Minnesota Sports Forum

Who do you think is the better player over the next few years?

It's an interesting question and I think it's a viable topic, let's just assume same money for this question. Both have their strengths and weaknesses.

For me the tiebreaker goes to Naz since he's been a much better shooter in the playoffs. Had Randle had the better playoff track record I'd probably pick him. Could potentially change of course this playoffs, if the Wolves can even make it?

Let's hope they both play stellar though.

Naz for his age and potential. I think Randle is the better player at the moment, but I think Naz still has untapped potential we can get out of him on the defensive end and hopefully rebouding.

rapsuperstar31 wrote: ↑Wed Feb 05, 2025 9:21 am Naz for his age and potential. I think Randle is the better player at the moment, but I think Naz still has untapped potential we can get out of him on the defensive end and hopefully rebouding.

I agree that Randle has the edge right now. The passing and rebounding are valuable. Defense probably leans Randle too, very close though. Naz just needs to board better, like you say.

I picked Naz...the way he keeps developing his offensive game is remarkable.

But isn't the real question who do you want to keep: Ju or NAW? I pick Ju, but it's a tough call.

Randle is the better player.

I don't know if he's the better player for the Timberwolves though.

What I do know, however, is that Reid will probably be overpaid at $30M+ annually.

Naz over Randle and it’s not even close:

1. Naz is younger with remaining upside while Randle is what he is as he approaches the downslope of his career.

2. While Randle is a terrific scorer, Naz is the overall better offensive player. Naz has a more versatile offensive game with a uniquely broad offensive skill set. He has the ball handling, quickness and fluidity of a SF in a PF’s body. He’s quick to the hole and an excellent finisher when he gets there. And he’s also a terrific three-point shooter.

3. Naz’s offensive versatility and style of play, as well as his age, make him a much better fit with our young core of Ant and Jaden.

4. Naz is the better defensive player. This season, Naz has a defensive rating of 109.7, which is 21st in the League overall. In contrast, Randle has a defensive rating of 112.3, which ranks him 39th in the League. Similarly, last season Naz had a defensive rating of 107.3 compared to Randle’s 114.2.

5. Naz’s teammates, especially our franchise player Ant, love him and I don’t see the same love for Randle (to say the least). Chemistry matters in the NBA and making you franchise player happy matters even more.

The only area in which Randle is clearly better is rebounding. I still think Naz, just like Jaden recently, can significantly improve in that area.

I'd say Randle is a better shot creator and play maker than Naz, but Naz is the better overall fit for the team.

As for defense, I think Naz's defensive rating has always benefited a bit by coming off the bench or starting next to Rudy. I think they are about the same defensively, which is neutral to slightly negative.

Q-is-here wrote: ↑Wed Feb 05, 2025 5:49 pm I'd say Randle is a better shot creator and play maker than Naz, but Naz is the better overall fit for the team.

As for defense, I think Naz's defensive rating has always benefited a bit by coming off the bench or starting next to Rudy. I think they are about the same defensively, which is neutral to slightly negative.

(I’d vote Naz. I hope it doesn’t come down to picking between the two)

The defense is an interesting point. Naz was always pretty bad at defense, but sometime last year he figured out how to work with Rudy. At this point I never want to underestimate Naz’ ability to work hard and improve, but that one surprised me. I also agree with you this Gobert-effect probably helps Naz because of all his time listening to Rudy call out defenses, and Randle was bad at it early in the season. I appreciate seeing the Randle’s improving, more motivated defense this last month, but I think Naz is our guy.

By the way, defense is a team activity, and having good defensive teammates improves everyone’s numbers.

Here are last year’s league leaders in Defensive Rating

1. Rudy Gobert • MIN 104.5
2. Victor Wembanyama • SAS 105.8
3. Naz Reid • MIN 107.4
4. Nikola Jokić • DEN 108.0
5. Isaiah Hartenstein • NYK 108.1
6. Jusuf Nurkić • PHO 108.3
7. Chet Holmgren • OKC 108.4
8. Bam Adebayo • MIA 108.5
9. Evan Mobley • CLE 108.6
10. Kristaps Porziņģis • BOS 108.6
11. Karl-Anthony Towns • MIN 108.7
12. Kyle Anderson • MIN 109.0
13. Anthony Davis • LAL 109.2
14. Anthony Edwards • MIN 109.6
15. Paul Reed • PHI 109.8