Top 5 reasons the Wolves are struggling?

[Wile E Coyote [enjin:17432808]]

There has been a lot of discussion on Rubio recently as the Wolves continue to blow leads and lose games they should win. While Rubio has struggled to shoot, I don't think our offensive output is an issue. If we try to look at things objectively, what are the likeliest top 5 reasons the Wolves are struggling?

I will post mine - please post yours too.

1. Defense. The Wolves make many errors and completely fold at times. This is the root cause (IMO) of our frequently blow leads. I would guess that selected portions of the D are improved since the beginning of the season, but the overall effect is the same: long stretches of very little resistance. The Wolves players probably feel like if they "take a quarter off" they can turn it back on. Unfortunately when you let NBA players get comfortable/hot, it is very difficult to cool them off (see CJ last game).

2. No bench. Thibs/Layden clearly did not want to overspend last summer due to concerns about re-signing the "core 3". I thought the players they signed (Cole, Rush, Hill) were decent "value" signings. Unfortunately Thibs doesn't play Cole much and other two at all. Either all three are injured or Thibs miscalculated their fit in his system. Thibs does play Belly and Bazz a bit, but neither honestly have played consistently well enough to merit more minutes. Dunn has shown some flashes but has done little to help us win games. I think Tyus would help on offense but Thibs must be concerned about his D or does not want Dunn to play SG. I suspect if the Wolves had the Kings or Nuggets bench they would be much better.

3. No steadying veterans with a major role. Rubio is the most experienced player in the starting unit, but he is just as prone as the others to miss shots and make risky/panic decisions like forcing passes that aren't there. He also has more trouble exerting his influence since Thibs has taken the ball out of his hand. No steady veterans to come off the bench to play 25-30 either (like Kings/Nuggets). Pek's career ending injuries really stink here since (1) we could use him and (2) he is consuming cap room this year and next.

4. "Paying the cost" of developing our "core 3". In previous years developing young players was the excuse for borderline tanking. This year I think they are truly developing their young players. Towns is getting the ball in the block and is learning how to pass out of a variety of NBA double team situations. Wiggins is learning how to initiate the offense and pass. All three are learning how to play team defense. There is a cost to all this "on-court" education, especially when due to lack of a bench it is tough to sit a guy who is not learning fast enough.

5. Dunn has not performed at the level expected from an older/experienced college player drafted 5th. Preseason we expected him to push for the starting PG spot or at least a 6th man role. He has shown flashes, but in general he is not doing much to help us win. His defensive gifts are currently offset (IMO) by his inability to shoot consistently or pass effectively.

[Monster]

Great post.

[AbeVigodaLive]

I think many of the lists will be pretty similar.

The big question is what is causing those things... and it will lead to much more angst and many more discussions on this forum.

[Wile E Coyote [enjin:17432808]]

I think many of the lists will be pretty similar.

The big question is what is causing those things... and it will lead to much more angst and many more discussions on this forum.

IMO the key question to answer is how to improve the defense. Our "core 3" players are all offense-first guys who struggle to defend. Rather than fret about which one to trade, I'd suggest they need to plug in one or two defense-first starters and a couple more off the bench. Those guys are typically underpaid and easier to obtain.

Golden state is an offensive machine, but they have Green, Iggy, and had Bogut last year. Those guys are all plus defenders.

[TAFKASP]

I would say 1, 2, and 3 are all in large part just 3. I agree with 4 100%. With regard to Dunn I think we knew he had Rubioesque shooting issues and wasn't yet a NBA level playmaker, with the exception of his defense I think we, me included, were expecting more than we should have. While he was a four year player he was in many ways still a high ceiling project.

How 'bout them Wild!

[Coolbreeze44]

I think the biggest reason is consistent effort and focus over 48 minutes. We've proven we can play at a playoff level about 75% of the time. It's the immaturity we show for long stretches every game that is truly costing us. A terrible roster wouldn't build the type of leads we consistently gain. But an immature one can't seem to hold them. Maybe it's just growing pains that are going to take a little more time to smooth out.

[BloopOracle]

1-HUGE PG spacing issues

2-Youth

3-Bench play

4-Defense

5-Lack of veterans who can still play at an above average level

[Camden [enjin:6601484]]

1. Tom Thibodeau's face.
2. Tom Thibodeau's yelling.
3. Tom Thibodeau's mannerisms.
4. Tom Thibodeau's personal life.
5. Tom Thibodeau's stubbornness.

I think it's quite clear what the problem is... Pfft.

[bleedspeed]

Curse of Marbury

[TAFKASP]

1. Tom Thibodeau's face.
2. Tom Thibodeau's yelling.
3. Tom Thibodeau's mannerisms.
4. Tom Thibodeau's personal life.
5. Tom Thibodeau's stubbornness.
6. Andrew Wiggins innefectuveness.
7. Rickie Rubio's lack of shooting.

I think it's quite clear what the problem is... Pfft.

Fixed.