FIBA World Cup Discussion (Aug. 25-Sep. 10)

[shrink]

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I’ve always thought that while there is 0% chance that almost all superstars wouldn’t choose to come to Minnesota, there has always been a small chance we could see Paul George (33) here at the end of his career. George has always been a very close friend of Towns, and he has great respect for Ant. George always took great pride playing for his country. No one can forget the gruesome ACL tear he got playing for Team USA, but he came back two years later to choose to play in the Olympics and win a gold. If Ant is helping USA get another gold medal next year, it should only add to his esteem. Maybe George is even on that team.

And while American players seem to be the ones that demand trades (and George did leverage his way back to his hometown LA), he also was a very loyal soldier in Indiana for years and years. Cold Midwest winters aren’t going to scare him, particular if signing on to play with his friends in Minnesota is one of his last chances to get a ring.

Financially, George has been eligible for an extension since last December, but the Clippers haven’t been in a rush to give him (or Kawhi) one, after they’ve missed games with injuries. George makes $45.6 this year, and has a player option for $48.7 next season. Getting him now would be some kind of Gobert deal, but I think it might be more likely we see him pick up the option, play out the last couple years with LAC, and a declining George catch on with a playoff team for a couple years with the MLE. Maybe that could be us.

[Murphs56]

NAW is playing very well for Canada. He's a reserve, but once he comes in, he doesn't ever seem to leave the floor. Played as many minutes as SGA.

[TimberKat]

He was so so. Reaves has definitely been better in the actually tournament games. I think we (myself included) have again jumped the gun on Ant a bit. He's ceiling is so insane and he does these incredible things but we forget that he is still inconsistent. His jumper is shaky, his finishing is better but still not totally reliable. We all want him to be the guy and when he shows up, he clearly is, but he doesn't always show up. Again, even last year, he had plenty of times where he didn't show up.

Which is why it's so important to have consistently-producing veterans like Karl-Anthony Towns and Mike Conley around him and build a defense around steadying defenders such as Gobert and McDaniels.

I agree I just hope we haven't messed up our ability to do that.

Unfortunately I missed the game. What I think is important in Ant's development is how he contribute when the shots aren't falling? Does he just keep shooting? Was he still playing good D? Was he able to draw the double team or find the open player? Can he switch gear and leverage other dimensions of the game?

[Calinks]

I was happy with how KAT played smart and stayed under control in the Italy game, unfortunately against Angola he fell back into his worst habits. He made very poor choices and then lost his composure when he didn't like the refs calls (resulting a technical which also counts as a foul). I'm hoping Finch takes a more proactive approach to KAT this season and pulls him whenever he seems on the verge of spiraling out of control. It's usually pretty obvious when KAT is starting to lose it, so rather than waiting to see if he can self-correct just give him a stint on the bench.

It's mind-boggling how it's gotten worse with age IMO. Seems to me his ability to contain his frustration is worse than ever, I don't remember him being this unhinged in his early years. I don't know what has changed. I also don't know how he doesn't see how much it hurts his game. I also don't know why the coaching staff can't seem to communicate to him how important this is.

It's really a small thing that would make a massive impact. It's not like some major game changing thing he has to learn, they aren't asking him to drop 80 pounds, or aren't asking to develop a jumper when he's a terrible shooter. Keep your emotions in check, be more disciplined on the floor your game and your teammates game will improve by like 20 percent in the aggregate.

The game and the FIBA games have been fun though. As bad as Towns was, he still had some moments. I do appreciate that he still will try to make big plays happen, even if it may not be wise, he took a big charge down the stretch that was risky but was instrumental and he hit a big post shot and some free throws to help keep them alive.

Other games were entertaining. Canada is still very impressive. So much talent is on display. NBA guys are killing it for their countries. The next round will be really something. Naw has been very nice.

[TimberKat]

I was happy with how KAT played smart and stayed under control in the Italy game, unfortunately against Angola he fell back into his worst habits. He made very poor choices and then lost his composure when he didn't like the refs calls (resulting a technical which also counts as a foul). I'm hoping Finch takes a more proactive approach to KAT this season and pulls him whenever he seems on the verge of spiraling out of control. It's usually pretty obvious when KAT is starting to lose it, so rather than waiting to see if he can self-correct just give him a stint on the bench.

It's mind-boggling how it's gotten worse with age IMO. Seems to me his ability to contain his frustration is worse than ever, I don't remember him being this unhinged in his early years. I don't know what has changed. I also don't know how he doesn't see how much it hurts his game. I also don't know why the coaching staff can't seem to communicate to him how important this is. I'ts really a small thing that would make a massive impact. It's not like some major game changing thing he has to learn, they aren't asking him to drop 80 pounds, or aren't asking to develop a jumper when he's a terrible shooter. Keep your emotions in check, be more disciplined on the floor your game and your teammates game will improve by like 20 percent in t he aggregate.

Gotten worse because he watched too many Gorilla cage fights What he needs is
https://youtu.be/GmmrrfJKY7I?feature=shared

[shrink]

Brian Windhorst had a great, totally Towns story about KAT’s last FIBA game. I thought posting it would amuse a few of you.

Towns is playing well, and gets fouled, late in a close game with Italy. Towns calmly makes the first free throw, and then realizes the big screen at the arena is showing a close up of him. He uses the moment to fix his hair, and then sinks the second free throw.

The Towns led DR team beat Italy, and could be the first round match up against Team USA. KAT vs Ant.

[Calinks]

Brian Windhorst had a great, totally Towns story about KAT’s last FIBA game. I thought posting it would amuse a few of you.

Towns is playing well, and gets fouled, late in a close game with Italy. Towns calmly makes the first free throw, and then realizes the big screen at the arena is showing a close up of him. He uses the moment to fix his hair, and then sinks the second free throw.

The Towns led DR team beat Italy, and will likely be the first round match up against Team USA. KAT vs Ant.

Yea I saw that, it was funny. Of course a ton of people hated it. Towns is goofy, I don't mind it, just annoying when he does the stupid stuff on the court that hurts the team. I don't mind the stuff that has no bearing on the actual game as long as its not crazy disrespectful or classless. That was some silly playing with the crowd.

[wolves_89]

NAW is playing very well for Canada. He's a reserve, but once he comes in, he doesn't ever seem to leave the floor. Played as many minutes as SGA.

I think NAW is going to play more minutes than people expect next season. I could easily see him averaging 23-25 minutes a night while taking the toughest perimeter defensive assignment the majority of the time he's on the floor.

[minimus]

NAW is playing very well for Canada. He's a reserve, but once he comes in, he doesn't ever seem to leave the floor. Played as many minutes as SGA.

I think NAW is going to play more minutes than people expect next season. I could easily see him averaging 23-25 minutes a night while taking the toughest perimeter defensive assignment the majority of the time he's on the floor.

He might be our best PoA defender and it speaks a lot because we have McDaniels. But if NAW can defend PG/SG/SF position it might allow us to use McDaniels more as roaming help defender. McDaniels tends to be frustrated and rack quick fouls, NAW is a good replacement option in such urgent situations.

[Note30]

I was happy with how KAT played smart and stayed under control in the Italy game, unfortunately against Angola he fell back into his worst habits. He made very poor choices and then lost his composure when he didn't like the refs calls (resulting a technical which also counts as a foul). I'm hoping Finch takes a more proactive approach to KAT this season and pulls him whenever he seems on the verge of spiraling out of control. It's usually pretty obvious when KAT is starting to lose it, so rather than waiting to see if he can self-correct just give him a stint on the bench.

It's mind-boggling how it's gotten worse with age IMO. Seems to me his ability to contain his frustration is worse than ever, I don't remember him being this unhinged in his early years. I don't know what has changed. I also don't know how he doesn't see how much it hurts his game. I also don't know why the coaching staff can't seem to communicate to him how important this is.

It's really a small thing that would make a massive impact. It's not like some major game changing thing he has to learn, they aren't asking him to drop 80 pounds, or aren't asking to develop a jumper when he's a terrible shooter. Keep your emotions in check, be more disciplined on the floor your game and your teammates game will improve by like 20 percent in the aggregate.

The game and the FIBA games have been fun though. As bad as Towns was, he still had some moments. I do appreciate that he still will try to make big plays happen, even if it may not be wise, he took a big charge down the stretch that was risky but was instrumental and he hit a big post shot and some free throws to help keep them alive.

I feel like since the Jimmy era it's been getting worse, the year he was here, I felt like it started to become more common. Post-pandemic is when it really started to get out of control. He's clearly going through something.

Do we not have therapists as part of players health insurance coverage?

[shrink]

I didn’t get up at 3:30 am to watch Team USA vs Jordan, so I’m going through it now. Ant looked great in the first quarter. 5 rebounds and 13 points. Jordan only had 12.

I predict this won’t be the only time in his career that he looks good in Ant-Jordan comparisons. Rimshot.

[TimberKat]

I feel like since the Jimmy era it's been getting worse, the year he was here, I felt like it started to become more common. Post-pandemic is when it really started to get out of control. He's clearly going through something.

Do we not have therapists as part of players health insurance coverage?

Didn't you remember Finch talk about Towns stop in his office everyday and talk? It's tough and inclusive job to be a NBA "head" coach.

[Murphs56]

I love how in FIBA the player of the game gets a trophy lol. Ant of course won that today. The only real criticism I am seeing of his play his lack of passing. I think people are looking past the fact Kerr has given him the green light to basically do what he wants out there. Also had 4 assists even with that narrative.

[TimberKat]

I love how in FIBA the player of the game gets a trophy lol. Ant of course won that today. The only real criticism I am seeing of his play his lack of passing. I think people are looking past the fact Kerr has given him the green light to basically do what he wants out there. Also had 4 assists even with that narrative.

I didn't watch the game but looks like passing will be a continue concern with him. He told twice as many shots (16) as the next highest player.

[Calinks]

I was happy with how KAT played smart and stayed under control in the Italy game, unfortunately against Angola he fell back into his worst habits. He made very poor choices and then lost his composure when he didn't like the refs calls (resulting a technical which also counts as a foul). I'm hoping Finch takes a more proactive approach to KAT this season and pulls him whenever he seems on the verge of spiraling out of control. It's usually pretty obvious when KAT is starting to lose it, so rather than waiting to see if he can self-correct just give him a stint on the bench.

It's mind-boggling how it's gotten worse with age IMO. Seems to me his ability to contain his frustration is worse than ever, I don't remember him being this unhinged in his early years. I don't know what has changed. I also don't know how he doesn't see how much it hurts his game. I also don't know why the coaching staff can't seem to communicate to him how important this is.

It's really a small thing that would make a massive impact. It's not like some major game changing thing he has to learn, they aren't asking him to drop 80 pounds, or aren't asking to develop a jumper when he's a terrible shooter. Keep your emotions in check, be more disciplined on the floor your game and your teammates game will improve by like 20 percent in the aggregate.

The game and the FIBA games have been fun though. As bad as Towns was, he still had some moments. I do appreciate that he still will try to make big plays happen, even if it may not be wise, he took a big charge down the stretch that was risky but was instrumental and he hit a big post shot and some free throws to help keep them alive.

I feel like since the Jimmy era it's been getting worse, the year he was here, I felt like it started to become more common. Post-pandemic is when it really started to get out of control. He's clearly going through something.

Do we not have therapists as part of players health insurance coverage?

Yea seems like it was around that time to me too. I don't really want to speculate on why too much. Maybe it's simply him feeling more comfortable as the guy on this team and being outspoken after the mass exodus of all the vets/Thibs. Either way, it definitely seems markedly worse to me than it was before that era.

[Calinks]

Ant was really good today, everyone was though, Jordan got smoked.

[BlacJacMac]

I love how in FIBA the player of the game gets a trophy lol. Ant of course won that today. The only real criticism I am seeing of his play his lack of passing. I think people are looking past the fact Kerr has given him the green light to basically do what he wants out there. Also had 4 assists even with that narrative.

He did have 4 assists in 19 minutes. So that's something.

[Klomp]

I love how in FIBA the player of the game gets a trophy lol. Ant of course won that today. The only real criticism I am seeing of his play his lack of passing. I think people are looking past the fact Kerr has given him the green light to basically do what he wants out there. Also had 4 assists even with that narrative.

I didn't watch the game but looks like passing will be a continue concern with him. He told twice as many shots (16) as the next highest player.

That's his role on the team.

[Calinks]

I love how in FIBA the player of the game gets a trophy lol. Ant of course won that today. The only real criticism I am seeing of his play his lack of passing. I think people are looking past the fact Kerr has given him the green light to basically do what he wants out there. Also had 4 assists even with that narrative.

He did have 4 assists in 19 minutes. So that's something.

And more to his credit, he made some good passes that teammates bricked. Ant has been gunning a lot but even with that I'd say I've been encouraged by his passing and I think even more so, KAT's passing has looked pretty good in FIBA too. I think both bode well for our season. In fact I like a lot of what I have seen from Towns outside of the fouls.

[Klomp]

Up next for Team USA

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