Player Assessments at the 3/4 Pole

[Coolbreeze44]

I probably shouldn't do this after such a terrible game because it might color my opinions but here goes:

Rubio - I don't like his game right now. He teased us a little bit with his shot when he came back from injury, but it has reverted back to his norm. He plays hard and brings a competitive passion that we sorely lack, but he is demonstrating the limits to his game. And worse, for some reason he's playing in a box. What happened to the flair he used to bring to the court. The moments where you weren't sure what he was gong to do, just that it would be special. No more passes through defenders legs. No more jaw dropping bounce passes through traffic. Just no fun really. Maybe Mudiay should be in play for us.

Grade - B-

Wiggins - About as good as you could expect for a rookie. Yet he leaves me wanting more. I want to see him dominate games, but he doesn't get involved enough offensively. His touches and points seem to come in bunches. When those runs come he 's great. I'd just like to see more of them. Probably needs to initiate the offense more to see his full potential. But with Ricky on the court that isn't going to happen. Just as good on defense as he is on offense, Andrew is the biggest beacon of hope we have.

Grade - A

Pek - Average when he's on the court, and the problem is he's not on the court enough. Feel bad for him in that his body is betraying him at this relatively young age. Can't afford to pay what he's making for a part time player.

Grade - D+

KMart - One guy who I wish we would have dealt while the getting was good. Smooth offensive player but indifferent defensively. Scores most of his points during the quiet times of games. Not much of a gamer or clutch performer. But his offense sticks out on this team because he is unique to the Wolves - a shooter with range. Overall he doesn't really move the needle positively or negatively.

Grade - C+

KG - Expensive motivational speaker. But probably more effective than Matt Foley was. I'm not into the whole KG is great for this franchise thing. But at least he hasn't embarrassed us yet with an on-court incident

Grade - Incomplete

Dieng - At this time last year I think most of us were really excited about this guy. But one year later he is one player who has definitely not progressed. I don't think he's played as well this year. He sprinkles in nice stretches that give you hope. but they aren't sustained. He gets pushed around too easily, and he lacks the core skill of balance. Don't believe he can be a starter on a contender.

Grade - C

Lavine - If you are going to assign a grade based exclusively on what we've seen overall, he would not be at the head of the class. I've learned to have patience with young players that have his tools and passion for the game. So I'm the last guy who is gong to write him off for acting like a 19 year old rookie. Much like Shabazz last year, he is struggling to find his way most nights. Doesn't really bother me though, I'll wait at least one more year to see what he becomes.

Grade - C+

Payne - Early returns are mixed. But he's another guy with a good motor and passion for the game. Looking forward to see how he develops after going through the summer program and training camp next year.

Grade - Incomplete

Budinger - He has been a true liability no matter what way you assess his game. Can't shoot, can't finish, can't defend, can't create, and has occupied a roster spot that should go to someone else.

Grade - F

Neal - I think you have seen exactly what he brings in his short time with us. Would be a great role player once we establish ourselves as a contender. On this team he is asked to do too much and it limits his value. But there is nothing wrong with Gary Neal. He is what he is, and that's not too bad.

Grade - B

Shabazz - You can say a lot of good things about Shabazz this year, but you have to be concerned about his injury history for such a young guy. But if he can put the injuries behind him, he is without a doubt a guy who can play a prominent role off the bench for a contender. Instant offense with an unmatched motor. He'd be most effective playing 25 minutes per night off the bench. Flip likes him and I'm glad he picked him.

Grade - B

Hummell - Surprised me with his value this year. Does a lot of things right, albeit in a limited package. Nothing wrong with keeping him as an end of the bench guy who can come in and give us a lift when needed. But if he has to play too many minutes it is a bad sign.

Grade - C

Bennett - Super gifted athletically, but lacks fundamental mental aspects of the game. Can they come over time? I hope so, but how long can we wait for that light to come on? He now has Payne challenging him for court time, and possible another player on the way in the draft. I'm cheering for the kid because you can see flashes that excite you. Going to be a really important offseason for him, because it might be the last one he sees in a Wolves uniform.

Grade - D+

LoBro - Nothing but a placeholder for now. Hasn't gotten much of an opportunity and doesn't really warrant one.

Grade - Adequate Emergency PG

Hamilton - Has some ability but if he has to play too much it doesn't really matter does it?

Grade - Incomplete

[AbeVigodaLive]

Watch it Cool... you keep watching the Wolves trek to 64 losses and we're gonna be agreeing more and more!



[note: my grades wouldn't be that much different than yours, despite us disagreeing on a lot of stuff throughout this season.]

[Coolbreeze44]

Watch it Cool... you keep watching the Wolves trek to 64 losses and we're gonna be agreeing more and more!



[note: my grades wouldn't be that much different than yours, despite us disagreeing on a lot of stuff throughout this season.]

Trust me, much of what my fellow posters like yourself have said influenced this assessment.

[kekgeek]

Ya ,I like the list cool. The only changes I would make is:

Martin: A-, I think he has been the wolves second best player this year, he has had some bad games but overall he has been very good fit for the wolves this year.

Hummel: B, very solid season, perfect like 10-12 man.

Lavine: D, this is not a shot on what I think he will be (very good) but on how he has played, struggling with the jumper, to many turnovers, finishing poorly at the rim. Some is not his fault being forced to play PG (I like it for his development). He is a iso defender, and we see flashes on offense what he could be. But for this year only he has not been a net positive in my eyes

[SameOldNudityDrew]

I don't think I would have graduated high school if you were my teacher cool! This team is bad, but some of those grades are a little harsh. I'd bump Martin, Bazz, Rubio, and Dieng's scores a bit.

[AbeVigodaLive]

I don't think I would have graduated high school if you were my teacher cool! This team is bad, but some of those grades are a little harsh. I'd bump Martin, Bazz, Rubio, and Dieng's scores a bit.

Were you the second worst student in the school?

[thedoper]

I'd give Pek an F this year. Hey may owe us a few years after his career is done.

[alexftbl8181 [enjin:6648741]]

How in the world does Rubio shoot 35% and only played in like 20 games, and gets a B-? Yet Martin gets a worse grade and shoots better from 3 then Rubio does from the field.

[AbeVigodaLive]

How in the world does Rubio shoot 35% and only played in like 20 games, and gets a B-? Yet Martin gets a worse grade and shoots better from 3 then Rubio does from the field.

Intangibles. Or something.

[Phenom]

Yea I am also missing the old Rubio flair that so many fell in love with. I often wonder if it can be recaptured? Is it a Ricky issue? A coaching issue? Did the league figure him out? Probably all of the above. Maybe this team should hire Mike D'Antoni.