Is now the right time to trade Culver?

[thedoper]

I know we shouldnt sell low but isnt it conceivable that his value plummets even further when he languishes on the bench? I personally dont want him getting playing time over Nowell or Edwards so its either Josh or Culver in the no offense defensive stopper role. If we're playing big McDaniels is already a better option as I see it. I have admittedly always been down on Culver. So if there is any optimism left on the kid shouldnt we capitalize now? I just cant see increased opportunities for him now that the youth seems to be improving game to game.

[AbeVigodaLive]

I know we shouldnt sell low but isnt it conceivable that his value plummets even further when he languishes on the bench? I personally dont want him getting playing time over Nowell or Edwards so its either Josh or Culver in the no offense defensive stopper role. If we're playing big McDaniels is already a better option as I see it. I have admittedly always been down on Culver. So if there is any optimism left on the kid shouldnt we capitalize now? I just cant see increased opportunities for him now that the youth seems to be improving game to game.

What would you expect to get for him?

[thedoper]

I know we shouldnt sell low but isnt it conceivable that his value plummets even further when he languishes on the bench? I personally dont want him getting playing time over Nowell or Edwards so its either Josh or Culver in the no offense defensive stopper role. If we're playing big McDaniels is already a better option as I see it. I have admittedly always been down on Culver. So if there is any optimism left on the kid shouldnt we capitalize now? I just cant see increased opportunities for him now that the youth seems to be improving game to game.

What would you expect to get for him?

Not much but more than I would expect if his trajectory continues.

[Camden [enjin:6601484]]

It's a no from me, but I understand the thought process. I liked what he did in consecutive games against the Hawks and Pelicans. We don't beat New Orleans without him. I think there's still more value to squeeze out of him moving forward and the Wolves still have time before deciding what to do with him.

I'd be more intrigued with shopping Josh Okogie around the league. Maybe a team needing an energetic wing defender would be interested. I'm not sure what we could get back for him -- maybe some frontcourt help -- but he's set to become a free agent after next season. I'd rather this front office not spend to keep him.

[thedoper]

It's a no from me, but I understand the thought process. I liked what he did in consecutive games against the Hawks and Pelicans. We don't beat New Orleans without him. I think there's still more value to squeeze out of him moving forward and the Wolves still have time before deciding what to do with him.

I'd be more intrigued with shopping Josh Okogie around the league. Maybe a team needing an energetic wing defender would be interested. I'm not sure what we could get back for him -- maybe some frontcourt help -- but he's set to become a free agent after next season. I'd rather this front office not spend to keep him.

I think thats the main crux of this. I dont know that we can keep giving minutes to both Josh and Culver. Josh definitely has more value now where I can see the argument that Culver might be the better play in the long run. I think Culver might be the odd man out for the rest of the season though. If he does have the value you propose, that is going to just be another frustrating situation on our bench.

[Q12543 [enjin:6621299]]

Not sure Culver or Okogie are worth much of anything at this point....may be we'd get a 2nd rounder for Culver or some other highly underperforming former 1st rounder?

I think the bigger question (which I think you are also posing) is whether either player is blocking someone better from getting playing time, specifically Nowell and McDaniels. I'm not there yet, but that COULD be an issue soon. In that case, Ryan needs to make the tough call and make a change in his rotation. I'm not worried about ruining team chemistry or bruised egos with underperforming young guys on rookie deals getting benched.

The good news with both these guys is they are hard workers and good teammates. So perhaps given their low market value, we just keep them on their rookie deals and then move on once they expire, assuming they continue to stagnate.

[FNG]

I agree with Camden here for perhaps the same reason- I may be overvaluing his performances in the Pelicans and Hawks games, but I'm far from giving up on Culver. As much as I love the energy the Okogie brings to the defensive side of the ball, I actually prefer Culver on defense. More than any of our young players, he seems to really understand team defense. He doesn't expend the energy that Josh and Beasley do on defense, but I find him much more effective...it seems to me he is invariably in the right place at the right time. He also has some clever moves in the lane, and I have not given up on his 3-point shot like I have with Josh.

We don't know how long he is going to be out, but we have plenty of wing options. Let's see if Josh or Nowell can rise to the occasion. My guess is they will not, especially Josh, and there will be minutes available for Culver when he returns. I see him as a long-term rotation guy here at a cheap price, while unfortunately, I don't think Josh will have a role here after his contract runs out. Keep Culver to see if he can become closer to the player he was in college.

[Wolvesfan21]

Okogie has regressed substantially on offense to the worst 3P shooter in the league, so I really don't have any hope left for him. Culver could still get things turned around being younger and in the league less, so if I do look to move one of the two is Josh. I think Culver is better around the rim as well, but I never looked at the numbers. Just going off my eye test.

I always loved his defense and energy too, so it's very disappointing to see him struggle.

[Wolvesfan21]

I agree with Camden here for perhaps the same reason- I may be overvaluing his performances in the Pelicans and Hawks games, but I'm far from giving up on Culver. As much as I love the energy the Okogie brings to the defensive side of the ball, I actually prefer Culver on defense. More than any of our young players, he seems to really understand team defense. He doesn't expend the energy that Josh and Beasley do on defense, but I find him much more effective...it seems to me he is invariably in the right place at the right time. He also has some clever moves in the lane, and I have not given up on his 3-point shot like I have with Josh.

We don't know how long he is going to be out, but we have plenty of wing options. Let's see if Josh or Nowell can rise to the occasion. My guess is they will not, especially Josh, and there will be minutes available for Culver when he returns. I see him as a long-term rotation guy here at a cheap price, while unfortunately, I don't think Josh will have a role here after his contract runs out. Keep Culver to see if he can become closer to the player he was in college.

That's funny I wrote the same thing then read your post. I agree too with Culver on defense. He seems to be more in control and in position. I think Culver can be an elite defender. Now just start hitting corner 3's at a nice clip and he'll be really valuable.

[FNG]

I agree with Camden here for perhaps the same reason- I may be overvaluing his performances in the Pelicans and Hawks games, but I'm far from giving up on Culver. As much as I love the energy the Okogie brings to the defensive side of the ball, I actually prefer Culver on defense. More than any of our young players, he seems to really understand team defense. He doesn't expend the energy that Josh and Beasley do on defense, but I find him much more effective...it seems to me he is invariably in the right place at the right time. He also has some clever moves in the lane, and I have not given up on his 3-point shot like I have with Josh.

We don't know how long he is going to be out, but we have plenty of wing options. Let's see if Josh or Nowell can rise to the occasion. My guess is they will not, especially Josh, and there will be minutes available for Culver when he returns. I see him as a long-term rotation guy here at a cheap price, while unfortunately, I don't think Josh will have a role here after his contract runs out. Keep Culver to see if he can become closer to the player he was in college.

That's funny I wrote the same thing then read your post. I agree too with Culver on defense. He seems to be more in control and in position. I think Culver can be an elite defender. Now just start hitting corner 3's at a nice clip and he'll be really valuable.

You are clearly a brilliant and insightful basketball mind, WF21 ;-) .