Operation Beast: Prospect Thread II

[Dewey]

or Favors did us no favors by dogging his workout...

I might be over thinking this, but if that were the case, I'd think that they'd be going out of their way not to say anything negative about him so that he'll get picked top 3 and someone we like more would drop to us.

I'm not sure why they would make any kind of bold statement like this unless they fear someone under them (GS, Detroit, or even Sac) is working to trade up ahead of us with NJ.

uh oh ... it's on!!

[PeeDee]

Here's my conspiracy theory:

Kahn wants NJ to think that Favors is going to take a long time to develop. He wants them to crave faster production. He wants this so they are inclined to take either Big Al or Love from us in a trade for #3.

I think Kahn looks at Favors (18 years old) and Rubio (same age range) and thinks about how long their careers could be together and how high their ceilings are.

[AQuintus]

I'm not sure why they would make any kind of bold statement like this unless they fear someone under them (GS, Detroit, or even Sac) is working to trade up ahead of us with NJ.

uh oh ... it's on!!

I think it could go hand-in-hand with how much they've talked up Wes Johnson over the last few days. Supposedly Rod Thorn really likes Johnson, so if he's hearing that Favors is out of shape and not ready to contribute and that Johnson is not going to fall past the Wolves, he might be more willing to give us a sweetheart trade or even take Johnson straight up. Again

Edit:
Something else to think about:

RE: Nets, I talked to Avery yesterday. Sounds like he is high on Cousins but a) Thorn making the call and b) decent chance they trade pick

This is from Chris Mannix' twitter.

[The J Rocka]

Twitter:

JerryZgoda: Xavier Henry out, Lance Stephenson, Jordan Crawford, James Anderson, Terrico White in for #Timberwolves guard workout Friday

[Casperkid23]

Twitter:

JerryZgoda: Xavier Henry out, Lance Stephenson, Jordan Crawford, James Anderson, Terrico White in for #Timberwolves guard workout Friday

Henry's beat up according to the Toronto insider Holly MacKenzie - I wouldn't read too much into him pulling out.

I'd be interested to see how Stephenson and White stack up against Anderson.

[The J Rocka]

Twitter:

JerryZgoda #Timberwolves still working on getting Cousins in for workout, sounds like they've pretty much have given up on getting Evan Turner in

[Dewey]

Twitter:

JerryZgoda #Timberwolves still working on getting Cousins in for workout, sounds like they've pretty much have given up on getting Evan Turner in

Turner has nothing to gain by coming to MN and working out ... bugs me, but I can see it. He knows we want him

[AQuintus]

Turner has nothing to gain by coming to MN and working out ... bugs me, but I can see it. He knows we want him

Turner apparently isn't working out for Washington or New Jersey, either. His agent is definitely set on him being drafted by Philly.

[horaceworthy]

Apparently Kahn called Favors out of shape, and said it's unlikely he would help any team next year.

Rambis is the one who called Favors out of shape, Kahn said in the clip "Kurt was very quick to point out he's out of shape", and he didn't say Favors wouldn't help a team next year, he said it was unlikely Favors, at 19 years old, would be able to play "a prominent role".

[younggunsmn]

What's with the wiretap with Indy rumored to be set on Orton at 10? They can't really want him that high? Do they already have a trade down in place?

Couple that with Henry not working out here. Probably just his agent not wanting him competing against other players, knowing he is nearly a lock to be taken somewhere in the lottery. Hopefully he doesn't have a promise to the clippers or Utah.

Combine the theories: maybe we have a trade-up to 10 in place for henry or george.

[Krapinsky]

This is our second time working out Stephenson, right? Is there anyone else we've worked out twice?

[Dewey]

Apparently Kahn called Favors out of shape, and said it's unlikely he would help any team next year.

Rambis is the one who called Favors out of shape, Kahn said in the clip "Kurt was very quick to point out he's out of shape", and he didn't say Favors wouldn't help a team next year, he said it was unlikely Favors, at 19 years old, would be able to play "a prominent role".

Wes need Favors to learn in 2010-11 and help in 2011-12 ...

[Krapinsky]

1 on 1 with James Anderson

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7sxyWd3aRE&feature=youtu.be[/youtube]

[UGA Hayes]

Outside fans opinion but I can't believe you aren't going to take Cousins, especially in favor of Johnson. You got unlucky in the lottery yet the guy who would be a good fit for you is still apparently on the table. Additionally both Love and "Jefferson are going to have high trade value so you can always trade one. Are you guys ok that you will pass up Cousins if he is on the board??

[C.lupus]

Outside fans opinion but I can't believe you aren't going to take Cousins, especially in favor of Johnson. You got unlucky in the lottery yet the guy who would be a good fit for you is still apparently on the table. Additionally both Love and "Jefferson are going to have high trade value so you can always trade one. Are you guys ok that you will pass up Cousins if he is on the board??

We're split about 60-40 with most wanting Cousins.

viewtopic.php?f=22&t=1015933

[Krapinsky]

Does anyone else think Favors' bust potential may be higher than Cousins'?

[AQuintus]

Does anyone else think Favors' bust potential may be higher than Cousins'?

No. Everything I've read about Favors says that he's a hard worker, very coachable, and has a good head on his shoulders. Combine those attributes with his athleticism and defensive instincts and I think that he'll at least be a quality defensive role player.

Cousins, on the other hand, I could see being out of the league after his rookie contract due to his temper and weight issues.

Edit:

Just to make it clear, I don't expect either worst case scenario to happen. I think that they'll both be quality players and I'd be happy with either (though I prefer Favors).

[shangrila]

Does anyone else think Favors' bust potential may be higher than Cousins'?

No. Everything I've read about Favors says that he's a hard worker, very coachable, and has a good head on his shoulders. Combine those attributes with his athleticism and defensive instincts and I think that he'll at least be a quality defensive role player.

Cousins, on the other hand, I could see being out of the league after his rookie contract due to his temper and weight issues.

Agreed. Favors is definitely raw so there'll be a lot of people trying to call him a bust next season but I don't think he's one of the lazy or dumb athletic types that come out every year.

But as for Cousins, I laugh every time someone says he might be ROY next year now and out of the two I could see him being the one that doesn't live up to expectations. Maybe not out of the league extreme, but there's a lot of people expecting a lot from a guy that barely played 20mpg in college.

[CloneZone]

First post here, wondering what Twolves fans think of Iowa State forward Craig Brackins. He is projected in late first to early 2nd round. I think he could have a solid career in the NBA as a "stretch 4" focusing primarily on a mid-range jumper that is pretty consistent. I doubt he would ever be a lead or second banana, but he could be the 4th or 5th player on a championship level team (Odom? Mark Aguirre? Toni Kukoc?).

Last year he would have likely been a mid first round pick, but his stock suffered after a disappointing junior season with ISU. He faced a lot of doubles on a bad team and saw his numbers decline from his sophomore season. He's a solid competitor, quality defender and rebounder, nice turnaround post game and excellent face up mid range jumper. At times he would tend to take three pointers, perhaps he could be a 35%ish 3pt FG shooter in the league. As an Cyclone alumni, I've followed him closely and Craig has been a good character player amongst a lot of internal turmoil with transfers and a lack of success.

He might be a solid candidate at #23, do you guys think that is too high? If so, what would you think about pairing either a) both '10 2nd's or b) one '10 2nd and an '11 2nd for a pick high enough to secure CB (27-32?)?

[collin_k41]

I just don't see how bringing Craig in with the players we have now makes any sense. I loved watching him at ISU(I'm an undergrad there) and think he definitely has a place in the NBA but I wouldn't take him @23 nor would I trade up into the late(late) first round or second round to get him. If he's there @45 or 56 then it's good enough value not to care about how he fits but that's just not going to happen. I wish there was a way, but I can't find any feasible one.

Also, welcome to RealGM!!