Identity crisis?

[Guest84]

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[Guest84]

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[TimberKat]

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I blame it on Finch. He really should had started Randle off the bench. Perfect excuse for a new guy just coming back from injury and learning a new system. He could had been a better version of Naz and let Naz start. Unfortunately put him on the bench now would lose most of his trade value.

[Klomp]

This probably fits better here:

It feels like we are stuck in the middle between two identities. We are trying to infuse more offense, while at the same time trying to hold onto that defensive identity that helped bring us to the Western Conference Finals. I'm honestly not sure we can do both, I think before long we will have to choose one or the other.

It's especially interesting because the two young cornerstones Edwards and McDaniels can lean either way.

But largely, the rest of the team is divided between the two identities.
Defense, Halfcourt: Gobert, Conley, Alexander-Walker, Ingles, Dozier
Offense, Tempo: Randle, Reid, Dillingham, DiVincenzo, Miller, Shannon, Garza

Honestly, I'm kind of at the point where I would not oppose dropping Gobert's minutes to only play with Conley. In the other minutes, just fly around and push tempo with the young guys! I doubt it happens, but I wouldn't mind. I think the problems really stand out the more we try to mix the two identities together.

[frankenwolf]

This probably fits better here:

It feels like we are stuck in the middle between two identities. We are trying to infuse more offense, while at the same time trying to hold onto that defensive identity that helped bring us to the Western Conference Finals. I'm honestly not sure we can do both, I think before long we will have to choose one or the other.

It's especially interesting because the two young cornerstones Edwards and McDaniels can lean either way.

But largely, the rest of the team is divided between the two identities.
Defense, Halfcourt: Gobert, Conley, Alexander-Walker, Ingles, Dozier
Offense, Tempo: Randle, Reid, Dillingham, DiVincenzo, Miller, Shannon, Garza

Honestly, I'm kind of at the point where I would not oppose dropping Gobert's minutes to only play with Conley. In the other minutes, just fly around and push tempo with the young guys! I doubt it happens, but I wouldn't mind. I think the problems really stand out the more we try to mix the two identities together.

So you are thinking we should just try to outscore everyone, right?
I'm not saying you are wrong in the division of two identities, but there are two sides to the court and they need to play defense. Looking at the offense, tempo group, will any of them play defense at all?

[winforlose]

This probably fits better here:

It feels like we are stuck in the middle between two identities. We are trying to infuse more offense, while at the same time trying to hold onto that defensive identity that helped bring us to the Western Conference Finals. I'm honestly not sure we can do both, I think before long we will have to choose one or the other.

It's especially interesting because the two young cornerstones Edwards and McDaniels can lean either way.

But largely, the rest of the team is divided between the two identities.
Defense, Halfcourt: Gobert, Conley, Alexander-Walker, Ingles, Dozier
Offense, Tempo: Randle, Reid, Dillingham, DiVincenzo, Miller, Shannon, Garza

Honestly, I'm kind of at the point where I would not oppose dropping Gobert's minutes to only play with Conley. In the other minutes, just fly around and push tempo with the young guys! I doubt it happens, but I wouldn't mind. I think the problems really stand out the more we try to mix the two identities together.

This tells the story, but slightly alters your take.

Watch on YouTube

[Klomp]

This probably fits better here:

It feels like we are stuck in the middle between two identities. We are trying to infuse more offense, while at the same time trying to hold onto that defensive identity that helped bring us to the Western Conference Finals. I'm honestly not sure we can do both, I think before long we will have to choose one or the other.

It's especially interesting because the two young cornerstones Edwards and McDaniels can lean either way.

But largely, the rest of the team is divided between the two identities.
Defense, Halfcourt: Gobert, Conley, Alexander-Walker, Ingles, Dozier
Offense, Tempo: Randle, Reid, Dillingham, DiVincenzo, Miller, Shannon, Garza

Honestly, I'm kind of at the point where I would not oppose dropping Gobert's minutes to only play with Conley. In the other minutes, just fly around and push tempo with the young guys! I doubt it happens, but I wouldn't mind. I think the problems really stand out the more we try to mix the two identities together.

So you are thinking we should just try to outscore everyone, right?
I'm not saying you are wrong in the division of two identities, but there are two sides to the court and they need to play defense. Looking at the offense, tempo group, will any of them play defense at all?

I am not calling for DNP-CDs for Gobert. I simply am wondering if there needs to be a more clear separation between the two identities.

Basketball is not just as easy as "play defense = missed shot, don't play defense, make shot". Even the worst defenses still force a miss at least 40 percent of the time.

[TimberKat]

This probably fits better here:

It feels like we are stuck in the middle between two identities. We are trying to infuse more offense, while at the same time trying to hold onto that defensive identity that helped bring us to the Western Conference Finals. I'm honestly not sure we can do both, I think before long we will have to choose one or the other.

It's especially interesting because the two young cornerstones Edwards and McDaniels can lean either way.

But largely, the rest of the team is divided between the two identities.
Defense, Halfcourt: Gobert, Conley, Alexander-Walker, Ingles, Dozier
Offense, Tempo: Randle, Reid, Dillingham, DiVincenzo, Miller, Shannon, Garza

Honestly, I'm kind of at the point where I would not oppose dropping Gobert's minutes to only play with Conley. In the other minutes, just fly around and push tempo with the young guys! I doubt it happens, but I wouldn't mind. I think the problems really stand out the more we try to mix the two identities together.

This tells the story, but slightly alters your take.

Watch on YouTube

If I buy into the video, it would be a hack a lot easier to improve offense with Gobert (feed him a few more lobs) than to play defense without Gobert. Also, the video didn't take into consideration that Gobert plays against first units mostly. So, we score less points against opponents' first unit which is reasonable but couldn't even stop opponents' second unit from scoring is really bad.

[Domejandro]

I really think a clear direction the team needs to try is starting Donte Divencenzo. He's forced to hunt and create off of the bench, which he is mediocre-to-subpar at doing. When starting, he is able to be set-up by Julius Randle (primarily) along with Anthony Edwards and (on roll -> kickouts) Rudy Gobert.

Just really poor lineup management, very baffled by starting Nickeil Alexander-Walker with Mike Conley out.

[winforlose]

I really think a clear direction the team needs to try is starting Donte Divencenzo. He's forced to hunt and create off of the bench, which he is mediocre-to-subpar at doing. When starting, he is able to be set-up by Julius Randle (primarily) along with Anthony Edwards and (on roll -> kickouts) Rudy Gobert.

Just really poor lineup management, very baffled by starting Nickeil Alexander-Walker with Mike Conley out.

DDV shoots poorly when on ball. Ant doesn’t want to be on ball guard, Randle has a nasty habit of not passing then dribbling into trouble, and Jaden lacks the handle. So NAW is the only one who can both play on ball guard and score.

[FrenchMinnyFan]

I really think a clear direction the team needs to try is starting Donte Divencenzo. He's forced to hunt and create off of the bench, which he is mediocre-to-subpar at doing. When starting, he is able to be set-up by Julius Randle (primarily) along with Anthony Edwards and (on roll -> kickouts) Rudy Gobert.

Just really poor lineup management, very baffled by starting Nickeil Alexander-Walker with Mike Conley out.

DDV shoots poorly when on ball. Ant doesn’t want to be on ball guard, Randle has a nasty habit of not passing then dribbling into trouble, and Jaden lacks the handle. So NAW is the only one who can both play on ball guard and score.

What about old Joe? he can pass, know how to play with Rudy and Mike and can't be worse in defense than Randle or DDV.

[FrenchMinnyFan]

I think once Mike heathy, we will go back to let him play 30 min and keep the ball in hand more. Then game should have more structure. But it's a short term view as we need Mike healthy when PO time. On the other side, i can understand as if we keep playing since last game, players will be on vacation before PO start.

[Domejandro]

I really think a clear direction the team needs to try is starting Donte Divencenzo. He's forced to hunt and create off of the bench, which he is mediocre-to-subpar at doing. When starting, he is able to be set-up by Julius Randle (primarily) along with Anthony Edwards and (on roll -> kickouts) Rudy Gobert.

Just really poor lineup management, very baffled by starting Nickeil Alexander-Walker with Mike Conley out.

DDV shoots poorly when on ball. Ant doesn’t want to be on ball guard, Randle has a nasty habit of not passing then dribbling into trouble, and Jaden lacks the handle. So NAW is the only one who can both play on ball guard and score.

That's the key reason why I think Donte Divencenzo is horrible on the second unit. He is asked to operate more on-ball when he is the primary offensive weapon on the court.

As a note on Julius Randle, he has statistically been one of the best drive-and-kick players over the past half-decade, that is one area where he is particularly elite. It makes more sense to me to empower that by surrounding him with the best possible shooting threat.

[minimus]

This probably fits better here:

It feels like we are stuck in the middle between two identities. We are trying to infuse more offense, while at the same time trying to hold onto that defensive identity that helped bring us to the Western Conference Finals. I'm honestly not sure we can do both, I think before long we will have to choose one or the other.

It's especially interesting because the two young cornerstones Edwards and McDaniels can lean either way.

But largely, the rest of the team is divided between the two identities.
Defense, Halfcourt: Gobert, Conley, Alexander-Walker, Ingles, Dozier
Offense, Tempo: Randle, Reid, Dillingham, DiVincenzo, Miller, Shannon, Garza

Honestly, I'm kind of at the point where I would not oppose dropping Gobert's minutes to only play with Conley. In the other minutes, just fly around and push tempo with the young guys! I doubt it happens, but I wouldn't mind. I think the problems really stand out the more we try to mix the two identities together.

It might sound strange, but I truly believe Gobert can benefit from playing up-tempo offense. He was part of such offense in UTA and he has showed signs of being capable to move the ball this year as passer. I also believe that part of our new offense is high 3PA rate, which is not sustainable without Gobert screens

[FrenchMinnyFan]

This probably fits better here:

It feels like we are stuck in the middle between two identities. We are trying to infuse more offense, while at the same time trying to hold onto that defensive identity that helped bring us to the Western Conference Finals. I'm honestly not sure we can do both, I think before long we will have to choose one or the other.

It's especially interesting because the two young cornerstones Edwards and McDaniels can lean either way.

But largely, the rest of the team is divided between the two identities.
Defense, Halfcourt: Gobert, Conley, Alexander-Walker, Ingles, Dozier
Offense, Tempo: Randle, Reid, Dillingham, DiVincenzo, Miller, Shannon, Garza

Honestly, I'm kind of at the point where I would not oppose dropping Gobert's minutes to only play with Conley. In the other minutes, just fly around and push tempo with the young guys! I doubt it happens, but I wouldn't mind. I think the problems really stand out the more we try to mix the two identities together.

So you are thinking we should just try to outscore everyone, right?
I'm not saying you are wrong in the division of two identities, but there are two sides to the court and they need to play defense. Looking at the offense, tempo group, will any of them play defense at all?

Some people say, Offense win you games, Defense make you win Championship! True or not, we have no choice as long as we play with Rudy, Defense has to be our main identity. That's why i still struggle to understand why we trade KAT who became last a efficient defender for Randle who is.....

[minimus]

So you are thinking we should just try to outscore everyone, right?
I'm not saying you are wrong in the division of two identities, but there are two sides to the court and they need to play defense. Looking at the offense, tempo group, will any of them play defense at all?

Some people say, Offense win you games, Defense make you win Championship! True or not, we have no choice as long as we play with Rudy, Defense has to be our main identity. That's why i still struggle to understand why we trade KAT who became last a efficient defender for Randle who is.....

It is combination of Towns size at PF AND Kyle Anderson versatility. But In both cases (Towns and Anderson) you have to choose one side: either offense or defense: Towns at С guarantees elite offense and subpar defense, Anderson has all tricks to defend but could not score.

[Loaf_of_bread]

This probably fits better here:

It feels like we are stuck in the middle between two identities. We are trying to infuse more offense, while at the same time trying to hold onto that defensive identity that helped bring us to the Western Conference Finals. I'm honestly not sure we can do both, I think before long we will have to choose one or the other.

It's especially interesting because the two young cornerstones Edwards and McDaniels can lean either way.

But largely, the rest of the team is divided between the two identities.
Defense, Halfcourt: Gobert, Conley, Alexander-Walker, Ingles, Dozier
Offense, Tempo: Randle, Reid, Dillingham, DiVincenzo, Miller, Shannon, Garza

Honestly, I'm kind of at the point where I would not oppose dropping Gobert's minutes to only play with Conley. In the other minutes, just fly around and push tempo with the young guys! I doubt it happens, but I wouldn't mind. I think the problems really stand out the more we try to mix the two identities together.

Success last year surprised everyone. Our defensive prowess and length was the reason for it.

Suggesting limiting Rudy's time on the court just may be the worst take I can think one could make.

The problem with this team is freaking Julius randle thinking he has to get his buckets. Dude watches stat lines all game...if he is at 6 points midway into the 2nd quarter he knows he isn't on pace with his 20 whatever points, and will press the issue instead of letting the game come to him/playing smart bb. Lazy, lazy, lazy defender.

We would be playing better bb if the guy was injured.

Guy doesn't box out/horrible rebounder.

Plays as if he's 6'3"

[younggunsmn]

This probably fits better here:

It feels like we are stuck in the middle between two identities. We are trying to infuse more offense, while at the same time trying to hold onto that defensive identity that helped bring us to the Western Conference Finals. I'm honestly not sure we can do both, I think before long we will have to choose one or the other.

It's especially interesting because the two young cornerstones Edwards and McDaniels can lean either way.

But largely, the rest of the team is divided between the two identities.
Defense, Halfcourt: Gobert, Conley, Alexander-Walker, Ingles, Dozier
Offense, Tempo: Randle, Reid, Dillingham, DiVincenzo, Miller, Shannon, Garza

Honestly, I'm kind of at the point where I would not oppose dropping Gobert's minutes to only play with Conley. In the other minutes, just fly around and push tempo with the young guys! I doubt it happens, but I wouldn't mind. I think the problems really stand out the more we try to mix the two identities together.

Success last year surprised everyone. Our defensive prowess and length was the reason for it.

Suggesting limiting Rudy's time on the court just may be the worst take I can think one could make.

The problem with this team is freaking Julius randle thinking he has to get his buckets. Dude watches stat lines all game...if he is at 6 points midway into the 2nd quarter he knows he isn't on pace with his 20 whatever points, and will press the issue instead of letting the game come to him/playing smart bb. Lazy, lazy, lazy defender.

We would be playing better bb if the guy was injured.

Guy doesn't box out/horrible rebounder.

Plays as if he's 6'3"

Rudy Gobert has basically refused to come off of his man to play help defense in the paint all season long, and when he does he still does not effect the shot 8 times out of 10.
He spent the whole Toronto game not a single arm length away from Poeltl because for all his accolades he still can't figure out how to play both the ballhandler and the pass with like a 10 foot wingspan.
When your entire scheme is centered around one guy altering shots and protecting the rim, and that guy is not doing his job, you might as well call it a season.

Julius Randle sucks. I get it. But so does Rudy this year, and when he's on the court our two best offensive players, whose primary strengths are attacking the basket, are facing a clogged paint 100% of the time.

Your 30+ minute guys HAVE to be 2 way players to win in this league. That's just the way it is.
You can live with one guy who isnt super skilled offensively as long as he's efficient (and aware of his limitations).
Maybe one of those guys on the court at any time.
You CAN"T live with someone who is a sieve defensively.

We finally got KAT to the point where he was acceptable defensively, after years of trying.
First when we changed to a high wall scheme, and again when we put him at the 4 next to a rim protecting big.

All that work to make our plus plus offensive guy a neutral defender, and then TC just had to go blow it up and start over trying to pet project a VASTLY worse defender.

[younggunsmn]

Just a slightly outside the box thought, we could trade Randle or make him fake an injury, slide Jaden to PF, and start DDV at the 3.
It might not work against some teams, but Jaden is worlds better as a help defender in the paint than Julius, and the paint is where we have been getting killed all season.

[younggunsmn]

The identity of this team right now:

https://www.reddit.com/r/timberwolves/comments/1fzfy5k/rudy_naz_and_jaden_on_a_weed_run/