Cool's 2 Things I Haven't Liked So Far + 1 - Holiday Edition
Posted: Sun Dec 24, 2023 2:38 pm
It would seem a post with this title must be some kind of satire. However, we are going dig deep and find a couple things that haven't gone our way, as well as a plethora of things to be happy about. So let's have some fun with the holiday edition of the 2 + 1:
1) Mike Conley has been wonderful as our starting point guard. No way we are off to this start without his presence in the lineup. But it has become painfully clear any extended absence by him is going to be a huge problem. Shake hasn't been the answer at backup, and JMac is not a reliable option either. As a contender we are going to need an upgrade that can not only be a fill-in starter, but provide quality minutes in a playoff series. We may need to move Leonard Miller in a package to get the quality we need, but you have to go for it.
2) It kind of straightened itself out last night, but our game starts need to be better. With our 2nd half prowess so far, better starts could take us to another level. I'm trying to figure out the root cause but it's hard to identify. I might try to get KAT involved a little more heavily and get Jaden some early touches as well. I also think our overall success might be leading to a bit of early malaise, thinking we can turn it on when we need to. Nonetheless a little more first quarter intensity would be a good thing.
Plus 1 - Where do I start? Good time for a list:
- The record speaks for itself. 22-6 with no signs of slowing down. We've stared down this touch stretch in the schedule and kept things rolling
- We've seen the best version of KAT. Not only his play, but improved demeanor has been very good. We actually need him to shoot the ball more, especially from behind the arc.
- Ant has demonstrated a certain IT quality that few players possess. You see it in crucial moments, especially on defense. He has the talent to make huge plays at the most critical times due to his overwhelming athleticism. When he decides to lock someone up, it's over. And then he makes plays on offense that change momentum. Stay healthy please.
- Rudy is probably our MVP. Intimidating defense that makes everyone else better on that side of the ball. He also has taken on a team-first persona that is infectious. That trade is looking pretty good right now.
- Starting to see some glimpses of Jaden's potential on offense. The D is always there, but I love the way he is bringing other things to the table. You see the ability to take the ball to the basket and finish, and then pull up and make the mid-range shot. Probably my favorite player to ever wear a Wolves uniform.
- The floor general Mike Conley. I illustrated his importance above. No way we have 20 wins without him.
- Coach Finch seems to have it all figured out. His schemes, rotations, in-game management, and player development is all clicking. He won't be underrated as a head coach for very long.
- The sellouts at Target are awesome. It's not an easy place to play when the fans fill the building
- NAZ Reid
- Speaking of NAZ, other than PG we are displaying really good depth. We've weathered some minor injuries and I think you can attribute that to our better than average bench.
- Lastly, I feel great for all you guys, the true fans who have stuck with this moribund franchise through all the bad times. I want to wish you all a merry Christmas and a happy new year!
And that's Cool's 2 + 1 for the holidays
1) Mike Conley has been wonderful as our starting point guard. No way we are off to this start without his presence in the lineup. But it has become painfully clear any extended absence by him is going to be a huge problem. Shake hasn't been the answer at backup, and JMac is not a reliable option either. As a contender we are going to need an upgrade that can not only be a fill-in starter, but provide quality minutes in a playoff series. We may need to move Leonard Miller in a package to get the quality we need, but you have to go for it.
2) It kind of straightened itself out last night, but our game starts need to be better. With our 2nd half prowess so far, better starts could take us to another level. I'm trying to figure out the root cause but it's hard to identify. I might try to get KAT involved a little more heavily and get Jaden some early touches as well. I also think our overall success might be leading to a bit of early malaise, thinking we can turn it on when we need to. Nonetheless a little more first quarter intensity would be a good thing.
Plus 1 - Where do I start? Good time for a list:
- The record speaks for itself. 22-6 with no signs of slowing down. We've stared down this touch stretch in the schedule and kept things rolling
- We've seen the best version of KAT. Not only his play, but improved demeanor has been very good. We actually need him to shoot the ball more, especially from behind the arc.
- Ant has demonstrated a certain IT quality that few players possess. You see it in crucial moments, especially on defense. He has the talent to make huge plays at the most critical times due to his overwhelming athleticism. When he decides to lock someone up, it's over. And then he makes plays on offense that change momentum. Stay healthy please.
- Rudy is probably our MVP. Intimidating defense that makes everyone else better on that side of the ball. He also has taken on a team-first persona that is infectious. That trade is looking pretty good right now.
- Starting to see some glimpses of Jaden's potential on offense. The D is always there, but I love the way he is bringing other things to the table. You see the ability to take the ball to the basket and finish, and then pull up and make the mid-range shot. Probably my favorite player to ever wear a Wolves uniform.
- The floor general Mike Conley. I illustrated his importance above. No way we have 20 wins without him.
- Coach Finch seems to have it all figured out. His schemes, rotations, in-game management, and player development is all clicking. He won't be underrated as a head coach for very long.
- The sellouts at Target are awesome. It's not an easy place to play when the fans fill the building
- NAZ Reid
- Speaking of NAZ, other than PG we are displaying really good depth. We've weathered some minor injuries and I think you can attribute that to our better than average bench.
- Lastly, I feel great for all you guys, the true fans who have stuck with this moribund franchise through all the bad times. I want to wish you all a merry Christmas and a happy new year!
And that's Cool's 2 + 1 for the holidays