Constructing the Timberwolves rotation

[minimus]

here we go again with the Culver point dreams
Give him a few years of slashing, driving, finishing and dishing from Wing, working to improve his shot more. Once he's built an ability to shoot, then ok.

Napier is working because he's hitting baskets from any depth. He's finishing more at the net and from 3. He's doing it at 30+ minutes. That's what Wolves were missing. Culver can't offer all that yet and he has not been in these past few games. I don't get why people can't be okay with him being a wing for now?

Because he is better running the point.

[Jedzz]

here we go again with the Culver point dreams
Give him a few years of slashing, driving, finishing and dishing from Wing, working to improve his shot more. Once he's built an ability to shoot, then ok.

Napier is working because he's hitting baskets from any depth. He's finishing more at the net and from 3. He's doing it at 30+ minutes. That's what Wolves were missing. Culver can't offer all that yet and he has not been in these past few games. I don't get why people can't be okay with him being a wing for now?

Because he is better running the point.

He's clearly not. This is all in your head is my thinking. You appear to have sold yourself on this idea over this summer.

Are you not going to admit why everything seems to be clicking better with Napier right now who both hits 3s and has the moves under the basket to maintain control and finish or dish on a dime? That split second of time of control under the basket that Napier has shown makes all the difference to freeing up others at the perimeter. We are seeing that play out. His 3 pt shooting keeps defenses honest and keeps others from being doubled up. Take one or both those away and this doesn't work as well.

[minimus]

here we go again with the Culver point dreams
Give him a few years of slashing, driving, finishing and dishing from Wing, working to improve his shot more. Once he's built an ability to shoot, then ok.

Napier is working because he's hitting baskets from any depth. He's finishing more at the net and from 3. He's doing it at 30+ minutes. That's what Wolves were missing. Culver can't offer all that yet and he has not been in these past few games. I don't get why people can't be okay with him being a wing for now?

Because he is better running the point.

He's clearly not. This is all in your head is my thinking. You appear to have sold yourself on this idea over this summer.

Are you not going to admit why everything seems to be clicking better with Napier right now who both hits 3s and has the moves under the basket to maintain control and finish or dish on a dime? That split second of time of control under the basket that Napier has shown makes all the difference to freeing up others at the perimeter. We are seeing that play out. His 3 pt shooting keeps defenses honest and keeps others from being doubled up. Take one or both those away and this doesn't work as well.

He clearly is. He passes every eye test at PG except shooting.

Read on Twitter

[Crazy-Canuck]

Our defense:

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Ouch

[old school 34]

Because he is better running the point.

He's clearly not. This is all in your head is my thinking. You appear to have sold yourself on this idea over this summer.

Are you not going to admit why everything seems to be clicking better with Napier right now who both hits 3s and has the moves under the basket to maintain control and finish or dish on a dime? That split second of time of control under the basket that Napier has shown makes all the difference to freeing up others at the perimeter. We are seeing that play out. His 3 pt shooting keeps defenses honest and keeps others from being doubled up. Take one or both those away and this doesn't work as well.

He clearly is. He passes every eye test at PG except shooting.

Read on Twitter

I don't get all the angst about whether he gets his minutes @ PG or the wing....what I like about him is he gives you that kind of position flexibility different than JO for example who's mostly hold your breath when trying to play make? His flaws are still there regardless of where you play him & what will continue to hold him back until addressed. We have less talent at the PG spot currently so he plays there...make a trade potentially that addresses that he'll play more as a wing....

Sent from my SM-G973U using RealGM mobile app

[minimus]

He's clearly not. This is all in your head is my thinking. You appear to have sold yourself on this idea over this summer.

Are you not going to admit why everything seems to be clicking better with Napier right now who both hits 3s and has the moves under the basket to maintain control and finish or dish on a dime? That split second of time of control under the basket that Napier has shown makes all the difference to freeing up others at the perimeter. We are seeing that play out. His 3 pt shooting keeps defenses honest and keeps others from being doubled up. Take one or both those away and this doesn't work as well.

He clearly is. He passes every eye test at PG except shooting.

Read on Twitter

I don't get all the angst about whether he gets his minutes @ PG or the wing....what I like about him is he gives you that kind of position flexibility different than JO for example who's mostly hold your breath when trying to play make? His flaws are still there regardless of where you play him & what will continue to hold him back until addressed. We have less talent at the PG spot currently so he plays there...make a trade potentially that addresses that he'll play more as a wing....

Exactly, his versality in defense allows us play him PG-SG-SF, he also helped to defend Giannis another day. His rebounding is also part of our recent success as defensive minded group.

[post0115]

When KAT comes back it will be tough to bench Dieng and also tough to kick Naz Reid out of the rotation. I think we need to abandon the 1-3-1 and start both KAT and Dieng while keeping Naz in the rotation.

[minimus]

When KAT comes back it will be tough to bench Dieng and also tough to kick Naz Reid out of the rotation. I think we need to abandon the 1-3-1 and start both KAT and Dieng while keeping Naz in the rotation.

The problem is not 1-3-1 scheme, because we play same defense model as we did with KAT. Moreover, Dieng looked great as the only big in 1-3-1. So playing traditional two big lineup would not solve our defensive issues.

[old school 34]

When KAT comes back it will be tough to bench Dieng and also tough to kick Naz Reid out of the rotation. I think we need to abandon the 1-3-1 and start both KAT and Dieng while keeping Naz in the rotation.

The problem is not 1-3-1 scheme, because we play same defense model as we did with KAT. Moreover, Dieng looked great as the only big in 1-3-1. So playing traditional two big lineup would not solve our defensive issues.

I agree....not sure scheme needs to specifically change....maybe some guys need to play in different spots? IE--most thought Bell is a small ball 5 & would be that defensive anchor---while the majority of his minutes have actually been played as a 4 & much more in the defensive system as one of those 3s? Rather than them changing their overall system....they'll just play bigger guys in the same system....we've already seen some of that in short runs (Bucks game they had like C/Bell/KBD/G/G)....so maybe some of those that have been asking for Naz to play some 4 or KAT or Vonleh to play some 4....think there's a better shot @ that vs. scrapping the 1-3-1. And we'll ask a much larger 4 potentially switch out & see how it fares? Or I wonder how much of this is just stalling to make a trade or two to consolidate some parts....so it's a little more of a true pecking order on who should be in rotation etc? You really have the same problem w/ the wings as you do w/ your bigs.....not enough separation between the options can make life difficult for a coach to keep guys bought into the overall system & stay on the gameplan....in our losing streak....felt a # of our wings started trying to separate themselves by going off script &/or just get well outside their lane to try to separate themselves & earn added PT (JO/JC/TG primarily).

[minimus]

When KAT comes back it will be tough to bench Dieng and also tough to kick Naz Reid out of the rotation. I think we need to abandon the 1-3-1 and start both KAT and Dieng while keeping Naz in the rotation.

The problem is not 1-3-1 scheme, because we play same defense model as we did with KAT. Moreover, Dieng looked great as the only big in 1-3-1. So playing traditional two big lineup would not solve our defensive issues.

I agree....not sure scheme needs to specifically change....maybe some guys need to play in different spots? IE--most thought Bell is a small ball 5 & would be that defensive anchor---while the majority of his minutes have actually been played as a 4 & much more in the defensive system as one of those 3s? Rather than them changing their overall system....they'll just play bigger guys in the same system....we've already seen some of that in short runs (Bucks game they had like C/Bell/KBD/G/G)....so maybe some of those that have been asking for Naz to play some 4 or KAT or Vonleh to play some 4....think there's a better shot @ that vs. scrapping the 1-3-1. And we'll ask a much larger 4 potentially switch out & see how it fares? Or I wonder how much of this is just stalling to make a trade or two to consolidate some parts....so it's a little more of a true pecking order on who should be in rotation etc? You really have the same problem w/ the wings as you do w/ your bigs.....not enough separation between the options can make life difficult for a coach to keep guys bought into the overall system & stay on the gameplan....in our losing streak....felt a # of our wings started trying to separate themselves by going off script &/or just get well outside their lane to try to separate themselves & earn added PT (JO/JC/TG primarily).

One problem that was clear from start of this season is defending point of attack. Elite ballhandlers who can shoot destroyed our defense. Part of solution is assignment of bigger, more willing defender to opponent best ballhandler. That works at some degree as we could see Graham and Okogie taking turns to defend PG/SG position. Part of solution is hiding Teague in defense of playing him less. I'm very satisfied with how Kelan is progressing as defender, same with Culver. Once Nowell can adjust to NBA game he will be in rotation, because his shooting is too good and will be translated to NBA sooner than later.

I'm okay with that giving up a bit of size at C/PF, however I don't think that KAT is fully engaged as defender and we still lack size at wings. KAT-RoCo-KBD-Culver/Okogie-Wiggins might be our best lineup in terms of size and defensive versality, but both Jarrett and Josh are not NBA caliber wings in terms of shooting.

[Dewey]

When KAT comes back it will be tough to bench Dieng and also tough to kick Naz Reid out of the rotation. I think we need to abandon the 1-3-1 and start both KAT and Dieng while keeping Naz in the rotation.

The problem is not 1-3-1 scheme, because we play same defense model as we did with KAT. Moreover, Dieng looked great as the only big in 1-3-1. So playing traditional two big lineup would not solve our defensive issues.

Agree with both of you ... what you show on any zone defense (1-3-1, 2-3, 3-2) is just that. Shot clock will drive a defense to matchup or switch after a pass or two, so it really become moot. With the C's and stretch 4's, our bigs need to handle some perimeter responsibilities regardless.

[KGdaBom]

What the hell is going on with Layman. A sore toe?

[Jedzz]

Because he is better running the point.

He's clearly not. This is all in your head is my thinking. You appear to have sold yourself on this idea over this summer.

Are you not going to admit why everything seems to be clicking better with Napier right now who both hits 3s and has the moves under the basket to maintain control and finish or dish on a dime? That split second of time of control under the basket that Napier has shown makes all the difference to freeing up others at the perimeter. We are seeing that play out. His 3 pt shooting keeps defenses honest and keeps others from being doubled up. Take one or both those away and this doesn't work as well.

He clearly is. He passes every eye test at PG except shooting.

Read on Twitter

Sorry man. Your eye test is broken.

He can't shoot from outside even remotely well yet, so he's a weakness there that allows the defense to sag off him. Doubling others.

He does not have the moves refined for working it while near the basket yet. All he has is his aggression and ability to get up above the action. Nearly every time he tries to scoot up to the net for a layup he's getting stoffed for real reasons. This completely stops the opening up of other players and removes his option to dish instead. It's too fast for him yet.

These are massive weaknesses for a PG at this time. Doesn't mean he can't develop it. But these skills aren't there right now. You can't overlook what problems this causes the rest of the team. He's nothing but a developing Wing at the moment. Let him grow yet.

Right now, Napier is a much better PG. I'll question your ability to describe anything honestly if you take this further.

[Jedzz]

What the hell is going on with Layman. A sore toe?

Something bogus is going on. This smacks of the same silence and unexplained length of outage from RoCo last season under Ryan.

Someone ask him the question already.

[Slim Tubby]

What the hell is going on with Layman. A sore toe?

Something bogus is going on. This smacks of the same silence and unexplained length of outage from RoCo last season under Ryan.

Someone ask him the question already.

Seems like a question that Johnny Althletic wouldn't back down from but has anyone even asked about Layman's prognosis? I really liked what he brought to the team before the injury.

Back to the construction of the roster, I think most of us would agree that we need to invest in a franchise PG, most likely with draft capital rather than via trade or FA. For those of you that follow college hoops more closely than I do, who would be your preferred pick in the 2020 draft assuming we had our choice of the litter?

[life_saver]

KAT was defending pretty well in initial part of season...but it fell off after that..he did say that he was playing through injury for some games (before he started missing games) and those are the games where his defense was much worse when compared to start of ssn. When he is back fully fit, there is no reason for KAT not defending at same level as what Dieng has been doing recently. Perimeter defense also in general has been much better in last few games. This team did have stretches like this before but then again reverted back to normal...so I am gonna wait few more weeks before thinking that the defense is fixed

[TheProdigy]

KAT was defending pretty well in initial part of season...but it fell off after that..he did say that he was playing through injury for some games (before he started missing games) and those are the games where his defense was much worse when compared to start of ssn. When he is back fully fit, there is no reason for KAT not defending at same level as what Dieng has been doing recently. Perimeter defense also in general has been much better in last few games. This team did have stretches like this before but then again reverted back to normal...so I am gonna wait few more weeks before thinking that the defense is fixed

I hope you're right that injuries played a role in his defensive issues this year. If he can just play at least average level defense for a big man, he's a top 5 player in this league. He's that good on offense.

[Jedzz]

What the hell is going on with Layman. A sore toe?

Something bogus is going on. This smacks of the same silence and unexplained length of outage from RoCo last season under Ryan.

Someone ask him the question already.

Seems like a question that Johnny Althletic wouldn't back down from but has anyone even asked about Layman's prognosis? I really liked what he brought to the team before the injury.

Back to the construction of the roster, I think most of us would agree that we need to invest in a franchise PG, most likely with draft capital rather than via trade or FA. For those of you that follow college hoops more closely than I do, who would be your preferred pick in the 2020 draft assuming we had our choice of the litter?

Why can't Napier work for now? His first big changes at starting minutes and leading here has amounted to three straight games of over 20pts scoring, hitting baskets well over 50% from anywhere, the offense is clicking along no matter who is playing with him.

Why should they turn a blind eye to this now and think about dumping the big assets into finding yet another to replace him? I can see adding more PGs, just maybe not sinking everything into it now that this guy has shown up.

[Jedzz]

KAT was defending pretty well in initial part of season...but it fell off after that..he did say that he was playing through injury for some games (before he started missing games) and those are the games where his defense was much worse when compared to start of ssn. When he is back fully fit, there is no reason for KAT not defending at same level as what Dieng has been doing recently. Perimeter defense also in general has been much better in last few games. This team did have stretches like this before but then again reverted back to normal...so I am gonna wait few more weeks before thinking that the defense is fixed

I hope you're right that injuries played a role in his defensive issues this year. If he can just play at least average level defense for a big man, he's a top 5 player in this league. He's that good on offense.

We hope it was that, and not simply a mental breakdown of sorts after his court tussle. I still swear he cam back a different player from his games off.

[Slim Tubby]

Something bogus is going on. This smacks of the same silence and unexplained length of outage from RoCo last season under Ryan.

Someone ask him the question already.

Seems like a question that Johnny Althletic wouldn't back down from but has anyone even asked about Layman's prognosis? I really liked what he brought to the team before the injury.

Back to the construction of the roster, I think most of us would agree that we need to invest in a franchise PG, most likely with draft capital rather than via trade or FA. For those of you that follow college hoops more closely than I do, who would be your preferred pick in the 2020 draft assuming we had our choice of the litter?

Why can't Napier work for now? His first big changes at starting minutes and leading here has amounted to three straight games of over 20pts scoring, hitting baskets well over 50% from anywhere, the offense is clicking along no matter who is playing with him.

Why should they turn a blind eye to this now and think about dumping the big assets into finding yet another to replace him? I can see adding more PGs, just maybe not sinking everything into it now that this guy has shown up.

For the most part, I like what we've seen from Napier so far but I'm not convinced he can be a true difference maker at PG long-term for any franchise. I have a feeling we'll get the chance to see much more of him as the year progresses...and play Naz Reid more!!!!!