Ant is an All Star right?

[thedoper]

I know it means very little in terms of real value on the court but he firmly has to be in the conversation. Interestingly of all the top 20 scorers Ant is well at the bottom in FTAs at 3.5. He'd probably be top 15 if he got a better whistle. Still has a long way to go but it is pretty awesome that in his 2nd year he has already made some significant strides in his game.

[kekgeek]

I know it means very little in terms of real value on the court but he firmly has to be in the conversation. Interestingly of all the top 20 scorers Ant is well at the bottom in FTAs at 3.5. He'd probably be top 15 if he got a better whistle. Still has a long way to go but it is pretty awesome that in his 2nd year he has already made some significant strides in his game.

He's not going to make it. 12 All Stars make it in the west.

People for sure in front of him
Curry
Booker
Paul
Mitchell
Gobert
Luka
Lbj
Jokic
Towns
George (who is hurt so he might not]
Ja


People he will fight the last 2 spots for in the West (assuming George is not playing)
Draymond
Lillard
Wiggins
SGA
AD
Murray

My guess is Ant is behind all the people above besides SGA. Also Klay could get in by the fan vote.

But yes Ant has made good strides in year 2

[FNG]

Yeah, as much as we all love Ant here, I tend to agree with kek that there are too many established stars ahead of him in the all-star race. I like KAT's chances much better. Nice to see Ant getting some vote recognition though, and his day will come.

Doper, I take issue with your statement that Ant has made significant strides in his second year though. While we all agree that he improved greatly during the second half of his rookie year, his offensive production this season is actually flat compared to last year. Here are the numbers not counting last night's game:

2020-21 post All-Star (36 games)
Points: 23.8
Rebounds: 5.3
Assists: 3.4
3P%: 34.9%
2P%: 53.6%
TS%: 57%

2021-22 so far (38 games)
Points: 22.3
Rebounds: 5.6
Assists: 3.5
3P%: 36%
2P%: 50.8%
TS%: 55%

I think it's typical for a rookie to make big strides in his second year and I think most of us were expecting that from Ant, so it's a little disappointing to me to see this comparison. I like that he has raised his 3-point percentage up to the league average, but I was not expecting a drop in his TS%. I do think he is rebounding much better this season, and the emergence of Vando as an elite rebounder may explain why Ant has only has a modest increase in his RPG.

I also think Ant has improved defensively this year, although defensive stats are notoriously messy. Finch has had to yank him out of games a few times because of defensive laxness, but he does seem to be taking a lot of pride in his steals...and that shows up in his stats.

Ant has an enormously high ceiling and a big future ahead of him, but I guess I would have liked to see him improve his offensive production and efficiency a little more this season than he has compared to the second half of last season.

[Camden [enjin:6601484]]

Guard 1: Steph Curry (Warriors)
Guard 2: Luka Doncic (Mavericks)
Frontcourt 1: Nikola Jokic (Nuggets)
Frontcourt 2: LeBron James (Lakers)
Frontcourt 3: Rudy Gobert (Jazz)

Guard 3: Ja Morant (Grizzlies)
Guard 4: Chris Paul (Suns)
Frontcourt 4: Karl-Anthony Towns (Timberwolves)
Frontcourt 5: Draymond Green (Warriors)
Frontcourt 6: Paul George (Clippers)
Wildcard 1: Devin Booker (Suns)
Wildcard 2: Donovan Mitchell (Jazz)

[thedoper]

Guard 1: Steph Curry (Warriors)
Guard 2: Luka Doncic (Mavericks)
Frontcourt 1: Nikola Jokic (Nuggets)
Frontcourt 2: LeBron James (Lakers)
Frontcourt 3: Rudy Gobert (Jazz)

Guard 3: Ja Morant (Grizzlies)
Guard 4: Chris Paul (Suns)
Frontcourt 4: Karl-Anthony Towns (Timberwolves)
Frontcourt 5: Draymond Green (Warriors)
Frontcourt 6: Paul George (Clippers)
Wildcard 1: Devin Booker (Suns)
Wildcard 2: Donovan Mitchell (Jazz)

I forgot about Paul. This seems right.

[Monster]

Yeah, as much as we all love Ant here, I tend to agree with kek that there are too many established stars ahead of him in the all-star race. I like KAT's chances much better. Nice to see Ant getting some vote recognition though, and his day will come.

Doper, I take issue with your statement that Ant has made significant strides in his second year though. While we all agree that he improved greatly during the second half of his rookie year, his offensive production this season is actually flat compared to last year. Here are the numbers not counting last night's game:

2020-21 post All-Star (36 games)
Points: 23.8
Rebounds: 5.3
Assists: 3.4
3P%: 34.9%
2P%: 53.6%
TS%: 57%

2021-22 so far (38 games)
Points: 22.3
Rebounds: 5.6
Assists: 3.5
3P%: 36%
2P%: 50.8%
TS%: 55%

I think it's typical for a rookie to make big strides in his second year and I think most of us were expecting that from Ant, so it's a little disappointing to me to see this comparison. I like that he has raised his 3-point percentage up to the league average, but I was not expecting a drop in his TS%. I do think he is rebounding much better this season, and the emergence of Vando as an elite rebounder may explain why Ant has only has a modest increase in his RPG.

I also think Ant has improved defensively this year, although defensive stats are notoriously messy. Finch has had to yank him out of games a few times because of defensive laxness, but he does seem to be taking a lot of pride in his steals...and that shows up in his stats.

Ant has an enormously high ceiling and a big future ahead of him, but I guess I would have liked to see him improve his offensive production and efficiency a little more this season than he has compared to the second half of last season.

What if Ant takes his game to another level in the 2nd half like he did last year?

I'd be curious what people's takes are on Edwards defense is. I almost couldn't believe when I checked back in that the Wolves were a top 10 defensive team and were struggling on offense. The last I looked they were top 6 in defensive rating. At some point shouldn't Edwards get some credit for that? Also if Finch is actually pulling guys for not doing what they are supposed to do...thank goodness. I get letting guys play through things and sometimes not having depth but for the most part the coaching staff the last few years (Except Sam Mitchell) didn't use playing time as an accountability for young players.

[Q-is-here]

Yeah, as much as we all love Ant here, I tend to agree with kek that there are too many established stars ahead of him in the all-star race. I like KAT's chances much better. Nice to see Ant getting some vote recognition though, and his day will come.

Doper, I take issue with your statement that Ant has made significant strides in his second year though. While we all agree that he improved greatly during the second half of his rookie year, his offensive production this season is actually flat compared to last year. Here are the numbers not counting last night's game:

2020-21 post All-Star (36 games)
Points: 23.8
Rebounds: 5.3
Assists: 3.4
3P%: 34.9%
2P%: 53.6%
TS%: 57%

2021-22 so far (38 games)
Points: 22.3
Rebounds: 5.6
Assists: 3.5
3P%: 36%
2P%: 50.8%
TS%: 55%

I think it's typical for a rookie to make big strides in his second year and I think most of us were expecting that from Ant, so it's a little disappointing to me to see this comparison. I like that he has raised his 3-point percentage up to the league average, but I was not expecting a drop in his TS%. I do think he is rebounding much better this season, and the emergence of Vando as an elite rebounder may explain why Ant has only has a modest increase in his RPG.

I also think Ant has improved defensively this year, although defensive stats are notoriously messy. Finch has had to yank him out of games a few times because of defensive laxness, but he does seem to be taking a lot of pride in his steals...and that shows up in his stats.

Ant has an enormously high ceiling and a big future ahead of him, but I guess I would have liked to see him improve his offensive production and efficiency a little more this season than he has compared to the second half of last season.

What if Ant takes his game to another level in the 2nd half like he did last year?

I'd be curious what people's takes are on Edwards defense is. I almost couldn't believe when I checked back in that the Wolves were a top 10 defensive team and were struggling on offense. The last I looked they were top 6 in defensive rating. At some point shouldn't Edwards get some credit for that? I'd be curious what people's takes are on Edwards defense is. I almost couldn't believe when I checked back in that the Wolves were a top 10 defensive team and were struggling on offense. The last I looked they were top 6 in defensive rating. At some point shouldn't Edwards get some credit for that? Also if Finch is actually pulling guys for not doing what they are supposed to do...thank goodness. I get letting guys play through things and sometimes not having depth but for the most part the coaching staff the last few years (Except Sam Mitchell) didn't use playing time as an accountability for young players.

Yes, Edwards should get his fair share of credit for the improved defense. He's big, strong, and quick enough to switch onto anyone and not get beat easily one-on-one. He's very tough to get a step on. His off-ball defense is a bit more hit or miss. On the one hand, he can lie in the weeds and get steals that quickly turn into transition buckets. On the other hand, he sometimes falls asleep and gets beat by cutters or just simply loses track of his guy.

And yes, Finch definitely uses well-timed benchings to send a message. He doesn't overdo it, but it definitely happens at times.

In my opinion, the improved defense is due mostly to two things: 1) A scheme change that fits our personnel better, and 2) Patrick Beverley. PBev has been Finch's cultural change agent. He should be re-signed and eventually become our Udonis Haslem - Chief Culture Officer.

[Monster]

Yeah, as much as we all love Ant here, I tend to agree with kek that there are too many established stars ahead of him in the all-star race. I like KAT's chances much better. Nice to see Ant getting some vote recognition though, and his day will come.

Doper, I take issue with your statement that Ant has made significant strides in his second year though. While we all agree that he improved greatly during the second half of his rookie year, his offensive production this season is actually flat compared to last year. Here are the numbers not counting last night's game:

2020-21 post All-Star (36 games)
Points: 23.8
Rebounds: 5.3
Assists: 3.4
3P%: 34.9%
2P%: 53.6%
TS%: 57%

2021-22 so far (38 games)
Points: 22.3
Rebounds: 5.6
Assists: 3.5
3P%: 36%
2P%: 50.8%
TS%: 55%

I think it's typical for a rookie to make big strides in his second year and I think most of us were expecting that from Ant, so it's a little disappointing to me to see this comparison. I like that he has raised his 3-point percentage up to the league average, but I was not expecting a drop in his TS%. I do think he is rebounding much better this season, and the emergence of Vando as an elite rebounder may explain why Ant has only has a modest increase in his RPG.

I also think Ant has improved defensively this year, although defensive stats are notoriously messy. Finch has had to yank him out of games a few times because of defensive laxness, but he does seem to be taking a lot of pride in his steals...and that shows up in his stats.

Ant has an enormously high ceiling and a big future ahead of him, but I guess I would have liked to see him improve his offensive production and efficiency a little more this season than he has compared to the second half of last season.

What if Ant takes his game to another level in the 2nd half like he did last year?

I'd be curious what people's takes are on Edwards defense is. I almost couldn't believe when I checked back in that the Wolves were a top 10 defensive team and were struggling on offense. The last I looked they were top 6 in defensive rating. At some point shouldn't Edwards get some credit for that? I'd be curious what people's takes are on Edwards defense is. I almost couldn't believe when I checked back in that the Wolves were a top 10 defensive team and were struggling on offense. The last I looked they were top 6 in defensive rating. At some point shouldn't Edwards get some credit for that? Also if Finch is actually pulling guys for not doing what they are supposed to do...thank goodness. I get letting guys play through things and sometimes not having depth but for the most part the coaching staff the last few years (Except Sam Mitchell) didn't use playing time as an accountability for young players.

Yes, Edwards should get his fair share of credit for the improved defense. He's big, strong, and quick enough to switch onto anyone and not get beat easily one-on-one. He's very tough to get a step on. His off-ball defense is a bit more hit or miss. On the one hand, he can lie in the weeds and get steals that quickly turn into transition buckets. On the other hand, he sometimes falls asleep and gets beat by cutters or just simply loses track of his guy.

And yes, Finch definitely uses well-timed benchings to send a message. He doesn't overdo it, but it definitely happens at times.

In my opinion, the improved defense is due mostly to two things: 1) A scheme change that fits our personnel better, and 2) Patrick Beverley. PBev has been Finch's cultural change agent. He should be re-signed and eventually become our Udonis Haslem - Chief Culture Officer.

Thanks for the thoughts Q.

The kinda funny thing about the defense is that Joseph Blair was supposed to be the guy in charge of this D before he left for the Wizards. I think Finch is more of the person saying what the main concept is but it's being carried out by everyone else. Personally I think Elston Turner was likely a better coach to have in that role and for the coaching staff in general. It feels like that may have been something that worked out for the Wolves after all. There were a lot of guys I've the years that struggled on the off ball stuff but it seems like this system helps guys be aggressive and definitely stay engaged more right?

[Q-is-here]

Yeah, as much as we all love Ant here, I tend to agree with kek that there are too many established stars ahead of him in the all-star race. I like KAT's chances much better. Nice to see Ant getting some vote recognition though, and his day will come.

Doper, I take issue with your statement that Ant has made significant strides in his second year though. While we all agree that he improved greatly during the second half of his rookie year, his offensive production this season is actually flat compared to last year. Here are the numbers not counting last night's game:

2020-21 post All-Star (36 games)
Points: 23.8
Rebounds: 5.3
Assists: 3.4
3P%: 34.9%
2P%: 53.6%
TS%: 57%

2021-22 so far (38 games)
Points: 22.3
Rebounds: 5.6
Assists: 3.5
3P%: 36%
2P%: 50.8%
TS%: 55%

I think it's typical for a rookie to make big strides in his second year and I think most of us were expecting that from Ant, so it's a little disappointing to me to see this comparison. I like that he has raised his 3-point percentage up to the league average, but I was not expecting a drop in his TS%. I do think he is rebounding much better this season, and the emergence of Vando as an elite rebounder may explain why Ant has only has a modest increase in his RPG.

I also think Ant has improved defensively this year, although defensive stats are notoriously messy. Finch has had to yank him out of games a few times because of defensive laxness, but he does seem to be taking a lot of pride in his steals...and that shows up in his stats.

Ant has an enormously high ceiling and a big future ahead of him, but I guess I would have liked to see him improve his offensive production and efficiency a little more this season than he has compared to the second half of last season.

What if Ant takes his game to another level in the 2nd half like he did last year?

I'd be curious what people's takes are on Edwards defense is. I almost couldn't believe when I checked back in that the Wolves were a top 10 defensive team and were struggling on offense. The last I looked they were top 6 in defensive rating. At some point shouldn't Edwards get some credit for that? I'd be curious what people's takes are on Edwards defense is. I almost couldn't believe when I checked back in that the Wolves were a top 10 defensive team and were struggling on offense. The last I looked they were top 6 in defensive rating. At some point shouldn't Edwards get some credit for that? Also if Finch is actually pulling guys for not doing what they are supposed to do...thank goodness. I get letting guys play through things and sometimes not having depth but for the most part the coaching staff the last few years (Except Sam Mitchell) didn't use playing time as an accountability for young players.

Yes, Edwards should get his fair share of credit for the improved defense. He's big, strong, and quick enough to switch onto anyone and not get beat easily one-on-one. He's very tough to get a step on. His off-ball defense is a bit more hit or miss. On the one hand, he can lie in the weeds and get steals that quickly turn into transition buckets. On the other hand, he sometimes falls asleep and gets beat by cutters or just simply loses track of his guy.

And yes, Finch definitely uses well-timed benchings to send a message. He doesn't overdo it, but it definitely happens at times.

In my opinion, the improved defense is due mostly to two things: 1) A scheme change that fits our personnel better, and 2) Patrick Beverley. PBev has been Finch's cultural change agent. He should be re-signed and eventually become our Udonis Haslem - Chief Culture Officer.

Thanks for the thoughts Q.

The kinda funny thing about the defense is that Joseph Blair was supposed to be the guy in charge of this D before he left for the Wizards. I think Finch is more of the person saying what the main concept is but it's being carried out by everyone else. Personally I think Elston Turner was likely a better coach to have in that role and for the coaching staff in general. It feels like that may have been something that worked out for the Wolves after all. There were a lot of guys I've the years that struggled on the off ball stuff but it seems like this system helps guys be aggressive and definitely stay engaged more right?here were a lot of guys I've the years that struggled on the off ball stuff but it seems like this system helps guys be aggressive and definitely stay engaged more right?

Yes, we are not a hunker down type of defense. We depend a lot on hard hedging, deflections, jumping the passing lanes, and generally swarming type defense. It doesn't work without Vando and PBev in the starting lineup. Those two have been key.

[FNG]

Yeah, as much as we all love Ant here, I tend to agree with kek that there are too many established stars ahead of him in the all-star race. I like KAT's chances much better. Nice to see Ant getting some vote recognition though, and his day will come.

Doper, I take issue with your statement that Ant has made significant strides in his second year though. While we all agree that he improved greatly during the second half of his rookie year, his offensive production this season is actually flat compared to last year. Here are the numbers not counting last night's game:

2020-21 post All-Star (36 games)
Points: 23.8
Rebounds: 5.3
Assists: 3.4
3P%: 34.9%
2P%: 53.6%
TS%: 57%

2021-22 so far (38 games)
Points: 22.3
Rebounds: 5.6
Assists: 3.5
3P%: 36%
2P%: 50.8%
TS%: 55%

I think it's typical for a rookie to make big strides in his second year and I think most of us were expecting that from Ant, so it's a little disappointing to me to see this comparison. I like that he has raised his 3-point percentage up to the league average, but I was not expecting a drop in his TS%. I do think he is rebounding much better this season, and the emergence of Vando as an elite rebounder may explain why Ant has only has a modest increase in his RPG.

I also think Ant has improved defensively this year, although defensive stats are notoriously messy. Finch has had to yank him out of games a few times because of defensive laxness, but he does seem to be taking a lot of pride in his steals...and that shows up in his stats.

Ant has an enormously high ceiling and a big future ahead of him, but I guess I would have liked to see him improve his offensive production and efficiency a little more this season than he has compared to the second half of last season.

What if Ant takes his game to another level in the 2nd half like he did last year?

I'd be curious what people's takes are on Edwards defense is. I almost couldn't believe when I checked back in that the Wolves were a top 10 defensive team and were struggling on offense. The last I looked they were top 6 in defensive rating. At some point shouldn't Edwards get some credit for that? Also if Finch is actually pulling guys for not doing what they are supposed to do...thank goodness. I get letting guys play through things and sometimes not having depth but for the most part the coaching staff the last few years (Except Sam Mitchell) didn't use playing time as an accountability for young players.

That would be terrific, monster, and something we would all like to see. But I also would have liked to have seen some offensive improvement so far this year, especially in the TS% area. More importantly, why do we Wolves fans always have to rely on the "what if" game? What if PatBev and DLo can change their history and stay healthy? What if Jaden can improve on his promising rookie season? What if DLo can rediscover his shot and become more consistent? What if Jaylen Nowell can show he can shoot like he did in college and the G League? What if KAT can change his mercurial personality and stop the constant whining? What if Vando can discover an outside shot? I know we Wolves fans are not alone in playing the "what if" game, but it seems like year after year we're forced to do it more than fans of other franchises...and my frustration with this roster stems from the fact that so few of our "what ifs" become reality. Give me a little more "is" and a lot less "what if" please.

As for Ant's defensive improvement, I'm 100% in agreement with Q's well-stated post above. I've thoroughly enjoyed watching the Wolves improved defense this season (I seem to be watching a lot more Wolves buckets this season because of the D), and also give a lot of credit to PatBev, the new defensive scheme, and Vando. But guys like Ant and DLo have really thrived playing with their new starting teammates, and their improvement on the defensive end is palpable. Keep it up!