Summer league 2024 thread

[minimus]

Miller had a year with G league Ignite, then a year in Iowa/practicing with the Wolves. He should be ready to contribute at Summer League.

What happened to him today? He was kind of lost again more physical IND frontcourt

[Slim Tubby]

My SL player grades thus far:

TSJ (A) Scorer, scorer, scorer...with some defense mixed in. Immediate contributor...tremendous pick.

Dilly (B) Good PG mentality, will score the ball and he's a better passer than I thought. His effort on defense is promising.

Minott (B-) Great effort and athleticism...needs to be on a younger NBA roster for playing time. There's a game in there somewhere for this league.

Miller (C-) He just seems to float on the court with no purpose. Still really young but lacking true progress. Biggest disappointment.

Nix (B+) Physical PG that's been our 2nd best player in SL so far. How many better 3rd PGs are there in the league? It's an actual debate. Good showing.

Clark (B) He truly makes defense sexy. Appears fully healthy and the guy is everywhere. NAW's eventual replacement and biggest surprise of SL for me by a large margin.

Hifi (C+) He's got some obvious offensive skills but can play erratic at times and far too much "hero ball" for my liking.

Edwards (D) Athletic build and that's about it. He could wipe out Russia with his free throws. Oof.


Sent from my N152DL using RealGM mobile app

[Mattya]

I haven’t seen anything from Miller or Minnot to think they are ready to contribute to winning. Minnot for sure just need to play more games in the g league, not sit on the bench watching games. Miller I think needs some NBA minutes, as I don’t know how much he is getting from the g league anymore. Bring him up for every back to back.

Clark is going to benefit a lot from playing in the g league. It is pretty impressive to see his speed and instincts defensively look that good after so much time away from playing. Still needs to keep working on catch and shoot jumpers.

Not a big fan of Hifi’s lack of looking to pass. He isn’t a big make the extra pass guy. Which isn’t great for someone his size. Definitely could be a microwave scorer tho.

Nix looks really solid. Definitely will throw in some head scratching plays, but he also has made a lot of game changing plays. I wish he would get in shape and continue to work on the jumper.

Haven’t seen anything from anyone else that makes me think they can stick. We definitely need to look for a big in the next draft with our second rounders.

[Saltine]

Nix is in shape, he's a Samoan, from Alaska; that's how they buld them.

[winforlose]

I haven’t seen anything from Miller or Minnot to think they are ready to contribute to winning. Minnot for sure just need to play more games in the g league, not sit on the bench watching games. Miller I think needs some NBA minutes, as I don’t know how much he is getting from the g league anymore. Bring him up for every back to back.

Clark is going to benefit a lot from playing in the g league. It is pretty impressive to see his speed and instincts defensively look that good after so much time away from playing. Still needs to keep working on catch and shoot jumpers.

Not a big fan of Hifi’s lack of looking to pass. He isn’t a big make the extra pass guy. Which isn’t great for someone his size. Definitely could be a microwave scorer tho.

Nix looks really solid. Definitely will throw in some head scratching plays, but he also has made a lot of game changing plays. I wish he would get in shape and continue to work on the jumper.

Haven’t seen anything from anyone else that makes me think they can stick. We definitely need to look for a big in the next draft with our second rounders.

Disagree on Minott. He has shown that he is NBA capable with his rebounding, defense, and free throw shooting. He needs to play actual minutes to adjust to the game at the big league level. He won’t be driving into crowds or running a lot of fast breaks with the Big Wolves. He will thrive much more in his NBA role than his summer league one.

Miller probably could use some big league minutes as well. He needs to prove he can hit the 3 consistently, and so far has struggled. Still, there are plenty of games left to play before the season opener.

Minott and Miller might be forced into use in 25-26, and we need to get them going in 24-25 in case that happens.

[minimus]

Nix is in shape, he's a Samoan, from Alaska; that's how they buld them.

I've just realized that both Dillingham and Nix have Samoan roots. I have heard that Nix is constantly in Robs ear trying to help young guard. Also on the floor I like a chemistry between these two.

[vtime]

I haven’t seen anything from Miller or Minnot to think they are ready to contribute to winning. Minnot for sure just need to play more games in the g league, not sit on the bench watching games. Miller I think needs some NBA minutes, as I don’t know how much he is getting from the g league anymore. Bring him up for every back to back.

Clark is going to benefit a lot from playing in the g league. It is pretty impressive to see his speed and instincts defensively look that good after so much time away from playing. Still needs to keep working on catch and shoot jumpers.

Not a big fan of Hifi’s lack of looking to pass. He isn’t a big make the extra pass guy. Which isn’t great for someone his size. Definitely could be a microwave scorer tho.

Nix looks really solid. Definitely will throw in some head scratching plays, but he also has made a lot of game changing plays. I wish he would get in shape and continue to work on the jumper.

Haven’t seen anything from anyone else that makes me think they can stick. We definitely need to look for a big in the next draft with our second rounders.

Disagree on Minott. He has shown that he is NBA capable with his rebounding, defense, and free throw shooting. He needs to play actual minutes to adjust to the game at the big league level. He won’t be driving into crowds or running a lot of fast breaks with the Big Wolves. He will thrive much more in his NBA role than his summer league one.

Miller probably could use some big league minutes as well. He needs to prove he can hit the 3 consistently, and so far has struggled. Still, there are plenty of games left to play before the season opener.

Minott and Miller might be forced into use in 25-26, and we need to get them going in 24-25 in case that happens.

They won’t be forced into use on 25-26. Shannon and Jaden can both play the 4 if needed at that point, but if either of them could prove to be rotation player so that there are other options, that would be great. Probably NAW’s last season unless Rudy opts of next summer into a cheaper, but long term deal.

[Sealab2024]

I haven’t seen anything from Miller or Minnot to think they are ready to contribute to winning. Minnot for sure just need to play more games in the g league, not sit on the bench watching games. Miller I think needs some NBA minutes, as I don’t know how much he is getting from the g league anymore. Bring him up for every back to back.

Clark is going to benefit a lot from playing in the g league. It is pretty impressive to see his speed and instincts defensively look that good after so much time away from playing. Still needs to keep working on catch and shoot jumpers.

Not a big fan of Hifi’s lack of looking to pass. He isn’t a big make the extra pass guy. Which isn’t great for someone his size. Definitely could be a microwave scorer tho.

Nix looks really solid. Definitely will throw in some head scratching plays, but he also has made a lot of game changing plays. I wish he would get in shape and continue to work on the jumper.

Haven’t seen anything from anyone else that makes me think they can stick. We definitely need to look for a big in the next draft with our second rounders.

Disagree on Minott. He has shown that he is NBA capable with his rebounding, defense, and free throw shooting. He needs to play actual minutes to adjust to the game at the big league level. He won’t be driving into crowds or running a lot of fast breaks with the Big Wolves. He will thrive much more in his NBA role than his summer league one.

Miller probably could use some big league minutes as well. He needs to prove he can hit the 3 consistently, and so far has struggled. Still, there are plenty of games left to play before the season opener.

Minott and Miller might be forced into use in 25-26, and we need to get them going in 24-25 in case that happens.

I do not understand how you watch these games and decide that Minott is NBA ready, but that Dillingham has no feel for the point or scoring. It boggles the mind.

[Klomp]

Disagree on Minott. He has shown that he is NBA capable with his rebounding, defense, and free throw shooting. He needs to play actual minutes to adjust to the game at the big league level. He won’t be driving into crowds or running a lot of fast breaks with the Big Wolves. He will thrive much more in his NBA role than his summer league one.

Miller probably could use some big league minutes as well. He needs to prove he can hit the 3 consistently, and so far has struggled. Still, there are plenty of games left to play before the season opener.

Minott and Miller might be forced into use in 25-26, and we need to get them going in 24-25 in case that happens.

Who do you propose not having in the rotation in order to ensure that they both get regular minutes: Karl-Anthony Towns, reigning DPOY Rudy Gobert or reigning 6MOY Naz Reid?

[winforlose]

I haven’t seen anything from Miller or Minnot to think they are ready to contribute to winning. Minnot for sure just need to play more games in the g league, not sit on the bench watching games. Miller I think needs some NBA minutes, as I don’t know how much he is getting from the g league anymore. Bring him up for every back to back.

Clark is going to benefit a lot from playing in the g league. It is pretty impressive to see his speed and instincts defensively look that good after so much time away from playing. Still needs to keep working on catch and shoot jumpers.

Not a big fan of Hifi’s lack of looking to pass. He isn’t a big make the extra pass guy. Which isn’t great for someone his size. Definitely could be a microwave scorer tho.

Nix looks really solid. Definitely will throw in some head scratching plays, but he also has made a lot of game changing plays. I wish he would get in shape and continue to work on the jumper.

Haven’t seen anything from anyone else that makes me think they can stick. We definitely need to look for a big in the next draft with our second rounders.

Disagree on Minott. He has shown that he is NBA capable with his rebounding, defense, and free throw shooting. He needs to play actual minutes to adjust to the game at the big league level. He won’t be driving into crowds or running a lot of fast breaks with the Big Wolves. He will thrive much more in his NBA role than his summer league one.

Miller probably could use some big league minutes as well. He needs to prove he can hit the 3 consistently, and so far has struggled. Still, there are plenty of games left to play before the season opener.

Minott and Miller might be forced into use in 25-26, and we need to get them going in 24-25 in case that happens.

I do not understand how you watch these games and decide that Minott is NBA ready, but that Dillingham has no feel for the point or scoring. It boggles the mind.

I said Minott showed enough that he should get NBA minutes. Not 15-20 a game every game. Minott needs to gain experience playing defense and rebounding against NBA opponents. I also pointed out that the things he is doing poorly in SL are outside his role.

RD is struggling with a specific skill set very much in his role. I never said he has no feel for the PG, nor that he cannot score. I did say I was disappointed that he followed a 2/12 with a 5/14, but I didn’t go beyond that, and I don’t know why you think that is a key takeaway. I credited RD with being good in transition, I said in previous posts he will gain muscle and probably inches as well. My concern is that we haven’t seen much play making against set defenses, and I don’t think you can just say it’s summer league so ignore it. He should be getting by guys off the dribble and dishing out. But there are still 3 games to go, so time will tell.

[Klomp]

My concern is that we haven’t seen much play making against set defenses, and I don’t think you can just say it’s summer league so ignore it. He should be getting by guys off the dribble and dishing out. But there are still 3 games to go, so time will tell.

Why do you feel like this is such a significant requirement for the position? In the video below, Mike Conley doesn't even step foot in the paint with the ball until 80+ seconds into the video.

Watch on YouTube

[winforlose]

My concern is that we haven’t seen much play making against set defenses, and I don’t think you can just say it’s summer league so ignore it. He should be getting by guys off the dribble and dishing out. But there are still 3 games to go, so time will tell.

Why do you feel like this is such a significant requirement for the position? In the video below, Mike Conley doesn't even step foot in the paint with the ball until 80+ seconds into the video.

Watch on YouTube

1. I have been calling Conley’s short range floater essentially at the rim. Using correct terminology, RD has shown he is missing that (see high arching bank shots that miss wide in college and SL.)
2. On the second clip Mike gets into the paint with the floater threat which alters the defense creating a kickout.
3. RD is gonna be a huge negative compared to Mike on both defense and rebounding. Anyone who disagrees I say time will tell. If RD cannot demand the same level of attention as Mike from help defenders, then he won’t create the same looks. You demand that help defense by capable of getting to and scoring at the rim. You demand it by having that floater game or some other close too but not at the basket scoring move, as well as being good from both midrange and distance. Comparing RD to vet Mike is not fair or particularly helpful. You need to compare him to a JMAC, or Morris, or other backup PG. Being able to unbalance the defense or punish them for not helping is essential for all of them. I don’t understand how you can say a good PG does not need to be able to get to the rim and finish.

[Klomp]

2. On the second clip Mike gets into the paint with the floater threat which alters the defense creating a kickout.

Semantics, but the ball is already on the way out of his hands when he enters the paint

[winforlose]

2. On the second clip Mike gets into the paint with the floater threat which alters the defense creating a kickout.

Semantics, but the ball is already on the way out of his hands when he enters the paint

Ask yourself why the defense adjusted to Mike. The NBA is incredibly well scouted and game plans are very detailed. If he wasn’t a threat with the floater or at the rim he wouldn’t have the big helping off his man. The PG throws other guys open when he attacks off the dribble. Listen to the Dane Moore pod. He and I agree that RD being good in transition is a GOOD THING! I would even go so far as to call it a GREAT thing. You are 100% correct that we want RD to push pace, just like JMAC. Of course RD should not be compared to Mike, of course if Mike missed a game and JMAC or NAW started there would be a drop off. The issue in SL is to ignore the stats and to look at the functions. Dane was just talking about if Shannon drove off of open corner looks he would be benched in the NBA. The reason is because we need him to knock down corner 3s. The same is true of RD creating an advantage off the dribble and finding shooters or creating driving opportunities.

Remember what Finch said about roles for the young guys. He doesn’t want them trying to go outside their role and trying to do to much. He wants them to master their role and grow from there. RD’s role as Wolves PG2 is different from RD’s role as SL PG1, and I am trying to look beyond the noise to see the skills. There is a lot I like, and some things that concern me. I am not saying if he is not PG2 on a day 1 or even year 1 he is a bust. I am saying we are putting a ton on this kid with our current roster construction, and it might be too much for him in October.

[frankenwolf]

Disagree on Minott. He has shown that he is NBA capable with his rebounding, defense, and free throw shooting. He needs to play actual minutes to adjust to the game at the big league level. He won’t be driving into crowds or running a lot of fast breaks with the Big Wolves. He will thrive much more in his NBA role than his summer league one.

Miller probably could use some big league minutes as well. He needs to prove he can hit the 3 consistently, and so far has struggled. Still, there are plenty of games left to play before the season opener.

Minott and Miller might be forced into use in 25-26, and we need to get them going in 24-25 in case that happens.

Who do you propose not having in the rotation in order to ensure that they both get regular minutes: Karl-Anthony Towns, reigning DPOY Rudy Gobert or reigning 6MOY Naz Reid?

Yes.

Seriously regular minutes won't infringe on the BIG three, just save them some minutes during the season. Rudy, KAT or Naz don't need to play 35 min a game. Play them each 25-27 and let the others play garbage time minutes.

[Klomp]

Disagree on Minott. He has shown that he is NBA capable with his rebounding, defense, and free throw shooting. He needs to play actual minutes to adjust to the game at the big league level. He won’t be driving into crowds or running a lot of fast breaks with the Big Wolves. He will thrive much more in his NBA role than his summer league one.

Miller probably could use some big league minutes as well. He needs to prove he can hit the 3 consistently, and so far has struggled. Still, there are plenty of games left to play before the season opener.

Minott and Miller might be forced into use in 25-26, and we need to get them going in 24-25 in case that happens.

Who do you propose not having in the rotation in order to ensure that they both get regular minutes: Karl-Anthony Towns, reigning DPOY Rudy Gobert or reigning 6MOY Naz Reid?

Yes.

Seriously regular minutes won't infringe on the BIG three, just save them some minutes during the season. Rudy, KAT or Naz don't need to play 35 min a game. Play them each 25-27 and let the others play garbage time minutes.

Wow, I'm not sure you realize how unrealistic that is.

Not to mention the fact that if we limit them each to a cap of 27 minutes per game average, I'd expect the team to be in the play-in tournament...and not necessarily in the 7/8 game either.

[frankenwolf]

Who do you propose not having in the rotation in order to ensure that they both get regular minutes: Karl-Anthony Towns, reigning DPOY Rudy Gobert or reigning 6MOY Naz Reid?

Yes.

Seriously regular minutes won't infringe on the BIG three, just save them some minutes during the season. Rudy, KAT or Naz don't need to play 35 min a game. Play them each 25-27 and let the others play garbage time minutes.

Wow, I'm not sure you realize how unrealistic that is.

Not to mention the fact that if we limit them each to a cap of 27 minutes per game average, I'd expect the team to be in the play-in tournament...and not necessarily in the 7/8 game either.

We have talked previously about Finchy playing the starters longer than we think in the blow out games, so those would be the times to play them more. Yeah, 27 is probably low, but 30-32 should be ok. Plus there will be "rest" games, I'm sure, or minor injuries that will make Rudy & Kat sit.

[BlacJacMac]

Disagree on Minott. He has shown that he is NBA capable with his rebounding, defense, and free throw shooting. He needs to play actual minutes to adjust to the game at the big league level. He won’t be driving into crowds or running a lot of fast breaks with the Big Wolves. He will thrive much more in his NBA role than his summer league one.

Miller probably could use some big league minutes as well. He needs to prove he can hit the 3 consistently, and so far has struggled. Still, there are plenty of games left to play before the season opener.

Minott and Miller might be forced into use in 25-26, and we need to get them going in 24-25 in case that happens.

Who do you propose not having in the rotation in order to ensure that they both get regular minutes: Karl-Anthony Towns, reigning DPOY Rudy Gobert or reigning 6MOY Naz Reid?

Yes.

Seriously regular minutes won't infringe on the BIG three, just save them some minutes during the season. Rudy, KAT or Naz don't need to play 35 min a game. Play them each 25-27 and let the others play garbage time minutes.

If we play KAT and Rudy 25-27, we will probably end up on the wrong end of a lot of those "garbage time minutes".

[winforlose]

Who do you propose not having in the rotation in order to ensure that they both get regular minutes: Karl-Anthony Towns, reigning DPOY Rudy Gobert or reigning 6MOY Naz Reid?

Yes.

Seriously regular minutes won't infringe on the BIG three, just save them some minutes during the season. Rudy, KAT or Naz don't need to play 35 min a game. Play them each 25-27 and let the others play garbage time minutes.

If we play KAT and Rudy 25-27, we will probably end up on the wrong end of a lot of those "garbage time minutes".

25-27 minutes isn’t an every game thing. I think he meant once the game is no longer competitive. I do think we should look to ramp guys down to 30 for the starters and NAW and Naz ramped up to 25+. I think Minott can see 5-8 a night and not hurt us.

[TimberKat]

Watched yesterday's game. The only player I see that could earn minutes so far is Jaylen Clark. Dilly looked really small. His shots are not very balanced and he can't blow by people. Hopefully they all put the work in this summer and see improvements in training camp.