Constructing the Timberwolves rotation

[Mamba4Goat]

I think I would use Beasley as a Lou/OKC Harden role once Russell joins just for the sake of defense.

Something like:
Russell/McLaughlin/Culver
Okogie (or Culver?)/Beasley/other defensive wing
Juancho/Layman/Culver
Johnson/Juancho/Layman/Vanderbilt
KAT/Reid/Johnson/Spellman

[old school 34]

NOWELL. Must fit in there. Kick someone out. Okogie* at least.

I was hoping to see Nowell get some run the last 30 as well, but now I really fear he may be stuck in IA for the remainder with trying to get looks on others?

McLaughlin can't be the backup for the last 30 games unless we're going to convert him (assuming one of the two will get converted after the ET buyout...Martin is more deserving but someone needs to be backup PG?)....who's been our PG in IA, since McLaughlin has been up? Does Layman become starting 3 & Martin the backup & they make Culver backup PG?

Move JJ to 3rd string PF....not concerned about wins this year & much more important to see the other two play & be evaluated....so I think my rotation looks like:

PG: Dlo/Culver/McLaughlin (stays on 2-way)
SG: Beasley/Okogie/Nowell (probably still playing in G-league)
SF: Layman/Crabbe/Martin (convert to 1+3)/Evans (gets run as backup until Layman & Crabbe come back...but then done in G-league)
PF: Juancho/Vanderbilt/JJ
C: KAT/Reid/Spellman

Prioritizing getting looks at new guys vs. vets...

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agree on the prioritizing. we'll see where their priorities are pretty soon I suppose. i have a feeling johnson plays solid minutes if ryan ends up liking him in there. the team has needed a dude out there for a long time and he has been shooting well this year from 3. that's if that continues here. i maybe hope they give each of them a couple games of good minutes to test them all out. there are so many though.

Yep....so much for my initial thought about playing the young guys...lol. No still same priority, but JJ needs to play---didn't realize he had point forward game in him--without true backup PG...need him playing w/ that 2nd unit. As great as McLaughlin was tonight & for a while now w/ his run---he still doesn't get the 1+3 over Martin--does he? Vanderbilt now goes to G-league once they start back up....can Spellman go down there & play as well (isn't there a # of years rule or did that go away)? Whose spot does Layman take after Allstar break?

[Klomp]

Yep....so much for my initial thought about playing the young guys...lol. No still same priority, but JJ needs to play---didn't realize he had point forward game in him--without true backup PG...need him playing w/ that 2nd unit. As great as McLaughlin was tonight & for a while now w/ his run---he still doesn't get the 1+3 over Martin--does he? Vanderbilt now goes to G-league once they start back up....can Spellman go down there & play as well (isn't there a # of years rule or did that go away)? Whose spot does Layman take after Allstar break?

1. Yeah the point forward skills surprised me too. I knew he was someone who not enough people talk about, but he impressed me.
2. I personally give McLaughlin the 1+3. Technically we could give them both one, but we'd have to waive Crabbe most likely.
3. I'd guess Vanderbilt will be sent down.
4. Interestingly, I learned we can only have three "NBA assignments" at a time in Iowa. So that's the guys not on 2-ways like Vanderbilt, Nowell, Spellman, Evans, Reid, etc.
5. Spellman can still be assigned to the G League. Technically anyone can, but players with four or more years of experience have to approve of being placed in the G League.
6. I think the most likely spot Layman takes is Crabbe's, but believe it or not (Jedzz will love me), I wouldn't rule out it being Culver.

[wolves_89]

After the first game with the revamped roster I'm adjusting my rotation prediction:

Russell/Culver**/McLaughlin*
Beasley/Crabbe/Nowell/Evans*
Okogie/Layman/Martin*
Hernangomez/Johnson/Vanderbilt*
Towns/Reid/Spellman

* G-League
** Point guard by committee when Russell is off the floor

[Jedzz]

I was hoping to see Nowell get some run the last 30 as well, but now I really fear he may be stuck in IA for the remainder with trying to get looks on others?

McLaughlin can't be the backup for the last 30 games unless we're going to convert him (assuming one of the two will get converted after the ET buyout...Martin is more deserving but someone needs to be backup PG?)....who's been our PG in IA, since McLaughlin has been up? Does Layman become starting 3 & Martin the backup & they make Culver backup PG?

Move JJ to 3rd string PF....not concerned about wins this year & much more important to see the other two play & be evaluated....so I think my rotation looks like:

PG: Dlo/Culver/McLaughlin (stays on 2-way)
SG: Beasley/Okogie/Nowell (probably still playing in G-league)
SF: Layman/Crabbe/Martin (convert to 1+3)/Evans (gets run as backup until Layman & Crabbe come back...but then done in G-league)
PF: Juancho/Vanderbilt/JJ
C: KAT/Reid/Spellman

Prioritizing getting looks at new guys vs. vets...

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agree on the prioritizing. we'll see where their priorities are pretty soon I suppose. i have a feeling johnson plays solid minutes if ryan ends up liking him in there. the team has needed a dude out there for a long time and he has been shooting well this year from 3. that's if that continues here. i maybe hope they give each of them a couple games of good minutes to test them all out. there are so many though.

Yep....so much for my initial thought about playing the young guys...lol. No still same priority, but JJ needs to play---didn't realize he had point forward game in him--without true backup PG...need him playing w/ that 2nd unit. As great as McLaughlin was tonight & for a while now w/ his run---he still doesn't get the 1+3 over Martin--does he? Vanderbilt now goes to G-league once they start back up....can Spellman go down there & play as well (isn't there a # of years rule or did that go away)? Whose spot does Layman take after Allstar break?

I honestly have much of the same questions. There are just too many right now.

I think we need to adjust our expectations and desires for the few players we had hopes for helping the team here. If it means there is no room for Martin or others it will stink, but that should then mean there was a player too good to let it happen for them here. Hopefully the right things happen for the right reasons and not the wrong reasons.

The player I'm concerned about getting in the way of plans for others is Vanderbilt because right away some posters were talking as if there was a high ceiling possibility there even though he's a project and I think some of that is typical us looking for that sort of thing in anyone with an athletic pulse that comes along. What I've heard is that shooting is a weakness of his and I don't want someone like that taking up roster spots from players that already can shoot better. A player like Martin has game IQ and ability to shoot already. But I can see Vanderbilt being better at rebounding and looking impressive in practices. Yet if he can't hit a 3 in the NBA and has less game IQ I just think it's a problem. But the minutes he's had so far in the league have been so ridiculously low per game that who knows who he is yet.

If some of these players are working out so well that players like Culver, Okogie, Martin, Nowell and others have to take a backseat, then so be it. Culver especially, because his value as a high draft pick talent and also ultimately cost could end up being moved if too many players are better. Others like Martin/Nowell are or could be so cheap the team maybe needs to keep them around. But I'm not sure what the Wolves will choose to do.

The Layman question has me twisted a little. I was really interested in what he could do for this team with his skillset. He probably still has value to the team because of those skills. But right now I'm equally if not maybe moreso ready to see him gone because of this Toe thing. I just do not believe he's someone that can be relied on in future seasons if a Toe sprain can knock him out for 4 months. He's not a huge size/weight player that I would expect these issues from. I don't know if it has been him saying he's not ready to return yet or if it's actually the team that has been holding him out longer because they wanted to give others more minutes. If it's all him, then I hope he's no longer taking a roster spot from someone else soon.

Mclaughlin is a tough question too. This little guy doesn't quit. He's been knocked in the teeth a few games this year with ugly outings. But he's had some really good games too. Tonights game was maybe a near perfect display for a PG against a playoff NBA team with two-way studs like Leonard. With Dlo here and the teams otherwise shortage of true PGs, I struggle to think how this little McEngine hasn't earned the backup PG role at the moment.

[Klomp]

Regarding the decision between McLaughlin and Martin for 1+3....

Kelan has been solid, but isn't anything special. And I think wings are going to start to want to come here to play in this system now that they can see what good shooters can do. I feel like the potential talent level from a reserve wing in free agency is higher than we could court from a reserve PG at the same price point.

[Mamba4Goat]

Just for the sake of health/opportunity I think I would closely monitor minutes on Juancho/Johnson and when possible give minutes to Vanderbilt and Spellman just to see what they've got.

[Wolves21]

Russell/McLaughlin
Beasley/Culver
Okogie/Layman
Hernangomez/Johnson
Towns/Reid

This should be the ten man rotation going forward.I know it was only one night in but Beasley & Johnson both look like keepers going forward.Beasley should be resigned as long as its not a crazy deal(hopefully $10M-$12M per year but would go a little over if need be)he looks again just after one night like he could be that 3rd scoring option and has really hustle in his game.Loved Johnson as well and he add alot to the team,only issue is his $18M or so contract for next season,really wish he was on a deal for like eight or ten million less.

As far as McLaughlin goes he's shown enough for me to have earned the back up PG spot going forward for this team,got to keep in mind that with KAT & D'Lo on MAX deals and Beasley probably going to get a decent sized deal that our bench is going to have to be on the cheaper end of things if we want to stay under the tax and cap.

[minimus]

If Beasley can maintain the same level of aggressiveness coming from the bench, he would kill the opponent bench. I can see him averaging 30mpg, 25+ppg on high FG%, 3PT%. If he stays in the starting lineup it will be very interesting to see how KAT, DLo, and Beasley will take advantage of spacing, 3pt shooting. All of them are good playing off the ball, which makes possible someone like JJ playing the main facilitator like Dray Green does in GSW. Culver can be that guy as well, once he stops doing rookie mistakes. But I can see how Haliburton is moving the ball between three elite shooters. Juancho is also a solid shooter. So KAT-Juancho-Haliburton-Beasley-DLo will be raining threes all game long. For instance, KAT facilitating was a pleasant surprise for me last game. But I think it should be standard when we have multiple shooters on the floor.

[minimus]

Another interesting thing is DLo ability to create and hit midrange shots. Will Ryan and Co try to change DLo to play more towards 3pt line, or they will use his ability from midrange as an advantage?

https://www.canishoopus.com/2020/2/10/21128812/can-dangelo-russell-break-the-systems-mold-again-minnesota-timberwolves-trade-nba

[packforfreedom]

Another interesting thing is DLo ability to create and hit midrange shots. Will Ryan and Co try to change DLo to play more towards 3pt line, or they will use his ability from midrange as an advantage?

https://www.canishoopus.com/2020/2/10/21128812/can-dangelo-russell-break-the-systems-mold-again-minnesota-timberwolves-trade-nba

you bet they will. I mean he already shoots almost 10 threes a game but the Trinity won't have a problem with him taking 15 and getting way more to the hoop.

[TheProdigy]

Another interesting thing is DLo ability to create and hit midrange shots. Will Ryan and Co try to change DLo to play more towards 3pt line, or they will use his ability from midrange as an advantage?

https://www.canishoopus.com/2020/2/10/21128812/can-dangelo-russell-break-the-systems-mold-again-minnesota-timberwolves-trade-nba

you bet they will. I mean he already shoots almost 10 threes a game but the Trinity won't have a problem with him taking 15 and getting way more to the hoop.

I'm not too concerned with the mid range range shots. They'll probably tell DLo to dial it back and only take mid range shots with the shot clock running close to 0.

I don't think he will have much success getting all the way to the rim, but he does have a mean floater in the paint.

[Dewey]

Another interesting thing is DLo ability to create and hit midrange shots. Will Ryan and Co try to change DLo to play more towards 3pt line, or they will use his ability from midrange as an advantage?

https://www.canishoopus.com/2020/2/10/21128812/can-dangelo-russell-break-the-systems-mold-again-minnesota-timberwolves-trade-nba

you bet they will. I mean he already shoots almost 10 threes a game but the Trinity won't have a problem with him taking 15 and getting way more to the hoop.

I'm not too concerned with the mid range range shots. They'll probably tell DLo to dial it back and only take mid range shots with the shot clock running close to 0.

I don't think he will have much success getting all the way to the rim, but he does have a mean floater in the paint.

I look at this in a little broader view for a PG taking a few more mid-range shots ...
1.) Shot-clock winding down and you take what's available
2.) Set play breaks down and the ole unintended mid-range is open
3.) The 2nd/3rd options often result in a mid-range jumper
4.) Willing and able shooters can have some success inside the arc drawing defenders to generate assists
5.) Pick and Roll can be more vulnerable to PG taking more mid-range shots.

I'm not convinced a guard like DLo with the greenlight to shoot 3's will opt for the mid-range jumper by choice, but there many random reasons that these shots are taken from one game to the next. But DLo dominating the ball and prematurely committing himself into long-range 2-pointers is not gonna fly as we know. Lastly, DLo is not a get-to-the-basket rim-rocking type guy, but he does have a nice array of offense that includes the floater, and based on the help defense, I suspect the floater becomes a mid-range jumper for the best open look.

I would like to know where on the court does DLo tend to make the majority of his assists, and second, what % are 3-point attempts, post entry on the block, pick-n-roll, lobs, cutters, etc... Lots to watch and see.

[minimus]

Next season, I want to see is Culver as our starting defensive-minded SF, but he needs to do the following:
1) improve his 3ptshot, FTs. It is difficult to say... His shot is so broken...
2) improve his defensive awareness, stop reaching and committing rookie fouls. He will learn with experience and when he gains some strength
3) gradually gain 15-20lbs of muscles, he seems to already have good legs, good core strength. I'd say it is possible.
4) improves footwork when finishing at the rim. see Jimmy Butler example, sometimes he shows effective moves, such as euro step or pivot, so the foundation is here

All but the first point are very possible...

[Dewey]

Next season, I want to see is Culver as our starting defensive-minded SF, but he needs to do the following:
1) improve his 3ptshot, FTs. It is difficult to say... His shot is so broken...
2) improve his defensive awareness, stop reaching and committing rookie fouls. He will learn with experience and when he gains some strength
3) gradually gain 15-20lbs of muscles, he seems to already have good legs, good core strength. I'd say it is possible.
4) improves footwork when finishing at the rim. see Jimmy Butler example, sometimes he shows effective moves, such as euro step or pivot, so the foundation is here

All but the first point are very possible...

I think we just draft this fictional person and have Culver work on these items

[minimus]

Next season, I want to see is Culver as our starting defensive-minded SF, but he needs to do the following:
1) improve his 3ptshot, FTs. It is difficult to say... His shot is so broken...
2) improve his defensive awareness, stop reaching and committing rookie fouls. He will learn with experience and when he gains some strength
3) gradually gain 15-20lbs of muscles, he seems to already have good legs, good core strength. I'd say it is possible.
4) improves footwork when finishing at the rim. see Jimmy Butler example, sometimes he shows effective moves, such as euro step or pivot, so the foundation is here

All but the first point are very possible...

I think we just draft this fictional person and have Culver work on these items

That's my understanding as well. With Beasley and DLo playing at SG/PG we need a physical, tough, athletic SF. Sounds like Okogie, but Okogie is a tad undersized and more suited to guard point of attack. I like physicality of Beasley when he rebounds the ball, I like Okogie motor which results in rebounds, but ideally we need a long SF, who can hit open 3s, rebound and defend. I am very intrigued by Jaden McDaniels who is 6'10"with 6'11" wingspan.

I see drafting, finding Shawn Marion type guy in 2nd round.

[jpatrick]

Nothing about McDaniels’ game is tough or physical. He’s about as skinny as a guy can get. Think under 200lbs at 6’10”. Also shot poorly this year. I think he’ll be at the Brooklyn pick if we want him.

[minimus]

Nothing about McDaniels’ game is tough or physical. He’s about as skinny as a guy can get. Think under 200lbs at 6’10”. Also shot poorly this year. I think he’ll be at the Brooklyn pick if we want him.

Thank you for info! Yes, I was thinking about Brooklyn pick. 2020 SF draft class is so weak. I can think about Okoro as SF, because he is solid 6'6" 220lbs and 6'9"wingspan.

P.S. 6'4" DLo has 6'10"wingspan, 6'3"Okogie 7'0" wingspan, 6'4" Malik Beasley has 6'5" wingspan.

[Jedzz]

Nothing about McDaniels’ game is tough or physical. He’s about as skinny as a guy can get. Think under 200lbs at 6’10”. Also shot poorly this year. I think he’ll be at the Brooklyn pick if we want him.

Thank you for info! Yes, I was thinking about Brooklyn pick. 2020 SF draft class is so weak. I can think about Okoro as SF, because he is solid 6'6" 220lbs and 6'9"wingspan.

P.S. 6'4" DLo has 6'10"wingspan, 6'3"Okogie 7'0" wingspan, 6'4" Malik Beasley has 6'5" wingspan.

I was kind of surprised how small Beasley looks next to any 6-8 players. Looks smaller than 6'4 at times. Sure gets around though. I wish he had a little more refined skills at the net. But he just turned 23 not long ago.

[Klomp]

Nothing about McDaniels’ game is tough or physical. He’s about as skinny as a guy can get. Think under 200lbs at 6’10”. Also shot poorly this year. I think he’ll be at the Brooklyn pick if we want him.

Thank you for info! Yes, I was thinking about Brooklyn pick. 2020 SF draft class is so weak. I can think about Okoro as SF, because he is solid 6'6" 220lbs and 6'9"wingspan.

P.S. 6'4" DLo has 6'10"wingspan, 6'3"Okogie 7'0" wingspan, 6'4" Malik Beasley has 6'5" wingspan.

I was kind of surprised how small Beasley looks next to any 6-8 players. Looks smaller than 6'4 at times. Sure gets around though. I wish he had a little more refined skills at the net. But he just turned 23 not long ago.

Beasley 6'3.5" without shoes, 0.25" taller than Russell, 0.5" taller than Okogie.