Minnesota Sports Forum

There are multiple issues with our favorite basketball team such as team defense, lack of toughness, and pathetic bench scoring. However, I think a major issue is point guard play, specifically with our starter, Ricky Rubio.

I have been a huge Rubio supporter since 2009, but it's time to move on. He cannot finish at the rim. He cannot consistently hit an open shot (specifically from 3) which absolutely hampers our spacing on the offensive end. The Wolves don't need an All-Star point guard. They need a guy that can defend, penetrate, hit an open shot, and finish at the rim. Here is a list of players I'd target.

Terry Rozier (trade)
Darren Collison (FA this offseason)
George Hill (FA this offseason - doubt he'd leave)
Jrue Holiday (FA this offseason - questionable if he'd leave)
Strong PG draft at the top

I've heard the Ast:TO ratio argument. I've heard the +/- argument. I've heard the "great passer, runs the offense well, team leader" argument. But for this team to be a formidable playoff contender, we need a better starting point guard that garners the opposing team's respect from the 3 point line. Dunn has shown nothing that would make me believe he can/will be that guy some day. I love Tyus' grit and BBIQ, but he's too limited physically to be a long-term starter (I truly believe he will be a very good backup for a long time).

Again, Rubio isn't THE issue, but he's a large part of it.

Rip away.

I still think we can win with Rubio, but I'd be a liar if I said I haven't thought about what this team could be with someone else leading the way. I like some of the options you provided, but the guy at the top of my list is Goran Dragic for several reasons.

1. I think Dragic can be acquired without giving up Towns, LaVine, or Wiggins. I'm firmly rooted in my stance that I think a realistic trade involving any one of them would be a mistake.

2. Dragic is under contract through 2018-19 for $17-18M per year with a player option for the following year in which he'd be 33-years old. That's not necessarily a bargain, but I think it's pretty fair value considering what other players at his position make.

3. Dragic is a ready-to-win-now player who has meaningful playoff experience. I think that kind of player is what we desperately need; we don't have anyone on the roster that's close to that as of right now.

4. Dragic has experience and success playing off-ball. We've been able to see that with him in Phoenix and Miami where he played next to other ball-dominant players routinely. I said it earlier this season, but I think having a point guard that can play that versatile of a game offensively would be perfect with what we currently have.

Camden wrote:I still think we can win with Rubio, but I'd be a liar if I said I haven't thought about what this team could be with someone else leading the way. I like some of the options you provided, but the guy at the top of my list is Goran Dragic for several reasons.

1. I think Dragic can be acquired without giving up Towns, LaVine, or Wiggins. I'm firmly rooted in my stance that I think a realistic trade involving any one of them would be a mistake.

2. Dragic is under contract through 2018-19 for $17-18M per year with a player option for the following year in which he'd be 33-years old. That's not necessarily a bargain, but I think it's pretty fair value considering what other players at his position make.

3. Dragic is a ready-to-win-now player who has meaningful playoff experience. I think that kind of player is what we desperately need; we don't have anyone on the roster that's close to that as of right now.

4. Dragic has experience and success playing off-ball. We've been able to see that with him in Phoenix and Miami where he played next to other ball-dominant players routinely. I said it earlier this season, but I think having a point guard that can play that versatile of a game offensively would be perfect with what we currently have.

One other note for those bullish on Dragic... he's not a super heavy usage guy. Without Wade and Bosh, he's up to 24.6 this season. But it's a bit higher than normal... and lower than the Wolves "big 3."

I'm ready to move on as well. The problem is Mike Conley just got 30 million per. So getting a free agent seems like a bad idea.

What about moving Zach back to PG? Trade Rubio for a power forward, a kidd Gilchrist type?

The only knock I have with Dragic is his defensive ability. Otherwise, I like the idea.

BizarroJerry wrote:I'm ready to move on as well. The problem is Mike Conley just got 30 million per. So getting a free agent seems like a bad idea.

What about moving Zach back to PG? Trade Rubio for a power forward, a kidd Gilchrist type?

Sam Mitchell is that you?

If this team has to address PG via the draft or free agency, then Dunn may have taken less time than Flynn to be a failure here and that's a major indictment on Thibs/Layden as talent evaluators

Dunn deserves more time, but suffice to say he isn't going to be rookie of the year like a lot of experts predicted.

Ricky is the best realistic option we have and we have far bigger worries than him We need the young guys to play defense. All three of our young guys are sucking at defense, especially Wiggins and LaVine. If we make any move it should be to dump Bazz. Patience, Patience, Patience!!!!!!!!

TeamRicky wrote:Ricky is the best realistic option we have and we have far bigger worries than him We need the young guys to play defense. All three of our young guys are sucking at defense, especially Wiggins and LaVine. If we make any move it should be to dump Bazz. Patience, Patience, Patience!!!!!!!!

Wiggins has been inconsistent at defense this year, but I wouldn't say he's sucked. Ask Melo if he thinks he sucks.