Pups vs Pelicans Game Report

[kekgeek]

Haha, I see that I go to the game and there is not game day thread, what I don't blame anyone on.

I had really good seats because of my buddy, 3rd row across from the Pelicans bench. Really nice seats, former Gopher player Andre Hollins and current Minnesota Lynx player Rachel Banham were right in front of us.

Overall Target Center had a really good crowd even though I would say almost over half of them were there to see Zion (Sort of me included).

Zion is so freaking huge watching him live, he has such big legs and he just flew through the air. So much fun to watch. On Zion though I think Lonzo is the perfect person for him, some of the passes Zion got from Ball were special.

I also wonder how Zion will do in a playoff series when the pace slows down. Wolves actually did a pretty good job on Zion in the half court.

I don't know what to really say about this game. Dlo and Naz shot 0-12 from 3. Man is Dlo frustrating when his shot isn't going, he is so methodical and can get where he wants but when his shot isnt falling it comes off as lazy. Way to many unforced turnovers by Dlo.

Beasley just lights it up, Im just worried about him if the wolves lose a lot of games, seems like he is not satisfied unless they win what is great but he plays for the wolves now where losing is happening and I just don't know how he will react.

Saw some weakness of Jmac got bullied by Holliday and Ball when they went to the rack a couple of times. Still a very solid backup PG.

Layman and Culver were very good, there cutting is great. Think they both will be very good role players for the wolves.

Okogie was defending multiple guys out there, his energy just doesn't stop. I was frustrated with him early in the year but man he has been very solid the last couple of months. His shot though is so flat.

Terrible game from Hernangomez. Naz couldn't hit a shot, but he battled. I have noticed from Naz when the defender stops his forward movement he really struggles to score when his momentum gets stopped or changes directions.

James Johnson was solid but he is sort of like Dlo, can be really sloppy with the ball.

Favors looks really big in person.

Also the Female ref really struggled, I had a buddy taking pics on his camera during the game and there was a possession where Layman just straight up shoves Ingram driving baseline, no call, then she called Ingram out of bounds. Pelicans pissed rightfully so. Then on camera it looks like Ingram wasn't even close to stepping out of bounds. I also think she puts herself in a rough position because she would make the right call but she had a late whistle a lot making for the frustrations.

Overall fun to watch Zion. But man besides the 2nd quarter it was a boring game. Think the wolves have more talent but damn we have a ways to go (Kat should help a lot).

[Q12543 [enjin:6621299]]

Glad you saw a real special talent in Zion. I too am not sure he's quite going to reach the elite stratosphere some might project for him, but he's a sight to behold. That much athleticism in that much body....

I didn't watch the game and instead watched most of the Iowa game. Yeah, it's come down to that for me. Vanderbilt continues to impress in some ways, not so much in others. There is no question he'd offer more resistance and rebounding than Jauncho as a PF, but he is way less refined offensively.

Also, a guy Monster pointed out previously - Barry Brown - he's really starting to hit his stride in Iowa as a shooting/scoring threat.

One thing we have a surplus of are SG/small wings - Beasley, Nowell, Okogie, Culver, and even Barry Brown if you were to throw him into that group. Something has to give in that group to make way for the type of size and defensive chops we need at the "big wing" positions of SF and PF.

[Lipoli390]

Kekgeek. I know the Wolves front office and coaching staff love Beasley and want to keep him. They are wining and dining his mother and wife. His wife sits near us. She is absolutely gorgeous, even by NBA wife standards. Sometimes she's there with her mom and other times she'd sitting with Malik's mom. They are really fun, vocal fans. Malik's mom is especially vocal - in a good way. Love her energy!

In my view, Malik was the Wolves' most important trade-deadline acquisition by far. I fear that his recent play will drive up his market value significantly. I see some team offering at least $80 million over 4 years ($20 million per season), possibly more. The Wolves will have the ability to match without exceeding the luxury tax threshold. But they won't have much flexibility in the free agent market. Nonetheless, the Wolves should match any offer because it's highly unlikely they can get an equal or better player via the draft, free agency or trade.

I'm just not impressed by DLO. Yes, he's an upgrade over Wiggins. But he's nothing more than a jump shooter with a good handle and good PG passing skills. He's not adept at breaking down defenses off the dribble and his shooting can be spotty. He's also pretty turnover prone. I'm not complaining, because I like that we were able to upgrade over Wiggins for the same money. But I have a hard time seeing how this team becomes a top 4 team in the West with KAT and DLO as the core duo. Then again, this team is a young work-in-progress with a lot of talent in KAT, DLO, Beasley, Okogie, Culver, J-Mac and Naz. Nice to see Layman starting to regain his pre-injury form.

[Camden [enjin:6601484]]

I'm just not impressed by DLO. Yes, he's an upgrade over Wiggins. But he's nothing more than a jump shooter with a good handle and good PG passing skills. He's not adept at breaking down defenses off the dribble and his shooting can be spotty. He's also pretty turnover prone. I'm not complaining, because I like that we were able to upgrade over Wiggins for the same money. But I have a hard time seeing how this team becomes a top 4 team in the West with KAT and DLO as the core duo. Then again, this team is a young work-in-progress with a lot of talent in KAT, DLO, Beasley, Okogie, Culver, J-Mac and Naz. Nice to see Layman starting to regain his pre-injury form.

D-Lo's one of the league's elite volume three-point shooters. Only 13 players in the NBA get up 8.0 three-pointers or more per game. D-Lo's fourth in the league in attempts per game and sixth in makes per game making 36.5-percent of his 9.5 attempts. That's elite shot-making. There's no need to downplay it by the "nothing more than a jump shooter" comment. For reference, he's better than Bradley Beal, Kemba Walker, Kyle Lowry, Trae Young, Devontae Graham, and Luka Doncic in this regard. Credit is due.

Player: TOV%
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: 9.8
Damian Lillard: 11.1
Jamal Murray: 11.6
Spencer Dinwiddie: 12.4
Fred VanVleet: 12.4
Chris Paul: 13.0
D'Angelo Russell: 13.4
Malcolm Brogdon: 13.6
Jrue Holiday: 13.6
James Harden: 13.9
Lou Williams: 14.4
De'Aaron Fox: 14.6
Russell Westbrook: 14.7
Luka Doncic: 14.8
Kyle Lowry: 15.1
LeBron James: 15.3
Eric Bledsoe: 15.8
Trae Young: 16.2
Ja Morant: 17.2
Ricky Rubio: 17.9
Ben Simmons: 20.6

So, no, D-Lo's not turnover prone in comparison to the rest of the league. He's actually pretty good at limiting turnovers overall considering how much he has the ball in his hands. Oh, and he's 10th in the league in AST% -- higher than many of the game's very best ball-handlers -- just in case that was coming next. "Good PG skills" might be underselling his ability just a bit.

Or is all of this another instance where the numbers are misrepresenting his game? How many numbers can we choose to ignore? I'm well aware that I'm somewhat biased because I've clamored for his acquisition, but these numbers aren't fabricated. Russell's just better than some on here are willing to give him credit for.

[Coolbreeze44]

I'm not impressed with the ability to get up a lot of 3 point shots. It's a good shot for DLO because he makes a respectable percentage, but I'd hardly call it elite.

[Coolbreeze44]

Hey Lip, you might be complaining more when you watch the Warriors make our lottery selection in the summer of 2021.

[Monster]

Maybe it was the white shorts but Zion looked more pudgy in this game. I'd be interested in hearing what people think of that aspect of him that saw him live. I'm not even knocking him as I realize injury can legitimately keep you from being in the best shape which may not even be the case. One thing about Zion is he does seem like a really great kid.

DLO sucked in this game and it came off a game that wasn't very good I'm the previous one. Length and athleticism can bother him somewhat. I think one reason why he doesn't get up the floor quicker with the ball is...because he isn't that type of athlete and that isn't his game. Some of his game could either be more effective in playoff games or less effective. The bad games where he is missing shots etc is he takes bad shots. Like the saying goes "Mamma said there would be days like this" although on this board instead of Momma you can insert Cool's name. :)

Naz Reid struggled to hit shot but I don't care about that he had several defensive plays where I was like "Ok Naz" he isn't an explosive leaper but he also can mistime his jump for rebounds but he moves well and is wide and big and it helps. Dude has offensive skill too. I'm not sure exactly what role I envision him filling but the guy can play and he is an undrafted rookie that played 1 year in college. I can't believe we found him.

It wasn't his best game but I'll take McLaughlin anyway on my team.

Beasley I tend to agree with Lip the Wolves need to keep him. I hope the cap league gurus are right and there isn't an offer out there for him. A few weeks ago I would have been old giving him 15 million a year...now I'm like that sounds good to me. :)

I keep saying Juancho as a bench player would be nice if he is cheap. How long have we been wanting a mobile 3 point shooting PF that can get hot from 3? Layman is a smaller version of that but there is room for both. Oh that Layman dunk was NIIIICE!

Okogie dude just balls out.

James Johnson is so good at screening and creating shots for guys. He is at least as good of a screener as Dieng who was actually pretty good. Johnson is better at getting away with stuff without getting called for fouls...and especially travels. Lol he makes a few dumb plays but he can really make some plays all over the court too.

Nowell had a couple more nice moments. Culver is shooting above 40% now and is shooting over 50% in March. It's nice to see some positives.

You saw in this game why the Pels has no interest in trading Holiday.

[BizarroJerry [enjin:6592520]]

I'm just not impressed by DLO. Yes, he's an upgrade over Wiggins. But he's nothing more than a jump shooter with a good handle and good PG passing skills. He's not adept at breaking down defenses off the dribble and his shooting can be spotty. He's also pretty turnover prone. I'm not complaining, because I like that we were able to upgrade over Wiggins for the same money. But I have a hard time seeing how this team becomes a top 4 team in the West with KAT and DLO as the core duo. Then again, this team is a young work-in-progress with a lot of talent in KAT, DLO, Beasley, Okogie, Culver, J-Mac and Naz. Nice to see Layman starting to regain his pre-injury form.

D-Lo's one of the league's elite volume three-point shooters. Only 13 players in the NBA get up 8.0 three-pointers or more per game. D-Lo's fourth in the league in attempts per game and sixth in makes per game making 36.5-percent of his 9.5 attempts. That's elite shot-making. There's no need to downplay it by the "nothing more than a jump shooter" comment. For reference, he's better than Bradley Beal, Kemba Walker, Kyle Lowry, Trae Young, Devontae Graham, and Luka Doncic in this regard. Credit is due.

Player: TOV%
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: 9.8
Damian Lillard: 11.1
Jamal Murray: 11.6
Spencer Dinwiddie: 12.4
Fred VanVleet: 12.4
Chris Paul: 13.0
D'Angelo Russell: 13.4
Malcolm Brogdon: 13.6
Jrue Holiday: 13.6
James Harden: 13.9
Lou Williams: 14.4
De'Aaron Fox: 14.6
Russell Westbrook: 14.7
Luka Doncic: 14.8
Kyle Lowry: 15.1
LeBron James: 15.3
Eric Bledsoe: 15.8
Trae Young: 16.2
Ja Morant: 17.2
Ricky Rubio: 17.9
Ben Simmons: 20.6

So, no, D-Lo's not turnover prone in comparison to the rest of the league. He's actually pretty good at limiting turnovers overall considering how much he has the ball in his hands. Oh, and he's 10th in the league in AST% -- higher than many of the game's very best ball-handlers -- just in case that was coming next. "Good PG skills" might be underselling his ability just a bit.

Or is all of this another instance where the numbers are misrepresenting his game? How many numbers can we choose to ignore? I'm well aware that I'm somewhat biased because I've clamored for his acquisition, but these numbers aren't fabricated. Russell's just better than some on here are willing to give him credit for.

Cam to the rescue!

[Q12543 [enjin:6621299]]

Maybe it was the white shorts but Zion looked more pudgy in this game. I'd be interested in hearing what people think of that aspect of him that saw him live. I'm not even knocking him as I realize injury can legitimately keep you from being in the best shape which may not even be the case. One thing about Zion is he does seem like a really great kid.

DLO sucked in this game and it came off a game that wasn't very good I'm the previous one. Length and athleticism can bother him somewhat. I think one reason why he doesn't get up the floor quicker with the ball is...because he isn't that type of athlete and that isn't his game. Some of his game could either be more effective in playoff games or less effective. The bad games where he is missing shots etc is he takes bad shots. Like the saying goes "Mamma said there would be days like this" although on this board instead of Momma you can insert Cool's name. :)

Naz Reid struggled to hit shot but I don't care about that he had several defensive plays where I was like "Ok Naz" he isn't an explosive leaper but he also can mistime his jump for rebounds but he moves well and is wide and big and it helps. Dude has offensive skill too. I'm not sure exactly what role I envision him filling but the guy can play and he is an undrafted rookie that played 1 year in college. I can't believe we found him.

It wasn't his best game but I'll take McLaughlin anyway on my team.

Beasley I tend to agree with Lip the Wolves need to keep him. I hope the cap league gurus are right and there isn't an offer out there for him. A few weeks ago I would have been old giving him 15 million a year...now I'm like that sounds good to me. :)

I keep saying Juancho as a bench player would be nice if he is cheap. How long have we been wanting a mobile 3 point shooting PF that can get hot from 3? Layman is a smaller version of that but there is room for both. Oh that Layman dunk was NIIIICE!

Okogie dude just balls out.

James Johnson is so good at screening and creating shots for guys. He is at least as good of a screener as Dieng who was actually pretty good. Johnson is better at getting away with stuff without getting called for fouls...and especially travels. Lol he makes a few dumb plays but he can really make some plays all over the court too.

Nowell had a couple more nice moments. Culver is shooting above 40% now and is shooting over 50% in March. It's nice to see some positives.

You saw in this game why the Pels has no interest in trading Holiday.

Whoa, judging from this game report, it reads like we won by 20! I think Monster has taken Tim's place as the most optimistic member of the board.

[Q12543 [enjin:6621299]]

Kekgeek. I know the Wolves front office and coaching staff love Beasley and want to keep him. They are wining and dining his mother and wife. His wife sits near us. She is absolutely gorgeous, even by NBA wife standards. Sometimes she's there with her mom and other times she'd sitting with Malik's mom. They are really fun, vocal fans. Malik's mom is especially vocal - in a good way. Love her energy!

In my view, Malik was the Wolves' most important trade-deadline acquisition by far. I fear that his recent play will drive up his market value significantly. I see some team offering at least $80 million over 4 years ($20 million per season), possibly more. The Wolves will have the ability to match without exceeding the luxury tax threshold. But they won't have much flexibility in the free agent market. Nonetheless, the Wolves should match any offer because it's highly unlikely they can get an equal or better player via the draft, free agency or trade.

I'm just not impressed by DLO. Yes, he's an upgrade over Wiggins. But he's nothing more than a jump shooter with a good handle and good PG passing skills. He's not adept at breaking down defenses off the dribble and his shooting can be spotty. He's also pretty turnover prone. I'm not complaining, because I like that we were able to upgrade over Wiggins for the same money. But I have a hard time seeing how this team becomes a top 4 team in the West with KAT and DLO as the core duo. Then again, this team is a young work-in-progress with a lot of talent in KAT, DLO, Beasley, Okogie, Culver, J-Mac and Naz. Nice to see Layman starting to regain his pre-injury form.

The problem with Beasley is he can't defend either. It seems like this team really struggles to find two-way stars. Literally KG is the only one in franchise history. DLO and Beasley shoot lights out, but neither can defend. Add KAT into the mix and now we need an in-their-prime Rodman and Pippen at the two forward positions to play any kind of defense.

But assuming Rosas wants to roll with this trio heading into next season, Jauncho is the obvious casualty. No way do I see him back next season.