ImageImageImage

Game 35: Minnesota Timberwolves (13-21) @ Cleveland Cavaliers (10-25) - 7:30 PM ET

Moderators: Domejandro, Worm Guts, Calinks

MN7725
Veteran
Posts: 2,648
And1: 1,060
Joined: Jun 19, 2017

Re: Game 35: Minnesota Timberwolves (13-21) @ Cleveland Cavaliers (10-25) - 7:30 PM ET 

Post#61 » by MN7725 » Mon Jan 6, 2020 2:47 am

Calinks wrote:Holy cow that Dante Exum run was insane! 30-4 run! Wow!


I've always liked him, just derailed by injuries and skills haven't caught up to his speed, physical tools

Don't think he will ever be a "PG", but could be an interesting guy to slot in and defend PGs if team has enough creators at other positions
Calinks
Forum Mod - Timberwolves
Forum Mod - Timberwolves
Posts: 48,324
And1: 14,132
Joined: Mar 29, 2006
   

Re: Game 35: Minnesota Timberwolves (13-21) @ Cleveland Cavaliers (10-25) - 7:30 PM ET 

Post#62 » by Calinks » Mon Jan 6, 2020 2:49 am

We had a huge lapse but man did the defense respond BIG. Gorgui has been absolutely locking it down on defense and hitting huge shots. Pretty much been our star tonight. Napier has been excellent as well. Cov been looking like Cov. Culver has also stepped up his defensive intensity too. Team is looking like the team that started the season again.
When luck shuts the door skill comes in through the window.
Calinks
Forum Mod - Timberwolves
Forum Mod - Timberwolves
Posts: 48,324
And1: 14,132
Joined: Mar 29, 2006
   

Re: Game 35: Minnesota Timberwolves (13-21) @ Cleveland Cavaliers (10-25) - 7:30 PM ET 

Post#63 » by Calinks » Mon Jan 6, 2020 2:50 am

Crazy-Canuck wrote:Teague is the only guy on this team I can see being traded. Every other player looks productive.

10 days ago you probably would have shot yourself in the face if you heard yourself say that. :lol:

They have stepped it up big though.
When luck shuts the door skill comes in through the window.
Calinks
Forum Mod - Timberwolves
Forum Mod - Timberwolves
Posts: 48,324
And1: 14,132
Joined: Mar 29, 2006
   

Re: Game 35: Minnesota Timberwolves (13-21) @ Cleveland Cavaliers (10-25) - 7:30 PM ET 

Post#64 » by Calinks » Mon Jan 6, 2020 2:52 am

Culvers stock these last few games

Image
When luck shuts the door skill comes in through the window.
MN7725
Veteran
Posts: 2,648
And1: 1,060
Joined: Jun 19, 2017

Re: Game 35: Minnesota Timberwolves (13-21) @ Cleveland Cavaliers (10-25) - 7:30 PM ET 

Post#65 » by MN7725 » Mon Jan 6, 2020 2:56 am

Calinks wrote:We had a huge lapse but man did the defense respond BIG. Gorgui has been absolutely locking it down on defense and hitting huge shots. Pretty much been our star tonight. Napier has been excellent as well. Cov been looking like Cov. Culver has also stepped up his defensive intensity too. Team is looking like the team that started the season again.


I think Dieng has done a better job walling up

Jim Pete has pointed out before how Dieng use to "escort" guys to rim to chase blocks, but he didn't have the mobility or quick-jumping ability for that to be effective

Sometimes keeping it simple and just being a giant person in the right place is enough to alter shots, and leads to blocks
Jedzz
RealGM
Posts: 12,322
And1: 2,506
Joined: Oct 05, 2018

Re: Game 35: Minnesota Timberwolves (13-21) @ Cleveland Cavaliers (10-25) - 7:30 PM ET 

Post#66 » by Jedzz » Mon Jan 6, 2020 2:58 am

They have to do something about Okogie playing so poorly. Somehow they have to help his confidence and get him back to basics somehow. Should be a Gleague trip. What is holding them back from doing so? Are they hoping to trade him or something?
Jedzz
RealGM
Posts: 12,322
And1: 2,506
Joined: Oct 05, 2018

Re: Game 35: Minnesota Timberwolves (13-21) @ Cleveland Cavaliers (10-25) - 7:30 PM ET 

Post#67 » by Jedzz » Mon Jan 6, 2020 3:00 am

MN7725 wrote:
Calinks wrote:We had a huge lapse but man did the defense respond BIG. Gorgui has been absolutely locking it down on defense and hitting huge shots. Pretty much been our star tonight. Napier has been excellent as well. Cov been looking like Cov. Culver has also stepped up his defensive intensity too. Team is looking like the team that started the season again.


I think Dieng has done a better job walling up

Jim Pete has pointed out before how Dieng use to "escort" guys to rim to chase blocks, but he didn't have the mobility or quick-jumping ability for that to be effective

Sometimes keeping it simple and just being a giant person in the right place is enough to alter shots, and leads to blocks


Dieng always used to be late to walling up. When he would take charges, he was always a split second late and wouldn't get the call. Heis just overall playing with more game IQ I think, reacting quicker or something maybe.
Calinks
Forum Mod - Timberwolves
Forum Mod - Timberwolves
Posts: 48,324
And1: 14,132
Joined: Mar 29, 2006
   

Re: Game 35: Minnesota Timberwolves (13-21) @ Cleveland Cavaliers (10-25) - 7:30 PM ET 

Post#68 » by Calinks » Mon Jan 6, 2020 3:00 am

Jedzz wrote:They have to do something about Okogie playing so poorly. Somehow they have to help his confidence and get him back to basics somehow. Should be a Gleague trip. What is holding them back from doing so? Are they hoping to trade him or something?

I wouldn't mind sending him down. Making him be a go ot guy down there. It did wonders for Shabazz. That said he may be able to eventually work his way out of it in the NBA but G-league he is guaranteed lots of PT.
When luck shuts the door skill comes in through the window.
Calinks
Forum Mod - Timberwolves
Forum Mod - Timberwolves
Posts: 48,324
And1: 14,132
Joined: Mar 29, 2006
   

Re: Game 35: Minnesota Timberwolves (13-21) @ Cleveland Cavaliers (10-25) - 7:30 PM ET 

Post#69 » by Calinks » Mon Jan 6, 2020 3:01 am

My God! Gorgui's stat line! 22 pts/80 percent shooting/4/5 from beyond the arc with 13 boards and 6 dimes. Jesus.
When luck shuts the door skill comes in through the window.
MN7725
Veteran
Posts: 2,648
And1: 1,060
Joined: Jun 19, 2017

Re: Game 35: Minnesota Timberwolves (13-21) @ Cleveland Cavaliers (10-25) - 7:30 PM ET 

Post#70 » by MN7725 » Mon Jan 6, 2020 3:05 am

Jedzz wrote:
MN7725 wrote:
Calinks wrote:We had a huge lapse but man did the defense respond BIG. Gorgui has been absolutely locking it down on defense and hitting huge shots. Pretty much been our star tonight. Napier has been excellent as well. Cov been looking like Cov. Culver has also stepped up his defensive intensity too. Team is looking like the team that started the season again.


I think Dieng has done a better job walling up

Jim Pete has pointed out before how Dieng use to "escort" guys to rim to chase blocks, but he didn't have the mobility or quick-jumping ability for that to be effective

Sometimes keeping it simple and just being a giant person in the right place is enough to alter shots, and leads to blocks


Dieng always used to be late to walling up. When he would take charges, he was always a split second late and wouldn't get the call. Heis just overall playing with more game IQ I think, reacting quicker or something maybe.


100%
He just always has seemed a bit too deliberate, like thinking too hard instead of playing instinctively

Might just be guy that needs to be a starter, mentally
gives him a confidence or ego boost or a mental preparation that doesn't happen off bench, and that split second "delay" goes away
shrink
RealGM
Posts: 54,616
And1: 13,976
Joined: Sep 26, 2005

Re: Game 35: Minnesota Timberwolves (13-21) @ Cleveland Cavaliers (10-25) - 7:30 PM ET 

Post#71 » by shrink » Mon Jan 6, 2020 3:15 am

Calinks wrote:My God! Gorgui's stat line! 22 pts/80 percent shooting/4/5 from beyond the arc with 13 boards and 6 dimes. Jesus.

Karl Anthony who?
cupcakesnake wrote:I know a lot of people haven't seen him play, but no one is forcing you to make up an opinion and post it.
Crazy-Canuck
RealGM
Posts: 26,119
And1: 6,292
Joined: Nov 24, 2003

Re: Game 35: Minnesota Timberwolves (13-21) @ Cleveland Cavaliers (10-25) - 7:30 PM ET 

Post#72 » by Crazy-Canuck » Mon Jan 6, 2020 3:22 am

Calinks wrote:
Jedzz wrote:They have to do something about Okogie playing so poorly. Somehow they have to help his confidence and get him back to basics somehow. Should be a Gleague trip. What is holding them back from doing so? Are they hoping to trade him or something?

I wouldn't mind sending him down. Making him be a go ot guy down there. It did wonders for Shabazz. That said he may be able to eventually work his way out of it in the NBA but G-league he is guaranteed lots of PT.


Going down to the gleague won't help him. I don't want him to go down there to try and be a first option because he simply diesnt have the skillset nor feel for that.

He needs to work on his spot up shooting and pattern his game after graham (style wise).

His defense us still useful for stretches, but he shouldn't be someone you count on to play 20+ minutes unless everyone is hurt.
shrink
RealGM
Posts: 54,616
And1: 13,976
Joined: Sep 26, 2005

Re: Game 35: Minnesota Timberwolves (13-21) @ Cleveland Cavaliers (10-25) - 7:30 PM ET 

Post#73 » by shrink » Mon Jan 6, 2020 3:30 am

Crazy-Canuck wrote:
Calinks wrote:
Jedzz wrote:They have to do something about Okogie playing so poorly. Somehow they have to help his confidence and get him back to basics somehow. Should be a Gleague trip. What is holding them back from doing so? Are they hoping to trade him or something?

I wouldn't mind sending him down. Making him be a go ot guy down there. It did wonders for Shabazz. That said he may be able to eventually work his way out of it in the NBA but G-league he is guaranteed lots of PT.


Going down to the gleague won't help him. I don't want him to go down there to try and be a first option because he simply diesnt have the skillset nor feel for that.

He needs to work on his spot up shooting and pattern his game after graham (style wise).

Right. I would say to pattern it after RoCo, but that’s the right idea.

In the past, we have seen games where he made a significant difference on defense, but if he is no threat at all to score, then it will be very har to find him minutes on this roster. I think every practice, he needs to take 1000 catch-and-shoot three pointers. Forget ball-handling, forget drives to the hoop, just become a decent three point shooter that spreads the floor.
cupcakesnake wrote:I know a lot of people haven't seen him play, but no one is forcing you to make up an opinion and post it.
Calinks
Forum Mod - Timberwolves
Forum Mod - Timberwolves
Posts: 48,324
And1: 14,132
Joined: Mar 29, 2006
   

Re: Game 35: Minnesota Timberwolves (13-21) @ Cleveland Cavaliers (10-25) - 7:30 PM ET 

Post#74 » by Calinks » Mon Jan 6, 2020 3:39 am

He has a ways to go but I really like Kelon Martin. I think he has potential to be a little bit more dynamic version of Fred Hoiberg. If he can become a reliable shooter, he could be a really great role guy.
When luck shuts the door skill comes in through the window.
KGdaBom
RealGM
Posts: 18,834
And1: 4,654
Joined: Jun 22, 2017
         

Re: Game 35: Minnesota Timberwolves (13-21) @ Cleveland Cavaliers (10-25) - 7:30 PM ET 

Post#75 » by KGdaBom » Mon Jan 6, 2020 3:50 am

Wolves on a winning streak. I had forgotten what that was. .5 games out of a playoff spot.
User avatar
PharmD
Head Coach
Posts: 6,953
And1: 5,536
Joined: Aug 21, 2015
 

Re: Game 35: Minnesota Timberwolves (13-21) @ Cleveland Cavaliers (10-25) - 7:30 PM ET 

Post#76 » by PharmD » Mon Jan 6, 2020 4:32 am

Calinks wrote:My God! Gorgui's stat line! 22 pts/80 percent shooting/4/5 from beyond the arc with 13 boards and 6 dimes. Jesus.

4 blocks
minimus
RealGM
Posts: 11,423
And1: 3,678
Joined: Jan 28, 2011
Location: Germany, Stuttgart area
 

Re: Game 35: Minnesota Timberwolves (13-21) @ Cleveland Cavaliers (10-25) - 7:30 PM ET 

Post#77 » by minimus » Mon Jan 6, 2020 7:14 am

Crazy-Canuck wrote:
Calinks wrote:
Jedzz wrote:They have to do something about Okogie playing so poorly. Somehow they have to help his confidence and get him back to basics somehow. Should be a Gleague trip. What is holding them back from doing so? Are they hoping to trade him or something?

I wouldn't mind sending him down. Making him be a go ot guy down there. It did wonders for Shabazz. That said he may be able to eventually work his way out of it in the NBA but G-league he is guaranteed lots of PT.


Going down to the gleague won't help him. I don't want him to go down there to try and be a first option because he simply diesnt have the skillset nor feel for that.

He needs to work on his spot up shooting and pattern his game after graham (style wise).

His defense us still useful for stretches, but he shouldn't be someone you count on to play 20+ minutes unless everyone is hurt.


I have same feeling. Josh is limited player in offense and defense when he tries to use only his pure energy and athletic skills. To take next step he needs to learn the nuances of team offense and defense. In this case he can impact the game on multiple levels. For instance, sometimes he fails to defend when he is bodying his opponent and chooses wrong angle. Then he tries to make up this with effort and allows an easy basket, because on this side of offense there is no help defense.

In my opinion he needs more reps within organized offense, where he is last option in offense, which is not the case with our PG situation, but once it is stabilized Josh will play much better. I also assume that our coaching staff is providing our young players with assistance, because KBD, Okogie, Reid, Nowell and Culver have a lot to learn.
CP1981
Veteran
Posts: 2,654
And1: 624
Joined: Jan 26, 2018

Re: Game 35: Minnesota Timberwolves (13-21) @ Cleveland Cavaliers (10-25) - 7:30 PM ET 

Post#78 » by CP1981 » Mon Jan 6, 2020 12:50 pm

Josh struggles are due to his lack of jumper and handles. That's not a offensive system issue or pg issue

He's a straight line dribbler. Anytime a defender forces him to do anything else he pretty much turns it over or forces up a bad shot. It happens every game. He doesn't have any shake with his handles so once his straight line drive is cut off he picks up his dribble and is forced to pass it or make a tough shot at the rim.

Like a few have already mentioned, he has to work on his catch and shoot game. He got plenty of open looks last night but could not convert

Maybe a few games in the g league could help but it seems like most of his issues are things that have to be done over the summer . A bunch of jumpers and to work on that handle

As of now he just needs to slow down offensively, stop with the wild drives, and more cutting .
User avatar
packforfreedom
Analyst
Posts: 3,275
And1: 4,020
Joined: Nov 06, 2012
 

Re: Game 35: Minnesota Timberwolves (13-21) @ Cleveland Cavaliers (10-25) - 7:30 PM ET 

Post#79 » by packforfreedom » Mon Jan 6, 2020 12:59 pm

As much as it would make sense to trade G asap because of his contract, I kind of hope, we keep him, give him another contract or two and let him finish his career with us.
shrink
RealGM
Posts: 54,616
And1: 13,976
Joined: Sep 26, 2005

Re: Game 35: Minnesota Timberwolves (13-21) @ Cleveland Cavaliers (10-25) - 7:30 PM ET 

Post#80 » by shrink » Mon Jan 6, 2020 1:57 pm

packforfreedom wrote:As much as it would make sense to trade G asap because of his contract, I kind of hope, we keep him, give him another contract or two and let him finish his career with us.

He is about to get his 3000th rebound as a Wolf, and will pass Sam Mitchell this month for fourth in Wolves history.

He is 7th in steals and 3rd in blocks all time.
cupcakesnake wrote:I know a lot of people haven't seen him play, but no one is forcing you to make up an opinion and post it.

Return to Minnesota Timberwolves