Just listened to the full interview. It’s clear TC intends to run it back next season. He referred to being “pretty fired up” about running it back with the same guys and maybe “a couple new faces.” I thought his off-hand reference to “a couple new faces” was interesting. When asked if the team views getting a backup PG as a priority, TC responded that they’re “not looking for positional need” but instead looking for “skill sets - IQ and maturity.” I thought that was interesting and telling.
More than anything TC stressed the lack of emotional maturity and he emphasized that it’s been a “collective” team problem, not just a KAT problem. “Emotional maturity for sure” said TC. He actually referred to the team being “infantile” at times during the season. That’s a really strong condemnation from the head of basketball operations. He went onto say, the teams “can’t lead the team in techs again.” We said, “we’re not good enough to complain as much as we do to the referees.” He continued by saying, “we haven’t won enough to be that petulant.” Again, really strong words directed to the team. I was impressed. TC went on to say that, as a team and organization, “we need to hold ourselves to a higher standard.” “Collectively we need to take a look at ourselves” he said. When asked of the maturity message has been delivered to the players, he responded: “Yes, it’s been delivered loudly on consistent basis since early last season.”
Regarding the higher standard, TC said, “we can’t be content to lose in the first round and we can’t be content to have to claw and scratch just to get into the playoffs.” Next step for KAT according to TC: “Same step the whole team needs to take. Until we win in the post season this team and organization won’t be taken seriously.” TC said, “Great players are defined by their ability to win in the post season.” TC went on to stress that it’s not just KAT, although his remarks clearly included KAT. TC said, the problems’ s “not unique to one player.” “Can’t be so up and down in the regular season.” He said we have to be much better in the regular seasons to be a home-court playoff team.
Dan asked if KAT start the season as a T-Wolf. TC’s response: “Right now, that’s the plan. Karl’s an elite elite player.” He later referred to it as, not just “the plan” but also “the expectation. TC then said, “I don’t think there’s any real expectation the team will be much different.” He said, “we’re pretty fired up to have two elite guys in Karl and Anthony … Jaden growing up right in front of our eyes in Jaden … Rudy reverting to his old form.” I thought it was interesting that he referred to Rudy “reverting back to his old form” as top defensive center. He clarified that he thought Rudy was really good last season, but not as good as he’s been or can be. Regarding how committed he is to keeping KAT, he said: “You don’t trade guys like Karl … unless your socks are knocked off.” He referred to the Rudy-Anderson fight was “immature.” Again, the main theme of TC’s criticism of the team was immaturity.
Rudy — “Transition was more difficult that we expected.”
Needs — Not looking for any one position (responding to Dan’s Q about need for back-up PG). Looking for skill sets - more IQ and maturity. Will come mainly from internal development. Likes starting lineup shooting, but would like more shooting off the bench. “Looking for competitors.”
Organizational culture — He stressed “continuity and patience.” “Have to have patience with players and let them grow.” “Also have to be patient with coaches.” “Finch is a heck of a coach and he’ll be even better next season.” Trying to install accountability…”. Referred to Finch as a “great coach” a number of times.
Draft — “Nothing cooking to get us into the first round.” Said he “loves the draft and loves scouting.” Too bad he gave up so many picks.
Said having a hard time getting players to come in for workouts for the #53 pick.
Overall, I liked what TC had to say. Regarding what TC might do down the road, he made it clear that he won’t be reluctant to trade Rudy or KAT if things don’t work out. I can’t remember his exact words, but there was a point when he talked about the importance as an organization of being self-critical and not being afraid to make moves based on that honest internal evaluation. Bottom line is that, if there’s a reckoning with KAT and/or Rudy it will be next February or next summer and it will be based on how well the team does next seasons. But I’m convinced he won’t be afraid to deal Rudy or KAT based on the team’s performance, their self-evaluation and opportunities.
