Minnesota Sports Forum

... but was anybody not happy to see the game AP put together on both ends of the floor last night? He is certainly progressing in the right direction, and given how limited his minutes had been prior to the trade it comforts me just how quickly he's getting up to speed.

With a pick no better than 15 AP doesn't have to be an All-Star, or even a starter on a contending team in order for the trade to have been a good one.

He's never going to be an all star, but I've liked what I've seen so far. Seems to bring it every time he's on the floor.

He's energetic. He's got that going for him. And that's good.

I'd be interested to know who was more responsible for those seemingly routine lobs to Jordan for the dunks. Was it Pekovic not staying with Jordan... or Payne not covering for Pek as he was forced to commit on Paul?

Speaking of dunking, do you guys know a website that tracks dunks? I'm curious how few we have this year, especially pek.

Yeah, I loved Payne's game last night...really the only bright spot along with another nice game from Neal.

Payne is raw and still an early season rookie, so there will be some rough patches the rest of the year. But we're never going to question his desire and effort. And I side with Lip (and Flip) over Cam in assessing Adreian's overall defense. He does some bonehead rookie things at times, but I am mostly pleased with what I have seem from him on the defensive side. I was also impressed with his interior passing game tonight. He was credited with 2 assists, but he should have had 3 or 4 more had our guys converted some easy looks. Just a really nice game for the kid.

Yeah, Payne's play was pretty impressive last night. He's the guy I expected/wanted at #13 in the draft. I was thrilled with the trade to get him here, and am excited to see him develop over the remainder of the season.

There was one other guy who had an impressive performance. He now holds the highest PER on the team. Welcome Justin Hamilton!

Good to see AP have a solid game. Hopefully he has a solid month like Dieng did last year and we will have our backup bigs moving forward.

I wonder how Bennett will respond to Payne's intensity and positive performance?

Bayou Wolf wrote:I wonder how Bennett will respond to Payne's intensity and positive performance?

He'll probably try to force the issue on offense and struggle. Get yanked from the game. That is if he comes back this year.

Camden wrote:

Bayou Wolf wrote:I wonder how Bennett will respond to Payne's intensity and positive performance?

He'll probably try to force the issue on offense and struggle. Get yanked from the game. That is if he comes back this year.

I hope not, but man he is missing out on a great opportunity. I am not sure how bad he hurt that ankle, but I would certainly be trying to play through it. Tape me up coach. I am good to go.