Poll-Evaluate the trade after 12 games

[longstrangetrip [enjin:6600564]]

We must have had 1000 posts about the trade prior to the season. Now that we have completed the first six games, it's time to analyze how it's working out for both teams, and how we feel about Love vs. Wiggins/Bennett now. I think the general consensus prior to the season was that Flip had to trade Love, and he got the best return he could...good for both teams. But I want to evaluate the trade on its merits, not with the assumption that Flip had to trade Love. Are we better off with Wiggins and Bennett, or would we have been better off with Love? And how strong is your vote? Factors to consider in voting are:

1) current points and rebounds production
2) defensive impact
3) long-term impact on the Wolves
4) impact on clubhouse

I recognize it's too early to form any final conclusions on this trade, so I plan to run this poll several times during the year. After all, this one transaction is arguably one of the most impactful transactions in Wolves' history, and deserves to be evaluated periodically.

What say you?

[longstrangetrip [enjin:6600564]]

I'm sure it's no surprise to most of you that I voted strongly for Wiggins/Bennett. Here's the basis for my vote:

Production: PPG goes to Wiggins/Bennett 20 to 16.2. But since Wiggins and Bennett have played more minutes than Love, it's fairer to compare points per 36. Love has scored only .5 points more per 36 minutes,
Rebounds are significantly in Love's favor, as he is outrebounding Wiggins/Bennett 9.8 to 7, and in fewer minutes.

Defensive impact: Wiggins has been called upon to guard our opponent's best wing player. Jim Peterson has commented positively on Bennett's defense a few times. Love was taken out of the game for defensive purposes in the closing seconds of the Utah game.
Blocks and steals are lopsided in favor of Wiggins/Bennett...not even close.

Long-term potential: I'll take Wiggins and Bennett here, but this will perhaps be the most interesting debate as we continue to evaluate the trade. Wiggins' production has been better than many expected, and he seems to be learning the NBA game very quickly. Flip is bringing Bennett along much more slowly and his role in the offense is puzzling to many of us, but he looks much more like the guy we watched at UNLV than the guy we watched in Cleveland. Both were number 1 picks. Love was also a very high pick who in five years has demonstrated the ability to put up big numbers on a poor team, but not the ability to lead his team to the playoffs. This one will be fun to watch unfold.

Impact on clubhouse: Some of the in-person game reports have commented on the difference in demeanor in this year's Wolves' squad...the non-stop hustle on the court, the degree of attention during time-outs, etc. You can see it on TV too, but it's more dramatic when you are there in person. Adding Wiggins/Bennett and jettisoning Love isn't the only change from last year, and I believe the coaching change is having a big impact too. But I will argue that replacing an unhappy vet with 2 eager rookies is a very important factor also. This team is just much more fun to watch.

[Carlos Danger]

I'll preface my response by saying I'm really excited about watching this team and hoping the young guys develop into stars. That said, if I am truly to evaluate the trade as of this moment, I'd have to say it would be better to have one Super Star in the hand vs. 2 in the bush. The best we can hope for is that Wiggins and/or Bennett develop into the star caliber player that Love was/is (and I think we also lost a draft pick in the 3 way trade). Anytime you give up a star player, it usually sets the franchise back and that's where we are now. Obviously if Wiggins/Bennett become stars, it's a win, but in the meantime we have to cross our fingers that actually happens.

[TAFKASP]

I voted Wiggins/Bennet and it's not even close, especially when you add in Young which should have been done. My reasoning is the Wolves cap situation with Love meant it was virtually impossible to build a contender around him. All the youth has great promise, I'll take that long term promise over short term pain every time!

[Camden [enjin:6601484]]

I'll preface my response by saying I'm really excited about watching this team and hoping the young guys develop into stars. That said, if I am truly to evaluate the trade as of this moment, I'd have to say it would be better to have one Super Star in the hand vs. 2 in the bush. The best we can hope for is that Wiggins and/or Bennett develop into the star caliber player that Love was/is (and I think we also lost a draft pick in the 3 way trade). Anytime you give up a star player, it usually sets the franchise back and that's where we are now. Obviously if Wiggins/Bennett become stars, it's a win, but in the meantime we have to cross our fingers that actually happens.

Bingo. Take the sure All-NBA talent instead of two prospects. Nothing is a given in the NBA, or sports in general. So, I'll continue to root for both Wiggins and Bennett, but make no mistake about it, I wish Love was still here.

[kekgeek]

Even though I like Wiggins and Bennett, and I think in the long run the wolves will end up getting the better of the trade, it is hard for me to say that we did until Wiggins and Bennett develop. For the wolves to win the trade Wiggins will need to become paul george (not saying that is his ceiling) or Wiggins becomes like a Batum type while Bennett develops into a solid starter. So as of now I would rather have love (but I love the trade Flip made)

[The Rage Monster [enjin:8010341]]

Wiggins and Bennett all the way. Love put up some really good numbers however, from the perspective of being able to lead a team to wins he has to be the most overrated player I can think of. Honestly I'm not sure we would have a better record with Love. Just imagine how terrible his attitude and effort would be if he had to play this stretch with Williams, Brewer, Shabazz, and Dieng with no bench help either.

[worldK]

I take wiggins and bennet and its not even close.

Before the love-wiggins trade went down, my stance has been that the cavs trade is the ONLY trade I would be happy with and wiggins is the only piece that I wanted. I didnt care if bennet or waiters or thompson came with wiggins as long as we got wiggins. Wiggins is the price. I didnt want klay and the warriors deal. Hated the celtics or rockets trade rumors. In the end, we got wiggins, young and bennet. Ive always like young and bennet has shown that he has a very high ceiling himself.

Of course we are 3-9 and look lotto bound again but there is legit hope here. Wiggins will be a star in this league.

[Porckchop]

I voted for Wiggins and Bennett, becuz the wolves will only go as far as their wing players will take them. Rubio may be a vital cog , but to win in this league u need a wing scorer/defender. To be a champion, u need a pg and wing scorer .

[Monster]

So the premise of this poll is if we just traded Love for basketball reasons? I don't think I've seen enough from Thad (what like 4.5 games?), Wiggins and Bennett (missed a couple games wasn't healthy for a couple more) to make a legit stance if that's the premise. Don't get me wrong I'm thrilled with Wiggins but I don't care what's happened over there with the Cavs, Love is a terrific basketball player even with his flaws. Maybe at the 20 game mark I might be willing to say based on the premise of this poll.