Wolves Grades G24 vs. Pacers

[Q-is-here]

KAT - A
Ant - A-
Rudy - B-
McDaniels - C
Conley - A-
Anderson - A-
Reid - A+
NAW - C
TBJ - A

[Lipoli390]

KAT - A
Ant - A-
Rudy - B-
McDaniels - C
Conley - A-
Anderson - A-
Reid - A+
NAW - C
TBJ - A

I’m with you for the most part with a few minor exceptions. First, if KAT doesn’t get an A+ for tonight’s game then an A+ grade doesn’t exist. He and Ant carried the team offensively with KAT scoring 40 highly efficient points while also compiling 12 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals and 2 blocks. He only had 3 turnovers and limited his fouls to 2. His energy level was tremendous as always, but he remained in control. I’d probably give Naz an A, but I won’t quibble too much over your A+ for him. I’d give NAW a B- or at least a C+. He the one player on this team who often grades out much better than his stats would suggest and I think tonight was another one of those nights.

[kekgeek]

I missed the second half due to a family holiday so thanks Q for doing the grades.

I don’t know this feeling, they are so freaking good. They have 3 guys who legit deserve the all star game and I know Naz has said this but each player getting paid has allowed them to play team basketball

[Jester1534]

KAT - A
Ant - A-
Rudy - B-
McDaniels - C
Conley - A-
Anderson - A-
Reid - A+
NAW - C
TBJ - A

I’m with you for the most part with a few minor exceptions. First, if KAT doesn’t get an A+ for tonight’s game then an A+ grade doesn’t exist. He and Ant carried the team offensively with KAT scoring 40 highly efficient points while also compiling 12 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals and 2 blocks. He only had 3 turnovers and limited his fouls to 2. His energy level was tremendous as always, but he remained in control. I’d probably give Naz an A, but I won’t quibble too much over your A+ for him. I’d give NAW a B- or at least a C+. He the one player on this team who often grades out much better than his stats would suggest and I think tonight was another one of those nights.

I think this quote that Dana Moore put into focus the season that Kat is having.

Per Moore twitter

I asked Karl-Anthony Towns about shooting 25 shots tonight and how that used to be something he was asked to do often but not as much anymore. Just what that dynamic shifting has been like.

KAT said he's now "not the sun, but one of the planets".

KAT continued to say: "We’ve got a lot of great players in here, and my job is to figure out how to obviously be aggressive and maximize my talents for the team, but also in those talents, how can I make everyone better?"

[FNG]

Good grading, Q. I only take issue with Rudy's B-, because while he normally dominates the defensive end, I found him oddly invisible tonight. Opponents usually avoid taking many shots in the paint when Rudy is lurking, but I thought Indy attacked the rim with impunity. And despite all the inside action, he only had 1 block. Combine that with a lackluster scoring and rebounding night (as many turnovers as baskets, only 7 boards, and an air-balling 1-4 on free throws), and it adds up to a poor night. Rudy has been our MVP this season in my opinion, but he didn't show up in a game he clearly expected us to win...I give him a D.

[Leado01]

Agreed that KAT was about as good as a player can be doing whatever it takes to guarantee us a win.

Early in the game when the offense wasn't moving or moving the ball, KAT carried us...he also made several key defensive plays sprinting out to defend the 3, boxing out, and protecting the rim against this small team.

I know we all got sick of the stray voltage, but KAT's played at an all-star level since about the 5th game. At some point the board will recognize that. He's been ridiculously efficient

[FNG]

Agreed that KAT was about as good as a player can be doing whatever it takes to guarantee us a win.

Early in the game when the offense wasn't moving or moving the ball, KAT carried us...he also made several key defensive plays sprinting out to defend the 3, boxing out, and protecting the rim against this small team.

I know we all got sick of the stray voltage, but KAT's played at an all-star level since about the 5th game. At some point the board will recognize that. He's been ridiculously efficient

Nice electrician reference on the stray voltage, leado!

There's no question in my mind that KAT is playing like an all-star. An unguardable 3-way scorer with a 63 TS%, and he's top ten in holding his man to a low shooting percentage. His sensational off-ball block last night reminded me of the defensive KAT I thought we were going to get coming out of college...his defensive transformation has been astonishing. I hope he starts to get the respect around the league that he clearly deserves.

[Lipoli390]

Good grading, Q. I only take issue with Rudy's B-, because while he normally dominates the defensive end, I found him oddly invisible tonight. Opponents usually avoid taking many shots in the paint when Rudy is lurking, but I thought Indy attacked the rim with impunity. And despite all the inside action, he only had 1 block. Combine that with a lackluster scoring and rebounding night (as many turnovers as baskets, only 7 boards, and an air-balling 1-4 on free throws), and it adds up to a poor night. Rudy has been our MVP this season in my opinion, but he didn't show up in a game he clearly expected us to win...I give him a D.

I agree, FNG. I was going to give Q a pass on his inflated grade for Rudy, but you’ve paved the way for me to pile on. . A B- seems too high given what we saw from Rudy last night, which you described accurately. But I still can’t get myself to take Rudy down to a D. I’ll give him a C-

[Q-is-here]

Good grading, Q. I only take issue with Rudy's B-, because while he normally dominates the defensive end, I found him oddly invisible tonight. Opponents usually avoid taking many shots in the paint when Rudy is lurking, but I thought Indy attacked the rim with impunity. And despite all the inside action, he only had 1 block. Combine that with a lackluster scoring and rebounding night (as many turnovers as baskets, only 7 boards, and an air-balling 1-4 on free throws), and it adds up to a poor night. Rudy has been our MVP this season in my opinion, but he didn't show up in a game he clearly expected us to win...I give him a D.

I agree, FNG. I was going to give Q a pass on his inflated grade for Rudy, but you’ve paved the way for me to pile on. . A B- seems too high given what we saw from Rudy last night, which you described accurately. But I still can’t get myself to take Rudy down to a D. I’ll give him a C-

Fair enough. I actually agree with you guys on downgrading Rudy, as I myself was complaining about his poor hands early on where there were at least two or three fumbled passes or balls he chose to bat at instead of just catch. I love what Rudy has done this year on the defensive side, but his poor hands could be part of our undoing when we get to the playoffs.

I'll also concede and give KAT an A+. I was still pissed about our poor start to the game, but KAT actually kept us in it offensively. Ant is really the one that had a slow start and then later on put on a show.

I guess I get a little bit tired of seeing this team struggle so much offensively in first quarters. I get that we are a great 2nd half team, but when we get to the playoffs, there is less room for error. We can't keep coming out in first quarters and KAT being the only guy that can create offense.

[FNG]

Q, my sense is that both Ant and Rudy had this one chalked up as a win even before the opening tap. I’ve never seen Rudy so disengaged on defense, and Ant was also lackadaisical early. Fortunately Ant found the on switch on offense.

Rudy is a pro, and I think we can count on him to be there when we need him. He looked very content on the bench as we built our lead. I think he’ll bounce back with a 20-20 game against the Bam-less Heat.