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When Rubio went down, the wolves fell apart. Alot has been discussed about the needing a SG and I completely agree. But, having more than 1 PG (Rubio) that can consistently make other players better would be very valuable in a situation where Rubio is out for a game or two or twenty. Either Ridnour or Barea does a good job as a third guard to fill in as a backup for the 1/2 in a rotation with Rubio. But if Rubio is down, neither of those two can fill in successfully as the starting point guard. Malcolm Lee doesn't appear to be equipped for that role either. I know SG is a more desperate need as the Wolves don't have a starting caliber SG on the roster. But, having a backup true PG can very valuable as was demonstrated over the last twenty games. So drafting a true PG backup who doesn't get a whole lot a court time unless Rubio goes down seems like a relatively cheap insurance policy.

Wolves Offseason Backcourt Shopping List
1 Starting Shooting Guard
2 Upgrade at sixth man/combo guard to replace Ridnour/Barea
3 Backup True Point Guard

The starting PG wasn't a problem when Rubio was out. Ridnour and Barea played very well. Rubio's absence simply magnified the fact that we still havea number of holes on this team.

I agree with Klomp. We were still somewhat competitive with Ridnour running the point, but we lost our starting SG by moving him to the point and had a downgrade in production at the SG position. We didn't stand much of a chance the last 11 games of the season with Ridnour and Rubio out. I wouldn't even put backup PG on our radar for this off-season.

1. We need to acquire an above average NBA wing player
2. We need a backup center to take Darko's place after he's amnestied
3. Based on the other transactions we will need to fill some roster holes

Both Ridnour and Barea are good enough offensively, but I think it´s on defense where this team suffers when Ricky is out. The back up PG should put some defensive intensity as Rubio does and things would be much better.

If Lee´s still not that guy, and we could change Rid or JJ for some value... I think we have a player in Spain that would fit that role (Sergio Llull). Rockets already have Dragic,Lowry and (probably) Llull from Europe next season (IMO the best not-NBA spanish player at this moment) if so, they´d have 3 players with very similar characteristics at the PG.

I´m impressed with Llull´s development this year. I don´t know how much would ask Houston for his rights, but he´s a great defender (best perimeter defender in the spanish NT), very physical, and would bring good energy from the bench (he also can play the SG if needed).

Also speaking about PGs, I think somebdy in this board suggested Satoransky as a potential 2nd round pick. I´m totally for that. He´s got everything to be a great player.

I´d keep an eye on him. He´s for sure worth a 2nd round.

I think the Wolves have too many holes elsewhere to worry about investing in PGs when we have 2-4 of them (depending on how you view Rube and Lee) already. The need for a wing and a backup C is great.

*edit*

the need for wings is so bad, I have a feeling not too many people would argue against getting rid of everyone on the perimeter and bring in a a whole new group

Completely agree. If wolves don´t get a good starting wing for the next season I´ll be deeply disapointed. A decent backup center (or 4/5) is also MUCH needed (I can´t watch Milicic any more, I think I hate him).

The PG would only be a minor move, basically to be safe in case the doctors consider it´s better not to give big minutes to Ricky at the begining of the season. Barea and Rid looked ok and had good numbers... but the truth is that Wolves (almost always) loses with them as PGs and (frequently) wins with Ricky on the court. Ricky is good, but the difference in results is so huge... I can´t understand it without Rid and Barea being at least slightly negative contributors. i think they have market value (not sure about Barea and his contract) so I would try to change one of them.

Yeah, Kahn has much bigger concerns at sg/sf and centre to deal with first. I'm fine with Rid backing up Rubio.

We don't need a backup PG. We need a starting SG. Ridnour/Barea are perfectly fine backups at PG/SG.

Viljanen wrote: Llull from Europe next season (IMO the best not-NBA spanish player at this moment)

Llull?

Llull?


Eeeem...Come on boy. Biased Real Madrid & Llull fanboy.


Really? Llull? LOL WTF!!


Please, oh please. LOL. Llull!! Lol. Mr. Red Bull, lol!!

Backup point guard isn't even on the first 10 pages of the list of this team's biggest needs. If anything we have 1 too many.

maybe kahn will wow everyone and pick a pg in the draft...

lazfa199 wrote:maybe kahn will wow everyone and pick a pg in the draft...

and maybe that joke has gotten old...

Klomp wrote:

lazfa199 wrote:maybe kahn will wow everyone and pick a pg in the draft...

and maybe that joke has gotten old...

Not really a joke considering how pathetic Kahn is in the draft. Even picking Rubio was a mistake considering he ignored a more talented player in Stephen Curry, lucky for him Curry turned out to be injury prone.

lazfa199 wrote:

Klomp wrote:

lazfa199 wrote:maybe kahn will wow everyone and pick a pg in the draft...

and maybe that joke has gotten old...

Not really a joke considering how pathetic Kahn is in the draft. Even picking Rubio was a mistake considering he ignored a more talented player in Stephen Curry, lucky for him Curry turned out to be injury prone.

Curry is not more talented than Rubio.

lazfa199 wrote:

Klomp wrote:

lazfa199 wrote:maybe kahn will wow everyone and pick a pg in the draft...

and maybe that joke has gotten old...

Not really a joke considering how pathetic Kahn is in the draft. Even picking Rubio was a mistake considering he ignored a more talented player in Stephen Curry, lucky for him Curry turned out to be injury prone.

We've discussed this topic for quite some time.

Klomp wrote:The starting PG wasn't a problem when Rubio was out. Ridnour and Barea played very well. Rubio's absence simply magnified the fact that we still havea number of holes on this team.

I'm not opposed to an upgrade at any position, but point guard really isn't the teams biggest weakness. A legit starter at the 2/3 is far more important to me, but it really depends on what you have to give up to do it.

Foye wrote:
Curry is not more talented than Rubio.

Positives Rubio
-good feel for the game in the open court
-good passer
-good defender

Negatives Rubio
-cant shoot
-limited scoring ability
-has problems playing in the half court

Positives Curry
-good passer
-good in the open court and half court
-good scorer
-great shooter

Negatives Curry
-poor defender

Without taking injuries into consideration Curry > Rubio
but since they're both injured anyways its still Curry > Rubio

lazfa199 wrote:

Foye wrote:
Curry is not more talented than Rubio.

Positives Rubio
-good feel for the game in the open court
-great passer
-good defender

Negatives Rubio
-cant shoot
-limited scoring ability
-has problems playing in the half court

Positives Curry
-good passer
-good in the open court and half court
-good scorer
-great shooter

Negatives Curry
-poor defender

Without taking injuries into consideration Curry > Rubio
but since they're both injured anyways its still Curry > Rubio

This is why Rubio is more talented. He's also a two way player unlike Curry.
Shooting and scoring will come with two or three years more experience.

That said we don't know if Rubio will ever be the same again after his torn ACL.

Llul is not a playmaker. He's an undersized combo-guard that was moved to the PG. He literally just carries the ball from one side to the other and then passes it. He is very athletic, a fine defender, his shot isn't bad and has nice fundamentals but he is definitely not a starter in the NBA.

He would be no upgrade over Barea or RIdnour, that's for sure. I'd like Llul for the Twolves with the right contract as a 5th guard to play 10-15 minutes a game and fight to get into the rotation. He brings in energy and a winning mentality.