Anthony Edwards Thread: Part Two (Read First Post)

Slim Tubby · Post #221 » by **Slim Tubby** » Fri Jun 2, 2023 3:21 am

Klomp wrote:
urinesane wrote:Is that the house Dlo was selling?

Nope, homes are roughly 6 miles apart

Stalker.

fattymcgee · Post #222 » by **fattymcgee** » Fri Jun 2, 2023 2:57 pm

I don't think non-Timberwolves fans realize just how good Ant has been in the playoffs. I've compiled some rankings for these playoffs with traditional and advanced stats. Both his traditional and advanced stats are phenomenal as well are his offensive and defensive stats. This man can do it all!

Anthony Edwards 2022-2023 playoff rankings amongst players averaging 15ppg or more.

2nd PPG
4th FTA
7th STL
3rd BLK
4th EFF
4th AST/TO RATIO
5th 3pts per game
2nd USG%
3rd PER Player Efficiency Rating
6th PIE Player Impact Estimate
7th WS/48
3rd OBPM
2nd DBPM
3rd BPM

4th Career PPG amongst current players
7th Career PPG All-time

Devilzsidewalk · Post #223 » by **Devilzsidewalk** » Fri Jun 2, 2023 4:03 pm

Klomp wrote:

Read on Twitter

Good. Make him love you so he doesn't ever want to leave.

minimus · Post #224 » by **minimus** » Fri Jun 2, 2023 8:12 pm

fattymcgee wrote:I don't think non-Timberwolves fans realize just how good Ant has been in the playoffs. I've compiled some rankings for these playoffs with traditional and advanced stats. Both his traditional and advanced stats are phenomenal as well are his offensive and defensive stats. This man can do it all!

Good post! Appreciate it!

Now my biggest question is what is the best solution for MIN:

1) Ant and around him similar to current roster:

- elite defensive C Gobert
- an established second star Towns at PF
- elite defensive SF MCD
- veteran PG Conley
- solid backups Anderson, TP, Reid, NAW

This roster has two real problems: uncertainty at PG position and lack of elite shooter. Also this roster can financially work for next season, but there is no way to make it work after next season, after that we must replace backups with players on min contracts

- elite defensive C Gobert
- an established second star Towns at PF
- elite defensive SF MCD
- PG ???
- multiple players on min contracts

This roster has no depth, no starting PG and no assets to use (salary space, picks, young players who can be dealt)

2) Ant as first and only offensive star in heliocentric offense: we replace Towns with role players at around 30 mil

- elite defensive C Gobert
- Anderson type of veteran two way PF
- elite defensive SF MCD
- veteran PG Conley
- solid backups TP, Reid, NAW

This roster has same two problems: uncertainty at PG position and lack of elite shooter. But after Towns trade we can recoup some assets. We can get draft picks, and/or expiring contract, and even future starting PG. Two important things I have learned from Dane podcast about Scoot:

First, is that 2024 is expected to be weak. It basically says that it will not be surprise if we skip this draft, we should wait for any real help from drafted player at least TWO more seasons. That's a lot.
Second is that in every other draft without Wemby Scoot would have been considered as first pick. I don't get Scoot comparison as CP3 in Westbrook body. I don't see it now. But I can think about Edwards situation when many said that Edwards is raw, high volume, low efficiency scorer etc. But Edwards has been improving because of his desire to learn AND mentoring from Rubio, Beverley and hopefully Conley. If Scoot is made from the same material he will get to all star level in 2-3 years. Assuming that at least one year he will be playing with Conley I am okay with it. This first year is very important, I remember Edwards rookie year, dear Lord, he was awful at times, but off the court he was a student.

I see whole optimism from DEN playing well in Finals aka MIN gave DEN real problems, but if I understand correctly THAT roster with Reid playing for 2 mil, NAW on rookie deal doesn't exist. I mean even simple "run it back" is not possible for multiple reasons. Now we can "patch" this roster with temporary workarounds or be proactive and continue transition to a team with defensive minded identity.

FrenchMinnyFan · Post #225 » by **FrenchMinnyFan** » Sun Jun 4, 2023 10:42 am

We are at a kind of cross road. We may try to keep the same roster , but in this case we have to make a run next year. Are we good enough? maybe if KAT and Rudy are back to their level and not injured. Plus Mike is getting older, hope he can maintain his level one more year at least. Bit of risky strategy for me. Probably more wise to move one important piece ( KAT as Rudy is untradable right now after his poor season) and get future PG and some flexibility. More easy to speak than make it done.

shrink · Post #226 » by **shrink** » Sun Jun 4, 2023 11:46 am

FrenchMinnyFan wrote:We are at a kind of cross road. We may try to keep the same roster , but in this case we have to make a run next year. Are we good enough? maybe if KAT and Rudy are back to their level and not injured. Plus Mike is getting older, hope he can maintain his level one more year at least. Bit of risky strategy for me. Probably more wise to move one important piece ( KAT as Rudy is untradable right now after his poor season) and get future PG and some flexibility. More easy to speak than make it done.

The reason I think Ant can become a superstar isn’t his jaw-dropping athleticism - we have often sees amazing athletes become mediocre NBA players (Gerald Glass comes to mind). I think Ant can become the best player in the NBA because he wants it, and he is a sponge. I agree with Austin Rivers, who saw him all season and came to the same conclusion.

The key to developing Ant will be surrounding him with players he can learn from. That’s why we can’t trade Mike Conley this year. Rudy Gobert isn’t going anywhere for a while, so Ant needs to learn to feed him, and use his massive screens, rather than waive him off and go one-on-two. Moreover, Conley is a consummate professional. He’s won the Sportsmanship award three times, and in his long career, the refs have never called him for a single technical. Keeping Conley is an investment in Ant’s longtime future.

I think we can be much better next year, so I’m in favor of running it back. But even if the team wasn’t looking so good, I think that Tim Connolly has done a lot to surround Ant with more professionalism, with Conley over DLo, adding Rivers, SloMo, and even moving my beloved PatBev. I think Ant is a young kid who is highly impressionable, so we need to make sure he develops with good guys around him.

minimus · Post #227 » by **minimus** » Sun Jun 4, 2023 3:50 pm

shrink wrote:
FrenchMinnyFan wrote:We are at a kind of cross road. We may try to keep the same roster , but in this case we have to make a run next year. Are we good enough? maybe if KAT and Rudy are back to their level and not injured. Plus Mike is getting older, hope he can maintain his level one more year at least. Bit of risky strategy for me. Probably more wise to move one important piece ( KAT as Rudy is untradable right now after his poor season) and get future PG and some flexibility. More easy to speak than make it done.

The reason I think Ant can become a superstar isn’t his jaw-dropping athleticism - we have often sees amazing athletes become mediocre NBA players (Gerald Glass comes to mind). I think Ant can become the best player in the NBA because he wants it, and he is a sponge. I agree with Austin Rivers, who saw him all season and came to the same conclusion.

The key to developing Ant will be surrounding him with players he can learn from. That’s why we can’t trade Mike Conley this year. Rudy Gobert isn’t going anywhere for a while, so Ant needs to learn to feed him, and use his massive screens, rather than waive him off and go one-on-two. Moreover, Conley is a consummate professional. He’s won the Sportsmanship award three times, and in his long career, the refs have never called him for a single technical. Keeping Conley is an investment in Ant’s longtime future.

I think we can be much better next year, so I’m in favor of running it back. But even if the team wasn’t looking so good, I think that Tim Connolly has done a lot to surround Ant with more professionalism, with Conley over DLo, adding Rivers, SloMo, and even moving my beloved PatBev. I think Ant is a young kid who is highly impressionable, so we need to make sure he develops with good guys around him.

I agree with you, however I see another dimension which is competitiveness and heart that I see a lot in Anderson, Conley and NAW. It is also evident that Reid and McDaniels have this sparkle as well. This competitiveness means a lot to our young team. I mean was disgusting to see MIN losing to DET, SAS, HOU etc. But at the same time after Reid and McDaniels went down I saw a lot of heart from remaining group. I REALLY hope that for instance we asked UTA for NAW as such player who DOES care about winning. Same with Conley who gave everything in defense and offense last games of regular season and playing/playoffs. But at the same time I am fully on board with trading Vando, Beasley, DLo and Beverley because from GM view you need stability and long term view. All these players: first, have short contracts, and second, either lacked talent or competitiveness. I like Vando but he is exactly a backup PF for 3-4 mil per year, he doesn't lack physicality but lacks talent. DLo has all talent in the world, but didn't show much heart in MIN (also in LAL). I was big fan of Kessler Walker as our draft choice, IMO it was clear mistake to trade him. But as I can see Connelly is willing to pay premium to get players who have both hear and talent/skills. One thing about DEN was clear when Porter and Murray were down: this group has heart. I really hope it is not an accident, I hope Connelly brings this here.

P.S. Peyton Pritchard looks like backup PG who fits this criteria.

P.P.S. If Scoot Henderson is made from the same material, I would trade Towns and never look back.

FrenchMinnyFan · Post #228 » by **FrenchMinnyFan** » Mon Jun 5, 2023 1:50 am

I agree with you guys. If we don't get a crazy offer for KAT, then we shouldgo and make a run. Specially if we can keep Naz. Ant and McD will continue to improve and ANT might be superstar level already. If KAT is at the same level he was 2 years ago and Rudy back to his JAzz level, we are quite good. I'm not worry about Mike, i follow him since he got draft and he is so serious and pro that he will be good this year and help the entire team to improve.

TimberKat · Post #229 » by **TimberKat** » Sat Jun 10, 2023 1:37 am

FrenchMinnyFan wrote:I agree with you guys. If we don't get a crazy offer for KAT, then we shouldgo and make a run. Specially if we can keep Naz. Ant and McD will continue to improve and ANT might be superstar level already. If KAT is at the same level he was 2 years ago and Rudy back to his JAzz level, we are quite good. I'm not worry about Mike, i follow him since he got draft and he is so serious and pro that he will be good this year and help the entire team to improve.

Here is an example of better teamwork next year:
4:21 1st QT Game4 - Murray has the ball with Martin on him and sees Vincent on Jokic at the elbow. Murray dribble to a spot and pass to Jokic. That is simple, smart, and winning basketball. Ant would try to drive pass Martin and waive off Towns/Gobert because they would be "in his way". Ant needs to be comfortable passing the ball inside.

If we look at Towns' stats, this is his worst year since his rookie year. He averages around 24 pts per game in the other 6 years. One injured year and he is wash up? It's not like he torn his ACL. If we trade him for a bunch of potentials and supporting cast, I will guarantee those same people who wants the trade would complain here about how we never have stars around Ant or Ant is not a team player that make others around him better.

fattymcgee · Post #230 » by **fattymcgee** » Sat Jun 10, 2023 4:06 am

TimberKat wrote:
FrenchMinnyFan wrote:I agree with you guys. If we don't get a crazy offer for KAT, then we shouldgo and make a run. Specially if we can keep Naz. Ant and McD will continue to improve and ANT might be superstar level already. If KAT is at the same level he was 2 years ago and Rudy back to his JAzz level, we are quite good. I'm not worry about Mike, i follow him since he got draft and he is so serious and pro that he will be good this year and help the entire team to improve.

Here is an example of better teamwork next year:
4:21 1st QT Game4 - Murray has the ball with Martin on him and sees Vincent on Jokic at the elbow. Murray dribble to a spot and pass to Jokic. That is simple, smart, and winning basketball. Ant would try to drive pass Martin and waive off Towns/Gobert because they would be "in his way". Ant needs to be comfortable passing the ball inside.

If we look at Towns' stats, this is his worst year since his rookie year. He averages around 24 pts per game in the other 6 years. One injured year and he is wash up? It's not like he torn his ACL. If we trade him for a bunch of potentials and supporting cast, I will guarantee those same people who wants the trade would complain here about how we never have stars around Ant or Ant is not a team player that make others around him better.

The only way he should be paying to Rudy is if he's already right next to the hoop. He has ZERO shot or post moves, and can't dribble. If he's right next to the hoop he can score though.
In regards to Ant/Towns pick n roll KAT usually pops to the 3pt line. If he rolls Ant needs to hit him more but he doesn't roll much.

TimberKat · Post #231 » by **TimberKat** » Sat Jun 10, 2023 5:34 am

fattymcgee wrote:
TimberKat wrote:
FrenchMinnyFan wrote:I agree with you guys. If we don't get a crazy offer for KAT, then we shouldgo and make a run. Specially if we can keep Naz. Ant and McD will continue to improve and ANT might be superstar level already. If KAT is at the same level he was 2 years ago and Rudy back to his JAzz level, we are quite good. I'm not worry about Mike, i follow him since he got draft and he is so serious and pro that he will be good this year and help the entire team to improve.

Here is an example of better teamwork next year:
4:21 1st QT Game4 - Murray has the ball with Martin on him and sees Vincent on Jokic at the elbow. Murray dribble to a spot and pass to Jokic. That is simple, smart, and winning basketball. Ant would try to drive pass Martin and waive off Towns/Gobert because they would be "in his way". Ant needs to be comfortable passing the ball inside.

If we look at Towns' stats, this is his worst year since his rookie year. He averages around 24 pts per game in the other 6 years. One injured year and he is wash up? It's not like he torn his ACL. If we trade him for a bunch of potentials and supporting cast, I will guarantee those same people who wants the trade would complain here about how we never have stars around Ant or Ant is not a team player that make others around him better.

The only way he should be paying to Rudy is if he's already right next to the hoop. He has ZERO shot or post moves, and can't dribble. If he's right next to the hoop he can score though.
In regards to Ant/Towns pick n roll KAT usually pops to the 3pt line. If he rolls Ant needs to hit him more but he doesn't roll much.

Gobert rolls and I don't see him pass to Gobert much. You can play Gobert in traditional post up too. He could pass out or dribble spin.

TimberKat · Post #232 » by **TimberKat** » Sun Jun 11, 2023 2:31 am

A couple quotes on Hoopshype from Finch will give you some insight on what Ant needs to do next - run better pick and roll

About Murray's game in his early years: “I think the thing that we saw earliest at that point in time, the pick-and-roll game was less of an emphasis or even a thing with those guys,” Finch told The Ringer. “[Jamal] would bring the ball up, he’d get off of it, and he would cut off of Nikola. He didn’t always want the ball back just to run pick-and-rolls. So he would cut. He would curl his cuts, he would backdoor.”

Now: “They both make the right play all the time, and that sounds like an easy thing to do, but it’s not,” Finch said. “[Murray] comes off, he’ll easily find Nikola for whatever read it is, whether it’s a pop, or a pocket pass, or the occasional roll. And then oftentimes, at that point in time the pick-and-roll is either dead, or they kick it out, and something else happens. But what they do is they’ll pass and chase and play pick-and-roll again.”

Yes, we don't have Jokic but we can run the same stuff with Towns/Gobert.

Colbinii · Post #233 » by **Colbinii** » Tue Jun 13, 2023 3:13 am

I am just going back, thinking about the run Denver just had. Look at what Edwards, at 21 years old, put up against the NBA Champions.

Anthony Edwards, at 21 years of age, feasted on the Denver Defense.

In 5 games, he averaged 32/5/5/2/2 [less than 2 turnover/game] on 49/35/85 shooting.

His On-Court rating was just -3.2 in a 5 game, series loss while his On/Off was +30.5. He scored on a blistering 1.39 PPP in the Pick and Roll against Denver.

m2002brian · Post #234 » by **m2002brian** » Mon Jul 3, 2023 4:40 pm

Extension done!
Up to 260M

https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/37953985/timberwolves-agree-5-year-extension-anthony-edwards

kidfozzy · Post #235 » by **kidfozzy** » Mon Jul 3, 2023 4:45 pm

m2002brian wrote:Extension done!
Up to 260M

https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/37953985/timberwolves-agree-5-year-extension-anthony-edwards

The moment he left that toxic sports agency (Klutch Sports), we knew he was committed as a Timberwolf!

He earned this bag and looking forward to the many all-star seasons to come for ANT!

Baseline81 · Post #236 » by **Baseline81** » Mon Jul 3, 2023 4:48 pm

m2002brian wrote:Extension done!
Up to 260M

https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/37953985/timberwolves-agree-5-year-extension-anthony-edwards

Rightfully so, he's the future of this franchise. A1 from day one.

The remaining question is what will McDaniels' extension be? Are we talking $25M or 30M a year?

Post #237 » by **Domejandro** » Mon Jul 3, 2023 4:57 pm

Read on Twitter

There’s never any question about whether or not a high-level rookie will take their first max contract (if they play up to it). What in the world is this take?

m2002brian · Post #238 » by **m2002brian** » Mon Jul 3, 2023 4:59 pm

More info from https://www.canishoopus.com/2023/7/3/23779967/nba-free-agency-2023-minnesota-timberwolves-anthony-edwards-agree-5-year-217-million-max-extension

5 years straight. No player option.

Baseline81 · Post #239 » by **Baseline81** » Mon Jul 3, 2023 5:01 pm

Domejandro wrote:There’s never any question about whether or not a high-level rookie will take their first max contract (if they play up to it). What in the world is this take?

I, too, have never understood this. When was the last time a rookie, not just in Minnesota, not agree to a max contract extension?

KGdaBom · Post #240 » by **KGdaBom** » Mon Jul 3, 2023 5:06 pm

kidfozzy wrote:
m2002brian wrote:Extension done!
Up to 260M

https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/37953985/timberwolves-agree-5-year-extension-anthony-edwards

The moment he left that toxic sports agency (Klutch Sports), we knew he was committed as a Timberwolf!

He earned this bag and looking forward to the many all-star seasons to come for ANT!

What does Ant have to do to get the full $260 million?