The PJ Dozier Thread

[Klomp]

I checked Spotrac to see how much of Dozier’s deal is guaranteed, and was surprised that they listed it as fully guaranteed.

I thought I remembered Woj breaking it as partially guaranteed, and he said nothing about that. Jon Krawczinski was the one that tweeted that it “may” be partially guaranteed, and now I’m not even finding that.

Doogie said as of yesterday that it has not been officially filed.

[Klomp]

He's another long-armed versatile defender who can get out and push it in transition. That's what we've been looking for.

These two games were both within a 5-game stretch immediately before tearing his ACL in May 2021.

Watch on YouTube

Watch on YouTube

[minimus]

I checked Spotrac to see how much of Dozier’s deal is guaranteed, and was surprised that they listed it as fully guaranteed.

I thought I remembered Woj breaking it as partially guaranteed, and he said nothing about that. Jon Krawczinski was the one that tweeted that it “may” be partially guaranteed, and now I’m not even finding that.

Doogie said as of yesterday that it has not been officially filed.

Read on Twitter

[minimus]

Read on Twitter

[winforlose]

Read on Twitter

Any details on how partially and when it guarantees?

[MN7725]

strange, when there are so many more proven players (albeit probably washed players) still not signed

always a couple decent players that miss out on money and take a 1yr contract and prefer being on a good team

Gary Trent Jr signing with Bucks for minimum

He would choose them over Wolves because of opportunity, but original point remains

[Klomp]

He would choose them over Wolves because of opportunity, but original point remains

If he wouldn't choose us then it would be idiotic to hold off from other moves on his behalf

[BlacJacMac]

strange, when there are so many more proven players (albeit probably washed players) still not signed

always a couple decent players that miss out on money and take a 1yr contract and prefer being on a good team

Gary Trent Jr signing with Bucks for minimum

He would choose them over Wolves because of opportunity, but original point remains

He's a good Beasley replacement. High volume, high % 3pt shooter that doesn't provide much else.

[Klomp]

Read on Twitter

[winforlose]

Read on Twitter

Am I correct that if we cut him, that 1 million still counts against the tax?

[Klomp]

Read on Twitter

Am I correct that if we cut him, that 1 million still counts against the tax?

Correct.

[MN7725]

strange, when there are so many more proven players (albeit probably washed players) still not signed

always a couple decent players that miss out on money and take a 1yr contract and prefer being on a good team

Gary Trent Jr signing with Bucks for minimum

He would choose them over Wolves because of opportunity, but original point remains

He's a good Beasley replacement. High volume, high % 3pt shooter that doesn't provide much else.

Right

but he is a rotation player on pretty much any playoff caliber team

at the minimum

and there is still similar quality players still available

again, its strange that Wolves used a roster spot on Dozier before all these remaining players found spots

seems like Dozier would have been available August if thats the way things shook out, which I frankly think is how it would have since Wolves rotation is pretty locked in, so I'm not hating on signing Dozier, just find it unusual

[Chuck Everett]

This guy is a good basketball player. He was poised to carve out a niche before the ACL. Here's hoping he can put that behind him and find a home in this league.

[younggunsmn]

Gary Trent Jr signing with Bucks for minimum

He would choose them over Wolves because of opportunity, but original point remains

He's a good Beasley replacement. High volume, high % 3pt shooter that doesn't provide much else.

Right

but he is a rotation player on pretty much any playoff caliber team

at the minimum

and there is still similar quality players still available

again, its strange that Wolves used a roster spot on Dozier before all these remaining players found spots

seems like Dozier would have been available August if thats the way things shook out, which I frankly think is how it would have since Wolves rotation is pretty locked in, so I'm not hating on signing Dozier, just find it unusual

I find it pretty damn disappointing that with a top 4 finish and 3 open roster spots, the only impactful veteran minimum free agent we could get to come here was Joe Ingles.

We couldnt even get one of Jmac or Monte to come back.

We need a veteran backup PG, I don't like putting so much pressure on DIllingham to fill a role on a team with title aspirations.
A role that is going to be pretty big with ~20 minutes per game needed to backup Conley, who is also probably going to be rested a bit too. We lost Jmac, Monte, and Kyle Anderson too who spent a lot of time as de facto backup PG.
And we're trying to replace all that with a 160 lbs 19 year old. That's too much pressure.
I don't want him to become Bones Hyland and for his career to flame out because he can't play defense well enough to stay on the court until his body is ready to compete with grown men.

I don't dislike the PJ Dozier signing because of PJ Dozier. Hey, he's quite an upgrade on Wendell Moore, great.
I dislike it because it fills up our likely last open roster spot when we still have a gaping hole at PG on the depth chart.

[minimus]

He's a good Beasley replacement. High volume, high % 3pt shooter that doesn't provide much else.

Right

but he is a rotation player on pretty much any playoff caliber team

at the minimum

and there is still similar quality players still available

again, its strange that Wolves used a roster spot on Dozier before all these remaining players found spots

seems like Dozier would have been available August if thats the way things shook out, which I frankly think is how it would have since Wolves rotation is pretty locked in, so I'm not hating on signing Dozier, just find it unusual

I find it pretty damn disappointing that with a top 4 finish and 3 open roster spots, the only impactful veteran minimum free agent we could get to come here was Joe Ingles

MIL got Prince, Wright and Trent because they have real holes in roster and opportunities to show themselves. Same with PHO and Morris. MIN roster is stacked. It was pretty clear before FA market opening that MIN was destined to lose in this offseason market because of lack of resources for trades, no cap space, and 2nd apron riles. So what Connelly did during draft is a proactive move to give MIN chance to improve roster BEFORE FA market. For years we saw FA not coming in MIN, so why would they sign now for minimum without promise of playing time?

So no, I don't see it as disappointment at all. Especially after Joe Ingles signing. I find it a brilliant from many perspectives that we got Ingles who has all chemistry in the world to play with Conley and Gobert, adding new dimensions to our offense, AND we got TSJ and Rob who are high potential rookies.

P.S. We are kind of looking under microscope our team problems and they look bigger then they are. MIA, DEN, GSW are dancing around 2nd apron and have much WORSE offseason. PHO are going all in AND had no bench entering offeason. 40mil of luxury tax for Okogie? This is insane.

[winforlose]

Right

but he is a rotation player on pretty much any playoff caliber team

at the minimum

and there is still similar quality players still available

again, its strange that Wolves used a roster spot on Dozier before all these remaining players found spots

seems like Dozier would have been available August if thats the way things shook out, which I frankly think is how it would have since Wolves rotation is pretty locked in, so I'm not hating on signing Dozier, just find it unusual

I find it pretty damn disappointing that with a top 4 finish and 3 open roster spots, the only impactful veteran minimum free agent we could get to come here was Joe Ingles

MIL got Prince, Wright and Trent because they have real holes in roster and opportunities to show themselves. Same with PHO and Morris. MIN roster is stacked. It was pretty clear before FA market opening that MIN was destined to lose in this offseason market because of lack of resources for trades, no cap space, and 2nd apron riles. So what Connelly did during draft is a proactive move to give MIN chance to improve roster BEFORE FA market. For years we saw FA not coming in MIN, so why would they sign now for minimum without promise of playing time?

So no, I don't see it as disappointment at all. Especially after Joe Ingles signing. I find it a brilliant from many perspectives that we got Ingles who has all chemistry in the world to play with Conley and Gobert, adding new dimensions to our offense, AND we got TSJ and Rob who are high potential rookies.

P.S. We are kind of looking under microscope our team problems and they look bigger then they are. MIA, DEN, GSW are dancing around 2nd apron and have much WORSE offseason. PHO are going all in AND had no bench entering offeason. 40mil of luxury tax for Okogie? This is insane.

Last year Mike played more games than in any year since he was 25. He also was banged up in the playoffs and actually missed a game. This year he is 37 and will have a shorter offseason to recover. Instead of having JMAC, Morris, and Kyle to share the load, we have Dilly, Dozier, and Jingles. Of course NAW was around as well, but he was as much the off ball guard to PG Ant as he was backup PG. If you think this isn’t a problem, all I can say is I pray you’re right.

[minimus]

I find it pretty damn disappointing that with a top 4 finish and 3 open roster spots, the only impactful veteran minimum free agent we could get to come here was Joe Ingles

MIL got Prince, Wright and Trent because they have real holes in roster and opportunities to show themselves. Same with PHO and Morris. MIN roster is stacked. It was pretty clear before FA market opening that MIN was destined to lose in this offseason market because of lack of resources for trades, no cap space, and 2nd apron riles. So what Connelly did during draft is a proactive move to give MIN chance to improve roster BEFORE FA market. For years we saw FA not coming in MIN, so why would they sign now for minimum without promise of playing time?

So no, I don't see it as disappointment at all. Especially after Joe Ingles signing. I find it a brilliant from many perspectives that we got Ingles who has all chemistry in the world to play with Conley and Gobert, adding new dimensions to our offense, AND we got TSJ and Rob who are high potential rookies.

P.S. We are kind of looking under microscope our team problems and they look bigger then they are. MIA, DEN, GSW are dancing around 2nd apron and have much WORSE offseason. PHO are going all in AND had no bench entering offeason. 40mil of luxury tax for Okogie? This is insane.

Last year Mike played more games than in any year since he was 25. He also was banged up in the playoffs and actually missed a game. This year he is 37 and will have a shorter offseason to recover. Instead of having JMAC, Morris, and Kyle to share the load, we have Dilly, Dozier, and Jingles. Of course NAW was around as well, but he was as much the off ball guard to PG Ant as he was backup PG. If you think this isn’t a problem, all I can say is I pray you’re right.

It is definitely a risk. But it is a decision based on a set of factors:

1) Anderson saved our ass in first Rudy year when Towns went down, and he also played great this year when Towns was recovering. Having him playing from bench was luxury because we could counter some matchups with his size and playmaking. But Anderson is a slow methodical playmaker he was great in some situation (mostly playing PF/C) and he was near to unplayable in other situations. He wanted MLE contract, it was expected that we let him go. 40+ mil just for insurance is insane

2) Morris and McLaughlin have often been injured during last year. They are not iron men. And lets be honest, I can remember a game where Morris or McLaughlin replaced injured Conley and played well enough to say: they can be Conley replacement. They cant. Thats why NAW is starting at PG when Conley is not playing, and MIN change to more defensive minded style. The real problem when NAW started, is that we had a very short bench. This year we should have more options between Naz, Ingles, TSJ and Rob.

3) You are advocating for more opportunities for young players. But re-signing Anderson and Morris and paying HUGE luxury tax means you have to play them before young players. I cant think about more win now decision, considering Reid and NAW will be free agents next summer. Plus TC has added TSJ and Rob. Plus Anderson and Morris would not help to resolve our main problem: our best players are not our best decision makers. I see more sense in surrounding Towns and Ant with more capable off ball scorers, rather than adding ballhandlers who are not NBA level shooters. So what happened when Conley leaves? Between Anderson and Morris we would have no answer for starting PG and non controlled risk (new contracts of Anderson and Morris). We still have risk of losing NAW next summer, but at least we might have a future starting PG in Rob and cost controlled TSJ who can be really a financial workaround to keep core of this roster construction even if MIN is above 2nd apron. So I think it is investment in Rob and TSJ, and every investment is a risk. But if these guys pan out, this team will have much better chance to succeed

P.S. I also hope that Nix becomes that 0.5 3rd string emergency PG. He seems to improve as defender, and can offer defensive versatility at PG that Morris and McLaughlin could not

[winforlose]

MIL got Prince, Wright and Trent because they have real holes in roster and opportunities to show themselves. Same with PHO and Morris. MIN roster is stacked. It was pretty clear before FA market opening that MIN was destined to lose in this offseason market because of lack of resources for trades, no cap space, and 2nd apron riles. So what Connelly did during draft is a proactive move to give MIN chance to improve roster BEFORE FA market. For years we saw FA not coming in MIN, so why would they sign now for minimum without promise of playing time?

So no, I don't see it as disappointment at all. Especially after Joe Ingles signing. I find it a brilliant from many perspectives that we got Ingles who has all chemistry in the world to play with Conley and Gobert, adding new dimensions to our offense, AND we got TSJ and Rob who are high potential rookies.

P.S. We are kind of looking under microscope our team problems and they look bigger then they are. MIA, DEN, GSW are dancing around 2nd apron and have much WORSE offseason. PHO are going all in AND had no bench entering offeason. 40mil of luxury tax for Okogie? This is insane.

Last year Mike played more games than in any year since he was 25. He also was banged up in the playoffs and actually missed a game. This year he is 37 and will have a shorter offseason to recover. Instead of having JMAC, Morris, and Kyle to share the load, we have Dilly, Dozier, and Jingles. Of course NAW was around as well, but he was as much the off ball guard to PG Ant as he was backup PG. If you think this isn’t a problem, all I can say is I pray you’re right.

It is definitely a risk. But it is a decision based on a set of factors:

1) Anderson saved our ass in first Rudy year when Towns went down, and he also played great this year when Towns was recovering. Having him playing from bench was luxury because we could counter some matchups with his size and playmaking. But Anderson is a slow methodical playmaker he was great in some situation (mostly playing PF/C) and he was near to unplayable in other situations. He wanted MLE contract, it was expected that we let him go. 40+ mil just for insurance is insane

2) Morris and McLaughlin have often been injured during last year. They are not iron men. And lets be honest, I can remember a game where Morris or McLaughlin replaced injured Conley and played well enough to say: they can be Conley replacement. They cant. Thats why NAW is starting at PG when Conley is not playing, and MIN change to more defensive minded style. The real problem when NAW started, is that we had a very short bench. This year we should have more options between Naz, Ingles, TSJ and Rob.

3) You are advocating for more opportunities for young players. But re-signing Anderson and Morris and paying HUGE luxury tax means you have to play them before young players. I cant think about more win now decision, considering Reid and NAW will be free agents next summer. Plus TC has added TSJ and Rob. Plus Anderson and Morris would not help to resolve our main problem: our best players are not our best decision makers. I see more sense in surrounding Towns and Ant with more capable off ball scorers, rather than adding ballhandlers who are not NBA level shooters. So what happened when Conley leaves? Between Anderson and Morris we would have no answer for starting PG and non controlled risk (new contracts of Anderson and Morris). We still have risk of losing NAW next summer, but at least we might have a future starting PG in Rob and cost controlled TSJ who can be really a financial workaround to keep core of this roster construction even if MIN is above 2nd apron. So I think it is investment in Rob and TSJ, and every investment is a risk. But if these guys pan out, this team will have much better chance to succeed

P.S. I also hope that Nix becomes that 0.5 3rd string emergency PG. He seems to improve as defender, and can offer defensive versatility at PG that Morris and McLaughlin could not

1. I didn’t want Kyle back. I want to be very clear, I have said repeatedly losing Kyle is addition by subtraction. The point was more that he represented someone who could play make.

2. Monte Morris went to the Suns on a minimum. We have seen years of what a healthy Monte can contribute, and I don’t think having a healthy Monte as PG2 while bringing RD along as PG3 would have harmed anyone. The bigger issue is we have high hopes for what RD can give this year. That doesn’t mean you need a bench without alternatives. This is why I am wondering if TC doesn’t trust Finch to play the rookie, and so he pulled a money ball and forced his hand. Either way the whole thing is weird.

3. Nix showed you what he is last night. The dude is a waste of a two way.

[minimus]

Last year Mike played more games than in any year since he was 25. He also was banged up in the playoffs and actually missed a game. This year he is 37 and will have a shorter offseason to recover. Instead of having JMAC, Morris, and Kyle to share the load, we have Dilly, Dozier, and Jingles. Of course NAW was around as well, but he was as much the off ball guard to PG Ant as he was backup PG. If you think this isn’t a problem, all I can say is I pray you’re right.

It is definitely a risk. But it is a decision based on a set of factors:

1) Anderson saved our ass in first Rudy year when Towns went down, and he also played great this year when Towns was recovering. Having him playing from bench was luxury because we could counter some matchups with his size and playmaking. But Anderson is a slow methodical playmaker he was great in some situation (mostly playing PF/C) and he was near to unplayable in other situations. He wanted MLE contract, it was expected that we let him go. 40+ mil just for insurance is insane

2) Morris and McLaughlin have often been injured during last year. They are not iron men. And lets be honest, I can remember a game where Morris or McLaughlin replaced injured Conley and played well enough to say: they can be Conley replacement. They cant. Thats why NAW is starting at PG when Conley is not playing, and MIN change to more defensive minded style. The real problem when NAW started, is that we had a very short bench. This year we should have more options between Naz, Ingles, TSJ and Rob.

3) You are advocating for more opportunities for young players. But re-signing Anderson and Morris and paying HUGE luxury tax means you have to play them before young players. I cant think about more win now decision, considering Reid and NAW will be free agents next summer. Plus TC has added TSJ and Rob. Plus Anderson and Morris would not help to resolve our main problem: our best players are not our best decision makers. I see more sense in surrounding Towns and Ant with more capable off ball scorers, rather than adding ballhandlers who are not NBA level shooters. So what happened when Conley leaves? Between Anderson and Morris we would have no answer for starting PG and non controlled risk (new contracts of Anderson and Morris). We still have risk of losing NAW next summer, but at least we might have a future starting PG in Rob and cost controlled TSJ who can be really a financial workaround to keep core of this roster construction even if MIN is above 2nd apron. So I think it is investment in Rob and TSJ, and every investment is a risk. But if these guys pan out, this team will have much better chance to succeed

P.S. I also hope that Nix becomes that 0.5 3rd string emergency PG. He seems to improve as defender, and can offer defensive versatility at PG that Morris and McLaughlin could not

1. I didn’t want Kyle back. I want to be very clear, I have said repeatedly losing Kyle is addition by subtraction. The point was more that he represented someone who could play make.

2. Monte Morris went to the Suns on a minimum. We have seen years of what a healthy Monte can contribute, and I don’t think having a healthy Monte as PG2 while bringing RD along as PG3 would have harmed anyone. The bigger issue is we have high hopes for what RD can give this year. That doesn’t mean you need a bench without alternatives. This is why I am wondering if TC doesn’t trust Finch to play the rookie, and so he pulled a money ball and forced his hand. Either way the whole thing is weird.

3. Nix showed you what he is last night. The dude is a waste of a two way.

We keep writing same thing, but I will try last time

2. Morris went to the Suns, because they offered him guaranteed minutes. In MIN he would not get these minutes. It would be great if he signs for minimum deal just ot sit behind Conley and Dilly, but it has nothing to do with reality. Let's dont bring conspiracy theories about Finch and Morris. Morris was injured, he missed some three point shots in playoff badly.

3. Nix has been the most consistent in terms of defense and physicality player in SL so far. He had some questionable moments last game, but given how bad that particular game was and SL atmosphere it is nothing to be worried about.

We keep looking under microscope at 3rd PG spot problem. But is it really a problem? At the end of the day we have deep, talented and well balanced roster. It means that 3rd PG problem is about who will get those 1500 total minutes (18 MPG) left from Morris, McLaughlin and Milton. And I really do see here multiple ways:

- give more minutes to Edwards as main ballhandler
- use Ingels as point forward + Towns as offensive hub
- use Ingels as point forward and NAW as pseudo PG
- use Rob as scorer and Nix as big PG
- give all minutes to Rob when he is hot. And I am sure he will get hot in some games
- use Nix if you want more size- use Dozier

[winforlose]

It is definitely a risk. But it is a decision based on a set of factors:

1) Anderson saved our ass in first Rudy year when Towns went down, and he also played great this year when Towns was recovering. Having him playing from bench was luxury because we could counter some matchups with his size and playmaking. But Anderson is a slow methodical playmaker he was great in some situation (mostly playing PF/C) and he was near to unplayable in other situations. He wanted MLE contract, it was expected that we let him go. 40+ mil just for insurance is insane

2) Morris and McLaughlin have often been injured during last year. They are not iron men. And lets be honest, I can remember a game where Morris or McLaughlin replaced injured Conley and played well enough to say: they can be Conley replacement. They cant. Thats why NAW is starting at PG when Conley is not playing, and MIN change to more defensive minded style. The real problem when NAW started, is that we had a very short bench. This year we should have more options between Naz, Ingles, TSJ and Rob.

3) You are advocating for more opportunities for young players. But re-signing Anderson and Morris and paying HUGE luxury tax means you have to play them before young players. I cant think about more win now decision, considering Reid and NAW will be free agents next summer. Plus TC has added TSJ and Rob. Plus Anderson and Morris would not help to resolve our main problem: our best players are not our best decision makers. I see more sense in surrounding Towns and Ant with more capable off ball scorers, rather than adding ballhandlers who are not NBA level shooters. So what happened when Conley leaves? Between Anderson and Morris we would have no answer for starting PG and non controlled risk (new contracts of Anderson and Morris). We still have risk of losing NAW next summer, but at least we might have a future starting PG in Rob and cost controlled TSJ who can be really a financial workaround to keep core of this roster construction even if MIN is above 2nd apron. So I think it is investment in Rob and TSJ, and every investment is a risk. But if these guys pan out, this team will have much better chance to succeed

P.S. I also hope that Nix becomes that 0.5 3rd string emergency PG. He seems to improve as defender, and can offer defensive versatility at PG that Morris and McLaughlin could not

1. I didn’t want Kyle back. I want to be very clear, I have said repeatedly losing Kyle is addition by subtraction. The point was more that he represented someone who could play make.

2. Monte Morris went to the Suns on a minimum. We have seen years of what a healthy Monte can contribute, and I don’t think having a healthy Monte as PG2 while bringing RD along as PG3 would have harmed anyone. The bigger issue is we have high hopes for what RD can give this year. That doesn’t mean you need a bench without alternatives. This is why I am wondering if TC doesn’t trust Finch to play the rookie, and so he pulled a money ball and forced his hand. Either way the whole thing is weird.

3. Nix showed you what he is last night. The dude is a waste of a two way.

We keep writing same thing, but I will try last time

2. Morris went to the Suns, because they offered him guaranteed minutes. In MIN he would not get these minutes. It would be great if he signs for minimum deal just ot sit behind Conley and Dilly, but it has nothing to do with reality. Let's dont bring conspiracy theories about Finch and Morris. Morris was injured, he missed some three point shots in playoff badly.

3. Nix has been the most consistent in terms of defense and physicality player in SL so far. He had some questionable moments last game, but given how bad that particular game was and SL atmosphere it is nothing to be worried about.

We keep looking under microscope at 3rd PG spot problem. But is it really a problem? At the end of the day we have deep, talented and well balanced roster. It means that 3rd PG problem is about who will get those 1500 total minutes (18 MPG) left from Morris, McLaughlin and Milton. And I really do see here multiple ways:

- give more minutes to Edwards as main ballhandler
- use Ingels as point forward + Towns as offensive hub
- use Ingels as point forward and NAW as pseudo PG
- use Rob as scorer and Nix as big PG
- give all minutes to Rob when he is hot. And I am sure he will get hot in some games
- use Nix if you want more size- use Dozier

I hear you. I think what you aren’t addressing is that Mike is going to age out in the next 2 years. We have RD as the PG of the future, and no one behind him. A common misconception is that the PG is no longer important in the modern game. Yet the Suns blame getting swept on not having a PG, hence the addition of Morris with a promise of real minutes. We drafted RD to give us something we were missing last year so we handed him PG2 and said good luck. If he had been PG3 this year and brought along more slowly with Morris as PG2 (and the promise of real minute,) you have insurance, development, and a Mike Conley Succession plan. We have seen other offense struggle using guys who aren’t PGs to run the offense, hopefully we do it better.