Preseason Game 3: Minnesota at Knicks

[Klomp]

I don’t think I’ve ever seen a team dribble into the loaded side of the defense as much as the wolves. They dribble into 2-3 defenders almost every single drive. Randle and Ant do this a lot.

I like Finch, but I would love to see Carlisle coach this squad.

Considering the fact we have made two WCF and then completely got destroyed.

I like Finch, but he’s not the guy. This team took off as Ant took off, some of that is on Finch, but it’s called a players league for a reason.

It's kinda funny, because Carlisle might be the guy who has lost in the conference finals more than anyone in the last 25 years.

2002-03 Detroit
2003-04 Indiana
2023-24 Indiana

Plus about 5 more losses in the semifinals. This is why I find some of the coach discussions at fruitless, because even the coaches people think represent an ideal go through the same struggles Finch has gone through. Postseason success is hard. Losing a playoff series isn't necessarily an indctment on a player, coach or executive, nor is losing a preseason game.

[Klomp]

Just seeing him the last couple of games, I feel more confident in his shot than DDV. Knee jerk I know…

Very Knee Jerk. DDV has been one of the best volume 3 point shooters in the NBA for a while now.

When I watch DDV as a “wolf”, I never watch his shot and feel like it’s going in. Now I’m saying Johnny is better than DDV just comparing “look” of their shots mostly. Johnny also has a quick smooth release. I can see him forcing Finch to give him time.

I'm not there. He entered camp as a fringe roster guy at best. He's certainly not in the discussion for regular rotation minutes yet.

I do think Leonard Miller's seat may be getting extremely warm though. Because that's who I think would be first on the chopping block. Could we get a 2nd for a raw 21-year old Miller? I think someone else may be willing to give him a chance.

[Devilzsidewalk]

Followed by Rudy with a pathetic TO. Tried to be Mr Handles bringing the ball upcourt.

He's always trolling fans with a surprisingly fluid eurostep or hook shot, then he goes back to mishandling passes and losing his dribble. We really need him to be viable off a screen so the defense isn't immediately sending 2 out on Ant, but this is year 4 now. Apparently this is about as good as it will get. Which sucks, because it just has not been a viable closing lineup for a team to make the finals. Hopefully Ant can develop better chemistry with Beringer.

[ILC]

Watched these last 2 preaseason games on replay and still hate how slow everything is on offense and how little they find Rudy under the basket even when wide open. In the Knicks game in the first 3 minutes both Ant and Randle forced tough shots when he was wide open under the basket with his hands up and ready to dunk.

[ILC]

There we go, 6-7 minutes in much faster pace starts and it looks so much better, shots are much more open and better even with the turnovers. It will take a few months at least to get the TOs down but this pace has to become second nature to them.

[Domejandro]

Followed by Rudy with a pathetic TO. Tried to be Mr Handles bringing the ball upcourt.

He's always trolling fans with a surprisingly fluid eurostep or hook shot, then he goes back to mishandling passes and losing his dribble. We really need him to be viable off a screen so the defense isn't immediately sending 2 out on Ant, but this is year 4 now. Apparently this is about as good as it will get. Which sucks, because it just has not been a viable closing lineup for a team to make the finals. Hopefully Ant can develop better chemistry with Beringer.

Statistically, Rudy Gobert is one of the best screeners (arguably the best) in the NBA, but a huge issue is that Anthony Edwards is honestly not particularly good at screen navigation and decision making as a ball-handler. It is a weird dynamic where Ant doesn't utilize him consistently, and then when he does (in a generally sloppy way), Rudy doesn't have the fluidity/capacity to make things happen consistently.

I am hopeful that Joan Beringer having freakishly good hands will be able to make him a more viable partner, as Anthony Edwards hopefully improves going into his prime.

[Klomp]

Even though we've seen some flashes, it's definitely been a little more clunkier of a start than I would have hoped for. So far, the team feels identity-less. To be fair, we have not seen the entire group together yet, but I still wish we were a little farther along.

[Klomp]

Even though we've seen some flashes, it's definitely been a little more clunkier of a start than I would have hoped for. So far, the team feels identity-less. To be fair, we have not seen the entire group together yet, but I still wish we were a little farther along.

Honestly, this is my biggest concern with the team at the moment.

Leaning into the team's identity was a major factor for the team's hot start in 2023-24. Every other season, we've kinda struggled at the jump. With how loaded the West is, I believe a strong start to the season is critical. But the longer we tinker in camp, the less confident I am in a strong start.

[younggunsmn]

Well the one positive I've taken away from the preseason is that TJ Shannon looks ready to take the next step and become a big time contributor.
He's so physically talented and has been making a ton of smart plays out there.
Super excited to see him in the rotation every night this year.

On the other hand, the 7 rotation guys we are bringing back look like the same old same old from last year.
Still the same dysfunctional offense from last year where Mike stands in the corner and Ant or Julius either pound the ball or we make a bunch of useless dribble handoffs around the perimeter.

In this game, Rocco just got totally abused by the Knicks deep bench bigs and thrown out of the way like a rag doll on every shot that went up.
He needs a couple of years worth of weight room time to add strength to his lower body.
If you can't defensive rebound in this league you can't play the 5, period.
And Joan wasn't a whole lot better. He's got his shoulders turned the wrong way a lot in the paint when playing defense instead of getting square to the play in front of him.

Johnny Juzang is going to have a long career in this league as a movement shooter and I like the pickup if we can actually keep him on the roster.
He has the same profile as Malik Beasley with the quick release except he's more physical and not crazy.
If he can become a decent backup wing for us it could allow us to trade Dante + Rob and their salary slots for a real answer at PG.

I don't get adding Bones Hyland to a team that already drafted Rob Dillingham, they are the same player with the same weaknesses.
Either is going to be a net negative in any extended playing time.