Fork in the Road - Wolves at Bull GDT

[60WinTim]

I'm still flummoxed by the PG situation. The backcourt of Donte and ANT is pretty good on both ends of the court -- I kind of hate to mess with that. Bones keeps stacking solid games. Mike and Dilly are still around. My favorite move is still a SloMo buyout and sign him to our remaining roster spot. He boosts our PG depth AND our defensive frontcourt depth, and doesn't need a large learning curve for Finch's systems. We probably have to wait until after the trade deadline for the buyout to happen. And this assumes no bridges were burnt when SloMo left...

[Lipoli390]

I'm still flummoxed by the PG situation. The backcourt of Donte and ANT is pretty good on both ends of the court -- I kind of hate to mess with that. Bones keeps stacking solid games. Mike and Dilly are still around. My favorite move is still a SloMo buyout and sign him to our remaining roster spot. He boosts our PG depth AND our defensive frontcourt depth, and doesn't need a large learning curve for Finch's systems. We probably have to wait until after the trade deadline for the buyout to happen. And this assumes no bridges were burnt when SloMo left...

I agree, Tim. Donte, Bones and Conley are plenty good if the top players on this team consistently perform to their abilities. The PG obsession has taken on a life of its own. Does anyone really believe we would have won the Nets game with Tre Jones on our roster instead of any of our current roster players? I would think it’s crystal clear that the loss to Denver wasn’t caused by the lack of a better floor general at PG. We lost because we missed 33 of our 45 three-point attempts (27%) and 24 of our 30 free throw attempts (80%). Denver only missed 24 of their 43 three-point attempts (44%) and only 3 of their 32 free-throw attempts (90%). The Wolves only needed to make one of those missed three-pointers or free-throws and they would have won in regulation in spite of what would have still been terrible perimeter shooting. Yet, in spite of the Wolves horrific shooting in that game, Denver still needed overtime and 56 points from Jokic to beat us on their home court.

Tonight’s game was a nice bounce-back from the Nets game debacle. Now we need to put a nice winning streak together, which this team can do if it plays with high-level intensity every game. This team has the talent, but thus far lacks the mindset to be a championship contender. Consistent intensity is what this team needs going forward. Intensity leads to stops on the defensive end and better shot-making on the offensive end. Poor shooting - whether it is missed jump shots or missed layups — often stems from poor concentration, which comes with a lack of real intensity. The difference between the Wolves being a 5th or 6th seed rather than a 1st, 2nd or 3rd seed is mental. The team’s mindset, not any particular position, is the key. If the current players with this coaching staff can’t have the right mindset consistently, then our front office should be looking for coaches and/or players who can bring that mindset rather than trying to get the perfect fit for a particular position.

[FNG]

So I guess in just one off-season Ant is just able to go from one of the worst mid range shooters in the league (I think he was at like 38% or something like that last year) to now being an above average one at 45.3%!

Not only that -not including tonight's game- he's shooting 54% 10-19 ft from the basket. I left out 5-9 because he's currently sitting at 25% but he's shooting less than 1 a game from there, so it kinda confused the data imo.

Good to see a big win tonight really wish it was capping a 6 game win streak but I'll take it

He has absolutely become a three-level scorer and he put on a mid-range clinic in the 3rd quarter. It's something he'll need for the playoffs.

Not sure how guys work on passing in the offseason, as that seems more like an innate feel + willingness thing, but as FNG mentioned, there are probably drills out there to help with his passing accuracy so that guys have a better chance of cashing in off his passes.

It's impressive the way Ant says he's working on something during the summer, and then proves it with results...3-point shooting two summers ago, and the mid-range last summer. And meanwhile his ability to get to and finish at the rim has also taken a leap. You're right...he's truly a 3-level scorer. But yeah, when I mentioned earlier that it would be good if Ant could learn to deliver a pass like Ju and Mike do, my immediate thought was "how?". But I know he likes to work with Chris Hines in the offseason, and maybe Hines can design some drills to help Ant. My guess though is that this might not be something Ant would be very interested in.

[AussieWolf3]

So I guess in just one off-season Ant is just able to go from one of the worst mid range shooters in the league (I think he was at like 38% or something like that last year) to now being an above average one at 45.3%!

Not only that -not including tonight's game- he's shooting 54% 10-19 ft from the basket. I left out 5-9 because he's currently sitting at 25% but he's shooting less than 1 a game from there, so it kinda confused the data imo.

Good to see a big win tonight really wish it was capping a 6 game win streak but I'll take it

He has absolutely become a three-level scorer and he put on a mid-range clinic in the 3rd quarter. It's something he'll need for the playoffs.

Not sure how guys work on passing in the offseason, as that seems more like an innate feel + willingness thing, but as FNG mentioned, there are probably drills out there to help with his passing accuracy so that guys have a better chance of cashing in off his passes.

It's impressive the way Ant says he's working on something during the summer, and then proves it with results...3-point shooting two summers ago, and the mid-range last summer. And meanwhile his ability to get to and finish at the rim has also taken a leap. You're right...he's truly a 3-level scorer. But yeah, when I mentioned earlier that it would be good if Ant could learn to deliver a pass like Ju and Mike do, my immediate thought was "how?". But I know he likes to work with Chris Hines in the offseason, and maybe Hines can design some drills to help Ant. My guess though is that this might not be something Ant would be very interested in.

I mean at this point, shouldn't we just assume that he'll become the next Stockton next season after deciding he wants to be a better passer

[Q-is-here]

I'm still flummoxed by the PG situation. The backcourt of Donte and ANT is pretty good on both ends of the court -- I kind of hate to mess with that. Bones keeps stacking solid games. Mike and Dilly are still around. My favorite move is still a SloMo buyout and sign him to our remaining roster spot. He boosts our PG depth AND our defensive frontcourt depth, and doesn't need a large learning curve for Finch's systems. We probably have to wait until after the trade deadline for the buyout to happen. And this assumes no bridges were burnt when SloMo left...

I agree, Tim. Donte, Bones and Conley are plenty good if the top players on this team consistently perform to their abilities. The PG obsession has taken on a life of its own. Does anyone really believe we would have won the Nets game with Tre Jones on our roster instead of any of our current roster players? I would think it’s crystal clear that the loss to Denver wasn’t caused by the lack of a better floor general at PG. We lost because we missed 33 of our 45 three-point attempts (27%) and 24 of our 30 free throw attempts (80%). Denver only missed 24 of their 43 three-point attempts (44%) and only 3 of their 32 free-throw attempts (90%). The Wolves only needed to make one of those missed three-pointers or free-throws and they would have won in regulation in spite of what would have still been terrible perimeter shooting. Yet, in spite of the Wolves horrific shooting in that game, Denver still needed overtime and 56 points from Jokic to beat us on their home court.

Tonight’s game was a nice bounce-back from the Nets game debacle. Now we need to put a nice winning streak together, which this team can do if it plays with high-level intensity every game. This team has the talent, but thus far lacks the mindset to be a championship contender. Consistent intensity is what this team needs going forward. Intensity leads to stops on the defensive end and better shot-making on the offensive end. Poor shooting - whether it is missed jump shots or missed layups — often stems from poor concentration, which comes with a lack of real intensity. The difference between the Wolves being a 5th or 6th seed rather than a 1st, 2nd or 3rd seed is mental. The team’s mindset, not any particular position, is the key. If the current players with this coaching staff can’t have the right mindset consistently, then our front office should be looking for coaches and/or players who can bring that mindset rather than trying to get the perfect fit for a particular position.

Putting Bones in place of Dillingham and even eating into some of Mike's minutes has been a massive upgrade to the bench. It also allows Finch to use Clark more off the bench since the Bones/Naz combination gives him the scoring he needs. Clark is a PERFECT compliment in that he is 100% defense and any lineup with Bones and Naz in it needs defensive compliments.

It feels like making a smaller move for a guy like Tre Jones or Jose Alvardo is no longer necessary. But if we truly want to win a title, do Naz or Julius need to get moved to land a starting-caliber PG that is actually a trained PG? The answer to that might be yes, but is it even possible to find a deal that works with a willing counter-party? That's where I'm skeptical....

I think Tim's idea of a smaller move to bolster the front court makes sense, as we badly need insurance for Rudy. Him going down for an extended period would devastate our defense in the same way Jokic's absense will hurt Denver's offense. I would argue SloMo isn't the answer, but I don't have any other ideas at the moment.

[AbeVigodaLive]

I'm still flummoxed by the PG situation. The backcourt of Donte and ANT is pretty good on both ends of the court -- I kind of hate to mess with that. Bones keeps stacking solid games. Mike and Dilly are still around. My favorite move is still a SloMo buyout and sign him to our remaining roster spot. He boosts our PG depth AND our defensive frontcourt depth, and doesn't need a large learning curve for Finch's systems. We probably have to wait until after the trade deadline for the buyout to happen. And this assumes no bridges were burnt when SloMo left...

I agree, Tim. Donte, Bones and Conley are plenty good if the top players on this team consistently perform to their abilities. The PG obsession has taken on a life of its own. Does anyone really believe we would have won the Nets game with Tre Jones on our roster instead of any of our current roster players? I would think it’s crystal clear that the loss to Denver wasn’t caused by the lack of a better floor general at PG. We lost because we missed 33 of our 45 three-point attempts (27%) and 24 of our 30 free throw attempts (80%). Denver only missed 24 of their 43 three-point attempts (44%) and only 3 of their 32 free-throw attempts (90%). The Wolves only needed to make one of those missed three-pointers or free-throws and they would have won in regulation in spite of what would have still been terrible perimeter shooting. Yet, in spite of the Wolves horrific shooting in that game, Denver still needed overtime and 56 points from Jokic to beat us on their home court.

Tonight’s game was a nice bounce-back from the Nets game debacle. Now we need to put a nice winning streak together, which this team can do if it plays with high-level intensity every game. This team has the talent, but thus far lacks the mindset to be a championship contender. Consistent intensity is what this team needs going forward. Intensity leads to stops on the defensive end and better shot-making on the offensive end. Poor shooting - whether it is missed jump shots or missed layups — often stems from poor concentration, which comes with a lack of real intensity. The difference between the Wolves being a 5th or 6th seed rather than a 1st, 2nd or 3rd seed is mental. The team’s mindset, not any particular position, is the key. If the current players with this coaching staff can’t have the right mindset consistently, then our front office should be looking for coaches and/or players who can bring that mindset rather than trying to get the perfect fit for a particular position.

Putting Bones in place of Dillingham and even eating into some of Mike's minutes has been a massive upgrade to the bench. It also allows Finch to use Clark more off the bench since the Bones/Naz combination gives him the scoring he needs. Clark is a PERFECT compliment in that he is 100% defense and any lineup with Bones and Naz in it needs defensive compliments.

It feels like making a smaller move for a guy like Tre Jones or Jose Alvardo is no longer necessary. But if we truly want to win a title, do Naz or Julius need to get moved to land a starting-caliber PG that is actually a trained PG? The answer to that might be yes, but is it even possible to find a deal that works with a willing counter-party? That's where I'm skeptical....

I think Tim's idea of a smaller move to bolster the front court makes sense, as we badly need insurance for Rudy. Him going down for an extended period would devastate our defense in the same way Jokic's absense will hurt Denver's offense. I would argue SloMo isn't the answer, but I don't have any other ideas at the moment.

Yeah... many statistics seem to paint Rudy Gobert as the team's most critical, indispensable player... so Rudy insurance makes sense.

[Q-is-here]

I agree, Tim. Donte, Bones and Conley are plenty good if the top players on this team consistently perform to their abilities. The PG obsession has taken on a life of its own. Does anyone really believe we would have won the Nets game with Tre Jones on our roster instead of any of our current roster players? I would think it’s crystal clear that the loss to Denver wasn’t caused by the lack of a better floor general at PG. We lost because we missed 33 of our 45 three-point attempts (27%) and 24 of our 30 free throw attempts (80%). Denver only missed 24 of their 43 three-point attempts (44%) and only 3 of their 32 free-throw attempts (90%). The Wolves only needed to make one of those missed three-pointers or free-throws and they would have won in regulation in spite of what would have still been terrible perimeter shooting. Yet, in spite of the Wolves horrific shooting in that game, Denver still needed overtime and 56 points from Jokic to beat us on their home court.

Tonight’s game was a nice bounce-back from the Nets game debacle. Now we need to put a nice winning streak together, which this team can do if it plays with high-level intensity every game. This team has the talent, but thus far lacks the mindset to be a championship contender. Consistent intensity is what this team needs going forward. Intensity leads to stops on the defensive end and better shot-making on the offensive end. Poor shooting - whether it is missed jump shots or missed layups — often stems from poor concentration, which comes with a lack of real intensity. The difference between the Wolves being a 5th or 6th seed rather than a 1st, 2nd or 3rd seed is mental. The team’s mindset, not any particular position, is the key. If the current players with this coaching staff can’t have the right mindset consistently, then our front office should be looking for coaches and/or players who can bring that mindset rather than trying to get the perfect fit for a particular position.

Putting Bones in place of Dillingham and even eating into some of Mike's minutes has been a massive upgrade to the bench. It also allows Finch to use Clark more off the bench since the Bones/Naz combination gives him the scoring he needs. Clark is a PERFECT compliment in that he is 100% defense and any lineup with Bones and Naz in it needs defensive compliments.

It feels like making a smaller move for a guy like Tre Jones or Jose Alvardo is no longer necessary. But if we truly want to win a title, do Naz or Julius need to get moved to land a starting-caliber PG that is actually a trained PG? The answer to that might be yes, but is it even possible to find a deal that works with a willing counter-party? That's where I'm skeptical....

I think Tim's idea of a smaller move to bolster the front court makes sense, as we badly need insurance for Rudy. Him going down for an extended period would devastate our defense in the same way Jokic's absense will hurt Denver's offense. I would argue SloMo isn't the answer, but I don't have any other ideas at the moment.

Yeah... many statistics seem to paint Rudy Gobert as the team's most critical, indispensable player... so Rudy insurance makes sense.

I think it's true. When Ant is out, there are guys that can take on more usage like Randle and Jaden. Same thing when Randle is out. Not that we wouldn't miss either player, but we can survive a stretch without them in the regular season. But Rudy? Literally no one else on the team can replace the things he does and Beringer and Rocco simply aren't ready to be regular NBA contributors yet.