The Jaylen Nowell Thread

[winforlose]

But the problem is that if his defense is so bad that he is unplayable in important playoff games, you can’t extend him for a big number. The team already has plenty of offense.

Long answer got killed by website. Short answer, Nowell is 23 and can learn to play team defense as well as be covered by scheme. Our bench lacks shooting with JMAC, Anderson, Knight and Naz all being limited. We can and should pay for an offensive minded 6th man who can get an efficient 15-20 PPG for 10 million. Brunson, Mitchell, Beasley and Dlo are all very different players with defensive weaknesses and they all make a lot more than that.

You don’t scheme the other four, better, players to help out the sixth man, especially in the playoffs. In the playoffs, the Wolves played Malik Beasley in all six games, for about 20 minutes a game. He wasn’t great 32% 3P, but better than Nowell (0-for-5 from 3 in 12 minutes, almost no other contribution. Russell compounds Nowell’s lack of defense.

If you’re right, and he gets a lot better at defense in his fourth year in the league, he’s worth a better extension than the Wolves offered. But so far we haven’t seen it, and now that we are trying to succeed in the playoffs, we can’t lock a larger, longterm salary into a guy that hasn’t shown he is playable in the postseason. Hopefully he demonstrates it this year.

You know as well as I do the value of constant rotation minutes. Nowell has never had a real role and 20-30 minutes a night consistently. If you want to develop a 23 year old you need to give him bother those things.

As for defense, look at the huge strides Dlo made last year. Scheme absolutely helps bad defenders get better or at least function more. Nowell needs to learn and better execute the scheme. His individual defense was fine, his team defense was not.

I disagree with your other point as well. If Nowell plays a big role in winning games in the regular season and then gets played off the floor in the post season 8-10 is still a good deal. Rotations always tighten and that doesn’t mean the player isn’t worth their money if they don’t make that final cut. That said, Nowell is 23 and nowhere near his ceiling.

[wolves_89]

One question I have is whether there is a deadline on when the Wolves can offer Nowell an extension? Can the team offer an extension during the season? If so, it might make sense to see what role Jaylen settles into and then increase the extension offer if his play warrants it.

[shrink]

One question I have is whether there is a deadline on when the Wolves can offer Nowell an extension? Can the team offer an extension during the season? If so, it might make sense to see what role Jaylen settles into and then increase the extension offer if his play warrants it.

The extension deadline is the day before the 2023 season starts. Last season, we extended Beverley after the trade deadline, and Taurean Prince June 30, the day before the next season started.

You’re right - Nowell may be in a position where the Wolves want to see what he does this season. Signing now, both sides are gambling. The team would extend if they believe they can sign him for less than what he will become, and is risking longterm guaranteed money and potentially losing Nowell next year. Nowell is gambling that he can avoid getting hurt or a decline in play, and that a better deal will appear from the Wolves (or another team in next summer free agency) because he’s improved enough to warrant it.

[winforlose]

One question I have is whether there is a deadline on when the Wolves can offer Nowell an extension? Can the team offer an extension during the season? If so, it might make sense to see what role Jaylen settles into and then increase the extension offer if his play warrants it.

The extension deadline is the day before the 2023 season starts. Last season, we extended Beverley after the trade deadline, and Taurean Prince June 30, the day before the next season started.

You’re right - Nowell may be in a position where the Wolves want to see what he does this season. Signing now, both sides are gambling. The team would extend if they believe they can sign him for less than what he will become, and is risking longterm guaranteed money and potentially losing Nowell next year. Nowell is gambling that he can avoid getting hurt or a decline in play, and that a better deal will appear from the Wolves (or another team in next summer free agency) because he’s improved enough to warrant it.

Well said. It is a risk for both parties. Also worth noting that we have his bird rights even after the extension window ends. This means we can not extend him, Dlo, or Naz, use the cap space to sign someone, then sign them with bird rights. They might not be RFAs but we can still match any offers they get. Not the best option but an option.

[shrink]

One question I have is whether there is a deadline on when the Wolves can offer Nowell an extension? Can the team offer an extension during the season? If so, it might make sense to see what role Jaylen settles into and then increase the extension offer if his play warrants it.

The extension deadline is the day before the 2023 season starts. Last season, we extended Beverley after the trade deadline, and Taurean Prince June 30, the day before the next season started.

You’re right - Nowell may be in a position where the Wolves want to see what he does this season. Signing now, both sides are gambling. The team would extend if they believe they can sign him for less than what he will become, and is risking longterm guaranteed money and potentially losing Nowell next year. Nowell is gambling that he can avoid getting hurt or a decline in play, and that a better deal will appear from the Wolves (or another team in next summer free agency) because he’s improved enough to warrant it.

Well said. It is a risk for both parties. Also worth noting that we have his bird rights even after the extension window ends. This means we can not extend him, Dlo, or Naz, use the cap space to sign someone, then sign them with bird rights. They might not be RFAs but we can still match any offers they get. Not the best option but an option.

To be clear for others, the Bird rights mean we can match (or exceed) any offer regardless of our salary cap position. But since they are unrestricted free agents, even if we match, they can still choose to go to the other team.

[winforlose]

The extension deadline is the day before the 2023 season starts. Last season, we extended Beverley after the trade deadline, and Taurean Prince June 30, the day before the next season started.

You’re right - Nowell may be in a position where the Wolves want to see what he does this season. Signing now, both sides are gambling. The team would extend if they believe they can sign him for less than what he will become, and is risking longterm guaranteed money and potentially losing Nowell next year. Nowell is gambling that he can avoid getting hurt or a decline in play, and that a better deal will appear from the Wolves (or another team in next summer free agency) because he’s improved enough to warrant it.

Well said. It is a risk for both parties. Also worth noting that we have his bird rights even after the extension window ends. This means we can not extend him, Dlo, or Naz, use the cap space to sign someone, then sign them with bird rights. They might not be RFAs but we can still match any offers they get. Not the best option but an option.

To be clear for others, the Bird rights mean we can match (or exceed) any offer regardless of our salary cap position. But since they are unrestricted free agents, even if we match, they can still choose to go to the other team.

+2. You are 100% correct.

[wolves_89]

One question I have is whether there is a deadline on when the Wolves can offer Nowell an extension? Can the team offer an extension during the season? If so, it might make sense to see what role Jaylen settles into and then increase the extension offer if his play warrants it.

The extension deadline is the day before the 2023 season starts. Last season, we extended Beverley after the trade deadline, and Taurean Prince June 30, the day before the next season started.

You’re right - Nowell may be in a position where the Wolves want to see what he does this season. Signing now, both sides are gambling. The team would extend if they believe they can sign him for less than what he will become, and is risking longterm guaranteed money and potentially losing Nowell next year. Nowell is gambling that he can avoid getting hurt or a decline in play, and that a better deal will appear from the Wolves (or another team in next summer free agency) because he’s improved enough to warrant it.

One other thought on a Nowell extension. If Jaylen extends, I expect that he would be given priority in terms of getting the reserve guard minutes with the team giving him more of a developmental treatment (he won't get pulled as quickly for making mistakes). Without an extension, I could see Nowell having to compete with Rivers/Forbes (basically, the guy who plays best gets the minutes). I think there is some incentive for Nowell to extend this off-season at a bit of a discount in order to solidify his playing time.

[winforlose]

One question I have is whether there is a deadline on when the Wolves can offer Nowell an extension? Can the team offer an extension during the season? If so, it might make sense to see what role Jaylen settles into and then increase the extension offer if his play warrants it.

The extension deadline is the day before the 2023 season starts. Last season, we extended Beverley after the trade deadline, and Taurean Prince June 30, the day before the next season started.

You’re right - Nowell may be in a position where the Wolves want to see what he does this season. Signing now, both sides are gambling. The team would extend if they believe they can sign him for less than what he will become, and is risking longterm guaranteed money and potentially losing Nowell next year. Nowell is gambling that he can avoid getting hurt or a decline in play, and that a better deal will appear from the Wolves (or another team in next summer free agency) because he’s improved enough to warrant it.

One other thought on a Nowell extension. If Jaylen extends, I expect that he would be given priority in terms of getting the reserve guard minutes with the team giving him more of a developmental treatment (he won't get pulled as quickly for making mistakes). Without an extension, I could see Nowell having to compete with Rivers/Forbes (basically, the guy who plays best gets the minutes). I think there is some incentive for Nowell to extend this off-season at a bit of a discount in order to solidify his playing time.

Neither Rivers or Forbes are under contract next year. Neither has a significantly higher cap hit than Nowell, and neither has a recent history of being excellent. This kind of argument usually works with a situation where you pay someone like Beasley so much you don’t then want him out of the rotation. For Nowell his impending UFA status is that leverage. If they don’t play him they lose him for nothing. Now the salary slot isn’t an issue so maybe you ask why do they care? The answer is next year he will play for someone else, and if he blows up it makes the FO and HC look like idiots for not seeing his value and keeping him. Nowell signing a cheap deal could have the effect you described, but it could also negate his leverage and allow Finch to bury him.

[minimus]

https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/the-bball-index/id1253824635?i=1000576639349


I was listening this podcast, the main idea is that to make NBA Finals you need four above average defenders. To win NBA Finals you need five above average defenders.

Right now we have three above average defenders Gobert, Anderson and MCD. We lost Vando, Beverley and Okogie. Three good defenders and we have no designated PoA defender who has proven that he can be main on ball defender playing with drop big like Gobert. However, we have Edwards and Moore who might develop into such defensive players. I honestly believe that Nowell situation with extension would be resolved if he was at least average defender. I read some scouting reports that he looked good in students playing zone, but is nowhere near a solid defender in NBA. Although he tries to play defense. He played well against second units, but he needs to show same level of scoring ability against starters. I don't know what type of contract he is looking for, maybe he thinks he is on the same tier as Poole, Anfernee Simmons, Tyler Herro etc.

[winforlose]

https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/the-bball-index/id1253824635?i=1000576639349


I was listening this podcast, the main idea is that to make NBA Finals you need four above average defenders. To win NBA Finals you need five above average defenders.

Right now we have three above average defenders Gobert, Anderson and MCD. We lost Vando, Beverley and Okogie. Three good defenders and we have no designated PoA defender who has proven that he can be main on ball defender playing with drop big like Gobert. However, we have Edwards and Moore who might develop into such defensive players. I honestly believe that Nowell situation with extension would be resolved if he was at least average defender. I read some scouting reports that he looked good in students playing zone, but is nowhere near a solid defender in NBA. Although he tries to play defense. He played well against second units, but he needs to show same level of scoring ability against starters. I don't know what type of contract he is looking for, maybe he thinks he is on the same tier as Poole, Anfernee Simmons, Tyler Herro etc.

To have that kind of season and get on that track he would need both a serious injury to Ant and to take a huge step forward on offense while improving his defense (is Ant Simons an average defender?) I see a more realistic goal for Nowell as Clarkson or Lou Williams sixth man type.

Also, good defensive schemes can make a bad defense better. We took a big leap last season not just with Bev and V8 but also with Dlo and KAT finding ways to succeed where they could not before. Finch is great at finding ways to make people better. That would definitely help.

[Klomp]

CF: I think Jaylen Nowell, too, can be more of a playmaker for us. Jaylen is a hard-wired scorer. But he is one of those guys that can turn corners off DHOs (dribble hand-offs), pin-downs, or pick-and-roll and be able to get to the heart of the defense and make plays. In his limited minutes (in previous seasons) he wanted to impact scoring and we needed that. But right now one of the things we have been talking to him about is just expanding his game to be more of a playmaker.

My first half-season here, he was playing more as a playmaker for us. He did a lot of primary ball-handling and I thought he did a great job with that. Last year we had so many ball-handlers, so he didn’t do it as much.

https://www.minnpost.com/sports/2022/09/how-will-the-revamped-timberwolves-meld-on-the-court/

[NebWolvesFan]

CF: I think Jaylen Nowell, too, can be more of a playmaker for us. Jaylen is a hard-wired scorer. But he is one of those guys that can turn corners off DHOs (dribble hand-offs), pin-downs, or pick-and-roll and be able to get to the heart of the defense and make plays. In his limited minutes (in previous seasons) he wanted to impact scoring and we needed that. But right now one of the things we have been talking to him about is just expanding his game to be more of a playmaker.

My first half-season here, he was playing more as a playmaker for us. He did a lot of primary ball-handling and I thought he did a great job with that. Last year we had so many ball-handlers, so he didn’t do it as much.

https://www.minnpost.com/sports/2022/09/how-will-the-revamped-timberwolves-meld-on-the-court/

It would not shock me in the least if Russell is this team's starting PG and Nowell settles into his back-up. I know Finch loves Jmac, but Nowell's bench scoring is going to be needed without Beasley. This worries me because both Russell and Nowell could leave after next season and there's little to nothing the Wolves can do to stop them - especially if they feel like the Wolves low-balled/disrespected them this summer.

[Klomp]

CF: I think Jaylen Nowell, too, can be more of a playmaker for us. Jaylen is a hard-wired scorer. But he is one of those guys that can turn corners off DHOs (dribble hand-offs), pin-downs, or pick-and-roll and be able to get to the heart of the defense and make plays. In his limited minutes (in previous seasons) he wanted to impact scoring and we needed that. But right now one of the things we have been talking to him about is just expanding his game to be more of a playmaker.

My first half-season here, he was playing more as a playmaker for us. He did a lot of primary ball-handling and I thought he did a great job with that. Last year we had so many ball-handlers, so he didn’t do it as much.

https://www.minnpost.com/sports/2022/09/how-will-the-revamped-timberwolves-meld-on-the-court/

It would not shock me in the least if Russell is this team's starting PG and Nowell settles into his back-up. I know Finch loves Jmac, but Nowell's bench scoring is going to be needed without Beasley. This worries me because both Russell and Nowell could leave after next season and there's little to nothing the Wolves can do to stop them - especially if they feel like the Wolves low-balled/disrespected them this summer.

MP: To set the nail, J-Mac is not going to get ignored this year.

CF: No, no, he’s the backup point guard.

https://www.minnpost.com/sports/2022/09/setting-new-expectations-timberwolves-look-to-be-serious-contenders-in-the-west-nba/

[minimus]

The problem that I see is that we need to transition from playing mostly two PG lineups Rubio-Russell, Russell-Beverley, Russell-JMac to lineups with one PG. It would not be a problem if Ant has more experience and playmaking skills. So I expect us to kind of "morph" into more traditional one PG lineup, once both Towns and Edwards improve as passers. But till then both JMac and Nowell will have their chance and significant role in regular season.

[Klomp]

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[winforlose]

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I wish it was 40. The sky is the limit on offense, but he needs to really learn the scheme on defense and execute his role in it.

[Colbinii]

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Never forget when Malik Beasley had the goal of becoming an all-defensive player.

[Nick K]

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Never forget when Malik Beasley had the goal of becoming an all-defensive player.

I didn't know he had that goal. Look how that turned out.

[Colbinii]

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Never forget when Malik Beasley had the goal of becoming an all-defensive player.

I didn't know he had that goal. Look how that turned out.

https://m.facebook.com/BallySportsNorth/videos/malik-beasley-all-nba-defensive-team/238484261028841/

[winforlose]

https://www.canishoopus.com/2022/10/8/23393563/can-jaylen-nowell-make-minnesota-timberwolves-primary-bench-scorer-role-his-own-nba-preview