Identity crisis?

[shrink]

Read on Twitter

I told ya! McDaniels as low man is another possibility to get the best from our defensive versatility. I am not telling that Jaden should be full time PF, but I am sure that Finch can use him against some opponents to create favourable matchups. This dynamic can be important to determine our long term vision of PF position. IMO, MIN might take another step forward by making Reid/McDaniels our PFs. It might require additional adjustments tho, like adding a full sized wing in rotation who can play SF/PF behind McDaniels. Hopefully it is Minott.

A couple years ago I read an article about the top defenders in the league, and they mentioned McDaniels was the only non-center in the top ten at rim defense. He is not just a good individual defender - he really understands team defense. I imagine Rudy is ecstatic lately when Jaden is out there with him, because his hesitancy about coming out from under the basket to challenge opponents comes from his (correct) concern that Randle won’t rotate in behind him to protect the rim. Jaden is great at that.

That said, I kind of think that the Laker game was an anomaly, because (I assume, I didn’t see it) they probably didn’t really have a big that really needed a great POA defender to stop them. Jaden is long, but he’s not heavy enough to play PF regularly, and even heavy wings like Luka Doncic give him trouble. We need Randle at 250 pounds to continue to get better defensively (at least get to KAT’s level of “average”) to maximize the elite defense Gobert and McDaniels can provide playing their own role to the fullest.

(What’s the deal with Rudy’s jacket?)

[minimus]

Read on Twitter

I told ya! McDaniels as low man is another possibility to get the best from our defensive versatility. I am not telling that Jaden should be full time PF, but I am sure that Finch can use him against some opponents to create favourable matchups. This dynamic can be important to determine our long term vision of PF position. IMO, MIN might take another step forward by making Reid/McDaniels our PFs. It might require additional adjustments tho, like adding a full sized wing in rotation who can play SF/PF behind McDaniels. Hopefully it is Minott.

A couple years ago I read an article about the top defenders in the league, and they mentioned McDaniels was the only non-center in the top ten at rim defense. He is not just a good individual defender - he really understands team defense. I imagine Rudy is ecstatic lately when Jaden is out there with him, because his hesitancy about coming out from under the basket to challenge opponents comes from his (correct) concern that Randle won’t rotate in behind him to protect the rim. Jaden is great at that.

That said, I kind of think that the Laker game was an anomaly, because (I assume, I didn’t see it) they probably didn’t really have a big that really needed a great POA defender to stop them. Jaden is long, but he’s not heavy enough to play PF regularly, and even heavy wings like Luka Doncic give him trouble. We need Randle at 250 pounds to continue to get better defensively (at least get to KAT’s level of “average”) to maximize the elite defense Gobert and McDaniels can provide playing their own role to the fullest.

(What’s the deal with Rudy’s jacket?)

Let me paraphrase it. I hope Finch and Co can implement a defensive scheme where McDaniels is not exclusively a PoA defender, but also a roamer, gap help defender, or low man, or someone who guards stretch fours in space. I think that while our Rudy based defense was the best in NBA last season it still lacks versatility that elite teams have. They need to able to switch tactics based on matchups, but even a shy attempt of using zone defense at the start of the season failed miserably. At some degree it was because of Randle and Edwards lack of effort and awareness, but also because Rudy is kind of elite but one dimensional defender. However, I truly believe that in defense Finch could be more creative with McDaniels, NAW and DDV. Also Josh Minott silently screams for more opportunities as high effort, athletic comboforward.

[Guest84]

Who does everyone see as being the better fit/more impactful player going forward between NAW and DDV?

Does TSJ have a chance to be better/more impactful than either of them?

Also, I think Finch really needs to put an emphasis on getting Jaden involved (offensively) or demand that he be more aggressive regardless of who the "primary" players are. Not to harp on it but this Kat trade really did hinder a lot of the stuff I think Finch was going to try and implement offensively.

I think a lot of us and maybe even Jaden was expecting to have more of an increased role in the offense. However, with Julius being so ball-dominant and paired with Ant, it kind of killed the Jaden/Rudy PnR ideas, etc.

[winforlose]

Who does everyone see as being the better fit/more impactful player going forward between NAW and DDV?

Does TSJ have a chance to be better/more impactful than either of them?

Also, I think Finch really needs to put an emphasis on getting Jaden involved (offensively) or demand that he be more aggressive regardless of who the "primary" players are. Not to harp on it but this Kat trade really did hinder a lot of the stuff I think Finch was going to try and implement offensively.

I think a lot of us and maybe even Jaden was expecting to have more of an increased role in the offense. However, with Julius being so ball-dominant and paired with Ant, it kind of killed the Jaden/Rudy PnR ideas, etc.

TSJ hasn’t proven his 3 yet. Until he does he is lowest on that list. As for overall floor/ceiling, we haven’t seen TSJ play real defensive minutes yet. Until we do, it is very hard to say if he has more potential than NAW or DDV.

Jaden has it in him to be a 20 PPG player. He is however (and I don’t mean this in a derogatory way,) a headcase. When he feels good about his game he is a force on both ends (see last seasons playoffs.) When he feels bad about any part of his game, his offense goes to ****, he commits more fouls, gets in fights, ect… Jaden needs a coach like a fish needs water. Is that coach Finch? Personally, I think Jaden’s lack of consistency is an indictment of Finch. I agree that Finch probably would give Jaden more opportunities if he could, but Finch doesn’t have much of an offensive scheme, so it is hard to showcase anyone. Randle playing less means everyone else plays better, if that answers your statement/question.

[minimus]

Read on Twitter

Once DDV catches rhythm I expect our offense to be mainly based on three components:

- Edwards new found pull up threes game
- Edwards/Randle drives + kickout passes
- catch and shoot threes from NAW, Reid, DDV

[Guest84]

Ship is sinking...they discuss Finch's post game comments as well.

Watch on YouTube

[TimberKat]

Maybe it's time to think about Ant is great individually but does not make others play better. Worse yet, others has to sacrifice their game to play with him.

Why is Naz so bad this year? The whole thing about trading Towns was Naz is supposed to be 80% of Towns.

We can complain Gobert sucked but we sucked worse when he sits.

What if we fire Finch now. Can we still make the play-in? Maybe wait until we are completely out of contention or end of season than fire Finch? Which bright coaching candidate with the right mind would take this hot mess? Chauncey?

Yes, we are in crisis alright.

[TheZachAttack]

This is slightly off topic but we don't have a general thread. One other thing that I think needs to change is the rotation patterns. I don't want Ant playing 12 minutes. I'd rather have him play higher energy shorter stretches.

[Loaf_of_bread]

Ant openly stating we have an identity problem on offense.. him and Randle just getting shots.. Finch has lost the locker room.

Ant says too much post-game, and it's becoming a problem. Finch made a mistake earlier by supporting Ant airing dirty laundry.

Maybe it's just me, but Finch is beginning to look tired/unsure of himself/anxious during interviews now.

[winforlose]

Ant openly stating we have an identity problem on offense.. him and Randle just getting shots.. Finch has lost the locker room.

Ant says too much post-game, and it's becoming a problem. Finch made a mistake earlier by supporting Ant airing dirty laundry.

Maybe it's just me, but Finch is beginning to look tired/unsure of himself/anxious during interviews now.

Finch needed to bench Ant when hero ball became blatant. He has allowed so much and refused to hold Ant accountable. This is the logical conclusion. Same with ISO ball Randle. Finch is a players coach, but he has lost the locker room, and now it is time to move on.

[TheZachAttack]

One other question I'd ask is why does is Cleveland's offense so dynamic and ours is not? Mitchell and Ant play similar stylistically. They play two bigs who can't really shoot. They should study Cleveland's offense. I know some of the answer is a second ball-handler that can score from the perimeter and in the middle of the floor. Ball-handlers off the bench that play like Conley did last year. More consistent shooting from more role players. And a lot more trust and willingness to move without the ball. But still.

[Klomp]

Maybe it's just me, but Finch is beginning to look tired/unsure of himself/anxious during interviews now.

To this point, Dane mentioned in today's podcast that Finch been more reserved about certain topics than he used to be. I don't remember specifics, but it definitely gave vibes of what you are talking about here.

[Klomp]

One other question I'd ask is why does is Cleveland's offense so dynamic and ours is not? Mitchell and Ant play similar stylistically. They play two bigs who can't really shoot. They should study Cleveland's offense. I know some of the answer is a second ball-handler that can score from the perimeter and in the middle of the floor. Ball-handlers off the bench that play like Conley did last year. More consistent shooting from more role players. And a lot more trust and willingness to move without the ball. But still.

One answer that I know people don't want to admit, but the players in Cleveland have had more than just 25 games worth of time playing together. It's really no different than how much better we looked from two years ago to last year. Guys got used to playing with each other.

[TimberKat]

One other question I'd ask is why does is Cleveland's offense so dynamic and ours is not? Mitchell and Ant play similar stylistically. They play two bigs who can't really shoot. They should study Cleveland's offense. I know some of the answer is a second ball-handler that can score from the perimeter and in the middle of the floor. Ball-handlers off the bench that play like Conley did last year. More consistent shooting from more role players. And a lot more trust and willingness to move without the ball. But still.

Cavs offense was very sluggish last year. Atkinson put a lot more passing and flow into it this year. Allen a little better on the offensive side. Garland is playing great. I don't know the nuance yet, but there is a lot more movement and passing. When players get the ball they have options. Wolves players catch the ball and looks like they are stuck. Mitchell still occasionally dribble the entire clock but not often and he is better than Ant right now. You point is valid and I feel the same way.

[TimberKat]

Ant openly stating we have an identity problem on offense.. him and Randle just getting shots.. Finch has lost the locker room.

No kidding. Although I like to know if he feels him and Randle should get more shots or they don't know what's going on and just shoot. I still can't figure out why Finch put a lineup of no Naz, Ant, and Randle out there 2nd quarter and let it ran so long. I am even OK with the lineup but I can't figure out what they try to run.

[BlacJacMac]

One other question I'd ask is why does is Cleveland's offense so dynamic and ours is not? Mitchell and Ant play similar stylistically. They play two bigs who can't really shoot. They should study Cleveland's offense. I know some of the answer is a second ball-handler that can score from the perimeter and in the middle of the floor. Ball-handlers off the bench that play like Conley did last year. More consistent shooting from more role players. And a lot more trust and willingness to move without the ball. But still.

One answer that I know people don't want to admit, but the players in Cleveland have had more than just 25 games worth of time playing together. It's really no different than how much better we looked from two years ago to last year. Guys got used to playing with each other.

The players have been together, but they do have a new head coach.

[FrenchMinnyFan]

As long as Finch does not make ANT and Randle more accountable, it will be hard to see changes. I was kind of shocked when Finch stated that they did review ANT situation in crutch time and that in 80% of the case, he was making the right decision. This is not serious, ANT is struggling at crutch time much more than he carry the team. To defend him, others players have also a tendency to disappear when it matters. So ANT wear his hero ball costume and it just does not work. Trading Randle will help us a lot. Hope it's happen.

[Dewey]

The NBA has lost its soul … it’s so full of itself.

Billionaire owners, overpaid players, woke, and stats for everything except how to measure the heart and soul. There’s simply a lack of leadership, low BBIQ, and just a bunch of gangster garbage … it’s time to buckle up, play team basketball, and keep it about the game… it’s a privilege and time to start showing it and acting like it.

Get rid of the fully guaranteed contracts. Stop complaining about officials and simply stop giving out more than what you can take. Get some respect. Tired of the arrogant self-deserving attitudes. Every player, employee, owner, management, sponsor, investor should be thanking their lucky star above every single f’ing day they wake up to a sunrise in country that is about opportunity…. And play a game for millions.

Then to top it off… look what we are breeding in the college ranks now days … it’s always been about money but now it’s just 10x more public. Education? Pleeease.

[minimus]

I have following question:

Last two season, when Towns was out with injuries, Finch played Kyle Anderson A LOT. While we had massive spacing issues defense was still elite. But at the same time MIN was not questioned their identity even without Towns it was defense. Was it because of Anderson high IQ, versatility as defender and passer? I feel like the narrative about MIN at the moment is centred about Towns trade, however in my opinion at least in defense and playmaking regard we are severely missing Anderson abilities.

I know Anderson is one of a kind player. But maybe understanding complexity of situation might help us if we think about If we speak about trade candidates. Maybe replacing Randle with Reid AND a backup comboforward who gives 100% effort might be help?

[Klomp]

It's not just Randle. It's Randle PLUS Gobert PLUS McDaniels PLUS Conley. That's a killer, and it's exactly what we saw last year when they tried to play Kyle Anderson with McDaniels and Gobert. I believe much of this year's roster construction was predicated on the internal improvement of one Jaden McDaniels along with the steadying presence of Mike Conley. Edwards is the only starter who is shooting above 36 percent from 3-point range. Heck, Ant and NAW are the only rotation players doing that. This might be the strongest case yet for getting Dillingham minutes.