Bucks or Wolves?

[guest81]

http://grantland.com/the-triangle/choos ... -t-wolves/

[Klomp]

That's an interesting piece. It actually shows why I lean Okafor over Towns.

We don't have a second superstar to pair with Wiggins. We have guys who could eventually become one, but no one is close. And in the draft, I think Okafor is by far the closest to that status when he steps into the league.

Pretty lazy that the writer didn't give Saunders any credit for putting this team together. Just made a shot at Taylor and talked about one bad trade.

[Mattya]

Can't take anyone seriously when they say Rubio's defense is a question mark.

[phonzadellika]

Can't take anyone seriously when they say Rubio's defense is a question mark.

Also, his jumpshot is not horrifically broken anymore. Good article though.

[Zeitgeister]

Eh, his jumpshot is still an unknown. It looks better but we need more games of evidence to know that it has changed for the better. That said, I don't get the reputation Rubio has as a bad defender. I honestly think it's because he's white. Is that ridiculous?

[C.lupus]

Eh, his jumpshot is still an unknown. It looks better but we need more games of evidence to know that it has changed for the better. That said, I don't get the reputation Rubio has as a bad defender. I honestly think it's because he's white. Is that ridiculous?

I'm thinking less that he's white and more that he's a Euro product. Afterall, everyone knows all Euros are soft (and probably socialists, too).

It is a curious misconception, though.

[Zeitgeister]

Eh, his jumpshot is still an unknown. It looks better but we need more games of evidence to know that it has changed for the better. That said, I don't get the reputation Rubio has as a bad defender. I honestly think it's because he's white. Is that ridiculous?

I'm thinking less that he's white and more that he's a Euro product. Afterall, everyone knows all Euros are soft (and probably socialists, too).

It is a curious misconception, though.

That could be as well. I know some guys in the media will attempt to correct that stereotype, Zach Lowe and Bill Simmons in particular but for some reason it just doesn't seem to catch on.

[Foye]

The Bucks have hit a homerun with Parker & Giannis but once again they'll be stuck in pretending/mediocrity for years unless they somehow add a third star player.

If we draft well in the offseason our future is bright with Rubio/Wiggins/2015 1st as the major building pieces and LaVine/Muhammad/Dieng to round things out. Just a matter of getting lucky once more.

[Calinks]

I think some aspects of Rubio's defense are questionable. Still I wouldn't say he's a bad defender. When you add up his positives and negative he's probably average at worst. He's great in some areas struggles some in others. Management I have to agree with them. Taylor sucks. Flip has been decent but I don't know if we have the culture or savvy to be great. Taylor has never been able to foster that and its huge.

I also buy the confidence aspect. One of the most underrated aspects of a sport team is confidence and knowing how to win. Bucks are already getting that and that alone makes them a superior team. We will probably be a team that gets beat down for at least another season or two. Bucks will be building chemistry and competing.

[PZiv]

Lets just say that they dont watch the Minnesota games often if at all.
And ownership part hurts me, along with coaching.

[kmgarnett21]

Can't take anyone seriously when they say Rubio's defense is a question mark.

Agreed. I ALMOST quit reading right there. Anyone who thinks Rubio's defense is a question mark and thinks he can't shoot to save his life hasn't watched a minute of Wolves basketball this year.

I did end up reading the whole thing. I just think knocking Rubio as a shooter/scorer is the "in" thing to do right now.

[kmgarnett21]

The Bucks have hit a homerun with Parker & Giannis but once again they'll be stuck in pretending/mediocrity for years unless they somehow add a third star player.

If we draft well in the offseason our future is bright with Rubio/Wiggins/2015 1st as the major building pieces and LaVine/Muhammad/Dieng to round things out. Just a matter of getting lucky once more.

Great point. We just need the ball to bounce our way one more time (along with staying healthy), and we'll be set. I don't care how the ball bounces as long as it's in our favor. Even if that means not getting the #1 or #2 pick, but still landing Okafor or Towns.

[C.lupus]

I'd say Rubio struggles a bit as a man defender, particularly with keeping faster PGs in front of him. But, really, who doesn't struggle with the fast PGs these days? He's also had a tough time in the past going through screens but he seems better at that this season. I'd say he's elite at playing passing lanes and at least very good at team/help defense. He's also good at drawing fouls. He's not Gary Payton but he's still easily above average defensively to me.

[Esohny]

The Bucks have hit a homerun with Parker & Giannis but once again they'll be stuck in pretending/mediocrity for years unless they somehow add a third star player.

If we draft well in the offseason our future is bright with Rubio/Wiggins/2015 1st as the major building pieces and LaVine/Muhammad/Dieng to round things out. Just a matter of getting lucky once more.

Great point. We just need the ball to bounce our way one more time (along with staying healthy), and we'll be set. I don't care how the ball bounces as long as it's in our favor. Even if that means not getting the #1 or #2 pick, but still landing Okafor or Towns.

Even though it wouldn't fill the PF hole right now, I still wouldn't be at all mad about ending up with Russell.

[Narf]

There isn't a player in the league that can keep the top PGs in front of them/from getting to the rim.

Not one.

And I'm officially just fine with Russell as well. I'll take that backcourt and overpay an Amir or a Taj and be just fine.

[C.lupus]

I'd say Rubio struggles a bit as a man defender, particularly with keeping faster PGs in front of him. But, really, who doesn't struggle with the fast PGs these days? He's also had a tough time in the past going through screens but he seems better at that this season. I'd say he's elite at playing passing lanes and at least very good at team/help defense. He's also good at drawing fouls. He's not Gary Payton but he's still easily above average defensively to me.

There isn't a player in the league that can keep the top PGs in front of them/from getting to the rim.

Not one.

Agreed. I think the 'Rubio as a questionable defender' might stem from the fact that his teammates all suck so when those top PGs get past him, it's layup drill time. And that makes the end result look even worse.

[Narf]

I'd say Rubio struggles a bit as a man defender, particularly with keeping faster PGs in front of him. But, really, who doesn't struggle with the fast PGs these days? He's also had a tough time in the past going through screens but he seems better at that this season. I'd say he's elite at playing passing lanes and at least very good at team/help defense. He's also good at drawing fouls. He's not Gary Payton but he's still easily above average defensively to me.

There isn't a player in the league that can keep the top PGs in front of them/from getting to the rim.

Not one.

Agreed. I think the 'Rubio as a questionable defender' might stem from the fact that his teammates all suck so when those top PGs get past him, it's layup drill time. And that makes the end result look even worse.

Ha, I was slow on my edit. Thought it looked like I was disagreeing when really we're saying the same thing.

[Devilzsidewalk]

Can't take anyone seriously when they say Rubio's defense is a question mark.

last year he was the #1 PG in steal percentage, #2 PG in def RPM, #4 PG in def win shares - and that's just the numbers; all of us have witnessed the night and day defensive impact this year when he hasn't been on the court

[RocketsHero]

Rubio was the best guard defender in term of opp isolation pct last year.

p.s
new to the board, have been following rubio and the wolves since his rookie year

[Minnesota Power]

Wolves or bucks? For relocation?