Constructing the Timberwolves rotation

[KGdaBom]

Does it make sense to acquire an early SRPs, in order to stash them in Europe and bring back later?

For instance, I have been thinking about acquiring #34 or #36 from PHI, drafting guys who might fall out first round: Theo Maledon, Bolmaro, Tyler Bey, or target guys such as Yam Madar, Marko Simonovic

My understanding is that Bey is unlikely to last to the second round and I don't know if those Euro's you mention are any better than the American's available in the second.

[Biff Cooper]

If they get Giannis?

How do they get Giannis?

Sorry I haven't followed rumors very closley the last couple of months.

Giannis will be RFA after next season, TOR will have only Siakam and Powell on guaranteed deals.

Why wouldn't Milwaukee just match whatever deal Toronto offers him?

[Klomp]

How do they get Giannis?

Sorry I haven't followed rumors very closley the last couple of months.

Giannis will be RFA after next season, TOR will have only Siakam and Powell on guaranteed deals.

Why wouldn't Milwaukee just match whatever deal Toronto offers him?

UFA, not RFA

[Biff Cooper]

Does it make sense to acquire an early SRPs, in order to stash them in Europe and bring back later?

For instance, I have been thinking about acquiring #34 or #36 from PHI, drafting guys who might fall out first round: Theo Maledon, Bolmaro, Tyler Bey, or target guys such as Yam Madar, Marko Simonovic

My understanding is that Bey is unlikely to last to the second round and I don't know if those Euro's you mention are any better than the American's available in the second.

I have no idea if there are any high ceiling Euro prospects that this would make sense with. Haven't spent much time thinking about this draft, and with NCAA tourney canceled, was tough to watch the college kids when games mattered. I generally wouldn't think it would be smart to trade #16 straight up for 34 and 36, but I guess if there is no one we really like at 16, it may make sense. Tough to say that we don't like anyone at 16, but we love two guys at 34 and 36 though...

The point would be that we would retain their NBA rights while they stay in the Euorpean leagues for several more years and develop without counting against our salary cap - and when they are ready to move to the NBA, we are not constrained by first round salary slotting.

[KGdaBom]

Does it make sense to acquire an early SRPs, in order to stash them in Europe and bring back later?

For instance, I have been thinking about acquiring #34 or #36 from PHI, drafting guys who might fall out first round: Theo Maledon, Bolmaro, Tyler Bey, or target guys such as Yam Madar, Marko Simonovic

My understanding is that Bey is unlikely to last to the second round and I don't know if those Euro's you mention are any better than the American's available in the second.

I have no idea if there are any high ceiling Euro prospects that this would make sense with. Haven't spent much time thinking about this draft, and with NCAA tourney canceled, was tough to watch the college kids when games mattered. I generally wouldn't think it would be smart to trade #16 straight up for 34 and 36, but I guess if there is no one we really like at 16, it may make sense. Tough to say that we don't like anyone at 16, but we love two guys at 34 and 36 though...

The point would be that we would retain their NBA rights while they stay in the Euorpean leagues for several more years and develop without counting against our salary cap - and when they are ready to move to the NBA, we are not constrained by first round salary slotting.

Good post.

[minimus]

We started this season with 1-3-1 KAT-RoCo-Graham-Wiggins-Teague lineups. Despite Graham struggling as starter (35%FG, 24% from 3PT), Ryan gave him many opportunities to play. He was not an outstanding defender for us either, but he gave all effort, and made winning plays. More importantly, his versatility allowed to use 1-3-1 scheme. We need similar to Graham-RoCo new PF/SF duo.

Based on this observation, from physical tools comparison, I believe that Aaron Gordon is the best fit here as PF. He is an ideal fit: strong, fast, quick, talented, athletic. However, watching him play yesterday I was questioning whether he has right mentality to play as role player. And the question is yes and no. Yes, because I like when he aggressively postups smaller opponents or make timely cuts to the basket, when he kick outs ball from post to open 3pt shooters, when he executes perfect backdoor pass to cutter, I like his chemistry with Vuc, their high-low connection, which might translate easily to KAT-Gordon connection. However, he does not boxout consistently, his rotation in defense are not timely, his effort is not always 100%. Dont get me wrong, I would still trade JJ, #16 + fillers for Gordon in a heartbeat, because he is a top level talent, but in this case Ryan and coaching staff need to work with a lot with Gordon, direct him, help him buy into our system as role player, not a star.

I like the idea where we bring here not the most complete players, not the most talented, but high energy players who can give us 100% effort every game, who know their role. And then develop them, shape their game. Let me explain.

For instance, as PFs:
* - Vanderbilt, very active rebounder, passer, physically gifted player, should be able to switch and defend in space. Necessary improvement: add spotup 3pt shot, add 10-15lbs.
* - Juancho. I like that he despite his physical limitations is very active in offense. Necessary improvement: finishing ability, defense.
* - draft Xavier Tillman, very active rebounder, very good finisher at rim, physically gifted player, strong. add spotup 3pt shot, shed 10-15lbs, improve mobility.

For instance, as SFs:
* - Okogie, our best perimeter defender so far.
* - Layman, excellent cutter, active defender.
* - Culver, promising, versatile defender.
* - draft Vassell who is best 3&D prospect this year.

I lineup with KAT-Vanderbilt-Vassell-Beasley-DLo is far from perfect, but I will be sure that if they give all effort in defense they will be at least average defensive team. While same high energy can make them above average offensive team. In a nutshell we will go from KAT-RoCo-Graham-Wiggins-Teague lineup to KAT-Vanderbilt-Vassell-Beasley-DLo.

KAT-Vanderbilt-Vassell-Beasley-DLo can do well two things: shoot and run. One very important note. Despite having capable rebounders such as Dieng, KAT, Aldrich we lost rebounding battle too many times. Part of the issue was our poorly constructed roster where we lacked players who can defend in space and played players who were bad fit in modern NBA offense. I mean playing Dieng at С in 1-3-1 is more beneficail for him as defender and rebounder, than playing him as second big next to KAT. Gibson was never considered a good rebounder. We also had low motor, low effort guys such as Wiggins and Teague who did not help our team on the glass. Many times I was upset us giving up easy points after multiple offensive rebounds. We were not small on paper, but we played small in reality. Vanderbilt-Vassell should be able to rebound the ball at high rate, chase opponents, preventing easy shots, when our defense is broken. Although Vassell must add at least 10-15lbs in order to be able to hold his ground against NBA wings, his rebounding + steals + blocks are elite.

If we need to fix our defense, I'd start with fixing rebounding issues. Fixing rebounding issues might translate into higher numbers of fastbreak opportunites for us. We had criminally low fastbreak points per game this year, #25 in NBA. Top three teams are TOR, LAC, MIL, MEM, NOP. Another positive fact is that Beasley looks very aggressive, willing rebounder and he looks runs very well in transition. He is night and day comparison with Wiggins who was a weak rebounder and lazy, low energy transition player. DLo is head and shoulders above Teague as transition passer. I remember those days when Ricky was leading fastbreaks, and despite being average finisher himself, he loaded our young players who leaked in transition.

Watch on YouTube

[minimus]

Watch on YouTube

Interesting that both DAL and HOU made each other feel uncomfortable in defense. DAL can play perfect five-out without giving up size while HOU unique system built around Westbrook and Harden allow them to score against anyone.

It was familiar to see KP kind of lost in defense at times, despite having better coaching and better supporting cast than KAT. It will interesting to follow this DAL-MIN comparison as development path of two young and very intriguing teams.

[Klomp]

Would it be nice to be a top defending team? Sure. But in building my team, I'd rather keep building it up with offense, and then once we're a playoff team start tweaking with defense if necessary. I think favoring defense over offense at this point might limit the upside of the roster.

[minimus]

Would it be nice to be a top defending team? Sure. But in building my team, I'd rather keep building it up with offense, and then once we're a playoff team start tweaking with defense if necessary. I think favoring defense over offense at this point might limit the upside of the roster.

I believe that Luka and KAT are generational talents in offense. Building around them means building around offense, it also means that smart organisations will push both Luka and KAT to the limit, maximizing their strengths. Which is an exactly opposite approach to Thibs who threw KAT under the bus, never built a true relationship with Karl and then just brought here his Chicago players to "show the right way".

I think bringing here DLo was a first move to build that offense, but sometimes bringing here defensive minded players does not necessary mean sacrificing talent. Let me explain. We drafted Culver, who is good defender and awful shooter. But it is easy to see that once he fix at least FTs he will have a much bigger impact, because he already plays good defense. Same thing with Vanderbilt, Okogie. Vanderbilt is described as excellent defender in many scouting report, he has quickness and athleticism to guard 1-4 positions. Okogie also improved a lot as finisher at rim, rebounder. Or possible Xavier Tillman addition who I think might be next Dray Green. At some point an elite defense translates in good offense. Young player needs to get to that minimum offense level. It's like when in the mountains, you need to get to the top, you see the sun, and the way back will be completely different.

[minimus]

By the way, another young team that has similar building path is DEN. They are building around defense as well, Jokic and Murray signed huge extension without playing good defense. DEN try to hide/mask/help Jokic and Murray in defense, by bringing defensive minded players such as Millsap, Plumlee, Grant, Harris. In my opinion they lost that opportunity where they could trade a package of Juancho, Beasley, Barton and picks to get a third star. Something that I hope wont happen in MIN if such opportunity arises. DEN always draft well, they are built via draft. Last steal is MPJ. They also built UTA team with Gobert and Mitchell trades. So even a good scouting process might not be enough for long term success. Management, coaching, players development and scouting should be aligned. It is funny how both DEN and MIN kind of burn first years of Jokic and KAT with questionable moves: we gave bad contracts to Dieng, Wiggins, Teague, overpaid Gibson. They gave bad contract to Harris, overpaid Millsap. Just like MIN, after this season DEN must have a starting PF and defensive minded SF.

[Klomp]

Would it be nice to be a top defending team? Sure. But in building my team, I'd rather keep building it up with offense, and then once we're a playoff team start tweaking with defense if necessary. I think favoring defense over offense at this point might limit the upside of the roster.

I believe that Luka and KAT are generational talents in offense. Building around them means building around offense, it also means that smart organisations will push both Luka and KAT to the limit, maximizing their strengths. Which is an exactly opposite approach to Thibs who threw KAT under the bus, never built a true relationship with Karl and then just brought here his Chicago players to "show the right way".

I think bringing here DLo was a first move to build that offense, but sometimes bringing here defensive minded players does not necessary mean sacrificing talent. Let me explain. We drafted Culver, who is good defender and awful shooter. But it is easy to see that once he fix at least FTs he will have a much bigger impact, because he already plays good defense. Same thing with Vanderbilt, Okogie. Vanderbilt is described as excellent defender in many scouting report, he has quickness and athleticism to guard 1-4 positions. Okogie also improved a lot as finisher at rim, rebounder. Or possible Xavier Tillman addition who I think might be next Dray Green. At some point an elite defense translates in good offense. Young player needs to get to that minimum offense level. It's like when in the mountains, you need to get to the top, you see the sun, and the way back will be completely different.

Oh I agree with much of that. It's not an automatic that defense means sacrificing talent. Talent is ultimately what's most important at the end of the day.

I guess what I'm saying is that I'm not concerned whether a player is offensive or defensive. He has to be a talent and positional fit. I don't necessarily view Covington to Beasley/Hernangomez as much of a downgrade, for example. While we lost defense, I think the offense they bring more than makes up for it.

[minimus]

One thing I have been thinking regarding building around identity is Brooklyn Nets situation. I dont see them keeping both LeVert and Harris this offseason. That Prince extension looks now like really a bad decision. Why pay him 29mil/2yrs, when there was no pressure? No one was going to sign him to that deal. He regressed in every category. DeAndre Jordan should be paid no more than 5mil per year. So right now their financial situation is pretty much difficult.

Unrealistic, but my ideal scenario: Harris signs with us for full MLE? 36mil/3yrs? He is a solid defender, good finisher at rim. And of course elite 3pt shooter. He will have starting SF job from day one. He will have his old teammate DLo, coach Prigioni. KAT-???-Harris-Beasley-DLo lineup would be able to play with a non shooter, defensive minded player at PF. Imagine Vanderbilt rebounding, defending, running in transition AND passing next to four elite shooters. Three years ahead for core players to play together.

Realistic, but less attractive scenario: trade JJ, MIN top5 pick for Caris LeVert. Start LeVert at SF, make him designated slasher, drive and kick option. KAT-???-LeVert-Beasley-DLo. This is a very capable unit in offense. Three years ahead for core players to play together.

[Klomp]

Under-the-radar PF option: Bruno Caboclo

Young, long, defense-focused but yet mobile big who has shown glimpses of 3-point shooting

[Jedzz]

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[KGdaBom]

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That was profound. It may have been your most insightful post ever.

[Jedzz]

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That was profound. It may have been your most insightful post ever.

Go to... And stop plus1ing my posts. You are like a dog humping a person's leg. You have never had someone be so honest with you. Might want to listen.

[KGdaBom]

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That was profound. It may have been your most insightful post ever.

Go to... And stop plus1ing my posts. You are like a dog humping a person's leg. You have never had someone be so honest with you. Might want to listen.

Talk about paranoid. Have you ever heard of a sense of humor. Not everyone is out to get you. I plus one your posts when I think they have merit. This was totally meant in fun, notice the smile and the laugh emojis,and you get all nasty about it. I was trying to laugh with you. Instead you took it as me laughing at you. Talk about disgusting vulgar comments. Calling me a dog humping a persons leg. You are one sick puppy and you need help.
No I don't want to listen to you directing obscene comments my way.
Can we have a mod get some control on Jedzz please. he should not be able to make comments like this without consequences. Also his disgusting attacks on Klomp all the time.

[Jedzz]

That was profound. It may have been your most insightful post ever.

Go to... And stop plus1ing my posts. You are like a dog humping a person's leg. You have never had someone be so honest with you. Might want to listen.

Talk about paranoid. Have you ever heard of a sense of humor. Not everyone is out to get you. I plus one your posts when I think they have merit. This was totally meant in fun, notice the smile and the laugh emojis,and you get all nasty about it. I was trying to laugh with you. Instead you took it as me laughing at you. Talk about disgusting vulgar comments. Calling me a dog humping a persons leg. You are one sick puppy and you need help.
No I don't need to listen to you.
Can we have a mod get some control on Jedzz please. he should not be able to make comments like this without consequences. Also his disgusting attacks on Klomp all the time.

No, everyone is not out to get me. Apparently just you. I can even point to a fairly recent post where you told others you were stalking me. I've saved it, printed it and framed it. Joking or not, who knows at this point with you.

Vulgar huh. Yet you as usual are the one posting words like "paranoid", "nasty", disgusting", "sick puppy", "you need help" in this post alone. I don't need the angry PM's either. Add it to the 50 other descriptive terms you had about me this spring, or the other 50 the summer before. So since Thursday or so you've decided again to start Plus1ing all my posts again and was even seen defending my general stance on things with others. I wonder what I did to deserve your praise now and plus1s again all of a sudden. Maybe it was once again another one of your slips out of character. But somehow the last few days you want to be buds that can joke around with? Color me surprised. I think not. I guess it didn't last long this time.

I see no validity of your plus1s at this point. There is no way I deserved all those plus1's from you over the past days when I'm this horrible crazy problem character who posts in such a horrible way as you claim and that you keep reminding me about once every three months. I am sorry you didn't understand the dog humping a person's leg reference. I apologize if you take that worse than what was intended. But it is me asking you for another repeated time to back off whatever it is you think you are doing these past few days.

[KGdaBom]

Go to... And stop plus1ing my posts. You are like a dog humping a person's leg. You have never had someone be so honest with you. Might want to listen.

Talk about paranoid. Have you ever heard of a sense of humor. Not everyone is out to get you. I plus one your posts when I think they have merit. This was totally meant in fun, notice the smile and the laugh emojis,and you get all nasty about it. I was trying to laugh with you. Instead you took it as me laughing at you. Talk about disgusting vulgar comments. Calling me a dog humping a persons leg. You are one sick puppy and you need help.
No I don't need to listen to you.
Can we have a mod get some control on Jedzz please. he should not be able to make comments like this without consequences. Also his disgusting attacks on Klomp all the time.

No, everyone is not out to get me. Apparently just you. I can even point to a fairly recent post where you told others you were stalking me. I've saved it, printed it and framed it. Joking or not, who knows at this point with you.

Vulgar huh. Yet you as usual are the one posting words like "paranoid", "nasty", disgusting", "sick puppy", "you need help" in this post alone. I don't need the angry PM's either. Add it to the 50 other descriptive terms you had about me this spring, or the other 50 the summer before. So since Thursday or so you've decided again to start Plus1ing all my posts again and was even seen defending my general stance on things with others. I wonder what I did to deserve your praise now and plus1s again all of a sudden. Maybe it was once again another one of your slips out of character. But somehow the last few days you want to be buds that can joke around with? Color me surprised. I think not. I guess it didn't last long this time.

I see no validity of your plus1s at this point. There is no way I deserved all those plus1's from you over the past days when I'm this horrible crazy problem character who posts in such a horrible way as you claim and that you keep reminding me about once every three months. I am sorry you didn't understand the dog humping a person's leg reference. I apologize if you take that worse than what was intended. But it is me asking you for another repeated time to back off whatever it is you think you are doing these past few days.

I'm not doing anything. I'm not trying to be buddies. If I give a plus one it's because I see something in the post worthy of it. It might just be that the post amused me like your (.) post. Excuse me for joking with you. I'm not trying to be buddies, but I want to treat you no differently than anybody else. I'm not afraid of you. I do believe you try to intimidate by the nasty way you talk to others. When I said stalking it is that I'm watching what you do and I'm going to call you out on bad behavior and bad logic.

Do you really not see how incredibly rudely you treat the other posters here. You deserved the paranoid, nasty, disgusting and you need help comments. Didn't you? Maybe not as much the sick puppy, but the way you talked to me that too. I make a simple, IMO kind of creative, joke. I included the emojis so you should easily understand that I was joking and you talk like that about me.

Did you really frame the stalking post? If so I am honored.

[KGdaBom]

Talk about paranoid. Have you ever heard of a sense of humor. Not everyone is out to get you. I plus one your posts when I think they have merit. This was totally meant in fun, notice the smile and the laugh emojis,and you get all nasty about it. I was trying to laugh with you. Instead you took it as me laughing at you. Talk about disgusting vulgar comments. Calling me a dog humping a persons leg. You are one sick puppy and you need help.
No I don't need to listen to you.
Can we have a mod get some control on Jedzz please. he should not be able to make comments like this without consequences. Also his disgusting attacks on Klomp all the time.

No, everyone is not out to get me. Apparently just you. I can even point to a fairly recent post where you told others you were stalking me. I've saved it, printed it and framed it. Joking or not, who knows at this point with you.

Vulgar huh. Yet you as usual are the one posting words like "paranoid", "nasty", disgusting", "sick puppy", "you need help" in this post alone. I don't need the angry PM's either. Add it to the 50 other descriptive terms you had about me this spring, or the other 50 the summer before. So since Thursday or so you've decided again to start Plus1ing all my posts again and was even seen defending my general stance on things with others. I wonder what I did to deserve your praise now and plus1s again all of a sudden. Maybe it was once again another one of your slips out of character. But somehow the last few days you want to be buds that can joke around with? Color me surprised. I think not. I guess it didn't last long this time.

I see no validity of your plus1s at this point. There is no way I deserved all those plus1's from you over the past days when I'm this horrible crazy problem character who posts in such a horrible way as you claim and that you keep reminding me about once every three months. I am sorry you didn't understand the dog humping a person's leg reference. I apologize if you take that worse than what was intended. But it is me asking you for another repeated time to back off whatever it is you think you are doing these past few days.

I'm not doing anything. I'm not trying to be buddies. If I give a plus one it's because I see something in the post worthy of it. It might just be that the post amused me like your (.) post. Excuse me for joking with you. I'm not trying to be buddies, but I want to treat you no differently than anybody else. I'm not afraid of you. I do believe you try to intimidate by the nasty way you talk to others. When I said stalking it is that I'm watching what you do and I'm going to call you out on bad behavior and bad logic.

Do you really not see how incredibly rudely you treat the other posters here. You deserved the paranoid, nasty, disgusting and you need help comments. Didn't you? Maybe not as much the sick puppy, but the way you talked to me that too. I make a simple, IMO kind of creative, joke. I included the emojis so you should easily understand that I was joking and you talk like that about me.

Did you really frame the stalking post? If so I am honored.

I was defending your stands because i think they were worthy of defending. I will continue to do so no matter how you treat me. That will last forever. However, I make one pretty good natured joke is all it takes for you to go attack me.