Basti wrote:Jayme96 wrote:Basti wrote:
Quite frankly, I wouldn't. Not that I want Ricky to get the max but if you have a PG on your team that can run a team like very few others it makes the games so much easier for the rest of the team. If the rest of the line up can pick up the scoring and Ricky actually develops a solid jumper we wouldn't need a Westbrook type of player. Running a team is so much more worth than driving and dishing.
I prefer a pass-first guy like Rubio too. However, he is SOOOOO terrible offensively (his own offense that is, his passing is elite as everyone knows, so he does still contribute on O even if he can't score worth a crap) that he's a liability, and you can't properly run an offense since they don't have to guard him. He really regressed last year, couldn't even finish a layup at times. It's pretty pathetic really. You have 15-20 mill a year tied up in a guy like him, and your franchise is handicapped big time. IF he develops a jumper, which I don't see happening at this point, then he's worth every penny. But like I said, I don't see that happening. He sets a set-shot, no arc, and he's been a pro for damn near a decade already. If it was gonna happen, it should've a long time ago. It's the most basic thing there is in basketball, and he still doesn't have it. He also won't have a guy like Love to pass to anymore, so his passing might not even be that great, or at least productive since if the guys you pass to can't score either then you won't get assists. He'll have to get a lot in transition, or hope that guys like LaVine and Budinger on the perimeter can hit those open 3s.
In the end though, if LaVine could be another Westbrook, but taller and without the attitude, that would be huge for the Wolves. He was one of 2 guys I was hoping for in this draft. The other was McDermott. So my 2 favorite teams actually got my 2 favorite guys from the draft. Unheard of lol. In summer league, LaVine was actually guarding McDermott at times too, much to my surprise. That's the other thing I like about having long, athletic players. When your starting PG can guard the other team's starting SF, that gives you LOTS of options. (LaVine was the PG in that game).
Back to the draft, I think the Wolves could really use a guy like Mario who has ideal size and a very versatile skillset as a 2nd ball handler. When I read that a SG has "PG or point forward capabilities", I'm interested, especially at his size and with his dunking. That takes pressure off of Rubio to have to create every time and maybe he can work on his own offense a little so the Ds have to be honest and not cheat off of him. The 7' Latvian I mentioned is another guy that has a great handle for a guy his size and position. That's what I like in a player, versatility and something more unique for their size/position.
I agree with you that Ricky will most likely never be a good shooter but as criteriado pointed out the Wolves had such a great offense last year when he was on the court. He's not a liability on the court when he's aggressive. With Love being gone he has to be more aggressive offensively. That should only help his development.
On the other hand, it remains to be seen if the offense will be as good as it was last year now that Love is most likely gone. It won't be as great but I still believe we'll end up with an above average offense because of Ricky.
That could be. I don't think he'll do as much without Love taking all the attention and making all the shots though. The Wolves are screwed this year unless they can just flat out out-run the opponent, because they will have no other offense, at all. NONE. It's going to be ugly.
Rubio - horrible on offense except passing - can't even make a layup and shoots bricks
Brewer - again, he's a fast break guy only, unless he can hit the occasional spot-up 3. Can't create his own shot at all
Wiggins - much the same as Brewer really I expect
Bennett - sucks - no PF on the roster worth noting either, which is why I preferred the Mirotic/McDermott trade
Dieng - can't create his own shot, but could be good looks for Rubio
Pek - always hurt, a load under the basket - maybe he'll explode this year if his foot can stay healthy.
Budinger - good shot but can't create his own looks - maybe he'll have to start alongside Brewer on the wing
LaVine - very raw, could turn into something though
With the exception of Pek, at least that roster is all suited for a run and gun type system. There's a serious lack of shooters and anyone that can handle the ball outside of Rubio though. That's just my take on the team. I left off the guys out of favor or minor guys, or just forgot a few too I'm sure. Mo Williams plays PG too so I left him off even though I'm sure they'll both be out there together at times.
