Robson's latest article

[Q12543 [enjin:6621299]]

Always an entertaining read (and educational for those of you looking to add some flare to your vocabulary!).

I think he pretty much identifies all the core themes we've been discussing here.

http://www.minnpost.com/sports/2015/11/buckle-t-wolves-fans-its-going-be-bumpy-ride

[mjs34]

Nice article, although I wish he had included Bazz and Lavine numbers as well. It is hard to pinpoint Martin as the problem when it could have just as much to do with the trio being a bad fit. I would like to see Sam experimenting with different guys when Prince sits down, and I think that will be the case. Something else to think about would be moving Bazz or Lavine for more of a 3&D guy that would supplant Prince. That would give us a lineup more towards what Chicago was using with Snell and Butler.

[AbeVigodaLive]

Nice article, although I wish he had included Bazz and Lavine numbers as well. It is hard to pinpoint Martin as the problem when it could have just as much to do with the trio being a bad fit. I would like to see Sam experimenting with different guys when Prince sits down, and I think that will be the case. Something else to think about would be moving Bazz or Lavine for more of a 3&D guy that would supplant Prince. That would give us a lineup more towards what Chicago was using with Snell and Butler.

I'd like to see Martin's numbers with Rubio vs. Martin's numbers with LaVine.

[Q12543 [enjin:6621299]]

Nice article, although I wish he had included Bazz and Lavine numbers as well. It is hard to pinpoint Martin as the problem when it could have just as much to do with the trio being a bad fit. I would like to see Sam experimenting with different guys when Prince sits down, and I think that will be the case. Something else to think about would be moving Bazz or Lavine for more of a 3&D guy that would supplant Prince. That would give us a lineup more towards what Chicago was using with Snell and Butler.

Yup, well said. Robson mentions the fact that with LaVine at PG, it sort of turns into "every man for himself" and it leads to the type of foul-hunting and tough shots that Martin specializes in.

LaVine is not a floor general, yet with Bazz and Martin on the floor with him, that's the role that is most needed. Yet arguably his greatest strength is shot-creation (the one thing about Zach is he can pull-up from almost anywhere and get a clean shot off. It may not always go in, but he can almost always square up and shoot it).

So you have three guys on the floor at the same time who are all best off as assist-receptacles. And one of them plays PG!!!

[Coolbreeze44]

Anybody else seen a definite improvement in Lavine's D? It's not where it needs to be but I see it as improved in two areas
1) Denying dribble penetration
2) Being more aware in the team concept.

I think Robson unfairly addresses Zach's D in the article. He's working hard and the results are getting better.

Glad he pointed out the difficulty in playing with Martin. It's been a common theme in my posts this year.

[Monster]

I think the overall idea of the article is terrific. there will be highs and lows some things are good and some things will be bad. He praises Mitchell for some things while acknowledging that those things have led to some things that look terrible line Lavine at PG. It's absolutely going to be a bumpy ride and IMO we need to take a longer few than a handful of plays or even one game. We are 3-2 right now it feels pretty good all things considered. Towns looks damn good. Rubio looks better than ever even if his shot doesn't keep falling at a decent rate. Wiggins showed up in a game and Bjelica already looks like he can play. That's a lot of good so far even with some stuff that hasn't looked great.

[fondey [enjin:6644772]]

What are the good reasons for keeping Martin on the team? I just can't see him coexisting with Zach Lavine on the roster. It seems we should make a decision on one or the other rather than shuffle players into suboptimal positions.

[mjs34]

Anybody else seen a definite improvement in Lavine's D? It's not where it needs to be but I see it as improved in two areas
1) Denying dribble penetration
2) Being more aware in the team concept.

I think Robson unfairly addresses Zach's D in the article. He's working hard and the results are getting better.

Glad he pointed out the difficulty in playing with Martin. It's been a common theme in my posts this year.

Zach is slipping picks better than before, and he tends to stay in the play longer. He used to just give up once he lost his man.

[Monster]

What are the good reasons for keeping Martin on the team? I just can't see him coexisting with Zach Lavine on the roster. It seems we should make a decision on one or the other rather than shuffle players into suboptimal positions.

Shooting. If Martin is moved its a pretty big hole on the team that needs to be filled on a team that may lack it even with him. I absolutely get what you are saying though but that's a big reason to keep him.

[mjs34]

What are the good reasons for keeping Martin on the team? I just can't see him coexisting with Zach Lavine on the roster. It seems we should make a decision on one or the other rather than shuffle players into suboptimal positions.

I would guess they will sit on Martin, and try to keep him mildly focused for the next month. At that time, I think we will see a market open up for him. The problem is that we will be right in the heart of the playoff race :) and will have to be selective about which team he goes to.