Wolves Offseason Direction

[karch34]

I'm of the opinion that McDaniels will be the starting PF in another year or two. Would like to see Reid re-signed next year as well and have Reid, McDaniels and KAT manage most of our 4/5 minutes. With that projection, would like to see them bring in a stop-gap veteran PF on a 2 year deal and maybe a cheap defensive center (maybe even an undrafted rookie or G-Leaguer on a Naz Reid type deal).

With some muscle it could work out. I can’t say that he wouldn’t be a good PF, but I look at it right now as he’s got the tools to be the SF that makes it work for the starting lineup with a solid PF with switchability, D and shooting. Maybe it’s just me but I see him at PF being like RoCo in that we’re putting him as a passable 4 when he can be a very good 3.

[shrink]

I'm of the opinion that McDaniels will be the starting PF in another year or two. Would like to see Reid re-signed next year as well and have Reid, McDaniels and KAT manage most of our 4/5 minutes. With that projection, would like to see them bring in a stop-gap veteran PF on a 2 year deal and maybe a cheap defensive center (maybe even an undrafted rookie or G-Leaguer on a Naz Reid type deal).

With some muscle it could work out. I can’t say that he wouldn’t be a good PF, but I look at it right now as he’s got the tools to be the SF that makes it work for the starting lineup with a solid PF with switchability, D and shooting. Maybe it’s just me but I see him at PF being like RoCo in that we’re putting him as a passable 4 when he can be a very good 3.

I agree. If Rosas can’t find us a legit starting PF, McDaniels will be our starter, like:

Rubio/DLo/Beasley (1-2)
Edwards (3)
McDaniels (4)
Towns (5)

But if he was able to add a legit PF, someone who can rebound and defend, it improves the size of our line-up. For example, if we got Isaac for Beasley and a protected pick, when he was healthy we would be.

DLo/Rubio
Edwards (2) - develop him at his natural position, where his size and strength is more dominating and tougher match up.
McDaniels (3) - here he’s big and long, and he doesn’t get overpowered by bigger 4’s
Isaac (4) - Issac and McDaniel together provide a lot of defense in between Russell, Edwards and Towns
Towns (5)

A new PF shifts both Edwards and McDaniels down a slot, which is a big benefit to our team.

[Biff Cooper]

I'm of the opinion that McDaniels will be the starting PF in another year or two. Would like to see Reid re-signed next year as well and have Reid, McDaniels and KAT manage most of our 4/5 minutes. With that projection, would like to see them bring in a stop-gap veteran PF on a 2 year deal and maybe a cheap defensive center (maybe even an undrafted rookie or G-Leaguer on a Naz Reid type deal).

With some muscle it could work out. I can’t say that he wouldn’t be a good PF, but I look at it right now as he’s got the tools to be the SF that makes it work for the starting lineup with a solid PF with switchability, D and shooting. Maybe it’s just me but I see him at PF being like RoCo in that we’re putting him as a passable 4 when he can be a very good 3.

In today's NBA, a SF almost needs to be a shot creator or a lights out high volume shooter. I don't think Jaden is ever going to be a shot creator. I don't doubt that he could be very good as a 3&D type of player, but to me it seems like he has more potential at the PF position. He is pretty solid as a defender when he is out in space on the floor, but he seems to have a comfort level on both ends of the court when he is closer to the basket that someone like Roco has never had. While it is close to impossible that his game will ever be as good as KG, his game reminds me more of early years KG than of someone like Roco.

[Biff Cooper]

I'm of the opinion that McDaniels will be the starting PF in another year or two. Would like to see Reid re-signed next year as well and have Reid, McDaniels and KAT manage most of our 4/5 minutes. With that projection, would like to see them bring in a stop-gap veteran PF on a 2 year deal and maybe a cheap defensive center (maybe even an undrafted rookie or G-Leaguer on a Naz Reid type deal).

With some muscle it could work out. I can’t say that he wouldn’t be a good PF, but I look at it right now as he’s got the tools to be the SF that makes it work for the starting lineup with a solid PF with switchability, D and shooting. Maybe it’s just me but I see him at PF being like RoCo in that we’re putting him as a passable 4 when he can be a very good 3.

I agree. If Rosas can’t find us a legit starting PF, McDaniels will be our starter, like:

Rubio/DLo/Beasley (1-2)
Edwards (3)
McDaniels (4)
Towns (5)

But if he was able to add a legit PF, someone who can rebound and defend, it improves the size of our line-up. For example, if we got Isaac for Beasley and a protected pick, when he was healthy we would be.

DLo/Rubio
Edwards (2) - develop him at his natural position, where his size and strength is more dominating and tougher match up.
McDaniels (3) - here he’s big and long, and he doesn’t get overpowered by bigger 4’s
Isaac (4) - Issac and McDaniel together provide a lot of defense in between Russell, Edwards and Towns
Towns (5)

A new PF shifts both Edwards and McDaniels down a slot, which is a big benefit to our team.

I am all for trading Beasley to improve a different position on our roster and permanently moving Edwards to the 2. Isaac and McDaniels would make a very good defensive forward combination, and I like Edwards much more at the 2 than the 3. Offensively, this almost forces McDaniels out to the 3 point line on 99% of our offensive possessions though. These changes likely make us a better collective team, but I think McDaniels growth as a player gets stunted by putting him in this role long term.

[karch34]

I'm of the opinion that McDaniels will be the starting PF in another year or two. Would like to see Reid re-signed next year as well and have Reid, McDaniels and KAT manage most of our 4/5 minutes. With that projection, would like to see them bring in a stop-gap veteran PF on a 2 year deal and maybe a cheap defensive center (maybe even an undrafted rookie or G-Leaguer on a Naz Reid type deal).

With some muscle it could work out. I can’t say that he wouldn’t be a good PF, but I look at it right now as he’s got the tools to be the SF that makes it work for the starting lineup with a solid PF with switchability, D and shooting. Maybe it’s just me but I see him at PF being like RoCo in that we’re putting him as a passable 4 when he can be a very good 3.

In today's NBA, a SF almost needs to be a shot creator or a lights out high volume shooter. I don't think Jaden is ever going to be a shot creator. I don't doubt that he could be very good as a 3&D type of player, but to me it seems like he has more potential at the PF position. He is pretty solid as a defender when he is out in space on the floor, but he seems to have a comfort level on both ends of the court when he is closer to the basket that someone like Roco has never had. While it is close to impossible that his game will ever be as good as KG, his game reminds me more of early years KG than of someone like Roco.

The KG piece was interesting because I was thinking how he went from SF to PF to C (kind of) as his career progressed. I was thinking McDaniels D made him a good fit at SF so he can guard the shot creators and high volume shooters, but I see the PF argument.

[Dewey]

With some muscle it could work out. I can’t say that he wouldn’t be a good PF, but I look at it right now as he’s got the tools to be the SF that makes it work for the starting lineup with a solid PF with switchability, D and shooting. Maybe it’s just me but I see him at PF being like RoCo in that we’re putting him as a passable 4 when he can be a very good 3.

In today's NBA, a SF almost needs to be a shot creator or a lights out high volume shooter. I don't think Jaden is ever going to be a shot creator. I don't doubt that he could be very good as a 3&D type of player, but to me it seems like he has more potential at the PF position. He is pretty solid as a defender when he is out in space on the floor, but he seems to have a comfort level on both ends of the court when he is closer to the basket that someone like Roco has never had. While it is close to impossible that his game will ever be as good as KG, his game reminds me more of early years KG than of someone like Roco.

The KG piece was interesting because I was thinking how he went from SF to PF to C (kind of) as his career progressed. I was thinking McDaniels D made him a good fit at SF so he can guard the shot creators and high volume shooters, but I see the PF argument.

good comments ... I simply like the fact he is the style of player that allows flexibility when it comes to matchups. I truly dont have a gut feel how his game will progress at either end of the floor, but with his diversity and basic skillset as a rookie, that should translate long-term and benefit the club. Too many players believe they need the ball in their hands to contribute and offer little else.

[KGdaBom]

My guess is the Wolves pursue deals for John Collins and Ben Simmons, but nothing ever comes close to being finalized. After that I see the Wolves turning towards guys like Larry Nance and Lauri Markkanen, players who can be obtained at a much cheaper price (without giving up any core players or unprotected picks).

I'm all about Larry Nance. He would be a great addition. If we can't get Siakam Nance is the way to go.