Constructing the Timberwolves rotation

[minimus]

Okay, biggest needs:
* - secondary playmaker who can defend PG/SG
* - interior defense, rim runner, shot blocker, good screener

I agree on the first, and I think they envision Culver in that role. I don’t mind his fit with Russell or Beasley.

For the second, I think we need a PF/SF that can do most of those things, but he needs to be a three point shooter so we don’t minimize the match-up advantage Towns provides outside.

I agree on PF/SF, I am a bit confused about PF/SF in draft 2020 and FA market 2020. I am not sold on Precious or Jerami Grant as best players. Ingram is out of reach. The reason why I think Aaron Gordon might fit well next to KAT is his slashing/dunking ability. I believe that we should target a dynamic offensive player at PF/SF who can either shoot well from 3pt or stretch towards the rim. Layman is perfect example, he is kind of 50/50 when we speak about combinations of three point shooting and slashing. He is not an elite shooter nor elite dunker. When he speak about Gordon he is more 75/25 - an elite dunker and below average three point shooter. Having Juancho and Layman can give us a bit of depth in terms of shooting. But finishing at rim remains a huge problem. Watching DLo last games I noticed how many PnRs might end up as layups/dunks if we play an athletic screener. I imagine high PnR with DLo and Gordon, short roll, Gordon open for layups or KAT, Beasley, Layman, Juancho open for three.

[minimus]

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[minimus]

Some useless PER36 stats:
RoCo
15.6pts, 7.4rb, 1.5ast, 2.0stl, 1.3blk. 43%FG, 34% from 3pt on 8.2 attempts.
Gordon
15.7pts, 8.3rb, 3.6ast, 1stl, 0.6blk. 42%FG, 30% from 3pt on 4.5 attempts.
Layman
14.3pts, 4.0rb, 1.1ast, 1.2stl, 1blk. 46%FG, 35% from 3pt on 5.3 attempts.

I'd say Layman is more SF than PF, Gordon is more PF than SF. Gordon is also a much better rebounder and passer than Layman, while Jack is better shooter.

[Dewey]

Some useless PER36 stats:
RoCo
15.6pts, 7.4rb, 1.5ast, 2.0stl, 1.3blk. 43%FG, 34% from 3pt on 8.2 attempts.
Gordon
15.7pts, 8.3rb, 3.6ast, 1stl, 0.6blk. 42%FG, 30% from 3pt on 4.5 attempts.
Layman
14.3pts, 4.0rb, 1.1ast, 1.2stl, 1blk. 46%FG, 35% from 3pt on 5.3 attempts.

I'd say Layman is more SF than PF, Gordon is more PF than SF. Gordon is also a much better rebounder and passer than Layman, while Jack is better shooter.

I like the guy, but it drives me nuts when people place Layman as a PF ... He was a SF in college just like he is in the NBA. The stetch 4 for him is a fantasy. He's a shooter, decent defender effort-wise, and throw down a few lobs. Nice role player on a nice contract.

But yes, Layman = SF and Gordon = PF

[Mamba4Goat]

Some useless PER36 stats:
RoCo
15.6pts, 7.4rb, 1.5ast, 2.0stl, 1.3blk. 43%FG, 34% from 3pt on 8.2 attempts.
Gordon
15.7pts, 8.3rb, 3.6ast, 1stl, 0.6blk. 42%FG, 30% from 3pt on 4.5 attempts.
Layman
14.3pts, 4.0rb, 1.1ast, 1.2stl, 1blk. 46%FG, 35% from 3pt on 5.3 attempts.

I'd say Layman is more SF than PF, Gordon is more PF than SF. Gordon is also a much better rebounder and passer than Layman, while Jack is better shooter.

I missed your disclaimer up top and got to Layman and was going to say that per36 is useless.

I wouldn't hate the idea of playing Layman next to AG. For all of his praise, Cov's 3 of his 3/D was kinda overrated and offensively AG may just be a slight downgrade if any all things considered.

[Calinks]

If we can play average or better defense next season. We are probably a fairly good team.

[Mamba4Goat]

If we can play average or better defense next season. We are probably a fairly good team.

Gotta get plus defenders for our non-Beas/KAT/D'Lo guys and hope they can get pushed to at least be average.

[Jedzz]

If we can play average or better defense next season. We are probably a fairly good team.

Gotta get plus defenders for our non-Beas/KAT/D'Lo guys and hope they can get pushed to at least be average.

Trade top 3 pick plus whatever else they could use for thybulle,

[Mamba4Goat]

If we can play average or better defense next season. We are probably a fairly good team.

Gotta get plus defenders for our non-Beas/KAT/D'Lo guys and hope they can get pushed to at least be average.

Trade top 3 pick plus whatever else they could use for thybulle,

Jeez. That's an overpay. I would rather just draft BPA than do that.

Okogie++ for Thybulle could maybe work?

[Mamba4Goat]

...or KBD.

[Jedzz]

Gotta get plus defenders for our non-Beas/KAT/D'Lo guys and hope they can get pushed to at least be average.

Trade top 3 pick plus whatever else they could use for thybulle,

Jeez. That's an overpay. I would rather just draft BPA than do that.

Okogie++ for Thybulle could maybe work?

You might get Thybulle's left leg for Okogie. I would send two picks plus Okogie and they probably still say no.

He's the exact player you are asking for. You have to realize you are asking for plus defenders for around Beas/Kat/Dlo when Okogie is already here, right? There is a reason this team is still getting blown out. For the few big motor defensive plays and occasional slams Okgoie offers, he's otherwise not stopping anything, out of position often, and yeah, struggling as a shooter. Thybulle's game IQ is that much higher to make the difference, and I guess he can even sometimes shoot these days. Anything they want if you ask me. Send it. If Thybulle develops consitent shooting ability he'll give Leonard a run for his money.

[minimus]

Okay, biggest needs:
* - secondary playmaker who can defend PG/SG
* - interior defense, rim runner, shot blocker, good screener

We draft Onyeka Okongwu, Theo Maledon. Resign Martin, Beasley, Juancho. Trade Culver, JJ, SRP for Aaron Gordon.

KAT/Okongwu/Reid
Gordon/Juancho/Okongwu
Okogie/Layman/Martin
Beasley/Okogie/Nowell
DLo/Maledon/ML

One very underrated defender is Derrick Favors. An experienced, physical, mobile and athletic big. I doubt he will accept our full MLE, but if we find the way to get him here, it might have same effect as Millsap signing in DEN.

[minimus]

Okay, biggest needs:
* - secondary playmaker who can defend PG/SG
* - interior defense, rim runner, shot blocker, good screener

We draft Onyeka Okongwu, Theo Maledon. Resign Martin, Beasley, Juancho. Trade Culver, JJ, SRP for Aaron Gordon.

KAT/Okongwu/Reid
Gordon/Juancho/Okongwu
Okogie/Layman/Martin
Beasley/Okogie/Nowell
DLo/Maledon/ML

Should we offer Moe Harkless a contract? He played for Vanterpool. Something like 9mil/3yrs?

We draft Onyeka Okongwu, Theo Maledon. Resign Martin, Beasley, Juancho. Trade Culver, JJ, SRP for Aaron Gordon. Sign Harkless.

KAT/Okongwu/Reid
Gordon/Juancho/Okongwu
Harkless/Layman/Martin
Beasley/Okogie/Nowell
DLo/Maledon/ML

[minimus]

Okay, biggest needs:
* - secondary playmaker who can defend PG/SG
* - interior defense, rim runner, shot blocker, good screener

We draft Onyeka Okongwu, Theo Maledon. Resign Martin, Beasley, Juancho. Trade Culver, JJ, SRP for Aaron Gordon.

KAT/Okongwu/Reid
Gordon/Juancho/Okongwu
Okogie/Layman/Martin
Beasley/Okogie/Nowell
DLo/Maledon/ML

Jae Crowder for MLE?

KAT/Okongwu/Reid
Gordon/Juancho/Okongwu
Crowder/Layman/Martin
Beasley/Okogie/Nowell
DLo/Maledon/ML

[shrink]

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This is why I hate canishoopus. They have a few writers who control the message, and the message is, “we want to be a PR arm of the actual Timberwolves!”

Here is what Gersson Rosas said last May:

The reality is, if you want to be a playoff team, you have to be a top-10 team on offense and on defense, and that’s what our goal is going to be. If you want to be a championship team, it’s got to be top-5 on each end.

If the dream is “mediocrity,” yes, the dream is coming true.

[minimus]

Okay, biggest needs:
* - secondary playmaker who can defend PG/SG
* - interior defense, rim runner, shot blocker, good screener

We draft Onyeka Okongwu, Theo Maledon. Resign Martin, Beasley, Juancho. Trade Culver, JJ, SRP for Aaron Gordon.

KAT/Okongwu/Reid
Gordon/Juancho/Okongwu
Okogie/Layman/Martin
Beasley/Okogie/Nowell
DLo/Maledon/ML

Jae Crowder for MLE?

KAT/Okongwu/Reid
Gordon/Juancho/Okongwu
Crowder/Layman/Martin
Beasley/Okogie/Nowell
DLo/Maledon/ML

Completely forgot Spellman. I have feelings that Omari can be a very good player. So, rotation will be:

KAT/Okongwu/Reid
Gordon/Juancho/Spellman
Crowder/Layman/Martin
Beasley/Okogie/Nowell
DLo/Maledon/ML

That is good combination of shooting, offense, defense, size, athleticism, experience.

[Colbinii]

Okay, biggest needs:
* - secondary playmaker who can defend PG/SG
* - interior defense, rim runner, shot blocker, good screener

We draft Onyeka Okongwu, Theo Maledon. Resign Martin, Beasley, Juancho. Trade Culver, JJ, SRP for Aaron Gordon.

KAT/Okongwu/Reid
Gordon/Juancho/Okongwu
Okogie/Layman/Martin
Beasley/Okogie/Nowell
DLo/Maledon/ML

Should we offer Moe Harkless a contract? He played for Vanterpool. Something like 9mil/3yrs?

We draft Onyeka Okongwu, Theo Maledon. Resign Martin, Beasley, Juancho. Trade Culver, JJ, SRP for Aaron Gordon. Sign Harkless.

KAT/Okongwu/Reid
Gordon/Juancho/Okongwu
Harkless/Layman/Martin
Beasley/Okogie/Nowell
DLo/Maledon/ML

Few things.

1) Reid has proven enough to be our back-up center. He can shoot the ball, plays solid defense and is understanding our system. His biggest issue is his inability to stay out of foul trouble. Assuming Towns can stay [relatively] healthy next year, we will only need to get 15 minutes per game out of Reid. I think that should be enough out of the Center position.

2) The Magic have little interest in taking a flier on Culver and a 2nd round pick for Aaron Gordon. It isn't terrible for value but I just don't think Gordon moves the needle enough for us nor does Culver move the needle enough for Orlando for them to truly consider such a deal.

3) I like the idea of targeting defensive players but it is difficult to target offensive liabilities like Harkless and throw them next to Russell/Towns who will need space to operate. I can not see a situation where a player like Harkless takes 9 Million over 3 years.

Here is what I expect our roster to be entering draft night.

Towns/Reid
Spellman/Johnson
Layman/Martin/Okogie
Beasley/Culver/Nowell
DLo/Mclaughlin

So we have a few options. We can use the middle first round pick (Brooklyn's) to get a stash player, as you mentioned Maledon is a good example. Or, and something I am more of a fan of, is go after someone with some of these assets since our roster already consists of a few young guys who have proven can play in the system, notably Reid, Mclaughlin, Martin. I am a fan of bringing back all 3 of these guys and then waiving Juancho's cap hold.

I think Minnesota should look hard at what some consolidation of Culver/#3/#16 could them with Johnson's salary helping match. I would want to find a player better than Aaron Gordon offensively. Some notable players include CJ McCollum, Bojan Bogdanovic,Joe Ingles, Jrue Holiday and Buddy Hield.

I think some other guys like Josh Hart would be a perfect fit for us and with the depth the Pelicans have they may also be looking to consolidate some assets.

4) Nuggets guys: A few other things to keep in mind is what is Beasley commands over $15 Million Annually? At what point do the Wolves balk? I think something like 2/25 is good, maybe 3/36 but once the price gets to 3/40 that is where things get shaky for me. Juancho is a worse version of Layman for me and I don't think we have a need or place for Juancho, especially if we do draft a 3/4 with our #3 pick.

[minimus]

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Useless fact: at age 23, Dame had 0.327 FT rate, Donovan Mitchell has 0.233

[Jedzz]

Okay, biggest needs:
* - secondary playmaker who can defend PG/SG
* - interior defense, rim runner, shot blocker, good screener

We draft Onyeka Okongwu, Theo Maledon. Resign Martin, Beasley, Juancho. Trade Culver, JJ, SRP for Aaron Gordon.

KAT/Okongwu/Reid
Gordon/Juancho/Okongwu
Okogie/Layman/Martin
Beasley/Okogie/Nowell
DLo/Maledon/ML

One very underrated defender is Derrick Favors. An experienced, physical, mobile and athletic big. I doubt he will accept our full MLE, but if we find the way to get him here, it might have same effect as Millsap signing in DEN.

They refuse to play more bigs. I think that's fairly evident now. They are playing SFs at Center at times now with Kat out. By choice.

[minimus]

Okay, biggest needs:
* - secondary playmaker who can defend PG/SG
* - interior defense, rim runner, shot blocker, good screener

We draft Onyeka Okongwu, Theo Maledon. Resign Martin, Beasley, Juancho. Trade Culver, JJ, SRP for Aaron Gordon.

KAT/Okongwu/Reid
Gordon/Juancho/Okongwu
Okogie/Layman/Martin
Beasley/Okogie/Nowell
DLo/Maledon/ML

Should we offer Moe Harkless a contract? He played for Vanterpool. Something like 9mil/3yrs?

We draft Onyeka Okongwu, Theo Maledon. Resign Martin, Beasley, Juancho. Trade Culver, JJ, SRP for Aaron Gordon. Sign Harkless.

KAT/Okongwu/Reid
Gordon/Juancho/Okongwu
Harkless/Layman/Martin
Beasley/Okogie/Nowell
DLo/Maledon/ML

Few things.

1) Reid has proven enough to be our back-up center. He can shoot the ball, plays solid defense and is understanding our system. His biggest issue is his inability to stay out of foul trouble. Assuming Towns can stay [relatively] healthy next year, we will only need to get 15 minutes per game out of Reid. I think that should be enough out of the Center position.

2) The Magic have little interest in taking a flier on Culver and a 2nd round pick for Aaron Gordon. It isn't terrible for value but I just don't think Gordon moves the needle enough for us nor does Culver move the needle enough for Orlando for them to truly consider such a deal.

3) I like the idea of targeting defensive players but it is difficult to target offensive liabilities like Harkless and throw them next to Russell/Towns who will need space to operate. I can not see a situation where a player like Harkless takes 9 Million over 3 years.

Here is what I expect our roster to be entering draft night.

Towns/Reid
Spellman/Johnson
Layman/Martin/Okogie
Beasley/Culver/Nowell
DLo/Mclaughlin

So we have a few options. We can use the middle first round pick (Brooklyn's) to get a stash player, as you mentioned Maledon is a good example. Or, and something I am more of a fan of, is go after someone with some of these assets since our roster already consists of a few young guys who have proven can play in the system, notably Reid, Mclaughlin, Martin. I am a fan of bringing back all 3 of these guys and then waiving Juancho's cap hold.

I think Minnesota should look hard at what some consolidation of Culver/#3/#16 could them with Johnson's salary helping match. I would want to find a player better than Aaron Gordon offensively. Some notable players include CJ McCollum, Bojan Bogdanovic,Joe Ingles, Jrue Holiday and Buddy Hield.

I think some other guys like Josh Hart would be a perfect fit for us and with the depth the Pelicans have they may also be looking to consolidate some assets.

4) Nuggets guys: A few other things to keep in mind is what is Beasley commands over $15 Million Annually? At what point do the Wolves balk? I think something like 2/25 is good, maybe 3/36 but once the price gets to 3/40 that is where things get shaky for me. Juancho is a worse version of Layman for me and I don't think we have a need or place for Juancho, especially if we do draft a 3/4 with our #3 pick.

1) Reid can't defend. He either commits unnecessary fouls or allows easy basket. Ideally I'd give him full offseason, preseason and couple of month of regular season before giving him full backup center role (i.e. 10-15 mins)
2) I think Gordon has more value for MIN than for ORL, so JJ, Brooklyn pick might be interesting enough for ORL. We need someone who can finish at rim, who can roll hard and is good enough to defend both forward positions. I just don't see another realistic candidate for trade.
3) My hope is that in Rosas will be able to use two FRPs, SRP and cap space to operate in FA market. Everybody seems to wait and prepare for 2021 FA and 2021 draft. Bojan Bogdanovic, Joe Ingles, and Buddy Hield are offensive minded players. Jrue Holiday, CJ McCollum, Hart have one guaranteed year left in contract. I would not spend too much to acquire them. I 'd evaluate Okongwu if we are out of top3, and I'd draft and keep Wiseman if we get top pick.
4) I have no idea how FA market will develop but I have good feelings if this process is under Rosas control. This is high stakes business, he gambles, I hope he will win.