Some potential inside information

[shangrila]

Copy straight from Rube Chat, which was copied straight from Canis, which was copied straight from...well, that's it actually.

Twolves do NOT want to trade KLove

The Twolves hopes/prayers/dreams of a quick rise to competitiveness rest on the ability to play Love and Beasley together.

Internal consensus is that has to happen as Beasley at 3, Love at 4. The possibility of making it work with Love at 5 and Beasley at 4 have been rejected (correctly in my opinion – I think it could work against ~50% of the teams in the NBA, but you can’t get to be a title contender with KLove giving up that much length to the current/projected top teams)

Beasley at 3, Love at 4 has 2 significant issues. KLove is not quick enough to guard many 4’s on the perimeter. There is NOT a lot we are going to do about that. Beasley’s issue is 100% concentration. He simply loses his defensive positioning off the ball. He does not always think to get himself to the right spot. Beasley has a nasty habit of turning his head toward the ball and losing sight of his man. But, in most cases, this is correctable, with effort and lots of reps!! We have lost games this year, not intentionally, but because we have allowed KLove and Beasley to try and grow through their defensive issues. (Note that Rambis is far less likely to jerk them from the lineup today, verses at the season’s start)

2 things could help Beasley at 3 and KLove at 4 succeed. 1 is a strong, defensive minded shot blocking 5. Darko continues to show promise – but needs a huge dose of consistency to make that be the permanent solution. Pek is a huge internal disappointment – he is MUCH farther away from filling this roll than anyone had hoped. Would not be surprised if later this year something was done to find another option for a defensive minded Darko back up. (Not meaning Pec is traded – just someone else be given a chance)

The other thing that would help would be excellent defensive help at 2. Here again, there is some internal disappointment. They expected there to be a learning curve for Wes coming out of AAU/Syracuse Zone defense. But that curve is turning out to be steeper and longer than hoped for. He is especially poor at both tracking and closing out the shooters on the 3 point line. It is the basic reason you are seeing far more Brewer (probably x2 as many minutes actual vs original plan).

No one is all that concerned about the PG position. Rubio is considered an excellent help defender (though I still am personally concerned if he will be a strong enough on ball defender to work in this arrangement)

If push comes to shove, the staff all know that an NBA title contender must have an A1 player with the ability to create his own shot at the crunch time. Beasley is the only one projected (and that includes Rubio) to be that A1 player on the current/future Twolves roster. (Barring of course a miracle lottery #1 pick in the near future). KLove is regarding as a perennial All Star rebounding mega star. But if they can’t succeed defensively together, KLove will be moved. Because A1 scorers are the rarest birds in the NBA.

But a trade ain’t happening anytime soon. NO ONE will be happy if it comes to that – it will be done VERY reluctantly.

In the mean time, expect a lot of OJT and a few more losses than normal for KLove and Beasley together. (Losses I will gladly accept with that purpose in mind!!)

http://www.canishoopus.com/2010/12/5/1856092/kahns-greatest-hits#storyjump

The guy's name is Just a Fan and apparently he's legit. Good news for those that love Love, not so good news for those that love Johnson. That was the most surprising to me since I remember Rambis saying something like he was really impressed with Johnson's defence earlier in the season. Not surprised at Pek though, he's definitely been a little disappointing.

Anyway, what say you?

[Piecake]

Kinda odd. I thought Wes has looked pretty good defensively so far, especially on-ball, and has looked a lot better than Brewer. Sure, Brewer closes out. the problem is is that he closes out too much and just flings himself at the guy. Of course, that is Brewer's game, out of control on both ends.

Well, hopefully Webster will help. Apparently he is a good defender (no idea if thats true or not)

As for K-love, He is going to get abused by B Griffin type PFs, there is just no way around that. In that situation, Id just stick him on the center then.

[wolfbourne]

Ditto with the surprise at the knock on Johnson's defense. While not outstanding, i think for a first-year player coming out of a zone-playing team he has been acceptably solid with plenty of potential room to learn. He hasn't managed to embarassingly shut anyone down for a game (not at all what i would expect from him), but he plays solid defense by making players work harder for their lanes/spots and makes shooters have to put up more shots to get their points. He's had some daunting defensive assignments in his short tenure, and i don't think he has been wiped all over the floor from any of them. If anything is dissapointing with Wes, its by far his offense and his handles. The guy seems to have no confidence in him being a second wing scoring threat out on the floor anytime Beasley is around. You just see him pass on high% shot opportunity after shot opportunity, opting for a pass elsewhere. The guy is not allowing himself to make errors, and i think that is one of his biggest downfalls. His offensive capabilities are going to grow super-slowly if he remains as this timid offensive wing.

Pek, yes dissapointing thus far as to what i expected out of the gates from him by 20 games. But i think he really needs to be given the benefit of the doubt in this point in time. He hasn't really clocked up any good amount of minutes thus far (i know he has restricted his minutes himself with foul trouble) and he has had the foot injury, so i don't see him as having had a decent opportunity to learn the NBA game. But with that being said, fouling aside, i really expected to see at least a solid start from him on he offensive side of the court as i would think that that part of his Euro-game would transfer most easily into the NBA. In summary, dissapointing, but way to early to throw that label onto him.

And my 2c on KLove. I have never been a KLove fan, but this season the guy is really winning me over. All the 'issues' i had with him that resided from his play/attitude last season, are really becoming a past memory based on the effort/attitude he has shown in games since the Sacramento win. Not completely sold on him yet, but i am definately seeing him in a different light to what i was last season/first 5 games this season.

[Tha Juice]

The other thing that would help would be excellent defensive help at 2. Here again, there is some internal disappointment. They expected there to be a learning curve for Wes coming out of AAU/Syracuse Zone defense. But that curve is turning out to be steeper and longer than hoped for. He is especially poor at both tracking and closing out the shooters on the 3 point line. It is the basic reason you are seeing far more Brewer (probably x2 as many minutes actual vs original plan).

I'm not saying this guy isn't legit because I have heard a few people say he is, but really? After only 21 games into his NBA career and his defensive learning curve is taking longer then hoped for? Sorry he's coming straight out of college to guard some of the best players in the league like Kobe, Ellis, Manu, Wade. I can't speak for everyone but many of us on here think Wes has defended well so far.

[shangrila]

I wonder if the part they mentioned, closing out, is the only thing they don't like about Johnson's defence. So far he's been solid bodying up players and sticking with them but I haven't been watching his closing out skills. The team does give a big amount of open 3s per game though, so maybe he's a bigger part of that then we thought.

[wilt]

I'm not saying this guy isn't legit because I have heard a few people say he is, but really? After only 21 games into his NBA career and his defensive learning curve is taking longer then hoped for? Sorry he's coming straight out of college to guard some of the best players in the league like Kobe, Ellis, Manu, Wade. I can't speak for everyone but many of us on here think Wes has defended well so far.

there´s a difference between man-defense and team-defense and the article clearly states aspects of team-defense that Johnson struggles in as of now. And looking at the Wolves disastrous defense even with Darko´s shotblocking and ability to defende pick and rolls, that´s reasonable to assume that they´ are on to sth. Let´s face it, watching a game we rarely takes notes of who leaves a guy open (unless its as obvious as with Beasley)

[Calinks]

Defense seems like the hardest thing to find now days in the NBA. Also, it sounds like the wolves need CORTNEY MUTHA EFFIN SIMS!

[Tha Juice]

there´s a difference between man-defense and team-defense and the article clearly states aspects of team-defense that Johnson struggles in as of now. And looking at the Wolves disastrous defense even with Darko´s shotblocking and ability to defende pick and rolls, that´s reasonable to assume that they´ are on to sth. Let´s face it, watching a game we rarely takes notes of who leaves a guy open (unless its as obvious as with Beasley)

I guess I did skim through it a little quick, my mistake. I'll have to keep my eyes pealed next game and watch and see what Wes does. But your right, I don't really watch for it unless its pretty obvious like with Beasley.

[Worm Guts]

If push comes to shove, the staff all know that an NBA title contender must have an A1 player with the ability to create his own shot at the crunch time. Beasley is the only one projected (and that includes Rubio) to be that A1 player on the current/future Twolves roster. (Barring of course a miracle lottery #1 pick in the near future). KLove is regarding as a perennial All Star rebounding mega star. But if they can’t succeed defensively together, KLove will be moved. Because A1 scorers are the rarest birds in the NBA.

My problem with choosing Beasley over Love would be that Love is already a rebounding monster while also scoring at a similar clip as Beasley at a much higher a efficiency. Beasley has the potential to be a legitimate go-to scorer, but he's not there yet.

[mandurugo]

2 things could help Beasley at 3 and KLove at 4 succeed. 1 is a strong, defensive minded shot blocking 5. Darko continues to show promise – but needs a huge dose of consistency to make that be the permanent solution. Pek is a huge internal disappointment – he is MUCH farther away from filling this roll than anyone had hoped. Would not be surprised if later this year something was done to find another option for a defensive minded Darko back up. (Not meaning Pec is traded – just someone else be given a chance)

The other thing that would help would be excellent defensive help at 2. Here again, there is some internal disappointment. They expected there to be a learning curve for Wes coming out of AAU/Syracuse Zone defense. But that curve is turning out to be steeper and longer than hoped for. He is especially poor at both tracking and closing out the shooters on the 3 point line. It is the basic reason you are seeing far more Brewer (probably x2 as many minutes actual vs original plan).

I'm not too sure who the wolves could find that would be a better defensive minded shot blocking 5 then Darko. Isn't that basically how you would describe him?

Defensive help at the 2 is the same thing - between Wes, Corey, and Webster they already have 3 relatively solid defensive players, who are they going to target that is going to be significantly better and available?

I wonder if defensive side of things is something that will prevent Beasley from ever truly transitioning to a 3. He's fine on the offensive side of the ball, at least he has enough of a perimeter game to make the attempt. On defense I think he has the mindset and reactions of a 4/5. That's the position he played when he had his greatest success, but he's never truly played it in the pros.

Doesn't bode well for this experiment I think.

[funkatron101]

If they expected Pek to be a defensive minded shot blocking 5, then they got their scouting wrong. I don't think they are actually saying that, but that's how this story comes across.

We all guessed that he would have trouble adjusting and pick up fouls. I do think we expected him to get more looks, and to essentially be an Al Jefferson lite, with less flashy post moves, but quicker at getting his shot off. He needs to play smarter and not get so frustrated.

[C.lupus]

Defensive backup center, you say? How about Greg Oden?

You want a defensive-minded SG? Andre Iguadala could be had.

Rubio/Flynn (or Ridnour)
Iguadala/Webster
Beasley/Johnson
Love/Tolliver
Darko/Oden

There's a quality defender at 7 of the top 10 positions on that team.



*yes, that's assuming we could get Iggy without giving up one of Beasley, Webster, or Johnson which is questionable.

[the_bruce]

Pek has been a disappointment. I will say he's far more athletic and a much better rebounder especially on the offensive glass than I anticipated. However, He still looks lost 100% of the time on the court.

Not like Ellington lost. Because Ellington thinks he's doing the right thing, but just ends up completely out of control and helpless.

Pek looks like a deer in headlights. I'd think he'd be adjusting faster. They should just play him till he fouls out for the game. That'll take what 20 minutes? Leave Darko nice and rested for the 2nd half?

[eyeteeth]

Pek will be a project. We knew he would be a project. I don't see how this report is accurate w resp to him. I agree that we need to consciously develop him, run plays for him and make his defensive assignments as simple as possible. Otherwise, meh. He's relearning a lifetime of muscle memory and habit. You try that.

Same with Wes: team defense? A rookie 20 games in? Who are we kidding?

Most of this is conventional enough to sound true, but a lot of it doesn't quite make sense. It's either intentional misinformation or malarkey.

[Worm Guts]

Pek will be a project. We knew he would be a project. I don't see how this report is accurate w resp to him. I agree that we need to consciously develop him, run plays for him and make his defensive assignments as simple as possible. Otherwise, meh. He's relearning a lifetime of muscle memory and habit. You try that.

.

I don't think we knew Pek would be project, he's 24 and has been producing at a high level in Europe. We knew there would be an adjustment period, but I didn't think it would be this big.

[Basti]

Pek will be a project. We knew he would be a project. I don't see how this report is accurate w resp to him. I agree that we need to consciously develop him, run plays for him and make his defensive assignments as simple as possible. Otherwise, meh. He's relearning a lifetime of muscle memory and habit. You try that.

.

I don't think we knew Pek would be project, he's 24 and has been producing at a high level in Europe. We knew there would be an adjustment period, but I didn't think it would be this big.

He's played 12 games thus far while suffering an injury that kept him out for weeks. We should judge his performance by the All Star Break and not that soon. Also, it would be nice if we actually ran some plays for him where he could get the ball in a spot where he can to go work. In the rare minutes that I saw him he was mostly used as a big to set a screen. Maybe the plan was to play the pick'n'roll but if your opponent has to guard Sebastian Telfair you go under the screen making the actual play impossible. Even playing with Ridnour Pekovic would hardly get the ball as Ridnour usually jacks up a shot whenever he can.

Just my 0.02$

[NewWolvesOrder]

Pek will be a project. We knew he would be a project. I don't see how this report is accurate w resp to him. I agree that we need to consciously develop him, run plays for him and make his defensive assignments as simple as possible. Otherwise, meh. He's relearning a lifetime of muscle memory and habit. You try that.

.

I don't think we knew Pek would be project, he's 24 and has been producing at a high level in Europe. We knew there would be an adjustment period, but I didn't think it would be this big.

He's played 12 games thus far while suffering an injury that kept him out for weeks. We should judge his performance by the All Star Break and not that soon. Also, it would be nice if we actually ran some plays for him where he could get the ball in a spot where he can to go work. In the rare minutes that I saw him he was mostly used as a big to set a screen. Maybe the plan was to play the pick'n'roll but if your opponent has to guard Sebastian Telfair you go under the screen making the actual play impossible. Even playing with Ridnour Pekovic would hardly get the ball as Ridnour usually jacks up a shot whenever he can.

Just my 0.02$

I don't care about his offense if he can't give us the defense.

[funkatron101]

Also, it would be nice if we actually ran some plays for him where he could get the ball in a spot where he can to go work. In the rare minutes that I saw him he was mostly used as a big to set a screen.

The Cleveland game had me grinning from ear to ear when I actually saw plays set up for him.

I hope we get some moments to see him and Darko out there at the same time, with the offense going through Pek for a few plays.

[Gobble]

My problem with choosing Beasley over Love would be that Love is already a rebounding monster while also scoring at a similar clip as Beasley at a much higher a efficiency. Beasley has the potential to be a legitimate go-to scorer, but he's not there yet.

Love is great. He's going to get a big extension, and the Wolves should give it to him. But it has to be Beasley. You can't have a franchise cornerstone like Love, who is both a liability on defense, and can't score in the halfcourt unless someone else facilitates it for him.

[Krapinsky]

I don't think we knew Pek would be project, he's 24 and has been producing at a high level in Europe. We knew there would be an adjustment period, but I didn't think it would be this big.

He's played 12 games thus far while suffering an injury that kept him out for weeks. We should judge his performance by the All Star Break and not that soon. Also, it would be nice if we actually ran some plays for him where he could get the ball in a spot where he can to go work. In the rare minutes that I saw him he was mostly used as a big to set a screen. Maybe the plan was to play the pick'n'roll but if your opponent has to guard Sebastian Telfair you go under the screen making the actual play impossible. Even playing with Ridnour Pekovic would hardly get the ball as Ridnour usually jacks up a shot whenever he can.

Just my 0.02$

I don't care about his offense if he can't give us the defense.

His offense has to matter to some extent, or you could say the same thing about Beasley and Love.
On defense he's got to have an opportunity to learn. He's still a rookie, albeit a 24 year old one. Every euro goes through the same adjustment period. Some never even learn (Bargnani). You can tell he's learning though even if his improvement thus far looks solely to beon offense -- he's already cutting down the turnovers -- 3 sec and traveling. He's gotten much better at workign for rebounds on defense. His defense will surely improve in due time.