Minnesota Sports Forum

I'm really interested to see this kid on defense. I've read that he's not a good defender, but then you see his numbers in defensive ISO situations and they're pretty elite (.53 points per possession / 19% shooting for opponents in isolation situations against Lavine) and that somewhat contradicts it, because those are pretty impressive.

Is he a poor team defender? Poor help defender? It definitely doesn't look like he's a terrible defender by the numbers.

On a side note...is it time for us Wolves fans to start watching the UCLA Bruins more often, since we clearly have a pipeline to that team?

I think it will be a question of defensive effort with him. He looks to have all of the tools to be good on that side of the ball. Hopefully he will take defense seriously.

I actually thought Zach was fairly good defensively last year, although I have to admit I'm surprised his iso numbers are so good. He's incredibly raw and has a tendency to disappear on offense, but I was not disappointed with his defense. He's long and athletic for starters, and also seems to care about that side of the game. What he lacks in technique can be taught. He's not as much of a work in process on defense as he is offensively.

It'll probably come down to his strength & how much weight he adds. In one of the scouting videos I saw it talked about how he was able to stick with & stay in front of people, but didn't have the strength to keep them out of the paint, etc.

TheGrey, that's what Silas's biggest knock on him was..that's a heck of a weakness for a player to have as a 19 year old if that's his biggest problem...because it's a given that every player will get stronger as they mature their bodies and get in a NBA weight room on a regular basis.

On a side note..what was your old screenname on ESPN again?

I question those iso numbers they kept throw those out for various guys during the draft and they seemed really too good to be true even for guys that were said to be good defenders. I'm not totally discounting them obviously just wonder about them maybe they are too much out of context of the game. idk

I watched some video of Zach last nigh and one of his workout videos he is doing various strength exercises and he isn't a weak skinny the guy is ripped with what body weight he has. I think someone pointed out UCLA played a decent chunk of zone so that might not have helped Zach look good as a man defender. I'm probably more worried about his defense than anything but like others and Flip himself says he has the physical tools.

LST, are you secretly scouting UCLA prospects for the Wolves? Are you not allowed to discuss it here because you're a paid consultant out there in SoCal?

BizarroJerry wrote:LST, are you secretly scouting UCLA prospects for the Wolves? Are you not allowed to discuss it here because you're a paid consultant out there in SoCal?

Damn, there goes my cover. Please don't tell Flip..he may not understand!

I just went back and reviewed my UCLA notes that I prepared for my presentation to Wolves management. How do you think I did?

Kevin Love: Kevin is more than just an elite rebounder and outlet passer. He's also a quality human being. You know what you're getting with Kevin. A proven leader who will always be a positive influence in the locker room. And loyal? He's like a golden retriever. He's a Tim Duncan kind of guy that will always want to stay with the team that drafted him, and try to make them better. He's the kind of a guy that will lead the Wolves to a championship.

Malcolm Lee: I know he has mostly a defensive reputation, but believe me, this guy can shoot. I've seen him in practices, and he is lights out from anywhere on the court. In addition to being a shutdown defender, he will be a consistent 18 PPG scorer for you. Draft him, and don't worry about SG for the next 12 years.

Shabazz Muhammad: I have never seen more of a Rick Adelman kind of guy than Shabazz. It's like Rick was allowed to create the perfect guy to play in his system, and designed Shabazz. Adelman is going to love this guy, and is certain to start him beginning with the first game of the season.

Zach LaVine. I know he only has a 14.9 PER, but that's a worthless stat. Ignore the fact that the only other college player projected to go in the first round with a PER less than 20 is James Young (BTW, he is a sleeper too, but talk to our Florida scout Camden for a complete glowing report on him), because PER doesn't translate into wins. I know you're considering Gary Harris because he had a PER of 22.9, but Gary can't jump nearly as high as Zach. And when it comes right down to it, there is no more important quality in projecting a future star than jumping. I guarantee that if you let this guy get away, halfway through the season you will be shaking your head and saying "F--- Me!"

UCLA has won more championships than any other school, and isn't it only about winning? Go Bruins!

Hmmmm...looking back it looks like I nailed it with all these guys. I hope Flip is as happy with Zach as he and David have been with my other recommendations, because I love this job and I need the money.

Very nice LST! You gotta have a sense of humor if you're a Wolves fan. You probably got a fee too from the Spurs for bashing Kyle Anderson so he would fall into their lap at the end of the 1st.

We just need Adbul-Jabbar to come and teach Dieng the skyhook, yes! (using my Marv Albert voice).

mrhockey89 wrote:TheGrey, that's what Silas's biggest knock on him was..that's a heck of a weakness for a player to have as a 19 year old if that's his biggest problem...because it's a given that every player will get stronger as they mature their bodies and get in a NBA weight room on a regular basis.

On a side note..what was your old screenname on ESPN again?

Couldn't agree more. Probably the best weakness in your game to have b/c there's always a good chance a guy bulks up & gets stronger.

Bigten08 I mean MrHockey I mean Kahn... wait wut