Inside Information

[Lipoli390]

I had the chance this morning to catch up with some folks who know a lot about the inner workings of our beloved Timberwolves organization. I didn't learn anything earth-shattering and I assumed they wouldn't tell me everything they know. But here are a few highlights you might find interesting:

1. I confirmed that the Bulls do intend to blow things up, which means players like Jimmy Butler will be more available than they were last summer.

2. Thibs is in complete charge of everything related to basketball operations. Scott Layden does exploratory work -- making and fielding phone calls from other teams about possible deals, etc., but he has no freedom to make any decisions or even tentative decisions. Everything goes through Thibs and he makes up his own mind.

3. A few more interesting things about Thibs: (a) He is extremely numbers driven, relying a lot on advanced stats and analytics. (b) He works constantly, at least 13 hours a day; has sleeping room with a futon in the Wolves offices and often sleeps there. (c) He is a totally different person in practices than the guy we see and hear on the bench in games. He is steady, conversational and cerebral; no screaming or shouting. He's more like the guy we see in interviews.

4. Thibs considers Gorgui the most improved players on the Wolves last season and expects him to continue improving. He loves Gorgui. No surprise here, but confirmation. He thought Zach was the second most improved before the injury.

5. Thibs has been watching playoff games incessantly and is texting back and forth with KAT, Wiggins and others discussing things about those games.

6. Thibs is even more convinced watching the playoffs that our absolute #1 priority has to be improved 3-point shooting. His second priority is a defensive SF. Shot-blocking is #3.

7. Thibs still intends to build around KAT, Wiggins and Zach -- none of those three will be traded. Ricky might be traded, but Thibs is genuinely impressed by Ricky's late-season improvement. Nonetheless, he's the most likely to be traded, but Thibs isn't looking to move him.

8. The Rose deal was nixed by Thibs. Wasn't nearly as close as hyped in the media. I found that reassuring. The idea brought to Thibs was to make the trade as a way of freeing up additional cap space -- no intent of keeping Rose beyond this past season.



7.

[Volans19]

Good stuff Lip!

I think that Thibs isn't nearly as foolish as the media makes him out to be, in terms of roster moves, as your Rose nugget indicates. Which might also mean that Loul Deng and Noah might not have been high priority target as well

I wonder if his adoration for Dieng's improvements will mean that he remains in the starting five.

With this information I'm curious to see what we do in the draft, are there any dead eye sharpshooter in the top 7?

Maybe we can tackle the shooting in free agency with Reddick, defensive SF with Tony Allen, and shot blocking with Ibaka?

[Lipoli390]

Volans - I had to run so I left out a few things. Actually Thibs really did make serious runs at Luol Deng, Noah and Pau Gasol. Players made decision not to come here. For Gasol it was desire to win. Wasn't told why the other two didn't come here. Could be the money. The Knicks and Lakers gave too much in my view and maybe Thibs thought the same. But I have no inside perspective on that. Just know Thibs pursued them.

[Lipoli390]

Another tidbit. Thibs was not "shopping" Ricky. Most if it was taking phone calls from other teams. But Thibs definitely will to trade Ricky. Yet, he is very happy with Ricky's improved shooting and his work ethic

[BloopOracle]

Sounds to me like Ricky has a good shot of being on the opening day roster, and whether he stays hinges almost completely on his 3 point shooting

[Q12543 [enjin:6621299]]

Awesome stuff Lip, thanks for sharing.

I like Gorgui too - his hustle and defensive communication stood out to me. But he was also benched in many 4th quarters as teams went smaller and Bjelly proved to be the more capable defender in space. He did have the best Net Rating of our 5 starters, so I guess that says something.

On his priorities, I guess I'm a little surprised he didn't rank the defensive items above 3-point shooting. Perhaps he feels like a lot of the raw materials are in place and they can organically improve a bunch more, whereas 3-point shooting is harder to improve upon quickly. The defensive organic improvement certainly didn't happen last year, except for those fleeting two weeks after the all-star break.

[Q12543 [enjin:6621299]]

Sounds to me like Ricky has a good shot of being on the opening day roster, and whether he stays hinges almost completely on his 3 point shooting

He's been a borderline passable 3-point shooter throughout his career, with a 32% career mark. It's not a complete leap of faith to think he can improve upon that, but it becomes less likely with each passing season.

[BloopOracle]

Sounds to me like Ricky has a good shot of being on the opening day roster, and whether he stays hinges almost completely on his 3 point shooting

He's been a borderline passable 3-point shooter throughout his career, with a 32% career mark. It's not a complete leap of faith to think he can improve upon that, but it becomes less likely with each passing season.

I think he can as well, he has been somewhat lazy over the years during the offseason adding new things to his game. Really hoping he focuses on 3pointers and conditioning now that Thibs scared the shit out of him during the trade deadline

[KiwiMatt]

Thanks Lip, appreciate it. One things for sure you can't question Thibs work ethic (or motor).

PS I bet it's one cosy futon!

[thedoper]

So if his top priority is a defensive 3 then is he saying Zachary is a 6th man?