zero24gravity wrote:winforlose wrote:zero24gravity wrote:The TWolves RealGM board is not happy.
KAT + Rudy makes no sense to me, unless they are thinking they are the West's version of Cleveland, with a huge lineup.
Minny fans will quickly learn how amazing Gobert's impact is, but I get why giving up so many picks/assets is hard to swallow.
I am the Wolves fan who has been banging the Rudy drum the loudest. I told everyone that Rudy will defend the paint like no one’s business and our defense will get a lot better for it. But the picks are killers. I would have given 2 unprotected in 23 and 25, but no way is 27 unprotected. The pick swap in 26 shouldn’t matter, but I would have top 8 protected it anyway, and the 29 would never have happened.
Bolmaro needs a lot of work. Kessler is a natural Rudy replacement eventually, but will take you guys time to groom him. Beasley is a nice sharpshooter but does nothing else (and I literally mean nothing.) He is bad at rebounding, passing, dribbling, driving, defending, and defending without fouling. Pat Bev is a ton of fun to have on your team. He will surprise you guys and you will believe in him. V8 is your gem. His hands are bad and he has no jump shot. But he is a rebounding machine, an absolute Energizer Bunny, and a defensive force to be reckoned with.
Thanks for the insight. Funny thing is, if it was only for a couple 1st rounders, I don't see the Jazz biting, and if they did, Jazz fans would likely be the upset fanbase. I like Vanderbilt, and think he brings a lot of what the Jazz needed last year, with his energy & athleticism. He may even end up being the starting center, if the Jazz don't make a big move (I'm hearing Ayton rumors). I also think Bev is one of those players that you love if he's on your team, and hate on any other team. I question if he'll ever suite up for the team, though. Intrigued by Kessler. Possibly a boom-or-bust? Time will tell.
You're going to love Rudy, as long as you appreciate impact that can't always be gauged by simple numbers. He's as impactful as anyone the T-Wolves have had since KG.
Still trying to wrap my head around the KAT + Gobert pairing.
KAT was never a 5. I have been saying this since seeing him as rookie. He has always been a 4. Last year in the offseason he dropped a ton of weight to increase speed. Even with the weight he couldn’t play post defense and avoid foul trouble. Since losing it he cannot play post defense at all against bigs. Rudy will secure the paint and allow KAT to defend in space. He has proven surprisingly good at it. The pairing will keep KAT out of foul trouble and increase our win rate. On offense nobody can guard KAT straight on. The doubles will let Rudy feast in the dunkers spot and with put backs. It will be scary good. Add Ant and Dlo to that mix with guys like McDaniels and Nowell and we will win games.
I still think we overpaid in picks but I see your point. One interesting question will be whether the Wolves move East in the expansion. Playing you guys twice a year vs four times a year is a big difference maker in assessing this trade. I think the whole NBA is in shock right now. You guys have the assets to get anyone you want to replace Rudy.
P.S V8 is not a center. I was often advocating for him to play the SF. His defense is elite but his size is not. He is skinny and a terrible rim protector. Where he shines is using his length to disrupt passing lanes and his speed to stay in front of wings and guards. He is great at switching and a real first or second team all NBA defender. I want him to do well, I just hope he learns to use his hands better.
