy gets it, and he was effusive about his praise for Mike post game. Mentioned his team best +18 in 18 minutes! The difference between how the team plays at both ends of the court with Mike compared to Bones was obvious last night. He directs traffic at both ends of the court, and his leadership really makes the team click. Naz is clearly our first guy off the bench, but it's also looks like most nights Mike will be #7...I agree with Finchy's decision there. Bones is going to help us with his shooting on some nights, but he has to be behind Mike in the pecking order.

Lipoli390 wrote: ↑Sun Feb 01, 2026 11:51 am

FNG wrote: ↑Sun Feb 01, 2026 10:16 am

Lipoli390 wrote: ↑Sat Jan 31, 2026 11:14 pm

I’ve thought for a long time that the Naz detractors and complainers should be banned from this message board. . Seriously, Nas is incredibly talented and has also been productive for a number of years. His mobility, handle and multi-faceted scoring capabilities are remarkable for any player, especially one his size. He’s also a good passer who typically makes quick decisions with the ball. You’ll rarely see Naz or Jaden stall the ball — which is why I’ve always seen both as perfect fits for Ant. His defense has improved as well. And Naz hasn’t even peaked as a player yet.

Hahaha! You make some really good points about Naz. We talk about his elite shooting a lot, but his game has evolved in so many ways. I've been so impressed recently with his handle...he looks so confident with the ball in his hands. And you're right, love his quick decisions. He seems to have developed some terrific chemistry with Jaden, and that is leading to some great open looks.

My opinion of Conley is much closer to Finchy's than it is to the consensus here. Many here will talk about Mike not scoring and only taking one shot last night, but on a team with so many scorers, that's not his role. Finchy gets it, and he was effusive about his praise for Mike post game. Mentioned his team best +18 in 18 minutes! The difference between how the team plays at both ends of the court with Mike compared to Bones was obvious last night. He directs traffic at both ends of the court, and his leadership really makes the team click. Naz is clearly our first guy off the bench, but it's also looks like most nights Mike will be #7...I agree with Finchy's decision there. Bones is going to help us with his shooting on some nights, but he has to be behind Mike in the pecking order.

I suspect the issue with Mike is what you and I can relate to. As we get older, we have some days when we feel like we did 10 years ago and other days when we’re reminded of exactly how old we are. In NBA basketball years, 38 is quite old. Watching Conley, sometimes he looks like he did in his early 30s while other times he looks his age on the court - a step or two slower, getting beat defensively, etc. And he’s just not the scoring threat he used to be. The legs don’t seem to be there for him as a shooter most games. Should Bones be ahead of him in the rotation as the main PG backup to Donte? I’m not sure. But I’m sure I’d rather have Tre Jones in that role and pretty sure I’d rather have Tyus Jones.

AbeVigodaLive wrote: ↑Sun Feb 01, 2026 9:58 am

Q-is-here wrote: ↑Sat Jan 31, 2026 9:21 pm Ha, Finch sending a message to the end of his bench, who were a -10 or something in the OKC game. Next time take garbage time seriously!

I was screaming to myself "put the reserves in"... about a minute before Edwards went down with a hit to the eye or whatever.

But your take might be accurate. You also mentioned Gobert being missed a few times earlier in this one. YEP. He was WIDE open several times and didn't get the pass.

Overall, the Wolves played with their food a little bit (the 29 rim-shaking dunks by the Grizzlies are one example)... but the Wolves were simply the MUCH better team.

Naz Reid seems to go on a hot-shooting run every season. He's been on a bit of a heater in 2026. 46 - 97 (47.4%).

FNG wrote: ↑Sun Feb 01, 2026 12:10 pm

Lipoli390 wrote: ↑Sun Feb 01, 2026 11:51 am

FNG wrote: ↑Sun Feb 01, 2026 10:16 am

Hahaha! You make some really good points about Naz. We talk about his elite shooting a lot, but his game has evolved in so many ways. I've been so impressed recently with his handle...he looks so confident with the ball in his hands. And you're right, love his quick decisions. He seems to have developed some terrific chemistry with Jaden, and that is leading to some great open looks.

My opinion of Conley is much closer to Finchy's than it is to the consensus here. Many here will talk about Mike not scoring and only taking one shot last night, but on a team with so many scorers, that's not his role. Finchy gets it, and he was effusive about his praise for Mike post game. Mentioned his team best +18 in 18 minutes! The difference between how the team plays at both ends of the court with Mike compared to Bones was obvious last night. He directs traffic at both ends of the court, and his leadership really makes the team click. Naz is clearly our first guy off the bench, but it's also looks like most nights Mike will be #7...I agree with Finchy's decision there. Bones is going to help us with his shooting on some nights, but he has to be behind Mike in the pecking order.

I suspect the issue with Mike is what you and I can relate to. As we get older, we have some days when we feel like we did 10 years ago and other days when we’re reminded of exactly how old we are. In NBA basketball years, 38 is quite old. Watching Conley, sometimes he looks like he did in his early 30s while other times he looks his age on the court - a step or two slower, getting beat defensively, etc. And he’s just not the scoring threat he used to be. The legs don’t seem to be there for him as a shooter most games. Should Bones be ahead of him in the rotation as the main PG backup to Donte? I’m not sure. But I’m sure I’d rather have Tre Jones in that role and pretty sure I’d rather have Tyus Jones.

Britt Robson tweeted a similar point. He said last night was Mike's best game since the Milwaukee game in December...and both of them came after a rest game. Like I said, I'm closer to where Finchy is with respect to Mike (he called him "outstanding" last night") than almost everyone here, but maybe he won't be able to play every game in the playoffs. And I have some real concerns about either Bones as 7th man or a PG we trade for who hasn't had much time to establish chemistry with the roster. As our esteemed president always says, "we'll have to see what happens".

FNG wrote: ↑Sun Feb 01, 2026 10:16 am

Lipoli390 wrote: ↑Sat Jan 31, 2026 11:14 pm

AussieWolf3 wrote: ↑Sat Jan 31, 2026 8:56 pm We are all banned from complaining about Naz Reid. 29 teams would do unholy things to have him on their teams

I’ve thought for a long time that the Naz detractors and complainers should be banned from this message board. . Seriously, Nas is incredibly talented and has also been productive for a number of years. His mobility, handle and multi-faceted scoring capabilities are remarkable for any player, especially one his size. He’s also a good passer who typically makes quick decisions with the ball. You’ll rarely see Naz or Jaden stall the ball — which is why I’ve always seen both as perfect fits for Ant. His defense has improved as well. And Naz hasn’t even peaked as a player yet.

Hahaha! You make some really good points about Naz. We talk about his elite shooting a lot, but his game has evolved in so many ways. I've been so impressed recently with his handle...he looks so confident with the ball in his hands. And you're right, love his quick decisions. He seems to have developed some terrific chemistry with Jaden, and that is leading to some great open looks.

My opinion of Conley is much closer to Finchy's than it is to the consensus here. Many here will talk about Mike not scoring and only taking one shot last night, but on a team with so many scorers, that's not his role. Finchy gets it, and he was effusive about his praise for Mike post game. Mentioned his team best +18 in 18 minutes! The difference between how the team plays at both ends of the court with Mike compared to Bones was obvious last night. He directs traffic at both ends of the court, and his leadership really makes the team click. Naz is clearly our first guy off the bench, but it's also looks like most nights Mike will be #7...I agree with Finchy's decision there. Bones is going to help us with his shooting on some nights, but he has to be behind Mike in the pecking order.