Constructing the Timberwolves rotation

[Norseman79]

The number 1 pick in the draft better be playing 30+ minutes a night or there is going to be some major heat or bust talk. Number 1's don't sit, and they don't play 20 a game.

Absolutely right. I can see them bring him along slowly the first 15 games or so. Nonetheless, I think he's going to kill it.

So, the exact same path Culver took. No matter what right? Never can an ounce of perpective be gained.

The Wolves need a number 1, they have a 2 and 3 in Towns and Russell. You find out if the kid is it. If he isn't capable of playing legit starter minutes as the 1 over all, then we have a problem. The first few weeks of the season everyone's minutes will be a bit down to build up conditioning and rotations, but really who does he have to beat out for playing time? Which all-star does he have to pass? What elite offensive or defensive player does he have to unseat? There isn't one. Bring him along slowly if you want, but if anyone not named Towns or Russell are getting more minutes than him they better be having an amazing season, or play a different position.

The Wolves depth is wonderful, the ways it's balanced sucks. Which player on this roster would take minutes away from any of the top 5 or 6 SGs in the league? Like it or not, when you are 1 overall, the expectation is elite, not role play.

If they choose to bring Edwards along slowly, they better hope none of the players they passed on blow up. Unless it's someone in late lotto or beyond, which no team would have taken in the top 5.

Your reference to Culver is short-sighted. A. Culver was not the 1. B. Culver was horribly misused until the end of season after Teague left. C. Culver wasn't billed as a star, or elite anything, just a good all around player. He was what I thought he would be, just not as explosive as I was hoping/he needs to be.

[Dewey]

Absolutely right. I can see them bring him along slowly the first 15 games or so. Nonetheless, I think he's going to kill it.

So, the exact same path Culver took. No matter what right? Never can an ounce of perpective be gained.

The Wolves need a number 1, they have a 2 and 3 in Towns and Russell. You find out if the kid is it. If he isn't capable of playing legit starter minutes as the 1 over all, then we have a problem. The first few weeks of the season everyone's minutes will be a bit down to build up conditioning and rotations, but really who does he have to beat out for playing time? Which all-star does he have to pass? What elite offensive or defensive player does he have to unseat? There isn't one. Bring him along slowly if you want, but if anyone not named Towns or Russell are getting more minutes than him they better be having an amazing season, or play a different position.

The Wolves depth is wonderful, the ways it's balanced sucks. Which player on this roster would take minutes away from any of the top 5 or 6 SGs in the league? Like it or not, when you are 1 overall, the expectation is elite, not role play.

If they choose to bring Edwards along slowly, they better hope none of the players they passed on blow up. Unless it's someone in late lotto or beyond, which no team would have taken in the top 5.

Your reference to Culver is short-sighted. A. Culver was not the 1. B. Culver was horribly misused until the end of season after Teague left. C. Culver wasn't bi as a star, or elite anything, just a good all around player. He was what I thought he would be, just not as explosive as I was hoping/he needs to be.

Good opinions here… When it comes to Edwards I would assume there will be a pretty good vibe On where he’s at through training camp.… Nonetheless when it comes to minutes - I hope He has the “game” to earn starter minutes right out of the gate

[Norseman79]

So, the exact same path Culver took. No matter what right? Never can an ounce of perpective be gained.

The Wolves need a number 1, they have a 2 and 3 in Towns and Russell. You find out if the kid is it. If he isn't capable of playing legit starter minutes as the 1 over all, then we have a problem. The first few weeks of the season everyone's minutes will be a bit down to build up conditioning and rotations, but really who does he have to beat out for playing time? Which all-star does he have to pass? What elite offensive or defensive player does he have to unseat? There isn't one. Bring him along slowly if you want, but if anyone not named Towns or Russell are getting more minutes than him they better be having an amazing season, or play a different position.

The Wolves depth is wonderful, the ways it's balanced sucks. Which player on this roster would take minutes away from any of the top 5 or 6 SGs in the league? Like it or not, when you are 1 overall, the expectation is elite, not role play.

If they choose to bring Edwards along slowly, they better hope none of the players they passed on blow up. Unless it's someone in late lotto or beyond, which no team would have taken in the top 5.

Your reference to Culver is short-sighted. A. Culver was not the 1. B. Culver was horribly misused until the end of season after Teague left. C. Culver wasn't bi as a star, or elite anything, just a good all around player. He was what I thought he would be, just not as explosive as I was hoping/he needs to be.

Good opinions here… When it comes to Edwards I would assume there will be a pretty good vibe On where he’s at through training camp.… Nonetheless when it comes to minutes - I hope He has the “game” to earn starter minutes right out of the gate

And I agree with what you just said, and if that is the point the other post was making he is right. My only point is, if as the 1 overall, he doesn't have that "game", the the Wolves messed up. The 1 overall should never have questions about his game, it should be about can he make necessary adjustments or adapt to higher competition. This is the danger in forcing a player who was drafted as an alpha to fill a different position or role or to become a role player. That issue then turns to usage, not ability. If you didn't draft Edwards to be the alpha on this team, why did you draft him? He is a lead dog, and putting him anywhere else may severely limit or change his game.

[Jedzz]

Absolutely right. I can see them bring him along slowly the first 15 games or so. Nonetheless, I think he's going to kill it.

So, the exact same path Culver took. No matter what right? Never can an ounce of perpective be gained.

The Wolves need a number 1, they have a 2 and 3 in Towns and Russell. You find out if the kid is it. If he isn't capable of playing legit starter minutes as the 1 over all, then we have a problem. The first few weeks of the season everyone's minutes will be a bit down to build up conditioning and rotations, but really who does he have to beat out for playing time? Which all-star does he have to pass? What elite offensive or defensive player does he have to unseat? There isn't one. Bring him along slowly if you want, but if anyone not named Towns or Russell are getting more minutes than him they better be having an amazing season, or play a different position.

You Are Wrong imo Norseman. I've got nothing further I want to discuss with you on this.

[Norseman79]

So, the exact same path Culver took. No matter what right? Never can an ounce of perpective be gained.

The Wolves need a number 1, they have a 2 and 3 in Towns and Russell. You find out if the kid is it. If he isn't capable of playing legit starter minutes as the 1 over all, then we have a problem. The first few weeks of the season everyone's minutes will be a bit down to build up conditioning and rotations, but really who does he have to beat out for playing time? Which all-star does he have to pass? What elite offensive or defensive player does he have to unseat? There isn't one. Bring him along slowly if you want, but if anyone not named Towns or Russell are getting more minutes than him they better be having an amazing season, or play a different position.

You Are Wrong imo Norseman. I've got nothing further I want to discuss with you on this.

I can respect that Jedzz, I may not agree with your takes, but I can usually see your logic. Hope all is well. Let's get this season going so these questions can get answered.

[Jedzz]

So, the exact same path Culver took. No matter what right? Never can an ounce of perpective be gained.

The Wolves need a number 1, they have a 2 and 3 in Towns and Russell. You find out if the kid is it. If he isn't capable of playing legit starter minutes as the 1 over all, then we have a problem. The first few weeks of the season everyone's minutes will be a bit down to build up conditioning and rotations, but really who does he have to beat out for playing time? Which all-star does he have to pass? What elite offensive or defensive player does he have to unseat? There isn't one. Bring him along slowly if you want, but if anyone not named Towns or Russell are getting more minutes than him they better be having an amazing season, or play a different position.

The Wolves depth is wonderful, the ways it's balanced sucks. Which player on this roster would take minutes away from any of the top 5 or 6 SGs in the league? Like it or not, when you are 1 overall, the expectation is elite, not role play.

If they choose to bring Edwards along slowly, they better hope none of the players they passed on blow up. Unless it's someone in late lotto or beyond, which no team would have taken in the top 5.

Your reference to Culver is short-sighted. A. Culver was not the 1. B. Culver was horribly misused until the end of season after Teague left. C. Culver wasn't bi as a star, or elite anything, just a good all around player. He was what I thought he would be, just not as explosive as I was hoping/he needs to be.

Good opinions here… When it comes to Edwards I would assume there will be a pretty good vibe On where he’s at through training camp.… Nonetheless when it comes to minutes - I hope He has the “game” to earn starter minutes right out of the gate

he was drafted a month ago. "camp" will be how much time? These claims he needs to start now, after 15 games, at all as a rookie, all of it, trash. He's the most recent most valuable draft pick. The team should handle him wisely and since they have a bunch of real starting capable players that pressure should be no where near this kid for a long while. His play will be critiqued by everyone, the pressure will be high. Kid gloves, small responsibilities, and placed on the floor in apportune moments to help him have confidence building minutes. Whether he's ready for more or not, that's the wise choice here. Even in a slightly shortened season there will be many oppotunities in a 70 game season for him to grow as a player during it. Maybe even by the time the team enters the playoffs he could more safely be injected more.

I think Trepanning was once a solution for such thinking back in the days of days.

[Klomp]

The number 1 pick in the draft better be playing 30+ minutes a night or there is going to be some major heat or bust talk. Number 1's don't sit, and they don't play 20 a game.

I think not having fans in the stands plays to the team's advantage here. There's not an added pressure to sell tickets this year. There's no pressure on him from the business office for him to get playing time in order to sell jerseys. These are problems most teams with the No. 1 pick have as they enter the season. Edwards will probably be the third or fourth highest selling jersey on the team. Not because he's a bust, but because of the guys already on the roster.

[KGdaBom]

The number 1 pick in the draft better be playing 30+ minutes a night or there is going to be some major heat or bust talk. Number 1's don't sit, and they don't play 20 a game.

I think not having fans in the stands plays to the team's advantage here. There's not an added pressure to sell tickets this year. There's no pressure on him from the business office for him to get playing time in order to sell jerseys. These are problems most teams with the No. 1 pick have as they enter the season. Edwards will probably be the third or fourth highest selling jersey on the team. Not because he's a bust, but because of the guys already on the roster.

I think you underestimate the hype that comes with #1 overall. I would bet that Edwards will be the #1 selling Jersey on the team this year. Rubio probably second followed by KAT 3rd and Russell 4th.

[Worm Guts]

The Wolves need a number 1, they have a 2 and 3 in Towns and Russell. You find out if the kid is it. If he isn't capable of playing legit starter minutes as the 1 over all, then we have a problem. The first few weeks of the season everyone's minutes will be a bit down to build up conditioning and rotations, but really who does he have to beat out for playing time? Which all-star does he have to pass? What elite offensive or defensive player does he have to unseat? There isn't one. Bring him along slowly if you want, but if anyone not named Towns or Russell are getting more minutes than him they better be having an amazing season, or play a different position.

The Wolves depth is wonderful, the ways it's balanced sucks. Which player on this roster would take minutes away from any of the top 5 or 6 SGs in the league? Like it or not, when you are 1 overall, the expectation is elite, not role play.

If they choose to bring Edwards along slowly, they better hope none of the players they passed on blow up. Unless it's someone in late lotto or beyond, which no team would have taken in the top 5.

Your reference to Culver is short-sighted. A. Culver was not the 1. B. Culver was horribly misused until the end of season after Teague left. C. Culver wasn't bi as a star, or elite anything, just a good all around player. He was what I thought he would be, just not as explosive as I was hoping/he needs to be.

Good opinions here… When it comes to Edwards I would assume there will be a pretty good vibe On where he’s at through training camp.… Nonetheless when it comes to minutes - I hope He has the “game” to earn starter minutes right out of the gate

And I agree with what you just said, and if that is the point the other post was making he is right. My only point is, if as the 1 overall, he doesn't have that "game", the the Wolves messed up. The 1 overall should never have questions about his game, it should be about can he make necessary adjustments or adapt to higher competition. This is the danger in forcing a player who was drafted as an alpha to fill a different position or role or to become a role player. That issue then turns to usage, not ability. If you didn't draft Edwards to be the alpha on this team, why did you draft him? He is a lead dog, and putting him anywhere else may severely limit or change his game.

I would disagree with idea that the number pick needs to be anything beyond an asset to the team. You draft someone with number one because you think he is the best player for your team among the players available in that draft. You can't force Anthony Edwards to be Michael Jordan if he's not, he needs to be the best version of himself. You shouldn't force him to play 30 mpg if he's not ready for it or it's not what's best for the team. You do what's best in the current situation.

[Klomp]

The number 1 pick in the draft better be playing 30+ minutes a night or there is going to be some major heat or bust talk. Number 1's don't sit, and they don't play 20 a game.

I think not having fans in the stands plays to the team's advantage here. There's not an added pressure to sell tickets this year. There's no pressure on him from the business office for him to get playing time in order to sell jerseys. These are problems most teams with the No. 1 pick have as they enter the season. Edwards will probably be the third or fourth highest selling jersey on the team. Not because he's a bust, but because of the guys already on the roster.

I think you underestimate the hype that comes with #1 overall. I would bet that Edwards will be the #1 selling Jersey on the team this year. Rubio probably second followed by KAT 3rd and Russell 4th.

Are you local? The buzz around the Timberwolves draft night was probably 90-10 Rubio to Edwards the next week. Stars like Towns and Russell will always sell well. Maybe Edwards beats Russell, but not Towns.

[Norseman79]

The number 1 pick in the draft better be playing 30+ minutes a night or there is going to be some major heat or bust talk. Number 1's don't sit, and they don't play 20 a game.

I think not having fans in the stands plays to the team's advantage here. There's not an added pressure to sell tickets this year. There's no pressure on him from the business office for him to get playing time in order to sell jerseys. These are problems most teams with the No. 1 pick have as they enter the season. Edwards will probably be the third or fourth highest selling jersey on the team. Not because he's a bust, but because of the guys already on the roster.

I am going to get roasted for this I am sure, Edwards has the highest superstar potential we have had on this team, outside of Marbury and Garnett. He is a walking highlight waiting to happen. Towns and Russell aren't exciting players, Beasley isn't an exciting player, that is not to say they aren't good players. Edwards has Zach Lavine and JR Rider combined type of potential. Put Lavine's game in a 6'6" 230lb 19 year old. Screw Rider's head on straight and give him a work ethic. When you get a player with elite physical traits for his position, combine them with elite athletic ability, and by all accounts a great work ethic and instinct.....the expectations change.

[KGdaBom]

I think not having fans in the stands plays to the team's advantage here. There's not an added pressure to sell tickets this year. There's no pressure on him from the business office for him to get playing time in order to sell jerseys. These are problems most teams with the No. 1 pick have as they enter the season. Edwards will probably be the third or fourth highest selling jersey on the team. Not because he's a bust, but because of the guys already on the roster.

I think you underestimate the hype that comes with #1 overall. I would bet that Edwards will be the #1 selling Jersey on the team this year. Rubio probably second followed by KAT 3rd and Russell 4th.

Are you local? The buzz around the Timberwolves draft night was probably 90-10 Rubio to Edwards the next week. Stars like Towns and Russell will always sell well. Maybe Edwards beats Russell, but not Towns.

I used to be local. Worked at Target Center selling Coke. Now I live in AZ. I know Rubio will most likely sell the most Jerseys locally. However, nationally the sales of Edwards jerseys should surpass those of Rubio to the locals.

[KGdaBom]

The number 1 pick in the draft better be playing 30+ minutes a night or there is going to be some major heat or bust talk. Number 1's don't sit, and they don't play 20 a game.

I think not having fans in the stands plays to the team's advantage here. There's not an added pressure to sell tickets this year. There's no pressure on him from the business office for him to get playing time in order to sell jerseys. These are problems most teams with the No. 1 pick have as they enter the season. Edwards will probably be the third or fourth highest selling jersey on the team. Not because he's a bust, but because of the guys already on the roster.

I am going to get roasted for this I am sure, Edwards has the highest superstar potential we have had on this team, outside of Marbury and Garnett. He is a walking highlight waiting to happen. Towns and Russell aren't exciting players, Beasley isn't an exciting player, that is not to say they aren't good players. Edwards has Zach Lavine and JR Rider combined type of potential. Put Lavine's game in a 6'6" 230lb 19 year old. Screw Rider's head on straight and give him a work ethic. When you get a player with elite physical traits for his position, combine them with elite athletic ability, and by all accounts a great work ethic and instinct.....the expectations change.

I think KAT and Russell are exciting. Rider was probably the most exciting player we ever had, but Edwards could be even more exciting. It would be so awesome if he lives up to his potential.

[Klomp]

The number 1 pick in the draft better be playing 30+ minutes a night or there is going to be some major heat or bust talk. Number 1's don't sit, and they don't play 20 a game.

I think not having fans in the stands plays to the team's advantage here. There's not an added pressure to sell tickets this year. There's no pressure on him from the business office for him to get playing time in order to sell jerseys. These are problems most teams with the No. 1 pick have as they enter the season. Edwards will probably be the third or fourth highest selling jersey on the team. Not because he's a bust, but because of the guys already on the roster.

I am going to get roasted for this I am sure, Edwards has the highest superstar potential we have had on this team, outside of Marbury and Garnett. He is a walking highlight waiting to happen. Towns and Russell aren't exciting players, Beasley isn't an exciting player, that is not to say they aren't good players. Edwards has Zach Lavine and JR Rider combined type of potential. Put Lavine's game in a 6'6" 230lb 19 year old. Screw Rider's head on straight and give him a work ethic. When you get a player with elite physical traits for his position, combine them with elite athletic ability, and by all accounts a great work ethic and instinct.....the expectations change.

Key word: POTENTIAL.

He might not be ready to carry that load of expectations right off the bat. Maybe he gets there by the end of this season, or even next season, but I wouldn't expect that kind of role right out of the gate.

[Klomp]

I used to be local. Worked at Target Center selling Coke. Now I live in AZ. I know Rubio will most likely sell the most Jerseys locally. However, nationally the sales of Edwards jerseys should surpass those of Rubio to the locals.

When you're talking nationally to locally, you're talking non-Wolves fans I presume? Because Wolves fans everywhere will be buying Rubio jerseys before Edwards. And how many non-Wolves fans do you think are buying Wolves jerseys?

[Klomp]

I am going to get roasted for this I am sure, Edwards has the highest superstar potential we have had on this team, outside of Marbury and Garnett. He is a walking highlight waiting to happen. Towns and Russell aren't exciting players, Beasley isn't an exciting player, that is not to say they aren't good players. Edwards has Zach Lavine and JR Rider combined type of potential. Put Lavine's game in a 6'6" 230lb 19 year old. Screw Rider's head on straight and give him a work ethic. When you get a player with elite physical traits for his position, combine them with elite athletic ability, and by all accounts a great work ethic and instinct.....the expectations change.

I won't roast you. I feel the same way. I'm very bullish on his upside. But I think he's got to get there. A solid year starting around 20-25 mpg. First half of his rookie year, Garnett averaged 20 mpg, but you wouldn't know it because he finished the year at 28.7 thanks to finishing the season averaging 37 mpg. The jump won't be that drastic for Edwards, but it'll be similar. One day, everything will come together for him and he'll leave the coaches no choice but to start him. Maybe that's right out of the gate, but I'd be surprised.

[KGdaBom]

I used to be local. Worked at Target Center selling Coke. Now I live in AZ. I know Rubio will most likely sell the most Jerseys locally. However, nationally the sales of Edwards jerseys should surpass those of Rubio to the locals.

When you're talking nationally to locally, you're talking non-Wolves fans I presume? Because Wolves fans everywhere will be buying Rubio jerseys before Edwards. And how many non-Wolves fans do you think are buying Wolves jerseys?

They're not buying Wolves jerseys. They're buying #1 draft pick Edwards jerseys. If he plays well I would guess his jerseys would outsell all of the other Wolves jerseys combined.

[Baseline81]

I am going to get roasted for this I am sure, Edwards has the highest superstar potential we have had on this team, outside of Marbury and Garnett. He is a walking highlight waiting to happen. Towns and Russell aren't exciting players, Beasley isn't an exciting player, that is not to say they aren't good players. Edwards has Zach Lavine and JR Rider combined type of potential. Put Lavine's game in a 6'6" 230lb 19 year old. Screw Rider's head on straight and give him a work ethic. When you get a player with elite physical traits for his position, combine them with elite athletic ability, and by all accounts a great work ethic and instinct.....the expectations change.

I realize Wiggins' tenure with the Wolves didn't pan out, but to leave him off feels wrong.

[Norseman79]

I am going to get roasted for this I am sure, Edwards has the highest superstar potential we have had on this team, outside of Marbury and Garnett. He is a walking highlight waiting to happen. Towns and Russell aren't exciting players, Beasley isn't an exciting player, that is not to say they aren't good players. Edwards has Zach Lavine and JR Rider combined type of potential. Put Lavine's game in a 6'6" 230lb 19 year old. Screw Rider's head on straight and give him a work ethic. When you get a player with elite physical traits for his position, combine them with elite athletic ability, and by all accounts a great work ethic and instinct.....the expectations change.

I realize Wiggins' tenure with the Wolves didn't pan out, but to leave him off feels wrong.

That's a good catch, and you are right.

[Norseman79]

I am going to get roasted for this I am sure, Edwards has the highest superstar potential we have had on this team, outside of Marbury and Garnett. He is a walking highlight waiting to happen. Towns and Russell aren't exciting players, Beasley isn't an exciting player, that is not to say they aren't good players. Edwards has Zach Lavine and JR Rider combined type of potential. Put Lavine's game in a 6'6" 230lb 19 year old. Screw Rider's head on straight and give him a work ethic. When you get a player with elite physical traits for his position, combine them with elite athletic ability, and by all accounts a great work ethic and instinct.....the expectations change.

I won't roast you. I feel the same way. I'm very bullish on his upside. But I think he's got to get there. A solid year starting around 20-25 mpg. First half of his rookie year, Garnett averaged 20 mpg, but you wouldn't know it because he finished the year at 28.7 thanks to finishing the season averaging 37 mpg. The jump won't be that drastic for Edwards, but it'll be similar. One day, everything will come together for him and he'll leave the coaches no choice but to start him. Maybe that's right out of the gate, but I'd be surprised.

I have no issue with working his minutes up, but I do have issue starting the year at 20-25 seems right, but limiting him is wrong, especially if it's just to keep lesser players happy or give them a role. Culver, Okoge, Beasley, Rubio, any other player competing for playing time on the wing, none of them are what Edwards is, and unless he is so raw or lacking that he needs substantial time to develop, he needs more time than they get. If he is so far away that he can't outplay those guys, drafting him one overall was a mistake. Sorry, you don't draft and stash the one overall unless it is injury related.

I should have been clear, and if I misspoke earlier I apologise, I don't look for him to be over 30 minutes a game out the gate, but I would expect it to be there by game 20 or so. Now if he is at 28 minutes per and we are in a playoff race and all are playing well, no worries, but if we are out of the race or lagging behind, you need to run that kid and see what's there. If he is soft or overwhelmed, then he will never be an alpha. Remember, imo we need a 1, not a 4-15.