Boy did we mess up passing on Jamal Murray

[BloopOracle]

Good Lord I never thought he would become this lethal, I remember he and his agent openly campaigning for the Timberwolves to draft him too sigh

[AbeVigodaLive]

Meanwhile...

An allegedly one-dimensional rookie sharpshooter played 40 minutes and nearly got a triple double in the ECF.

The Wolves took an all-around player many picks higher who shot 46% on free throws.

[Camden [enjin:6601484]]

Meanwhile...

An allegedly one-dimensional rookie sharpshooter played 40 minutes and nearly got a triple double in the ECF.

The Wolves took an all-around player many picks higher who shot 46% on free throws.

The only people who thought Tyler Herro was one-dimensional are the ones who hadn't watched enough of him play before he got to Kentucky. Unfortunately, I think some stereotypical assumptions were made about Herro being "just a shooter." That's been proven wrong in just one season.

[AbeVigodaLive]

Meanwhile...

An allegedly one-dimensional rookie sharpshooter played 40 minutes and nearly got a triple double in the ECF.

The Wolves took an all-around player many picks higher who shot 46% on free throws.

The only people who thought Tyler Herro was one-dimensional are the ones who hadn't watched enough of him play before he got to Kentucky. Unfortunately, I think some stereotypical assumptions were made about Herro being "just a shooter." That's been proven wrong in just one season.

I think it was Zach Lowe who said Miami compares him favorably to Devin Booker (someday).

[Monster]

Meanwhile...

An allegedly one-dimensional rookie sharpshooter played 40 minutes and nearly got a triple double in the ECF.

The Wolves took an all-around player many picks higher who shot 46% on free throws.

The only people who thought Tyler Herro was one-dimensional are the ones who hadn't watched enough of him play before he got to Kentucky. Unfortunately, I think some stereotypical assumptions were made about Herro being "just a shooter." That's been proven wrong in just one season.

I think it was Zach Lowe who said Miami compares him favorably to Devin Booker (someday).

Honestly some of the same negatives said about these guys was said about Booker too.

[Lipoli390]

Let's note it's not dumb luck that Miami has Herro and Denver has Murray. It's front office skill and judgment identifying and drafting or signing young talent out of college or the G-League.

In addition to drafting Murray at # 7, the Nuggets drafted Jokic at #41, Gary Harris at #19 and Porter Jr. at #14.

In addition to drafting Herro at #13, the Heat drafted Bam at #14. They also signed undrafted Duncan Robinson and undrafted Kendrick. They also drafted Josh Richardson at #40 and he was the key to acquiring Jimmy Butler. Note also that they refused to trade Bam.

Yes, both organizations have made mistakes. But their multiple successes are no accident. I acknowledge that projecting draft prospects or other young talent is difficult and uncertain. But it's not a crap shoot. It's a combination of front office hard work, intelligence and judgment. If Cam was the Wolves PBO last year, we'd have Herro and could have acquired other assets for Saric. If Cam has been our PBO on 2017, Murray would be a T-Wolf. It's not luck.

It's also worth mentioning that both organizations hired first rate head coaches.

[Camden [enjin:6601484]]

Let's note it's not dumb luck that Miami has Herro and Denver has Murray. It's front office skill and judgment identifying and drafting or signing young talent out of college or the G-League.

In addition to drafting Murray at # 7, the Nuggets drafted Jokic at #41, Gary Harris at #19 and Porter Jr. at #14.

In addition to drafting Herro at #13, the Heat drafted Bam at #14. They also signed undrafted Duncan Robinson and undrafted Kendrick. They also drafted Josh Richardson at #40 and he was the key to acquiring Jimmy Butler. Note also that they refused to trade Bam.

Yes, both organizations have made mistakes. But their multiple successes are no accident. I acknowledge that projecting draft prospects or other young talent is difficult and uncertain. But it's not a crap shoot. It's a combination of front office hard work, intelligence and judgment. If Cam was the Wolves PBO last year, we'd have Herro and could have acquired other assets for Saric. If Cam has been our PBO on 2017, Murray would be a T-Wolf. It's not luck.

It's also worth mentioning that both organizations hired first rate head coaches.

Completely agreed. These franchises don't sleepwalk or stumble on to these building blocks. They specifically pluck them from the litter. It's a testament to their scouting department as well as their front office for successfully doing their jobs -- THRIVING at their jobs.

I also think we're getting to the point where the draft and undrafted free agent pool is less of a crapshoot for well-run organizations. It's the same franchises scooping up these "hidden gems." Boston, San Antonio, Toronto, Denver, Miami, Oklahoma City, Golden State... Maybe it's not a crapshoot if your front office is aligned with your scouting department and affective courses of action are in place. It sure seems like it's always a crapshoot for the same bottom feeders. Hopefully that changes with Gersson Rosas at the head of the snake, but we need to see it in this upcoming draft.

PS: Jon K tweeted either today or yesterday that Ryan Saunders' job as head coach was safe heading into this next season. Basically made it sound like they wouldn't even take a look at the available head coaches on the market -- notably Billy Donovan, Kenny Atkinson, David Fizdale, David Joerger, etc. That's super disappointing, in my opinion.

[Monster]

Let's note it's not dumb luck that Miami has Herro and Denver has Murray. It's front office skill and judgment identifying and drafting or signing young talent out of college or the G-League.

In addition to drafting Murray at # 7, the Nuggets drafted Jokic at #41, Gary Harris at #19 and Porter Jr. at #14.

In addition to drafting Herro at #13, the Heat drafted Bam at #14. They also signed undrafted Duncan Robinson and undrafted Kendrick. They also drafted Josh Richardson at #40 and he was the key to acquiring Jimmy Butler. Note also that they refused to trade Bam.

Yes, both organizations have made mistakes. But their multiple successes are no accident. I acknowledge that projecting draft prospects or other young talent is difficult and uncertain. But it's not a crap shoot. It's a combination of front office hard work, intelligence and judgment. If Cam was the Wolves PBO last year, we'd have Herro and could have acquired other assets for Saric. If Cam has been our PBO on 2017, Murray would be a T-Wolf. It's not luck.

It's also worth mentioning that both organizations hired first rate head coaches.

Completely agreed. These franchises don't sleepwalk or stumble on to these building blocks. They specifically pluck them from the litter. It's a testament to their scouting department as well as their front office for successfully doing their jobs -- THRIVING at their jobs.

I also think we're getting to the point where the draft and undrafted free agent pool is less of a crapshoot for well-run organizations. It's the same franchises scooping up these "hidden gems." Boston, San Antonio, Toronto, Denver, Miami, Oklahoma City, Golden State... Maybe it's not a crapshoot if your front office is aligned with your scouting department and affective courses of action are in place. It sure seems like it's always a crapshoot for the same bottom feeders. Hopefully that changes with Gersson Rosas at the head of the snake, but we need to see it in this upcoming draft.

PS: Jon K tweeted either today or yesterday that Ryan Saunders' job as head coach was safe heading into this next season. Basically made it sound like they wouldn't even take a look at the available head coaches on the market -- notably Billy Donovan, Kenny Atkinson, David Fizdale, David Joerger, etc. That's super disappointing, in my opinion.

I don't honestly even know if Donovan would even be interested. It seems like he is looking for a team that is ready to win that was partly why he left OKC according to what I read a few days ago. I don't think that describes the Wolves. Honestly I might be more interested in Nate McMillen (in general) than Joeger and Fizdale. Something is off about those other guys IMHO. I was thinking today there are a lot of good coaching options right now. I like loyalty and giving guys a chance and i'm really cheering for Ryan, but I also think Rosas is talking a legit risk sticking with Ryan...and the rest of that staff. If it doesn't work hopefully someone good is left...or loses their job so we can hire them. It feels like McMillen would be a good coach for the Bulls. They just need someone that knows what they are doing and can get guys to play well. He might not be THE guy but they need someone legit not waste another year or 2 on some guy that turns out not to help much.

[Lipoli390]

Let's note it's not dumb luck that Miami has Herro and Denver has Murray. It's front office skill and judgment identifying and drafting or signing young talent out of college or the G-League.

In addition to drafting Murray at # 7, the Nuggets drafted Jokic at #41, Gary Harris at #19 and Porter Jr. at #14.

In addition to drafting Herro at #13, the Heat drafted Bam at #14. They also signed undrafted Duncan Robinson and undrafted Kendrick. They also drafted Josh Richardson at #40 and he was the key to acquiring Jimmy Butler. Note also that they refused to trade Bam.

Yes, both organizations have made mistakes. But their multiple successes are no accident. I acknowledge that projecting draft prospects or other young talent is difficult and uncertain. But it's not a crap shoot. It's a combination of front office hard work, intelligence and judgment. If Cam was the Wolves PBO last year, we'd have Herro and could have acquired other assets for Saric. If Cam has been our PBO on 2017, Murray would be a T-Wolf. It's not luck.

It's also worth mentioning that both organizations hired first rate head coaches.

Completely agreed. These franchises don't sleepwalk or stumble on to these building blocks. They specifically pluck them from the litter. It's a testament to their scouting department as well as their front office for successfully doing their jobs -- THRIVING at their jobs.

I also think we're getting to the point where the draft and undrafted free agent pool is less of a crapshoot for well-run organizations. It's the same franchises scooping up these "hidden gems." Boston, San Antonio, Toronto, Denver, Miami, Oklahoma City, Golden State... Maybe it's not a crapshoot if your front office is aligned with your scouting department and affective courses of action are in place. It sure seems like it's always a crapshoot for the same bottom feeders. Hopefully that changes with Gersson Rosas at the head of the snake, but we need to see it in this upcoming draft.

PS: Jon K tweeted either today or yesterday that Ryan Saunders' job as head coach was safe heading into this next season. Basically made it sound like they wouldn't even take a look at the available head coaches on the market -- notably Billy Donovan, Kenny Atkinson, David Fizdale, David Joerger, etc. That's super disappointing, in my opinion.

I don't honestly even know if Donovan would even be interested. It seems like he is looking for a team that is ready to win that was partly why he left OKC according to what I read a few days ago. I don't think that describes the Wolves. Honestly I might be more interested in Nate McMillen (in general) than Joeger and Fizdale. Something is off about those other guys IMHO. I was thinking today there are a lot of good coaching options right now. I like loyalty and giving guys a chance and i'm really cheering for Ryan, but I also think Rosas is talking a legit risk sticking with Ryan...and the rest of that staff. If it doesn't work hopefully someone good is left...or loses their job so we can hire them. It feels like McMillen would be a good coach for the Bulls. They just need someone that knows what they are doing and can get guys to play well. He might not be THE guy but they need someone legit not waste another year or 2 on some guy that turns out not to help much.

Monster - I think Donovan would be interested in coming here to coach a KAT/Russell/Beasley trio, especially if we can augment our talent through the draft and free agency this fall. Looking at what Denver has done with a core duo of Jokic and Murray, a really good head coach like Donovan would have to be at least a little interested in coaching the Wolves. I agree that there seems to be something off with Fizdale and especially Joeger. But I'd love to see the Wolves pursue Billy Donovan or Kenny Atkinson. I also like Nate McMillan.

Hiring Ryan made little sense at the time and sticking with him now makes even less sense after ending up with the 3rd worst record in the West and knowing there are a number of impressive candidates now available. Ryan had absolutely no experience as a head coach at any level, no experience even as a top assistant anywhere and no experience as a professional player. He was the Wolves video and stat guy. If his name weren't Saunders he would not be an NBA head coach and there isn't another team in the NBA that would consider hiring him as their head coach. Sorry to sound so harsh, but it's so frustrating to invest so much emotion into this team, not to mention thousands of dollars a year as a season ticket holder, while the organization makes one obviously ridiculous decision after another. OK, I'm done venting - at least for now.

[khans2k5 [enjin:6608728]]

As much as Ryan should probably be replaced you have to give him a fair shake at coaching this team around the Russell/Towns foundation.